Silence Kills: Communication Tactics to Speak with Confidence and Build Your Influence

by Scott Harvey

Effective communication is often the first thing to be abandoned in times of crisis, panic, and stress. What if it didn’t have to be that way?   As an FBI-trained hostage negotiator and public information officer for 20 years, Scott Harvey built a career on his ability to communicate his way through any crisis. In Silence Kills , he demonstrates how simple (but not easy) it is to communicate through the daily crises that happen in any organization. Silence Kills takes motivated individuals back to the basics of communication that will work in ANY situation. Harvey’s professional experience shapes his techniques as he outlines how to develop a communication style that works in any situation—especially times of stress.  Silence Kills is an essential training guide, providing readers the tools to   Master the skills and strategies to speak up, share a message, and confidently lead with Silence Kills .

186 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Laura Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence Kills: Communication Tactics to Speak with Confidence and Build Your Influence is a practical and highly relevant guide that demonstrates why effective communication is one of the most valuable leadership skills anyone can develop. Drawing on two decades of experience as an FBI-trained hostage negotiator and public information officer, Scott Harvey delivers lessons that are grounded in real-world, high-pressure situations where communication truly matters.

What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on remaining calm, intentional, and confident when conversations become difficult. Rather than relying on theory alone, Harvey provides actionable strategies that help readers communicate with clarity, build trust, influence others, and lead effectively during moments of uncertainty and stress.

The book's greatest strength is its practicality. Every concept is presented in a way that leaders, managers, business professionals, and anyone seeking stronger communication skills can immediately apply in everyday situations. Whether leading a team, resolving conflict, delivering difficult messages, or simply building stronger relationships, the techniques are both accessible and effective.

Silence Kills is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to become a more confident communicator and influential leader. Thoughtful, practical, and engaging, it's a book that offers lasting value long after the final chapter.

[Jamin Garoutte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent primer on effective communication for your daily life! The author takes his experience from years of high-level, professional training in the field and makes it approachable for practical use by the average person in their everyday relationships. He covers a wide variety of methods, balances the seriousness of challenging situations with some lighthearted humor, and packs a ton of wisdom into a fairly quick read. You’ll come out a better listener and a reliable communicator in both your personal and professional relationships.

[Michael Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence Kills: Communication Tactics to Speak with Confidence and Build Your Influence takes a practical look at communication when it matters most—during moments of stress, uncertainty, and crisis. Scott Harvey draws on two decades of experience as an FBI-trained hostage negotiator and public information officer to explore how effective communication can help people navigate difficult situations. Rather than presenting communication as simply a matter of speaking well, the book emphasizes the importance of remaining clear, confident, and intentional when pressure is high.

One of the book's strengths is its focus on fundamentals that can be applied across different situations. The idea that communication skills often become neglected precisely when they are most needed is highly relatable, particularly for people working in organizations where stressful situations can develop quickly. Harvey's professional background gives the techniques a practical foundation, while the emphasis on speaking up, sharing a message effectively, and maintaining confidence makes the lessons relevant to leaders and professionals at many levels.

Overall, Silence Kills offers a useful perspective for anyone who wants to become a stronger communicator and more confident leader. Its focus on communication during difficult circumstances makes it especially relevant to managers, executives, public-facing professionals, and teams that regularly deal with pressure or uncertainty. Readers looking for practical ways to improve their communication style and influence when the stakes are high may find this guide particularly worthwhile.

[Belinda Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well written book offers a unique perspective on effective communication. Being a person that reads about this subject frequently, I even had a few epiphanies. Definitely recommend this book to everyone no matter your specific need. I plan to do the bonus section and look forward to his deeper dives. Of note, he offers a free e copy with purchase of this book and that is just a nice touch!

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s well-written but the content is nothing earth-shattering. I wasn’t a fan of the constant “I digress” statements or the overuse of capital all letters in a word.