Negotiations in English
The key to successful negotiations is a full understanding of the needs and desires of your opponent. Therefore, we have collected some basic tips for successful negotiations.
📍Prepare yourself with facts
Before negotiations, find out as much information as possible about your opponent and think how to take advantage of it.
📍 Decide what you want to achieve before you begin
Decide in advance which issues are priority for you and which are secondary and less important.
📍 Always search for the 'Win-Win' scenario
Most people perceive negotiations as a gain for one party and a loss for the other. Try to find a winning position for both sides
📍Get a decision
Planning, strategy and tactics are useless without agreement. Set deadlines, discuss criteria to reach agreement.
📍 Master your body language
Successful negotiations are not just about words but also about non-verbal communication. Maintain a confident posture, establish eye contact, and avoid defensive gestures such as crossed arms. Your body language should align with your words, demonstrating openness and confidence.
📍 Be ready to adapt
Negotiations are a dynamic process where it is important to quickly adjust your strategy. If something doesn’t go as planned, stay flexible: try to find a compromise or steer the conversation in a different direction to achieve the desired outcome.
And, of course, key vocabulary that will help convey your thoughts clearly and convincingly.
In negotiations, the other side may have objections like “That’s too expensive,” “We need more time,” “I’m not sure about this”, etc. In such cases, use these phrases to turn the conversation into a constructive one:
- I understand your concern, however… (you acknowledge the objection but immediately explain your position);
- What if we could…? (you offer a compromise);
Could you help me understand what would make this more acceptable for you? (you involve your partner in finding a mutually beneficial solution).
Beginning negotiations
- I'm excited for the opportunity to work together.
- Before we begin, why don't we nail down the main points of the agenda?
- Before we begin, why don’t we define the main points of work? ⠀
✍️Making a proposal:
- How about doing the following?
- I think the best course of action is to ... ⠀
🙅♂️Rejecting a proposal:
- With all due respect, I must decline your offer.
- I'm afraid that's not a feasible option for me.
- I'm afraid this is not a profitable option for me.
Read also:
Strategies for successful exam preparation. IELTS
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