Verbal Defense and Influence (VDI)
The course teaches individuals to defend and deflect words with proven strategies that can turn a heated conversation to their advantage while keeping tension to a minimum. VDI has been taught to hundreds of thousands worldwide over the last 30+ years and has been shown to reduce complaints, liability and injuries, while improving team performance, morale and overall safety. (4-hour course)
UT Police also offers an Introduction to Verbal Defense and Influence, an abbreviated course that introduces VDI principles, tactics and objectives. (1-hour course)
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:
- Explain the importance of nonverbal communication
- Discuss the fundamental elements of the Verbal Defense & Influence system
- Explain the five approaches to show another person respect
- Discuss the “6 C’s” perspective of the entire spectrum of human conflict:
- Explain the Showtime Mindset
- Perform Universal Greeting
- Explain the Beyond Active Listening tactics
- Explain and perform redirections
- Explain and perform persuasion sequence
Verbal Defense and Influence Video Playlist:
Playlist Video 1: The RSA - Brené Brown on Empathy Playlist Video 2: Cleveland Clinic - Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care