English Lesson (Speaking and Listening): "Negotiations" (B2 Level)

Vocabulary

a)  crucial – important. Example: “Health is crucial in life.”

b)  involve – to have or include (someone or something) as a part of something. Example: "Negotiations involve listening."

 

c)  common ground – a basis of mutual interest or agreement. Example: “Demonstrators and government need to find common ground.”

Q: What is usually the common ground between your client and you? –

 

d)  win-win agreements – agreements in which everyone wins.  

e)  key aspect – important part

 

f)   parties –  people who are involved in a legal case, contract, or negotiation. Example: "The two parties cannot agree."

 

g)  concerns – a feeling of worry usually shared by many people or something that causes people to worry. Examples: “They have expressed concern about the economy.” “The environment is an immediate concern.” 

 

h)  essential – necessary

i)   vital – important

j)   skilled – having a skill/skills

 

k)  give-and-take – means both sides give and get something in return. It's about compromising and cooperating to understand each other in relationships or interactions. Example: “During group projects, there's give-and-take as we all contribute ideas and help each other out to finish the work.”

 

l)     flexible –  willing to change or to try different things. Example: “We don’t have to follow the plan. We can be flexible.”

 

m)  willing – not refusing to do something. Example: “I am willing to work on Saturday.”

 

n)    adjust – to change (something) in a minor way so that it works better. Example: “I can adjust to your schedule.”

 

o)  lead to – means to cause something to happen or result in a particular way. Example: “Forgetting to set the alarm clock can lead to oversleeping and being late for school.”

 

p)  favorable outcomes – good results. 

 

Guide Questions

1. What did the speaker say about negotiations? What does it involve?

2. What are the essential skills in negotiating?

3. What can result in favorable outcomes? 

 

Transcript

Negotiating effectively in business is crucial for success. Negotiations involve finding common ground, reaching win-win agreements, and maintaining healthy long-term relationships. As a manager, one key aspect is understanding the needs and goals of both parties. This means actively listening to your client or supplier to understand their concerns and objectives.

 

Another essential skill is setting clear and realistic expectations. Being transparent about what you can offer is vital. Honesty builds trust, which is the foundation of productive negotiations. Moreover, managers must be skilled at making compromises. Negotiation often involves give-and-take, so being flexible and willing to adjust terms can lead to favorable outcomes. (104 words)

Questions and Answers

GENERAL EXPERIENCES AND OPINIONS

1. Have you ever been involved in a negotiation, either in your personal life or at work? If so, can you share the experience?

2. Do you think negotiations are more challenging in a professional setting or personal relationships? Why?  

3. Do you prefer face-to-face negotiations or negotiating through written communication (emails, messages)? Why?

4. Have you negotiated with a competitor? If so, what is the best approach?

Answer: We approach negotiations with competitors cautiously, focusing on areas of potential collaboration or mutual benefit.

5. Can you share tips for maintaining professionalism during tough negotiations?

Answer: Stay calm, avoid personal attacks, and focus on the issues at hand.

6. What's your approach to negotiations with potential investors or stakeholders?

Answer: We emphasize our growth potential and align their interests with ours to secure investments.

7. How do you ensure confidentiality during sensitive negotiations?

Answer: We sign non-disclosure agreements and limit the number of individuals with access to sensitive information.

8. What's the timeline for concluding negotiations for a typical project?

Answer: Negotiation timelines vary, but we aim to conclude negotiations within 2-3 weeks for standard projects.

SKILLS AND STRATEGIES
9. What do you think are some essential skills for successful negotiations?

10. Can you give examples of non-verbal communication cues that are important in negotiations?

11. How do you (or your team) prepare for a negotiation meeting? 

Answer: We prepare by researching the other party's needs, setting clear goals, and practicing our negotiation strategy.

12. What should you do if a negotiation is not progressing as expected?

Answer: We pause, reassess our strategy, and consider involving a mediator if necessary.

13. What is your strategy for negotiating long-term partnerships?

Answer: Our strategy involves building trust, focusing on win-win solutions, and considering the long-term benefits.

14. What's your strategy for renegotiating contracts with existing clients?

Answer: Our strategy is to focus on value-added services and mutually beneficial terms to strengthen client relationships.

15. What is your strategy for renegotiating pricing with existing clients?

Answer: Our strategy involves demonstrating the value of our services and offering incentives for longer-term commitments.

16. How do you negotiate with clients who have tight budgets?

Answer: We explore cost-saving options, offer flexible payment plans, and emphasize the value we provide.

17. What's your strategy for negotiating during economic downturns?

Answer: During downturns, we focus on cost efficiency, providing value, and preserving long-term relationships.

18. How do you evaluate the success of a negotiation?

Answer: We evaluate success based on whether the negotiated agreement aligns with our goals and is mutually beneficial.

TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES
19. What are some tactics that people might use during negotiations?

20. Are there any tactics you find particularly effective or ineffective?

21. Are there negotiation training opportunities for your team members? If so, what are they?

Answer: Yes, we offer negotiation training sessions to improve our team's negotiation skills.

22. What's our approach to negotiating contracts with payment terms?

Answer: Our approach is to negotiate fair and mutually acceptable payment terms, considering cash flow and client needs.

23. How do you negotiate with vendors for better payment terms?

Answer: We negotiate for extended payment terms, early payment discounts, or installment options to improve cash flow.

CONFLICT AND POWER DYNAMICS
24. How do you handle conflicts that arise during a negotiation process?

25. How do power dynamics affect negotiations?

26. Have you ever negotiated with another person (a customer, a friend, a company) that has more power than you (or your company?) If so, how did you handle it?

27. What are the ways to balance power during a negotiation?

28. How do you handle negotiations with suppliers during supply chain disruptions?

Answer: We engage in transparent communication, explore alternative suppliers, and negotiate for flexibility during disruptions.

29. How do you negotiate with government agencies or regulatory bodies?

30. How do you handle negotiations with union representatives?

Answer: We negotiate with union representatives in accordance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. [END.]