Words Over Weapons: Why I Negotiate with Terrorists | Kyle Vowinkel | TEDxMiami
NOTE FROM TED: This only represents the speaker’s personal views and experiences in law enforcement. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn this gripping talk, Kyle Vowinkel, a decorated FBI special agent and hostage negotiator, reveals how self-regulation, empathy, and rapport-building can transform even the most volatile interactions into positive outcomes. His practical frameworks, honed through high-profile missions with lives on the line, empower audiences to navigate uncertainty, sharpen communication, and lead decisively under pressure. Kyle Vowinkel is a decorated FBI Special Agent, West Point graduate, and seasoned hostage negotiator whose 33-year career includes service in the U.S. Army, the elite FBI Hostage Rescue Team, and the Crisis Negotiation Unit. Kyle has negotiated with kidnappers, pirates, and terrorists—including persuading the 2013 Boston Marathon bomber to surrender peacefully. Beyond delivering insights to Fortune 500 executives and government leaders, Kyle also provides executive leadership development at prestigious institutions such as Cornell University and West Point. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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