What Hostage Negotiation Can Teach Us About Everyday Conversations

Most of us will never have to talk someone down from a hostage situation or negotiate with international kidnappers. But imagine if we could borrow the same skills used by elite crisis negotiators to navigate everyday conflicts – whether that’s handling a difficult boss, defusing workplace tension, or even smoothing over family disagreements.

Nicky Perfect B.E.M., a former Scotland Yard hostage and crisis negotiator, has spent decades mastering the art of communication in high-pressure environments. From negotiating with global governments on kidnapping cases to managing critical incidents for the UK police, she’s been in situations where the stakes couldn’t be higher. But what’s truly fascinating is that the same techniques she used to save lives can be applied to everyday life and business.

One of the biggest misconceptions about negotiation is that it’s all about talking. In reality, Nicky teaches that the best negotiators are exceptional listeners. Whether you’re trying to close a business deal or resolve a workplace dispute, the ability to truly hear the other person – without immediately formulating your own response – is key to success.

In her best-selling book Crisis, Nicky shares stories from her career where emotions ran high and tensions could have escalated dangerously. In the corporate world, while the stakes may not be life-or-death, emotions still play a huge role in conflict resolution. Understanding how to remain calm under pressure, and how to de-escalate a tense situation, is a skill every leader should master.

Conflict is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Through her keynote talks and training, Nicky helps organisations turn difficult conversations into opportunities for stronger relationships and better outcomes. Whether it’s negotiating salary raises, handling difficult clients, or managing workplace disputes, her insights help professionals across industries find solutions that benefit everyone.

Beyond her extraordinary background, Nicky is an engaging and down-to-earth speaker who makes complex negotiation strategies easy to understand and apply. Her talks are filled with real-life examples, humour, and practical takeaways that leave audiences feeling empowered and inspired.

If you’re looking for a speaker who can transform the way your team communicates, Nicky Perfect is the expert you need.

To book Nicky Perfect for your next event, contact The Speakers Agency at +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com.