Former FBI Chief Gary Noesner

A special moment for me as the author of Listen. Speak. Win. Gary Noesner, former chief of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit and author of Stalling for Time, has received a copy and kindly shared this photo and message: “I recently received this copy of James Cole’s new book and look forward to reading it.” […]

Crisis Negotiators’ Silence Weapon: How to Use Strategic Pauses

Strategic silence is an active, deliberate tool — not a gap in communication, but a calculated move that shapes how a conversation unfolds. Silence increases cognitive load, often compelling the other person to fill the void with information, concessions, or self-correction. Neuroscience backs the pause — research shows silence activates the brain’s default mode network, […]

How to Build Instant Rapport Without Trust in Crisis Negotiation

Rapport is not the same as trust — and in crisis negotiation, it doesn’t need to be. Building connection comes first; trust may develop from there. Active listening is a tactical tool, not a soft skill — research confirms it directly reduces negative responses from subjects in high-pressure situations. Emotional regulation is trainable, and negotiators […]