“I thought the seminar was very useful. I've been using some techniques in my daily negotiations ever since. In fact, I thought the information was so valuable that I want to bring the KARRASS seminar In-House for our world-wide conference.”

John Copley,
Manager,
Commodity Purchases,
CORNING

Yelling and Screaming
by Dr. Chester L. Karrass

Some people get their way by deliberately yelling and screaming.  It’s a negotiating tactic.

These screamers know from experience that other people find this tactic uncomfortable.  Most people find it difficult to cope with a screamer.  This is especially true if others are around to witness the scene.  Most cringe at the thought of having to deal with an obnoxious character—so they simply give in.

A loudmouth is accustomed to winning these negotiations and uses this tactic time and again to get their own way, or to gain a better position than other, more reasonable people. Their plan is to intimidate the other party into submission. 

People who yell and scream do so because they have learned, like children, that it is easier to scream than to take the time to persuade by rational means.  In fact, the weaker their position, the more they resort to loudmouth tactics.

As parents, we have a responsibility not to let our children get their own way by yelling and screaming.  When children rant and rave, we have to call their bluff by calmly demonstrating that their approach will not work.  This takes a good deal of parental courage, patience, and self-confidence.

How do we handle the business negotiator who uses such tactics? 

This question is important because many of us, sooner or later, will have to deal with someone who yells and screams. Don’t let this negotiating tactic trap you into responding with like actions.  If you both end up yelling at each other a satisfactory outcome is a remote possibility.

The key defense is not to be intimidated.  If you remain rational, refuse to take abuse, deal in terms of fact—not emotion, and act with quiet dignity and firmness, the loudmouth will soon stop.  If not, then it is wise to bring them to someone at a higher level who can handle the screamer with calm authority. 

The experienced loudmouth has won a lot of easy victories since childhood.  Don’t let them win another one at your expense.

Remember, for as few as 12 people, KARRASS can present a private seminar at your facilities.

Effective Negotiating—the original and most widely attended negotiating program in the world.
Effective Negotiating 2—the follow-on program.
Effective Negotiating In Your Own Organization—internal negotiations.

KARRASS conducts more than 800 public and private seminars every year.  See the KARRASS website for locations and public seminar dates, or ask us about bringing one of our programs into your facility.

For more information, contact:

US Sales at 323-866-3800  or  KARRASS Worldwide Sales in the UK at 44 1202 853210

Tell your friends and associates about KARRASS!  Our Corporate Program provides discounts when multiple people attend.

© 2006 KARRASS LTD.  All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without expressed written permission of KARRASS LTD. is prohibited.  e-mail: mail@karrass.com