How to Negotiate in English

Now we are going to learn about how to negotiate in English. This is a topic which is commonly used in business.

State your Position or Request

First you have to state your position in a clear and concise way.

For example:

• I would like the company to give us additional days off on December
• I would like the company to pay for our lunch
• I would like the company to give us days off so we can continue the university

• We want the company to pay the school bonus by the end of January
• We want the company to fix the air conditioning
• We want the company to rent a parking lot for the employees

Reject a Request

Second you can deny the request and provide reasons for that.

There are many expression we can use to reject a request

• I’m afraid that’s out of the question.
• I afraid we can not accept that.
• I’m afraid that we can not accept your offer

For example

• We want the company to rent a parking lot for the employees
• I don’t think it is possible, we don’t have a budget for that

• I would like the company to pay for our lunch
• I am sorry but that’s a benefit we don’t offer here

• We want the company to pay the school bonus by the end of December
• I don’ think that’s possible, Human Resources won’t approve it

• I would like the company to give us days off so we can continue the university
• I would like the company to give us days off so we can continue the university

Accept the Request or Point

Now we are going to check some expressions which can help us accept the request or point.

• We want the company to fix the air conditioning
• I agree, we are doing our best effort to fix the problem

• I would like the company to give us additional days off in December
• I think that you can have a few more days off around Christmas day

• I would like the company to give us days off so we can continue the university
• I think that’s a great idea, let me talk to human resources.

• I would like to have two days to go to the university
• I agree with your suggestion.

• I think we should hire university students
• I think your proposal is acceptable.

Expressions for Clarification

These are some common expressions for clarification

•  Let me see if I got your point.
• I’m not sure I understood your position.
• What do you mean by that?
• If I understand you correctly
• Please correct me if I’m wrong
• As I understand it, you’re saying that

Negotiation in English

This is an example of a negotiation with more than one exchange.