Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion (Overview)

A young man reads a book in a cozy library or bookshop with tall bookshelves and a bright window

What if you applied martial arts principles to communication? What difference could it make in your ability to make your message heard? George Thompson argues that Verbal Judo is the most effective way to resolve conflicts and respond to confrontations. He explains each of his method’s principles and how to apply them, even under pressure. Continue reading for an overview of Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion by George Thompson.

Verbal Judo for Law Enforcement: Using Words, Not Force

A police officer talks calmly and compassionately with a troubled man, illustrating Verbal Judo for law enforcement

How is Verbal Judo applied to law enforcement? What happens when police officers practice empathy? Law enforcement trainer and English professor George Thompson wrote Verbal Judo to explain how to handle any tense situation calmly. He argues that, in a high-pressure situation, it’s most effective to act as if you’re practicing judo. Keep reading to learn about Verbal Judo for law enforcement.

The Importance of Empathy in Communication (+ Tips)

Two men talking pleasantly in a cafe illustrate the importance of empathy in communication

What difference does empathy make in communication? How can it help you de-escalate tense moments? According to law enforcement trainer and English professor George Thompson, empathy is a powerful tool when you need to introduce calm into a high-stress situation. He presents empathy as a fundamental tool in the Verbal Judo toolbox. Continue reading to learn about the importance of empathy in communication and how to use it to read people.

The 3 Most Powerful High-Vibration Emotions You Can Feel

A smiling man feeling high-vibration emotions while walking down a city street

What are high-vibration emotions? What are the benefits of these emotions? David R. Hawkins states that to reach an ultimate state of peace, you must release unhelpful feelings and make room for beneficial ones. These positive emotions attract success and fulfillment with their high frequencies. Let’s examine three of the most powerful positive emotions: courage, love, and peace.

What Is Mushin? Cultivating Calm in the Middle of the Storm

A calm man with his eyes closed sits in a chair, practicing mushin in the middle of chaos

What is mushin? Is it the same as mindfulness? How can it help you remain calm and even de-escalate a high-stress situation? A core skill in Verbal Judo is cultivating a mindset called mushin (wushin in Chinese), which practitioners of many Japanese and Chinese martial arts aim to achieve. In his book Verbal Judo, George Thompson explains mushin and how you can cultivate it and use it to great advantage. Read more to learn what mushin is and how to apply it.

How to Let Go of Your Ego and Break Through to Solutions

Smiling man and woman talking, illustrating how to let go of your ego and communicate effectively with each other

Are your feelings easily hurt? Are you more focused on protecting yourself than solving bigger problems? When people come at us, it’s easy to react in ways that end up making the confrontation worse. Our ego is often to blame. Law enforcement trainer and English professor George Thompson says that Verbal Judo offers a way out of this mindset. Continue reading to learn how to let go of your ego and move forward in a positive direction.