Published on Jan 10, 2026
Former hostage and crisis negotiator Nicky Perfect spent over three decades in the Metropolitan Police, including ten years with New Scotland Yard’s elite negotiation unit. Today, she teaches the same life-saving communication skills to leaders, teams, and organisations – proving that the techniques used to defuse crises can also transform everyday conversations.
What Makes Nicky’s Approach Unique
Nicky’s experience spans high-stakes scenarios such as hostage situations, suicide interventions, and critical incident negotiations. As the first woman to lead UK police negotiation training, she understands communication at its most intense – and how those lessons translate to work, leadership, and life.
Key Lessons from a Crisis Negotiator
1. Build trust fast
In negotiation, trust is everything. Nicky teaches how to create rapport quickly through empathy, respect, and calm presence.
2. Listen to understand, not to reply
Active listening – truly hearing someone’s concerns – reduces tension and opens the door to problem-solving.
3. Stay calm when emotions rise
Negotiators can’t afford to panic. Learning to stay grounded helps you navigate difficult meetings, conflicts, and personal conversations with clarity.
4. Speak simply and honestly
Clear, human-centred communication beats forceful or overly technical language every time.
Why It Matters
Nicky’s principles can help you:
Join Nicky Perfect’s Free Webinar Today!
Learn directly from Nicky Perfect and develop stronger communication and negotiation skills. Register here to join the live-at-lunch, online event: https://ipi.academy/product/details/3369/the-leading-note-former-hostage-crisis-negotiator-nicky-perfects-secrets-to-better-communication-negotiation
Published on Jan 10, 2026 by Ella Thomas