Technique: How to Talk to the Right Brain
Trying to change the thinking of a difficult person with facts and logic? "Forgedaboudit!" In this 30-minute course, Bill Eddy explains the brain's two conflict-resolution channels (one smart and logical, one fast and reactive), how to choose which one you respond from, and how to reach the other person's so a productive conversation becomes possible.
Your instructor
Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq.
Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer, High Conflict Institute
500,000+
professionals trained worldwide
In a crisis, the logical brain isn't the one answering.
We have two basic methods of conflict resolution in our brains: one that's smart for logical problem-solving, and one that's fast in a crisis (but not so smart). When someone is upset, your carefully reasoned argument lands in the fast channel, where it reads as an attack. That's why some people "just don't get it" no matter how well you explain. Talking to the right brain first is how you get the logical brain back in the room.
Outcomes you'll bring back from How to Talk to the Right Brain.
- Understand the brain's two conflict-resolution methods and when each takes over.
- Choose which part of your own brain you respond from under pressure.
- Influence which part of the other person's brain answers you.
- Recognize why logical arguments backfire mid-crisis.
- Use right-brain-friendly language to de-escalate before problem-solving.
- Apply the technique in crisis response, negotiations, and everyday hard conversations.
Who How to Talk to the Right Brain is built for.
Legal Professionals
Reach upset clients and opposing parties when reasoning alone bounces off.
Mediators & Negotiators
De-escalate the room before asking anyone to problem-solve.
Mental Health Professionals
A clean, teachable model for clients in reactive states.
HR & Workplace Leaders
Handle heated conversations with employees and stakeholders productively.
Crisis & Frontline Roles
For anyone whose work includes de-escalating people in distress.
Parents & Caregivers
The same two channels drive conflict at home. The technique works there too.
How How to Talk to the Right Brain is delivered.
A focused 30-minute on-demand video. Watch it over lunch and use the technique in your next difficult conversation.
- 30-minute video training — Bill Eddy explains the two-brain model and the talk-to-the-right-brain technique.
- PowerPoint PDF — Downloadable slides to keep as a reference.
- Certificate of Completion — Documentation you can keep on file.
Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq.
Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. is the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute. He pioneered the High Conflict Personality Theory (HCP) and is an international expert on managing disputes involving people with high-conflict personalities. He is the author or co-author of more than 25 books, manuals, and workbooks, co-host of the podcast It's All Your Fault!, and writes a Psychology Today blog with millions of views.
Before co-founding HCI, Bill was the Senior Family Mediator at the National Conflict Resolution Center for 15 years, a Certified Family Law Specialist lawyer representing clients in family court for 15 years, and a licensed clinical social worker therapist with twelve years of experience. He has served on the faculty of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law, taught as a Conjoint Associate Professor with the University of Newcastle Law School in Australia, and trained professionals in over 35 U.S. states and 13 countries.
How to Talk to the Right Brain — frequently asked questions.
Who is this course for?
Want to go deeper on the brain?
How do I access the course?
Is this legal or therapeutic advice?
Can our team or organization get this training together?
Ready to enroll?
Enroll an individual seat now, or talk to us about a private cohort designed around your organization's actual cases.
