Negotiation English
Negotiation is not about arguing — it’s about finding a win-win solution where both sides benefit. In business, your language must sound confident, polite, and professional to maintain relationships and reach agreements smoothly.
🟢 1️⃣ Key Principles of Good Negotiation
✅ Be Polite and Respectful – even when disagreeing.
✅ Focus on solutions, not problems.
✅ Use softening language – it helps you sound more diplomatic.
✅ Listen actively before responding.
🟢 2️⃣ Useful Phrases for Negotiations
Starting the Discussion
“Let’s discuss the details of our agreement.”
“We’d like to explore possible options.”
“Could we review the terms together?”
Making an Offer
“We can offer a 10% discount if you order in bulk.”
“Our proposal includes free delivery for the first month.”
Showing Flexibility
“We’re open to adjusting the price depending on volume.”
“There’s some room for negotiation on the delivery schedule.”
Rejecting or Disagreeing Politely
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible at this stage.”
“That might be difficult, but let’s see what we can do.”
“We appreciate your offer, but the terms don’t fit our current goals.”
Making a Counteroffer
“What if we agreed to a smaller quantity at the current price?”
“Could we consider a six-month contract instead of one year?”
Closing the Deal
“I believe we have reached a fair agreement.”
“It’s been a pleasure working this out with you.”
“Let’s confirm the final terms in writing.”
🟢 3️⃣ Example Negotiation Dialogue
Client: We’re interested in your product, but the price seems high.
Entrepreneur: I understand your concern. Our pricing reflects the quality and full-service support we offer.
Client: Could you offer a discount?
Entrepreneur: If you place an order of over 200 units, we can provide a 10% discount.
Client: That sounds reasonable. Let’s proceed.
Entrepreneur: Wonderful. I’ll send you the revised quotation today.
🟢 4️⃣ Practice Exercise
Task:
You’re negotiating a service contract. Your client asks for a 20% discount, but you can only offer 10%.
Write a short, polite response that keeps the deal positive.
(Example: “I completely understand your request. While we can’t offer a 20% discount, we’d be happy to provide a 10% reduction and flexible payment terms.”)
