What if the most powerful negotiation tactic… was silence?
In this masterclass episode, legendary negotiator William Ury, co-author of Getting to Yes and co-founder of Harvard’s Program on Negotiation, shares the unbelievable true story of how he helped prevent a civil war in Venezuela — not with force, but with silence, empathy, and preparation.
You’ll hear how Ury kept calm while being yelled at by President Hugo Chávez… and how going to the “mental balcony” gave him the clarity to de-escalate the moment and shift the direction of an entire nation.
🎙 Hosted by Kwame Christian, founder of the American Negotiation Institute, this interview is packed with insight for anyone navigating high-stakes conversations, conflict resolution, or personal transformation.
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Why silence is the ultimate power move in conflict
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How to “go to the balcony” in heated conversations
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What most negotiators get wrong about preparation
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How empathy turns enemies into collaborators
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Why listening is more persuasive than talking
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The “Trust Menu” technique that works when dialogue breaks down
www.williamury.com
Buy the Book: POSSIBLE- How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict By William Ury
