History – The origins of Verbal Defense and Influence date back to 1983 when Dr. George Thomson, previously a university professor and part-time police officer, formed the Verbal Judo Institute. Over the last 28 years more than one million individuals (primarily police and corrections officers) have been trained in Verbal Judo by a global network of trainers and Dr. Thompson had published four books on the topic with over 300,000 copies sold. A revised edition of his latest book is scheduled for publication by Harper-Collins in 2011.
In 2010 Verbal Defense and Influence became the exclusive licensee of the intellectual property of Dr. George Thompson and the Verbal Judo Institute — with the goal of expanding his work into new markets.
Media Coverage – Over the last 25-plus years Dr. Thompson has been highlighted in such national news media as ABC, CBS, CNN, 48 Hours, and Inside Edition — primarily covering his work with law enforcement and corrections. With Verbal Defense and Influence expanding into youth and workplace bullying, education, business and healthcare, the breadth of the media coverage as expanded as well.
Individuals from the media are welcome to contact us to gain access our experts.
Recent Press Releases:
Verbal Defense & Influence Instructor Conference: The Can’t Miss Updates | November 9-11, 2012
Instructor class showcases latest improvements | July 5, 2012
Law enforcement conference to address critical communication skills | April 27, 2012
From fools to friends: Take back April 1 | March 26, 2012
Teleconferences to discuss strategies for better communication and instruction | March 21, 2012
Without proper training, don’t expect bystanders to step up and do the right thing | March 2, 2012
Talking Points: 12 Points of Light for 2012 | December 16, 2011
Calling all Verbal Judo Instructors: Now is the time to recertify | September 28, 2011
Recent Media Coverage:
PoliceOne.com | Verbal Defense & Influence Announces Conference Agenda | September 27. 2012
JS Online | Bullish on Anti-Bullying Business | September 15, 2012
PoliceOne.com | 5 ‘Universal Truths’ for home and street | July 19, 2012
TheGardenIsland.com | Verbal judo helps defend against bullying behavior | July 19, 2012
PoliceOne.com | Conflict Resolution Instructor Class Showcases Latest Improvements | July 9, 2012
PoliceOne.Com | The value of complete public transparency | April 26, 2012
OnMilwaukee.com | Local Bully Expert offers free materials for parents | March 19, 2012
Today’s TMJ4 | On Your Side: Verbal Defense & Influence | February 28, 2011
www.usgovernment-news.com | Fired-up Verbal Defense & Influence trainers say: ‘Lightning has struck in Milwaukee” | November 16, 2011
PoliceOne.com | Complete public transparency | November 8, 2011
CorrectionsOne.com | Responding to mentally ill inmates | October 24, 2011








