Terry Tucker:
Secrets of Negotiation
What does it take to talk someone down from the edge? Former hostage negotiator Terry Tucker dives into the communication tactics, psychological insights, and high-stakes decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.
Bio
Terry Tucker is an author, speaker, and podcast guest on the topics of motivation, mindset, and self-development. He has a business administration degree from The Citadel (where he played NCAA Division I college basketball) and a master’s degree from Boston University. Among his diverse professional roles, Terry has been a marketing executive, a hospital administrator, a SWAT Hostage Negotiator, a business owner, and for the past thirteen years, a cancer warrior (which saw the amputation of his foot in 2018 and his leg in 2020). He is the author of the book Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life, and a featured author in the book Perspectives On Cancer, Stories Of Healing, Hope, & Resilience. Terry has been published in Authority, Thrive Global, and Human Capital Leadership magazines, along with being quoted and highlighted in the books, Your Blueprint for Purpose by John Creekmur and Audaciousness, Your Journey To Living A Bold And Authentic Life by Maribel Ortega and Helen Strong.
Topics
- The Science of Persuasion in Crisis Situations
- Tactical Empathy: How to Build Trust Under Pressure
- The 7-38-55 Rule: Why Words Matter Less Than You Think
- How Law Enforcement Negotiation Tactics Apply to Everyday Life
- De-escalation Strategies from a Hostage Negotiator
- The Psychology Behind High-Stakes Decision-Making
- How to Stay Calm and Think Clearly in Intense Situations
- The Role of Tone and Body Language in Communication
- Lessons from Negotiating with People on Their Worst Day
- Why “Why?” is the Worst Question to Ask in a Crisis
Guiding Questions
- What led you to become a hostage negotiator, and what was the training like?
- What was one of the most intense or memorable negotiations you were part of?
- Can you explain the 7-38-55 rule and how it applies in crisis situations?
- How does tactical empathy help de-escalate tense situations?
- What are some common mistakes people make when trying to persuade or negotiate?
- How did technology, like cell phones and encrypted communication, change hostage negotiation?
- How can business leaders or everyday people apply hostage negotiation skills in their own lives?
- What’s the difference between negotiating with a criminal and negotiating in a boardroom?
- What role does emotional intelligence play in negotiation?
- If someone wants to improve their negotiation skills, where should they start?