ABSTRACT
Negotiation is a type of communication, but most of what we do involves de-escalation/crisis intervention techniques. True negotiation is a form of problem-solving and usually not too difficult, since both parties seek an agreement. Others define negotiation as influence: "negotiation, ultimately, is the use of communication to exercise influence in order to change someone's thinking, behavior, and decision-making". One principle for negotiating an end to conflict is to offer to decriminalize the other side in return for the other side's commitment to legitimate behaviors. Negotiating for lesser goals is taught by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a way to get to a resolution, or at least to prepare the other side for a resolution: These are all standard tactics of hostage negotiation: to minimize the consequences the perpetrator will face once the siege is over, and to assure him that he won't be hurt if he surrenders.
