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...

Tactical Empathy

Why Accusation Audits are not confessions

Let’s dive into something I get asked a lot: what exactly are Accusation Audits, and why aren’t they confessions? I know, the term sounds a little...

Tactical Empathy

Timing Your Calibrated Question: How to Use “How Am I Supposed to Do That?” Effectively

"How am I supposed to do that?"—it's one of the most powerful phrases in negotiation, but most people fumble the timing. This Calibrated Question, an...

Tactical Empathy

How To Instantly Create Collaboration to Get What You Want

The Black Swan Group has created a list of 10 Magic Wand phrases to instantly transform any negotiation. I will be revealing each of these in a...

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...