Course

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

Sep 9, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025

$1,495 Enroll

Full course description

🎉 Introductory Offer: Only $1,495 (Regular Price: $2,995)

Location Live Online

Schedule Weekly sessions are scheduled for the following Tuesdays & Thursdays, from (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) EST

Tuesday: 09/09/25 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) EST
Thursday: 09/11/25 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) EST
Tuesday: 09/16/25 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) EST
Thursday: 09/18/25 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) EST

Instructor Luke Bencie
(Click for Biography)

Luke Bencie is an international security consultant, author of seven books, and advisor to the US Department of State, Department of Defense, Fortune 500 companies, and foreign governments. With work in over 130 countries, he has trained thousands in crisis response, counterespionage, and high-stakes negotiation. His background includes service with Raytheon’s Intelligence and Information Systems Division and as a representative from the CIA’s Office of Special Activities to the State Department’s Foreign Emergency Support Team.

Course Description

In a high-pressure world, being “thrown to the wolves” is inevitable—whether you’re fielding tough questions, negotiating under scrutiny, or navigating crises. This program equips professionals to respond with clarity, control, and confidence in any situation. Through practical frameworks, “verbal judo” strategies, and live role-play, you’ll build the skills and composure needed to turn stressful ambushes into moments of credible, calm leadership.

Policies & Procedures

Course Fees

Course fees must be paid before beginning a class. Fees are posted for each course. Some programs have special registration procedures and requirements. These are posted on the program/course web page.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, and company-approved purchase orders payable to USF Corporate Training and Professional Education. Personal checks, money orders, and cash are not accepted per university policy.

Attendance

To complete our open enrollment noncredit courses satisfactorily, you must attend 75 percent of multiple class meetings. One-day classes require full-day attendance. Some courses/programs may have additional completion requirements. Check the program description for details and/or check with your instructor. No course re-sits are allowed (participants that have not met the attendance requirement and are seeking a letter of completion for a course may re-register at full cost of attendance for a future offering).

Course Withdrawals / Refunds

USF reserves the right to cancel any noncredit course, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine courses, or change a course location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued.

Withdrawals/Refunds from Corporate Training and Professional Education courses must be in writing, prior to the course start time.  Fees are associated with withdrawals/refunds.

Submit requests via email to barnesk@usf.edu. No Withdrawals or Refunds will be issued after course start date.  

Allow 5-7 working days for credit card refunds and 6-8 weeks for check refunds.

For USF policies: click here

Contact Kathy Barnes for more information at barnesk@usf.edu