Exercise
Tap all the highlighted words in the transcript below to see their definition. ⇩I have always been one for trying to negotiate the best deal as I drive a hard bargain I drive a hard bargain, but in recent years, I’ve learnt that compromise is always better in life to allow both parties to be content. Strong negotiation skills in English have allowed me to do this.
“Enter into talks with an open mind ready to consider any possible conditions that the person you’re negotiating with may ask of you.”
Attitude is everything
Going into negotiations with a closed frame of mind is a no go. It’s imperative to enter into talks with an open mind ready to consider any possible conditions that the person you’re negotiating with may ask of you. To ensure that both parties agree on what they hope to gain from the session, these phrases will be of use:
- Our goal today is to find a solution that suits both parties.
- I am sure that today will end in a good deal for both of us.
Be inquisitive and attentive…always
To really reach an agreement with someone and negotiate successfully, we fully have to understand what the other party involved in negotiations wants out of them. I’ve gone into negotiations before having not fully understood this, and they didn’t go well. Use the following phrases to understand the other party’s objectives:
- What are we hoping to achieve today?
- Could you be more specific?
- Do you have a suggestion?
- What are you proposing?
- How much are you willing to compromise?
“No negotiations will work if parties are not willing to compromise and reach a form of agreement.”
Reaching a compromise that suits both parties
As I’ve stated, no negotiations will work if parties are not willing to compromise and reach a form of agreement. Whether this is accepting a part of their deal that you do not like or even forfeiting part of what you asked for to ensure the main part of the deal is pushed through. Just keep the main objectives in mind. The following phrases will help you close the deal:
- We are ready to accept your offer, on one condition…
- If you would agree to …, we could reciprocate with/by …
- On the condition that you …, we could be persuaded to consider…
The next time you negotiate in English, do it confidently without any doubt that you’re going to get a deal that suits you.
Negotiate your next Deal Reading Comprehension
Go back to unit 6 to complete all 3 microlessons.
Great! But what does forfeiting means?
Hi Juan, forfeiting in this context means to make concessions, to compromise or give something up to progress in a negotiation.
I think the forfeiting is the most difficult part of negotiation.
Thanks George, this is a good article.
This is a useful article. Congratulation for that George. I like it. 👍👏🖐️