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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Outcome-Focused, Not Performative
- Donald Trump negotiates differently by refusing lousy deals and insisting on personal engagement.
- Chris Voss: "No deal is better than a bad deal" guides this outcome-focused approach.
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.
