Trading Secrets 257. Chris Voss Returns! Former FBI lead crisis negotiator on reading people, building instant trust, & and turning pressure into power - the negotiation tactics YOU need to know
Oct 13, 2025
Chris Voss, former FBI lead crisis negotiator and founder of the Black Swan Group, shares his unique insights on negotiation. He breaks down President Trump's negotiation style and discusses the effectiveness of accusation audits in both high-stakes situations and everyday conversations. Voss emphasizes the importance of curiosity as a superpower, recognizing emotional signals, and knowing when to walk away from bad deals. He also provides valuable salary negotiation strategies and explains how to navigate sensitive topics in relationships.
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Don't Use Extreme Anchors Blindly
- Avoid extreme anchors unless the other side is committed to making a deal.
- Walk away politely from offers that insult or won't lead to good outcomes.
Get Answers From Ghosting With One Question
- If someone ghosts you, ask a no-oriented question like, "Have you given up on... ?" to get an answer without prompting.
- Silence equals a yes: treat non-response as confirmation they've given up.
Warn Early Using An Accusation Audit
- Bring up deal-breakers (like prenups) early and use an accusation audit to voice predictable objections.
- Say the worst thing they will think to inoculate them and reduce shock.
