Communication Techniques

Ego-Labeling: The Three Steps Words That Unlock Doors

I was preparing for a high-stakes talk at JP Morgan. Two hours before I went on stage—right before Jamie Dimon, no less—my PowerPoint got flagged for...

Communication Techniques

The Kill Line: Know When to Walk Away

One of the most memorable learning exercises I remember as a hostage negotiator was conducted in the parking lot of our local police department. We...

Communication Techniques

From Hostage Negotiations to Happy Marriages: The Secret Communication Hack You Need

Let’s dive into one of my favorite topics—relationships. Whether it’s at home, at work, or somewhere in between, relationships are the foundation of...

Communication Techniques

Polite to Powerful: The Two-Millimeter Shift to Elevated Conversations

Tell me more… At first glance, the phrase “Tell me more” seems like an impactful and thoughtful statement. Often, it is used as a polite prompt to...

Communication Techniques

6 Powerful Strategies for Turning Disappointment Into Opportunity

Moving on from disappointment without burning bridges is a delicate balancing act. It requires self-awareness and the right communication techniques...

Communication Techniques

Taking the Mystery Out of Calibrated Questions

Taking The Mystery Out Of Calibrated Questions “Why did you do that?” Did that question make you feel all warm and fuzzy? No. Us either. “Why” type...

Communication Techniques

Stop Chasing 'Yes': The Game-Changing Negotiation Hack You Need to Know

For years, the negotiation world was obsessed with chasing "yes." We’ve been conditioned to believe that every step toward an agreement should be...

Communication Techniques

How Negativity Is Silently Destroying Your Relationships—And How to Stop It

Transforming Negativity into Growth: How Tactical Empathy Can Save Your Relationships and Negotiations Negativity can be one of the most destructive...

Communication Techniques

The Questions That Will Tank Your Negotiation (and What to Ask Instead

If you’ve been in any negotiation, you know that the questions you ask aren't just about gathering information—they’re tools that shape the dynamics...

Communication Techniques

Understanding Tone and Triggering: A Story of Communication Dynamics

Imagine walking into a negotiation room, where three distinct characters are waiting to discuss a deal. There's the Analyst, quietly focused on their...

Communication Techniques

Mastering Negotiations: Countering Yes Tie-downs for Greater Control

What Steps Are Necessary To Counter The Use Of Yes Tie-downs? The Black Swan Group works hard to give you the edge in negotiations and difficult...

Communication Techniques

Key Concerns for Different Negotiation Conflict Personality Types: Likability vs. Being Liked

In the world of high-stakes negotiation, understanding the interplay between likability and the psychological need to be liked is crucial. These two...