Can You Negotiate Like an FBI Agent?
Ever felt like you weren’t getting the best deals in business or everyday life? Negotiation is a skill that impacts everything—from work contracts to buying a car, and even personal relationships. If you’re looking to level up your persuasion skills, Chris Voss’s Art of Negotiation MasterClass might be exactly what you need.
Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, teaches the same strategies that helped him successfully negotiate high-stakes situations. But does this course really make a difference for the average person? Let’s dive into this review to find out.
What Is Chris Voss’s Art of Negotiation MasterClass?
Chris Voss’s Art of Negotiation MasterClass is an online course designed to teach you powerful negotiation skills based on real-world techniques. Whether you’re negotiating a salary, closing a business deal, or even resolving conflicts in daily life, Voss’s methods offer proven tactics to influence people and get better results.
This MasterClass consists of 18 lessons, totaling over 3 hours of engaging, real-life case studies, role-playing scenarios, and instantly applicable negotiation hacks.
What You’ll Learn
- Tactical Empathy—How to read emotions and respond persuasively
- Mirroring—A simple mind trick to make people open up
- Labeling—A technique to make the other person feel heard and understood
- Accusation Audit—How to defuse negativity before it derails a negotiation
- Calibrated Questions—The power of asking the right open-ended questions
- Bargaining Strategies—The psychology behind closing the best deals
- Reading Body Language—Picking up on unspoken signals
- Salary Negotiation—Techniques to confidently ask for what you’re worth
Why Chris Voss?
Chris Voss isn’t just any negotiation trainer. He led FBI hostage negotiations for decades, developing techniques that literally saved lives. After retiring, he applied his skills to business and founded The Black Swan Group, where he now trains executives, entrepreneurs, and high-level decision-makers.
His best-selling book, “Never Split the Difference,” became a business negotiation staple because of its practical, psychology-driven approach. If you’ve read it, you’ll recognize many of his tactics here—but seeing them demonstrated in real time makes a huge difference.
Strengths and Weaknesses of This Course
✅ Pros: What Makes This MasterClass Stand Out
- Learn from the Best: Chris Voss is one of the world’s most respected negotiation experts.
- Real-life Negotiation Examples: Watch real FBI case studies and role-playing scenarios.
- Tactics You Can Use Instantly: No complicated jargon—just simple, practical strategies that work.
- High-Quality Video Production: MasterClass courses are known for cinematic storytelling and engaging lessons.
- Part of a MasterClass Subscription: You get access to 100+ other expert-led courses.
❌ Cons: Areas for Improvement
- Workbook Lacks Depth—With only 14 pages, more real-world exercises would be helpful.
- Some Content Overlaps His Book—If you’ve read “Never Split the Difference,” some material will feel familiar.
- No One-on-One Feedback—Unlike live courses, this is a self-paced video series with no personal coaching.
Who Should Take This Course?
- ✅ – Negotiate better deals, close clients, and improve business relationships.
- ✅ Sales Professionals – Gain a competitive edge with influential communication strategies.
- ✅ Job Seekers – Learn salary negotiation tactics that can help increase your earnings.
- ✅ – Learn how to confidently set and negotiate your rates.
- ✅ Anyone Who Deals with People! – From parents to executives, these skills apply in everyday life.
How Does It Compare to Other Negotiation Courses?
There are several other programs that teach negotiation, but they often lack the real-world tactical experience that Chris Voss offers.
| Course | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Voss’s MasterClass | FBI negotiation techniques, practical advice, engaging content | Some content overlaps the book, no personal feedback |
| Harvard‘s Negotiation Program | More in-depth business negotiation strategies | Extremely expensive, academic focus |
| Roger Dawson’s Power Negotiating | Covers business-focused tactics | Lacking FBI-level psychological insights |
| Herb Cohen’s “You Can Negotiate Anything” | Timeless concepts | Lacks practical demonstration & modern strategies |
Is It Worth the Price?
MasterClass charges an annual fee of $180 for unlimited access to all their courses, including this one.
💡 If you’re only looking for a one-time negotiation course, this might seem pricey. But if you’re interested in other subjects—like leadership, business, or communication—then the all-access pass becomes an amazing deal.
Alternative Cost Breakdown:
- A professional negotiation workshop typically costs $500-$3000, whereas Harvard’s negotiation courses start at $2500+.
- Voss’s MasterClass at $180 for unlimited courses is a steal in comparison.
Final Verdict: Should You Take This Course?
If you want to level up your negotiation skills in business, career, or personal life, Chris Voss’s MasterClass is absolutely worth it.
- It’s engaging, practical, and filled with insights you can apply immediately.
- You won’t just learn negotiation—you’ll see it in action.
- If you negotiate even one better deal, the course could pay for itself.
Overall, if you’re ready to start influencing conversations, closing better deals, and improving your confidence in high-stakes discussions, this masterclass is a smart investment.