Below are the stages of a negotiation and some expressions, which you may
find useful at each stage.
Conversation (1)
I’m sure/confident we can reach agreement, (optimistic)
I'm sure there's room for negotiation.
We have a lot to discuss.
Let’s see how we get on. (cautious)
Presenting your position (2)
This is our position.
This is how we see it. We think the following is reasonable/appropriate.
Our approach is this.
Questioning the other’s position (3)
Why do you want ... ?
Refusing to accept (4)
I’m sorry, I can’t accept 2%. You’ll have to do better than that, I’m afraid.
I’m afraid it’s not enough.
Other firms offer more than 2%.
Refusing to move (5)
We’ve done our best for you.
We have to maintain a policy.
I have my instructions.
Suggesting a compromise (6)
May I make a suggestion?
If you ... then we may be able to ...
We may be able to ... but only if you ...
Unless you ... there is no question of our being able to .
Reaching agreement (7)
Let’s just go through the terms. Let’s summarize the conditions. |