Leadership and Management

Thrown to the Wolves: The Art of Thinking Fast and Speaking Smart

When the pressure rises and all eyes are on you...will you freeze, or will you take control?

Thrown to the Wolves is a fast-paced, practice-intensive course that trains you to think clearly and communicate powerfully when the stakes are high. Whether you're fielding hostile questions from the media, navigating a tense negotiation, or defending a decision in a high-visibility setting, this course gives you the skills and structure to stay composed, persuasive, and in command.

Led by renowned global security expert Luke Bencie, this program draws on real-world techniques used by intelligence officers, spokespersons, crisis leaders, and high-level negotiators. Through engaging instruction and real-time simulations, you鈥檒l learn to manage stress, organize your message, and respond with clarity under fire.

 
What You鈥檒l Learn

Across four live, interactive sessions, you鈥檒l build a toolkit for:
Recognizing and preparing for 鈥渨olf moments鈥 Structuring rapid responses with frameworks like PREP and Bridge & Hook Buying critical thinking time without losing credibility
Deflecting and reframing hostile questions with verbal judo Managing tone, body language, and stress signals Practicing live scenarios, with personalized coaching and feedback


Each session includes focused instruction, live drills, and scenario-based role plays. You鈥檒l finish with a customized 鈥淲olf Survival Kit鈥 complete with go-to phrases, visual and verbal tactics, and a plan for continued improvement.

 
Who Should Enroll

This course is ideal for:

  • Executives and senior leaders
  • Spokespersons, politicians, and public officials
  • Lawyers, expert witnesses, and negotiators
  • International consultants and crisis response professionals
  • Anyone who needs to speak with poise and precision in high-pressure environments
     

About the Instructor

Luke Bencie

Luke Bencie is a veteran of the intelligence and global security community, with experience consulting for the U.S. Department of State, Department of Defense, and Fortune 500 organizations around the world. He鈥檚 trained thousands of professionals in high-stakes communication, counterintelligence, and strategic leadership, and currently serves as Executive-in-Residence at USF鈥檚 Muma College of Business.

Quick Details

Format:
Live Online

Duration:
4 Two-Hour Sessions

Cost:
$2,995 $1,495 Limited Time Introductory Price! 

CONNECT WITH A PROGRAM ADVISOR

kathy barnes headshot
Kathy Barnes
, M.S.Ed.
813.974.8031


barnesk@usf.edu