Order Out of Chaos: A Kidnap Negotiator's Guide to Influence and Persuasion

by Scott Walker

A crisis negotiator's guide to influence and persuasion. As one of the world's most experienced kidnap-for-ransom negotiators, Scott Walker has successfully resolved life-or-death crises, facing down gang leaders, pirates, cyberhackers, and extortionists. Now he's bringing the lessons he learned in those situations to you. In this book you will learn his essential negotiation principles and strategies, as well as his tools and techniques, all of which are supported by astonishing real-life case studies. You can begin to add these techniques to your repertoire immediately to become a world-class negotiator, capable of persuading anyone, no matter how tenacious and uncompromising they are. Built on decades of scientific and academic research, along with Walker's extensive experience, Order out of Chaos gives you simple, proven approaches. You'll learn how to slow down high-pressure moments, practice proactive listening, develop your emotional intelligence, and manage conflict. Applied in low-pressure, everyday negotiations with one person or in complex, high-risk scenarios with multiple hostile adversaries, these principles will help you master the moment, communicate effectively, and achieve the outcomes you want. Whether you're an executive in a multinational organization, the owner of a small business, a local sports team coach, or the manager of a single household, the principles and techniques covered in this book will help you navigate the common pitfalls of negotiation and give you the confidence to succeed every time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Psychology, Leadership, Politics

Paperback

First published May 25, 2023

About the author

My new book, Eye of the Storm (May 2025), teaches you how to master your emotions, think clearly, and make good decisions, even in the toughest situations. If you enjoyed my Sunday Times bestseller, Order Out of Chaos (2023), you’ll love this follow-up.

Drawing on my career as a kidnap-for-ransom and hostage negotiator, with over 300 successful outcomes, I share practical tools and insights to help you stay calm, act decisively, and thrive under pressure.

Whether you're handling workplace conflicts, personal challenges, or daily stresses, this book will help you stay more resilient, make better decisions, communicate effectively and build stronger relationships.

As for me, I’ve stepped away from negotiating crises & now enjoy delivering keynote talks & workshops. I’ve also settled into the rhythm of a full-time writer and am currently working on an action thriller novel.

You can stay up to date and receive more tips and insights in my newsletter at https://winanynegotiation.com/pages/c...

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/scottwalker... and Facebook @ScottWalkerBooks

Reviews

[Pavell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It could also have been titled as 'how to have difficult conversations '. While there are some overlaps with Chris Voss's book (never split the difference), Walker focuses much more on how to regulate your state of mind in order to be able to negotiate. Aspects of building rapport and affecting change can only work once you can think clearly and act according to your aims rather than your emotions. 'Order out of chaos' combined with 'Never split the difference' is a winning combo.

[Lisa Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An educational read! - so many takeaways I can use both at work and also at home with the teenagers. A well structured book with a great preface - I knew immediately what I was going to get from each chapter. Have recommended to my team at work ⭐️

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book. It draws you along with the personal stories of kidnap negotiation and provides so much useful information on using negotiation at work and in life more broadly. I learnt such a lot. Lots of references to the literature on leadership and influencing. A must read. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the DRC.

[Mukesh Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an advanced digital version of this book via Netgalley.

What I liked in the book:

- The stories (using kidnapping negotiations) as a backdrop to teach negotiation strategies is an interesting premise. While being extreme, the stories still provide us enough leeway to see the strategies being taught in action.
- The book is very easy to read, from a language perspective.
- The tactics or strategies are well supported by scientific research.

What I didn't like in the book:

- After a point, the book started sounding repetitive.
- It's feels like the book is much longer than it needed to have been.

[Ganesh Subramanian]

It is a book that teaches readers how to become a world-class communicator and negotiator. The author shares his experience and expertise in high-stakes situations to help readers develop the skills they need to succeed in any negotiation, whether it's at work, at home, or in the boardroom. In the first part the basic principles of negotiation, such as understanding the other side's motivations, building rapport, and listening actively are explained. In the second part topics such as preparing for negotiations, setting goals, and reaching agreements are explained. In the final part, it discusses the importance of continuous learning, developing your unique style, and building your reputation.
Overall, it is an excellent book for anyone who wants to improve their negotiation skills. It is a practical book that teaches you how to communicate effectively, negotiate effectively, and achieve your goals

[Kevin Stecyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Book on Negotiation

If you have ever been involved in negotiations—and you have, whether you realize it or not—you know how much your and their emotional states can play a significant role. Walker’s book teaches you how to manage yourself while negotiating with your counterpart.

Although no one book can ever provide all you need to know on negotiation, this book serves as an excellent foundation to continue growing your skills.

[Jenni Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as I found it an effective tool to help manage challenging conversations

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walker's book could have been half its length. There are good reminders in there, though nothing new if you're familiar with Buddhism, Stoicism, pop scientists like Huberman, and the numerous books and podcasts about how to be a better listener. The case studies were disappointing--too vague and lacking persuasive instructive detail to illustrate Walker's points. The writing is mediocre at best, and the editing is terrible--excessive repetition. The raw basis of this book has incredible potential, which is why I was disappointed in the actual product. Not a book I'd recommend. There are so many in this genre that are better.

[Cody Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Negotiations are not always life or death, they could simply be with your child about if they want to brush their teeth or put on pajamas first. More pies is a lovely reminder of communicating well, both now and tomorrow. You can’t take back how you’ve communicated in the past but you can plan for regular non-negative communication in the future.

[WAYNE DIAMOND · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay book. I think this is a better self help book for communication about being a better listener and attentive to the task at hand. He uses a lot of ransom negotiations, to demonstrate principles to exude empathy even towards evil people, in order to understand and communicate.

[Julie Wassmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read. I ended up buying several copies for friends for Christmas and I'm sure they'll appreciate this book and the wisdom therein as much as I do!

[Alex M. Bendersky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique take on the typical book about negotiation strategy - how does a hostage negotiator approach things? I appreciated Walker's insights and examples from his own high-stakes (literally, life in the balance) communications. I would've liked a bit more though - specific words or phrases that had an impact, either positive or negative; how to do your research on your opponent; more details on his experiences.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a very theoretical book, so i always had to put it away in between. Its a lot of information that can be used in daily communications - very hands-on and useful tips. I was very interested in his work experience and he shares some great examples, though they could have been more in depth.

Overall very interesting and a lot to learn from...