This lesson deals with negotiation language and structure, a structure that generally follows this order: question, suggestion, counter suggestion, agreement, and confirmation. Example negotiation phrases and questions are given for each of the steps; these provide you with wording that you can incorporate in your own negotiations. Consult the “Additional Vocabulary” section at the end of the lesson for suggested phrases to use when an agreement can't be reached, or when you wish to defuse negativity.
Negotiations Often Follow This Common Structure
QUESTION → SUGGESTION → COUNTER SUGGESTION → AGREEMENT → CONFIRMATION
Asking questions helps you find a starting point for negotiations.
- What is the situation on…?
- What sort of… are you looking for?
- How important is...?
- What were you thinking of in terms of …?
- What did you have in mind regarding…?
- What are we looking at in the way of…?
Offer your suggestion to let the other side know where you stand.
Offer a counter suggestion if you don't like what the other side offered. Don't refuse their offer directly--show them that you are interested but you have an alternative offer.
Offer a counter suggestion if you don't like what the other side offered. Don't refuse their offer directly--show them that you are interested but you have an alternative offer.
Offer a counter suggestion if you don't like what the other side offered. Don't refuse their offer directly--show them that you are interested but you have an alternative offer.
If the people you are negotiating with do not agree to anything, you might want to move on to another topic for the time being.
More Practice
Once you have practiced this page, you may also want to try these related pages:
Business Phrases – Starters, Replies, Enders
Winning Vocabulary Quiz
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