Stay Calm. Read the Conflict. Move the Conversation Forward.
Think Like a Hostage Negotiator is a practical negotiation and conflict resolution masterclass informed by more than two decades of mediation and by crisis-negotiation training. Learn the listening, de-escalation, and negotiation skills that keep hard conversations productive.
Who the program is for
- Leaders and executives
- Who need to hold difficult conversations without losing the room.
- Attorneys and mediators
- Who negotiate for, or between, people under stress.
- Business owners and managers
- Handling disputes with partners, vendors, customers, or staff.
- HR and workplace teams
- Who step into conflict between colleagues every week.
- Public-safety and security professionals
- Who de-escalate tense situations as part of the job.
- Individuals
- Who regularly manage high-conflict conversations at work or at home.
What participants learn
The skills build on one another, from managing your own reactions to closing an agreement everyone understands.
- Control your emotional response under pressure
- Identify triggers and hidden interests
- Use active listening and calibrated questions
- Build rapport without surrendering boundaries
- De-escalate resistance
- Move from positions to workable options
- Close with clarity and accountability
Program formats
Choose the depth and delivery that fits your group. Pricing is provided with each proposal.
Keynote
A focused talk for conferences, leadership retreats, and association events, built around the core principles of the program.
Availability confirmed on request
Workshop
An interactive session with practice scenarios, so participants use the techniques rather than just hear about them.
Availability confirmed on request
Team training
A program shaped around your organization’s real situations, for HR, management, client-facing, or security teams.
Availability confirmed on request
Digital masterclass
A self-paced online version for individuals who want to build these skills on their own schedule.
Availability confirmed on request
Your instructor
Sean Collinson is a family and civil mediator with more than 22 years of experience. He trained through Harvard’s Program on Negotiation and Loyola Law School’s Mediating the Litigated Case program, and he is an FBI-trained crisis negotiator who volunteers with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The masterclass draws on what works in both settings: calm, structured communication that helps people move from reaction to resolution.
Read more about Sean Collinson
This is an independent educational program. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FBI or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Masterclass questions
What formats are available?
The program is offered as a keynote, a hands-on workshop, customized team training, and a digital masterclass. Availability for each format is confirmed when you request information.
Who is the masterclass for?
Anyone who handles tense conversations: leaders, attorneys, mediators, managers, HR professionals, public-safety and security staff, and individuals who want to communicate more calmly under pressure. No prior negotiation training is required.
Can the training be customized for our organization?
Yes. Workshops and team training can be built around your industry, your team’s common scenarios, and the specific challenges you want to address. Share the details in the request form below.
What group sizes can you accommodate?
Keynotes suit large audiences. Workshops and team training work best with smaller groups where everyone can practice. Tell us your expected group size and Sean will recommend the right format.
Is the program available virtually?
Yes. Workshops and team training can be delivered live over video, and the digital masterclass is designed for online learning.
Is this an official FBI or Sheriff’s Department program?
No. The masterclass is Sean Collinson’s own educational program, informed by his mediation practice and his crisis-negotiation training. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FBI or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Bring the masterclass to your team
Tell us about your group and what you would like the training to address. You will receive details on availability, format, and pricing.
Looking for help with a dispute rather than training? Schedule a Confidential Consultation.