Testimonials for "Verbally Defusing Violent Confrontations"

Col. Bruce Grathwohl, United States Marine Corps (Ret.)

"These are concepts vitally needed at all institutions and companies. The series is very professional looking-- clean visuals, realistic settings, and an informed moderator. The series also had a good mix of graphics, words and video. Good balance and not too word-heavy. Meaningful, hard-hitting statistics are a very powerful tool to catch the audience attention and make them aware that there 'really' is a problem.

"These techniques address the immediate response to unexpected situations which cannot otherwise be avoided or escaped. Naturally law enforcement is a follow-up in most cases.

"It is excellent that the orientation here emphasizes practice and role-playing, since violence is something that catches most people off-guard. It is a new experience and hard to react to it. This training method bridges the gap between having employees or trainees just "go through the motions" as happens too often in many courses, or practicing in a hands-on, under-stress way as coached here that can really be effective. It is important to have methods to deal with aggressors and for management to make the point that preparedness training is necessary. Also that smaller acts of aggression like insults and put-downs will likewise not be tolerated in the workplace."

Karen A. Spellman, Deputy Executive Director, Wilmington Housing Authority

“Thank you for the video I found it to be very enlightening and it appears that following the guidelines offered in the short video will assist in maintaining calm and safety within the workplace. It provides skills that can replace emotional reactions to confrontations.

“At Wilmington Housing Authority we deal with a diverse population, i.e. residents that often are overcome with personal and financial issues, demanding public officials and the community at-large, etc. As a result, it is almost common place for us to find ourselves faced with trying to calm what appears to be an out-of-control situation. Therefore, I think that it is a good idea to equip staff with tactics and/or strategies that will enable the situation to remain under control for the safety of all involved. I am very interested in a more comprehensive training for myself and the staff.”

Michael D. Barnasevitch, Corporate Risk Manager, Giles & Ransome, Inc.

"Unlike many video-based training sessions, this production quality video easily held my attention for the entire duration of the presentation. The multiple role-playing scenes provided the viewer with a much better feel for how to use the techniques effectively, instead of just providing a checklist of do’s and don’ts. Each of the re-enactments provides the viewer with concrete, specific, actions that can be practiced and mastered to help ensure employees are prepared for variety of confrontational situations."

Shannon W., Teacher

"I found your lecture absolutely fascinating. I have been a middle school teacher for 16 years. I work at an inner city, Title 1 school. Like many schools, my school has many behavioral issues on a daily basis: fights, disrespect by students towards adults as well as their peers, drugs and alcohol on campus, gangs, etc. I now realize I have been successfully using verbal de-escalation techniques which you illustrate almost on the hour with my students."

Walter Meremianin, Director, Learning and Development, The Michaels Organization

The Michaels Organization provides affordable, mixed-income, military housing and student housing. Serving more than 100,000 residents in 360 communities across 34 states.

"I am pleased to let you know that I am implementing your “Verbally Defusing Violent Confrontations” course. I find your course to be a great instructional tool for our company. We are requiring all of our Site Managers and Corporate Supervisors to watch and learn the informative and easy to use tools that you present in “Verbally Defusing Violent Confrontations”.

I find the techniques that you demonstrate highly effective, and in today’s ever growing violent world, potentially lifesaving. Thank you for a great program."

Dr. Evan Hoffman, Assistant Professor of Conflict Resolution at Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

“This video outlines a new and effective technique for verbally defusing violent confrontations. This should be required viewing for HR professionals, people in the service industry, business leaders, teachers, mid-level managers and many others. This technique for verbally defusing violent conflicts is highly-transferable to a number of different contexts. Specific and effective, the tips presented here should be immediately usable. One hopes that they will never need to actually employ any of these techniques, but should a violent confrontation occur, this will prove to be money well-invested.”

Officer Douglas Bohl

“Having served 28 years as a police officer, and having trained officers in the subject of defusing violent encounters, I feel that Ken Hantman’s presentation “Verbally Defusing Violent Confrontations” belongs in every police department in the country. Whether for officers or for civilians, these techniques are the best line of approach. I have also taught physical techniques for defense, escape and restraint, but unless someone devotes years of practice these are not readily mastered in a practical way. I have personally had a lifelong involvement in martial arts and I would say that the essence of core principles of karate are embodied here but in a way that does not require any physical techniques, making it practical for civilians to learn and utilize.”

Officer Douglas Bohl was U.S.A. K.F. National Karate Champion

Al Taubenberger, City Councilman, Former President of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

“The great thing about this video is it presents things that anyone can do. All the methods are non-confrontational. You give the understanding that you are willing to listen. Saying this to someone who is going over the top can really help and can save lives. This gives the details of how to do this. Not only is the victim saved but this can even help the perpetrator in the heat of the moment to not do some act that could never be undone. The presentation is unique and very watchable. Anyone who watches the video and does the practice exercises will really gain an extremely important skill. As a frequent public speaker I would add that this video communicates very well and always in an appropriate way.”