Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It―Unlock Your Persuasion Potential in Professional and Personal Life

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER

"This book blew my mind. It’s a riveting read, full of instantly actionable advice-not just for high-stakes situations, but also for handling everyday conflicts at work and at home." —Adam Grant, author of Think Again

This international bestseller, with more than 5 million copies sold, offers a field-tested approach to high-stakes negotiations—whether in the boardroom, in your community, or at home.

Life is a series of negotiations, and essential negotiation skills are at the heart of collaboration—whether you are a business executive, a salesperson, a parent , a community leader, or a spouse. As a former FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss gives you the tools for effective persuasion in any situation: negotiating a business deal, buying (or selling) a car, negotiating a salary, acquiring a home, renegotiating rent, deliberating with your partner, or communicating with your children. Taking the power of tactical empathy, active listening, and intuition to the next level, Never Split the Difference gives you the competitive edge in any difficult conversation or conflict resolution scenario. This book is a masterclass in influencing others, no matter the circumstances.

After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a hostage negotiator brought him face-to-face with a range of criminals, including bank robbers and terrorists. Reaching the pinnacle of his profession, he became the FBI’s lead international kidnapping negotiator. Never Split the Difference distills the Voss method, revealing the communication skills that matter most when it comes to achieving your goals in both your professional and personal life.

Step-by-step, Voss show you how to:

  • Establish Rapport
  • Create Trust with Tactical Empathy
  • Gain the Permission to Persuade
  • Shape What Is Fair
  • Calibrate Questions
  • Transform Conflict into Collaboration
  • Spot Liars
  • Create Breakthroughs by Revealing the Unknown Unknowns

Never Split the Difference is your definitive source for defusing potential crises, winning people over, and achieving your goals at work and at home with proven negotiating strategies.

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Published May 17, 2016

288 pages

Average rating: 8.24

130 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

RealtorBrian
Apr 22, 2025
9/10 stars
Great insight on negotiations in highly intense situations. Appreciate the insight.
Camzozo
Feb 24, 2026
7/10 stars
Good business/life negotiation strategies from an FBI operative.
glinglin
Dec 12, 2024
10/10 stars
Truly an excellent book on negotiation.
Schmavery
Apr 30, 2024
8/10 stars
Wasn’t exactly what I expected. Had some interesting insights but not many that I would personally use frequently in day-to-day life. Not a bad book to have around so that you can flip through it for reference if you need to negotiate a big deal though.
MovadoJT67
May 17, 2023
9/10 stars
Chris Voss's 'Never Split the Difference' is an invaluable book that provides practical insights and techniques for navigating obstacles in business and everyday life. Drawing from his experience as an FBI hostage negotiator, Voss offers strategies that go beyond traditional approaches, emphasizing empathy and active listening. The book's gripping anecdotes and actionable advice make it a game-changer, empowering readers to master the intricacies of human dynamics and achieve remarkable results.

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