Surviving in a second Language: The Negotiation

We negotiate throughout our lives. Negotiations range from the everyday discussion with the boss for a day off, to the intense business meeting trying to get the best price for a product. It is especially difficult to manage such delicate situations in a second language where the choice of words or the tone of voice can easily lead to a misunderstanding.

The Goal of the Negotiation

The objective of most negotiations is to find a solution that is acceptable to both parties and leaves both parties feeling that they have won. Here are some tips and useful expressions that can help you achieve this objective.

Making statements into Negative Questions

Statements sound more tentative and negotiable if they are grammatically negative and pronounced with a rising intonation.

• Wouldn’t that be too late? (Instead of that would be too late)
• Wouldn’t Friday be more convenient? (Instead of Friday would be more convenient)
• Shouldn’t we increase the offer? (Instead of we should increase the offer)

Using Quantifiers

The more general and direct a statement, the more likely it is to result in a disagreement. General statements can be made less direct by adding a quantifier.

• We need slight changes before we can accept the proposal.
• We need a little more time.
• I have some reservations about your proposal.

The use of not with a Positive Idea.

This approach is less direct and again reduces the likelihood of conflict.

• That is not really convenient. (Instead of that is inconvenient)
• I’m not very happy with that plan (Instead of I’m unhappy with the plan)
• This year’s figures aren’t very good. (Instead of this year’s figures are bad)

Putting forward an alternative Diplomatically

• I support your proposal but I have certain reservations…..
• I agree with most of what you say you but don’t you think that…..
• I think there is a possibility that …..but …..
• My initial reaction was favorable but…..