Verbal Self-defense

[Floating Egg]

Mark MacYoung hosts what he refers to as "front line psychology" seminars, which seem to primarily address serious confrontations in which de-escalation is necessary. Considering that our communication skills are not developed in a systematic fashion like reading and writing, I think we need to dig deeper than just applying strategies for dealing with already hostile individuals.

While I do not claim to be a great communicator, I have found three resources to be particularly effective. I've listed these books below for your convenience, but this isn't just a recommendation thread. I'd like to know how the rest of you deal with conflicts before they reach the point where de-escalation is necessary. This can mean conversations with employees, loved ones, or even your own internal dialogue (the most important relationship of all!).

1. The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense by Suzette Haden Elgin
2. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion by Marshall Rosenberg
3. Destructive Emotions: a Scientific Dialogue With the Dalai Lama by Daniel Goleman

 

[Aaron Little]

Another popular book on the same subject is:

Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion

 

[MA-Caver]

I simply refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person...

that's my defense... :lol:

 

[Zepp]

Thanks for the references guys. I know I'll keep these titles in mind.

This topic was also brought up in the Self-Defense section a while ago, if anyone's still interested: http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19642