The Psychology of Negotiation: Episode One
In this episode of The Conversation, I talk with Chris Voss, former lead FBI hostage negotiator and bestselling author of Never Split the Difference, about what great negotiation really looks like.
Drawing on decades of high-stakes experience, Chris explains why the best negotiators don’t win by talking louder—they win by listening better. He shares how emotions shape our decisions, why curiosity is more effective than assumptions, and how tactical empathy can build trust without requiring agreement.
The conversation explores practical techniques anyone can use, including mirroring, labeling, strategic silence, and Chris’s famous “late-night FM DJ voice.” Chris also explains the difference between influence and manipulation and why understanding the person across from you is often the key to moving a conversation forward.



