Monday, October 10, 2011

The Power of Your Voice

Your Voice As A Weapon

You feel threatened, but are unsure of the intentions of the person you are talking
to.  

What can you do?

You have the power of your voice to help avoid confrontation whenever possible.
The trick is to learn what level is needed in order to engage the attacker.  Here is a
glimpse at what I believe the 4 levels are and the type of voice used.



Level 1

Non-Threatening, Uncomfortable Behavior

Office, mall or grocery store, conference room

If you are uncomfortable with the persons behavior!
Tell that person in a calm way to stop that behavior.

Avoid saying please!
you want to be seen as assertive.

If that person does not stop threatening behavior!
Trust your instincts
Move to a safe zone



Level 2

Non Threatening-Public place

Restaurant, mall, store or parking lot. 
You are not isolated.

Make a scene!
Be loud enough for people to hear you.
This may embarrass the person confronting you and cause them to stop.

Keep your eyes on the person the whole time!

Call for help or move to safe zone!



Level 3

Threatening Behavior 

Try to defuse or de-escalate 

Best example of defusing situation!


Offer up wallet or credit cards or cash


What is the motive? (money, sex, power, murder)

Try to defuse situation!


Talk in a calm assertive voice

Let your potential attacker know that you won't be an easy prey! 


Tell him you know how to defend yourself (black belt?)

Talk but don’t necessarily provoke him. 



    


Level 4

Imminent Threat or attack

Verbal boundary of defense 

Look them in the eye!

Hold out your hands in front of you!

Yell “Stay Back!” or “Stop!”! 

If your attacker threatens you if you speak!
    
Yell, because that is exactly what he doesn’t want you to do


Yell loudly and keep yelling

Yelling “FIRE” attracts the most attention from bystanders

Yelling helps give you more power and pushes away the pain

The power of your voice means many things - the willingness to try and talk your way
out of conflict in a very civil manner, or screaming at the top of your lungs letting the
attacker no in no uncertain terms will you give up without a fight!

It's another tool in the toolbox of self defense.

Use it!



Sensei Chris Feldt



Columbia, SC 29229


803-462-9425


samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com



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