Essential English Vocabulary for Negotiations
Negotiations in English can be very challenging for non-native speakers. Limited English vocabulary can pose a huge challenge and impede (= make less likely) success. Thus, today’s blog post will focus on Business English negotiation phrases that will help you succeed.
Let’s get started to boost your English for negotiations vocabulary to ensure future success:
Bottom line
Explanation: The most important factor
Example: “The bottom line is that we should increase revenue.”
To reach consensus
Explanation: To reach a general agreement on an issue as a group
Example: “At the end of an extremely long debate, they managed to reach consensus on the issue of parental leave.”
Alternative
Explanation: Another possibility
Example: “There are several alternatives to consider before we make our final decision.”
Grammar tip: This word is also often used as a transition word. It can also be used as part of a compound noun. Example: Alternatively, we should consider a different approach.
Counter proposal
Explanation: An alternative proposal made in response to a previous proposal that was unsatisfactory.
Example: “We came up with a counter proposal, but they said that their terms were not up for negotiation.”
Deadlock
Explanation: A situation with two opposing parties where no progress has been made; also called a stalemate.
Example: “Our negotiations have reached a deadlock. Now we will need to find a way to move forward (continue and break the deadlock).”
Another way of describing this situation is => our negotiations have come to a standstill.
Highball / Lowball
Explanation: This is a typical negotiation strategy. To highball describes a tactic where one starts off with a ridiculously high opening offer that they know they will never achieve. To lowball describes a tactic where one starts off with a ridiculously low opening offer.
Example: “My boss was lowballing when she offered me an extremely low raise.”
Hardball
Explanation: A hardball strategy is a tactic that focuses on gaining an intense competitive advantage over your competitors. We also have the expression: to play hardball (with someone). This means that someone is an extremely tough negotiator. The opposite of soft.
Example: “She knows how to play hardball during negotiations. Just be careful!”
Leverage
Explanation: Something that gives you power in a negotiation.
Example: “The company had a lot of leverage because they were the only job creator in town so during a meeting with city officials they could use that leverage to make city officials agree to a tax cut.”
I hope you have enjoyed this blog post covering Business English negotiation basics, and you have found it helpful.
Send me an email if you want to learn more and take your English to the next level at office@lingualinkdc.net. I am always ready to help you succeed.