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'Threat evaluation' is the process of systematically interpreting the information gained through threat awareness in order to determine the best course of action to take as a result. 

A Theoretically Informed Approach

Threat evaluation procedures are theoretically infomed, meaning that they stem from concepts learned through our education and experiences.

That said, it's important not to ignore your instinctual gut feelings. If you're just not comfortable with a situation, then there could be a good reason why even if you don't consciously know what that is!

Simple Questions

Threat evaluation typically takes the form of simple questions, such as:

  • 'What's in his hands?'
  • 'What's he looking at?'
  • 'Where's his attention focussed?'
  • 'Is he showing any signs of adrenalisation?'
  • 'Why is he annoyed?'
  • 'Where are my potential exits from this room?'
  • 'Is there a better position I could take in case something bad happens?'
  • 'Why does that person keep looking at me?'
  • 'I've bumped into this same person again and again all afternoon - is he following me?'
  • 'Why are those people just standing around in a group over there?'
  • 'Why is everyone going that way all of a sudden?'
  • 'Why do I feel uncomfortable?'
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