On Negotiating (or confrontation)

If an aggressor approaches you and it's obvious that he seeks a violent confrontation you must immediately follow the guidance of the Force. If you do not strike in your very first breath, then the Force is guiding you to negotiate peacefully. In this situation it is vital that you immediately attain a state of calmness. You must overcome your initial primitive fear and control your breath and your actions.

Never assume an aggressive posture. It is impossible to negotiate from an aggressive position. Put your hands up and show your palms and keep them in view the whole time. You must treat an aggressor like a wild animal, no sudden moves, no pointing, calm lowered voice and avoid direct eye contact.

Your facial expressions can cause violent confrontation. An over confident grin or smirk may provoke an aggressor. Never show fear but also avoid dominance. Maintain a calm nature, a slight but gentle smile and a calm but confident voice.

Beware what you say. ‘You don't want any trouble' will evoke a negative response. The words ‘calm down' will sound like you are giving orders. The other person will feel like you are telling him what to do and that's not a good thing for the primitive mind.

Simply say “there's no trouble here”, calmly and confidently, with a low voice. This statement will evoke contemplation in the aggressor. He thought there was trouble but apparently there isn't. Follow closely with “every things alright” but not condescendingly. Never speak down to an aggressive animal. Make simple statements. Never follow a statement with a question e.g. “there's no trouble here, is there?” We don't want an answer; we are making statements to induce peace.

As soon as you detect a calm in the aggressor simply say that you will return to what you were doing and turn away slowly and calmly (always be open to the possibility of attack, the Force will guide you). By turning away you are giving the aggressor the opportunity to walk away and save face. If you try to watch him leave it will appear demeaning to the aggressor.

Remember that what you say is important and how you say it is vital. Good point here is that you should never use the Jedi finger wave as you do in mind tricks. The waving finger could be seen as a provocation.