Verbal Judo is a tactical communication technique that helps professionals to de-escalate conflicts and potentially violent situations. When security professionals are confronted with individuals who are agitated, angry, or potentially dangerous, they need to be able to communicate effectively and calmly to resolve the situation safely. The art of Verbal Judo involves a combination of empathy, active listening, persuasion, and non-violent communication techniques. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the techniques used in Verbal Judo and how they can be applied to real-life situations.
The first technique used in Verbal Judo is called the “Universal Greeting.” It involves greeting the person with respect and addressing them by their name if possible. By using a friendly tone, the security professional can establish rapport and create a positive atmosphere for the conversation. The second technique is called “Paraphrasing.” This involves repeating what the other person has said in your own words to show that you are actively listening and trying to understand their perspective.
Another key technique in Verbal Judo is “Empathy.” This involves putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and acknowledging their feelings and emotions. By showing empathy, you can build trust and create a more positive communication environment. The fourth technique is “Reflective Listening,” which involves reflecting back to the other person what you’ve heard to confirm that you understand their message.
The fifth technique is called “I-Messages.” This involves communicating your thoughts and feelings in a non-threatening way by using “I” statements rather than “You” statements. For example, instead of saying “You are being aggressive,” you could say “I feel uncomfortable when someone raises their voice.” This approach is less confrontational and can help prevent the situation from escalating.
Another important technique in Verbal Judo is “Positive Phrasing.” This involves using positive language to convey your message rather than negative language. For example, instead of saying “Don’t run,” you could say “Please walk slowly.” This approach is more effective as it focuses on what you want the person to do rather than what you don’t want them to do.
The seventh technique is called “Appeal to Reason.” This involves using logic and reason to persuade the person to comply with your request. For example, if someone is smoking in a non-smoking area, you could explain that smoking is prohibited due to fire safety regulations. By appealing to their sense of reason, you can often persuade them to change their behavior without resorting to force.
The eighth technique in Verbal Judo is “The Broken Record.” This involves calmly and firmly repeating your request or message until the person complies. By calmly and persistently repeating yourself, you can show that you are not going to back down and that you are serious about your request.
The ninth technique is called “Agreeing in Principle.” This involves finding common ground with the other person and agreeing on a shared goal or objective. By finding common ground, you can build rapport and establish a more positive communication environment.
Finally, the tenth technique in Verbal Judo is “Redirection.” This involves redirecting the person’s attention away from the issue at hand and towards a more positive topic. For example, if someone is upset about a delay in their flight, you could redirect their attention towards the amenities available in the airport lounge.
Verbal Judo is a crucial skill for security professionals. By using the techniques of Verbal Judo, security professionals can de-escalate conflicts, build rapport with individuals, and resolve potentially dangerous situations safely and effectively. By mastering the art of Verbal Judo, security professionals can better protect themselves, their clients, and the general public.
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