In today's Business English episode we’re talking about the art of negotiation.
Now, negotiating looks different in different cultures.
But, today we’re going to look at the first two steps
and language must-haves to negotiate within a British cultural context.
So, to start off with, you have to take step number 1:
Learn the gentle art of small talk.
Don’t get down to business straight away.
Morning, morning, so I’ll give you £200 for 10 garden gomes.
That approach is just going to frighten people,
and make everyone feel uncomfortable. Rather, you need to break the ice.
Hi, lovely day today isn’t it? I thought it was going to rain.
I know, we should conduct this meeting outside, although apparently it’s not
going to last. My app says it’s going to rain in 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
Or
Hi Hello, welcome! Before we start,
would you like a cup of tea and some cake? Yes please, oh my goodness, you’ve read my mind!
This cake is just amazing, did you, did you make it this morning?
Oh that’s very kind of you, no, no, no, it’s just Marks and Spencers, but they’re good aren’t they?
The best small talk is on topics that aren’t
controversial. Never talk about things that people feel too emotional about,
for example, politics, finances, whether you love or hate Marmite.
The best and most comfortable small talk is when you talk about everyday things.
Food, travel, the weather.
Once you’ve covered the appropriate subjects for small talk, you need to take step number two:
Open negotiations reluctantly. I’m sorry, you’re not there to negotiate, they're
not there to negotiate, who’s here to negotiate? You all are.
After 10 minutes of tea, cake, talking about whether you should bring your umbrella to work
tomorrow, you can shift into the, 'let’s get down to business' gear.
Do me a favour, take a pen and paper and write down these sentences.
'I suppose we’d better get started. Does anyone mind?'
'If no one objects, shall we take a look at the agenda?'
'Would anyone like more tea before we get cracking?'
Remember, you need to make it sound like you’re having such a good time
and the last thing you want to do is start negotiations.
Cue step number three:
Make your proposal.
But I won’t talk about it in this video.
If you want to read about the 6 language must-haves to negotiate in English,
read the blog linked to above. You’ll be selling gnomes in no time!
We have so much Business English language knowledge and skills that
we want to share with you so make sure you subscribe to this channel,
because a lot more videos are going to be coming your way very soon.
If you want to improve your business English language skills,
click on the link in the description and it will take you to the English Online website where you
can have a look at our courses that are designed to specifically help you with Business English.
To read the full blog, the link is also in the description. See you next time, bye!