Which of the following is an example of a soft technique?

Verbal commands are considered a soft technique because they rely on communication and psychological influence rather than physical force. By using verbal commands effectively, an individual can de-escalate a situation, gain control, or encourage compliance from a subject without resorting to physical contact. This approach prioritizes safety and may help prevent escalation into a more confrontational scenario.

In contrast, other techniques like joint locks, pepper spray, and pressure points are categorized as hard techniques. These involve physical manipulation of the body or the use of physical deterrents to achieve compliance or control over a situation. While they can be effective in certain circumstances, they also carry a higher risk of injury and can escalate the situation rather than resolving it through communication. Thus, verbal commands serve as a foundational method in defensive tactics, allowing for resolution through dialogue.