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Bouncer George Bass on how to de-escalate conflict

Michael Rosen talks to security guard and author George Bass about the critical importance of language in his work. George says words are his riot shield.

Michael Rosen talks to security guard George Bass, the author of What The Bouncer Saw: Life on the Front Line of the Security Business. George says words and tone are his riot shield and explains their critical importance in life or death situations. He shares what he's learned about how to talk people down from violence and also how to communicate with colleagues in coded language.

Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Beth O'Dea, in partnership with the Open University
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28 minutes

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Thursday15:30

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