"Fight Less, Win More: How Master Negotiators Influence Hearts, Minds, and Deals"
From the team behind “Never Split the Difference—a tactical guide to mastering every conversation in work and life.”
"Fight Less, Win More"
You’re negotiating all day—whether you realize it or not. From boardrooms to living rooms, every conversation is a negotiation, and most people are losing without even knowing it. In “Fight Less, Win More,” Jonathan B. Smith and Derek Gaunt deliver a practical, battle-tested handbook for mastering Tactical Empathy—the ability to influence others by making them feel truly understood. Drawing on decades of experience from FBI hostage negotiations and high-stakes business deals, the authors show you how to defuse tension, uncover hidden truths, and turn conflict into collaboration. This isn’t theory—it’s a proven system for winning without sacrificing relationships, trust, or integrity.
- Learn the 5 Levels of Listening that uncover hidden motivations
- Master the Core Four skills—Mirroring, Labeling, Dynamic Silence, and Summary—to shift any conversation in your favor
- Spot hidden “Black Swans” that can change the outcome of even the toughest negotiations
- Use Tactical Empathy to disarm defenses, build trust, and make people want to collaborate with you
- Walk away with practical tools you can apply immediately—in business, at home, and everywhere in between
“Jonathan has a way to immediately connect with his audience so that it feels like he’s speaking directly to you. His proven negotiation tools and methods are magical and memorable, allowing me to put them into practice immediately.”
Michael Ross
DOXA Talent, Co-founder
“Jonathan brings a deep understanding of how to streamline operations, enhance leadership, and foster a culture of accountability. His engaging presentation style is also relatable, captivating audiences and translating complex concepts into actionable strategies that resonate with teams at all levels. If you’re seeking a speaker who can deliver impactful insights and practical solutions to help your company thrive, Jonathan is your man. His contribution will undoubtedly provide lasting value and set the stage for remarkable achievements.“

Deb Fowler,
Green Room Communications, Managing Partner, Co-founder