Verbal judo is actually very interesting. Believe it or not, it got it’s start in law enforcement. A means for officers to learn how to control and diffuse situations. I was required to take the course with the local sheriff’s department when I was a child support officer.

The book was written by George J. Thompson, Ph.D. and the basic premise is “When you react, the event controls you. When you respond, you’re in control” It also explains the five universal truths of human interaction:

1. People feel the need to be respected
2. People would rather be asked than be told
3. People have a desire to know why
4. People prefer to have options over threats
5. People want to have a second chance

It can sometimes be extremely (emphasis on EXTREMELY) difficult to maintain the concepts in practice but it is an excellent course in showing how to get your point across without aggression or passivity. It helped tremendously in my job at the time and it still helps to this day working in family law. I chose a career that is fraught with emotion and “drama” for lack of a better word. But I think it would be useful in any area of life, especially for people who are “people pleasers” of which I am guilty, and people who feel like they can never seem to get their voice heard or tend to have a passive voice in conversations.

And the best part about it..

When I tell people I am certified in verbal judo, I feel so cool. Can’t help it.. It just sounds so verbally kick ass.