Use effective verbal commands

Let’s discuss the importance of using effective verbal commands with Safety Defense Coach: Amy Washington. ©2017 Brick Street Safety Academy

Picture yourself standing in your kitchen and you see someone about to place their hand on top of the hot stove. What would you say? More than likely you may yell out, “DON’T TOUCH THAT STOVE! IT IS HOT!!” You wouldn’t say in a soft quiet tone, “Please don’t touch that stove, it could be hot.” Communicating in a passive tone greatly downplays the assertiveness of your words.

If approached by a bad guy or an attacker you do not want to come off passive, weak or as a soft target. You want to be strong and assertive. You also want your body language to be as tough and effective as your words.

It is imperative to use effective words such as:

Stop!

No!

Don’t do that!

Leave me alone

I will and so forth.

You do not want to mix uncertainty with strength. Be mindful that you cannot place fear into someone if you cannot produce it.  If you are going to be strong, then be strong! Say what you mean, so that the bad guy can do what you say!

For instance:

Mixing uncertainty with strength sounds like this.

Please leave me alone.

I don’t want to hurt you.

I have a gun and I am not afraid to use it. And so on.

You do not want to say words such as: Please, I don’t want to, or I’m not afraid to… These passive words show signs of weakness and vulnerability. Refrain from using these words! The bad guy will surely think the following thoughts if passive words are used:

Please leave me alone.

The bad guy’s thoughts: “Yes, this person is saying please to me. They are weak.”

 I don’t want to hurt you.

The bad guy’s thoughts: “Why is this person saying I don’t want to do this if they are going to hurt me?” 

 I have a gun and I’m not afraid to use it.

The bad guy’s thoughts: “Why did this person say I’m not afraid to use my gun if they weren’t afraid to shoot me? They must be scared.”

Always keep in mind that bad guys are always looking for any opportunity to hurt or harm you! You must be strong and forceful in executing effective verbal commands. You must always mean what you say, and say what you mean. Bad guys do not like a challenge and when you use your voice effectively, you are placing that bad guy on notice that you will not be a push over. You will not be taken advantage of or you’re not the person to mess with.

Therefore be aggressive or assertive with your words if ever threatened or in danger. Verbal commands are called verbal commands for a reason. You are commanding authority, control or/and respect.

Let’s replace the previous sentences with stronger effective words.  

Please leave me alone.

     REPLACE WITH: “STOP! LEAVE ME ALONE!!”

I don’t want to hurt you.

     REPLACE WITH: “I WILL HURT YOU!!” 

I have a gun and I’m not afraid to use it.

     REPLACE WITH: “I HAVE A GUN AND I WILL USE IT!!”

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Practice yelling out the following words aggressively:

NO!

STOP!

LEAVE ME ALONE!

DON’T TOUCH ME!

STAND BACK!

GET BACK!

I WILL FIGHT YOU…

Never forget that your intentions must always match your commands. Again, say what you mean, so that the attacker can do what you say! Use effective verbal commands.

Be Alert, Aware and most definitely BE SAFE!! 🙂

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Author of article: Safety Defense Coach-Amy Washington. ©2017 Brick Street Safety Academy