Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And" Getting to Yes, And… | Gary Noesner – ‘Lessons From an FBI Hostage Negotiator’
Aug 12, 2025
Gary Noesner, a legendary former FBI hostage negotiator and author, shares fascinating insights on crisis communication and active listening. He discusses the shift from force to negotiation, highlighting how active listening has transformed outcomes and reduced violence. Gary explores the importance of validation, tracing influences from Carl Rogers, and reveals how improv exercises can enhance listening skills. He also reflects on key cases like Waco and the DC sniper response, showcasing the critical role of timing and communication in negotiations.
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Make Communication A Core Police Skill
- Train communication skills as a primary tool for officers, not an afterthought.
- Teach active listening broadly to reduce tactical callouts and de-escalate crises.
Florida Force Cut SWAT Calls 75%
- A Florida police force trained in active listening reduced SWAT callouts by 75%.
- First responders then resolved more incidents without resorting to force.
Validation Opens The Door To Influence
- Use active listening to stay in the other person's frame and validate their perspective.
- Validation erases the need for demonstrative behavior and builds a relationship that enables influence.
