Something You Should Know

The Art of Conflict & The Surprising Power of Swearing-SYSK Choice

39 snips
Mar 7, 2026
Rebecca Roache, philosophy lecturer who studies swearing, and William Ury, veteran negotiator and mediator, dive into language and conflict. They discuss why taboo words still shock and how swearing can affect emotion and social norms. They also explore reframing disputes, listening skills, and creative negotiation to turn confrontation into collaboration.
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INSIGHT

Trust Beats Tricks In Negotiation

  • Honesty and a reputation for fair dealing are more powerful than trickery in negotiation.
  • Ury says trust speeds deals and opens parties to share real interests, enabling better and faster agreements.
ADVICE

Prepare Your BATNA Before Negotiating

  • Aim for a win that satisfies basic interests and beats your alternatives by knowing your BATNA.
  • Ury advises preparing your Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement so you negotiate from confidence and power.
ANECDOTE

How Listening Calmed A President

  • Ury recounts being shouted at by the president of Venezuela and using a palm pinch to stay calm.
  • By staying on the balcony and listening, the president cooled down and asked what to do, then accepted a truce proposal.
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