As a dedicated security professional, your role extends beyond merely safeguarding premises and enforcing rules. It is imperative to utilize effective communication skills as a crucial aspect of your job. It not only ensures safety but also fosters positive interactions with the community members you serve. Some key components of tactical communication that will elevate your skills and enhance your effectiveness:
#1 POSITIONING
- Observation: Pay attention to body language and tone. A tense or agitated demeanor may indicate potential violence. Maintain an appropriate distance to ensure safety for all parties.
- Verbal Communication: Always ask permission before approaching someone. Explain the reason for your approach clearly. When moving away, provide context to show empathy and consideration.
#2 POSTURING
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Facial Expressions: Smile when appropriate. It conveys approachability and diffuses tension.
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Body Language: Stand with open shoulders, maintaining eye contact. Slow, deliberate movements demonstrate confidence and professionalism.
#3 OBSERVING
- Situational Awareness: Continuously assess your surroundings. Adapt your communication tactics based on the context. What works in one environment may not be suitable elsewhere.
- Active Listening: Understand the concerns of those you interact with. Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and acknowledge their feelings.
#4 LISTENING
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Empathy: Show empathy by acknowledging emotions. Use phrases like, “I understand how you feel” or “I appreciate your perspective.”
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Clarification: If someone seems hesitant or uncooperative, ask open-ended questions to gather more information. Seek common ground.
As security professionals, we should commit to improving our tactical communication skills. Let’s continue to practice these critical techniques during our careers to ensure that every interaction leaves a positive impact. By doing so, we will contribute not only to safety but also to community trust.
Intelligence Consulting Partners is proud to be a trusted, global leader in military, law enforcement and civilian training. Our instructors are academics and practitioners in the realm of security with decades of experience in their respective fields. Our security guard training programs are designed to assist in developing an enhanced security posture to fulfill the needs of our clients and communities served.
Learn More About Our Security Guard Training Services
We offer an 8-hour in-service continuing education training course for currently licensed security guards, as well as a 16-hour initial training course, exceeding the mandated training requirements under Senate Bill 760. Upon successful completion of this course, a certificate of completion will be provided as supporting documentation that demonstrates successful completion of the mandated training. All courses are tailored to address current threats and educational demands.
For inquiries about security guard training or other related training programs, contact ICP at [email protected] / (202) 930-2427