Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It Hardcover – 17 May 2016

A very enjoyable book which makes a lot of sense when you read it. Chris Voss is the kind of person I hope never to meet as I would probably leave having paid for his lunch and taxi home whilst giving him my coat to make him more comfortable. The books are full of practical guidance and examples on how to become a master negotiator. i would say it is a must have for anyone in business, particularly sales but in truth it has lessons that can be applied to all walks of life to give you an advantage in day to day situations.

I found this a very interesting and informative read especially in terms of the advice on effective interpersonal communication skills. As the author says, the skills he discusses are important in everyday situations and not just in formal negotiations. The comments about overcoming the fear of negotiation were welcome. In my opinion it’s worth a second reading to consolidate the plethora of useful information and advice in the book.

I was initially a bit sceptical about reading a book on negotiation, but Never Split the Difference completely changed my mind. Chris Voss does an excellent job of blending personal stories from his time as a negotiator with clear, practical strategies that you can apply in real-life situations. The techniques, like "tactical empathy" and the "mirroring" method, feel surprisingly simple but incredibly effective.The writing is sharp and engaging, and I found myself genuinely interested in the psychology behind negotiation. Some of the anecdotes were fascinating, especially when Voss delves into high-stakes hostage situations, but the lessons feel just as relevant in everyday conversations, whether you’re trying to land a job or negotiate a better deal on something.That being said, at times, it felt a bit repetitive, and I’m not sure if I’ll use every technique regularly, but it’s definitely a great resource to refer back to when you need a refresher.Overall, a solid, informative read that gave me a new perspective on negotiating. I’d highly recommend it, especially if you’re in any line of work that involves persuading or influencing people.

Great book, well written. There is more to negotiations than people think This book covers it all

Negotiation is a daily skill, whether we realise it or not - in business, personal relationships, or even at the dinner table. 📈 Christopher Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, brings his high-stakes experience to the business world in Never Split the Difference, and it’s nothing short of transformative.💡 Key Takeaways:➡️ "No" is Not the End: Voss teaches us that "No" is just the beginning of the conversation, not the end. It signals that the other party feels safe and in control - an opportunity to explore deeper.➡️ Tactical Empathy is a Game-Changer: Understanding the emotions and motivations behind what people say is crucial. Voss emphasises the power of tactical empathy to build rapport and influence outcomes without manipulation.➡️ The Power of Silence and Mirroring: Simple techniques like mirroring (repeating the last few words) and using calibrated questions can guide conversations in your favour. Silence can be your strongest ally; it creates space for the other party to reveal their hand.➡️ Never Split the Difference: The title itself is a powerful lesson - compromise isn’t always the best solution. Instead, aim for a win-win by understanding what truly matters to the other side.For entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone who negotiates (hint: that’s all of us), this book provides a toolkit that’s both practical and rooted in psychology. It was eye-opening and packed with insights I can apply directly to my business.📚 If you haven’t read it yet, add it to your list! It’s not just a book about negotiation; it’s a masterclass in communication and human behaviour.

Never Split the Difference is a compelling book by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, that offers practical advice on how to negotiate effectively in any situation. Voss shares his insights and techniques, drawing on his extensive experience in high-stakes negotiations.Key themes and concepts:Active listening: The importance of listening carefully to the other party's needs and concerns.Mirroring and matching: The technique of mirroring the other party's body language and speech patterns to build rapport.Tactical empathy: The ability to understand the other party's perspective and emotions.No deals: The concept of not accepting a deal that doesn't meet your needs or expectations.The black swan: The idea of unexpected and unpredictable events that can significantly impact negotiations.Examples explored in the book:Voss's experiences as an FBI hostage negotiatorReal-world examples of negotiations in various fields, such as business, sales, and personal relationshipsWhy this book is important:Practical advice: Never Split the Difference offers actionable strategies for improving your negotiation skills.Real-world examples: The book is filled with engaging stories and case studies that illustrate the concepts presented.Applicable to various situations: The techniques discussed in the book can be applied to a wide range of negotiations, from buying a car to negotiating a salary.If you're interested in learning how to negotiate more effectively, Never Split the Difference is a must-read.