10 Words and Phrases to Include During Negotiations

10 Words and Phrases to Include During Negotiations

You have probably put some thought into which words and phrases to avoid using in negotiations so you don’t sabotage the deal, but have you ever thought about what you should say to help seal the deal?  Not every deal will be smooth and easy to close, but knowing what to say can help move things along.  Here are a few words and phrases you should consider if you want to succeed in your next negotiation.

“Before we begin, let’s take a look at the main points on the agenda.”

The way you begin the conversation is so important because it sets the tone for the entire negotiation.  The agenda is a great place to start because it consists of all the important points that need to be addressed during the discussion.  Beginning with a phrase like this is both polite and efficient and it lets the other party know that you want to cover all of their questions and concerns.

“How do you feel about…?”

Listening is sometimes more important than speaking in a negotiation.  You want the other party to know that are interested in what they have to say and you are genuinely concerned about their needs.  Your counterpart will appreciate your willingness to listen and hear them out.

“We recommend that…”

There are inevitable going to be times during the negotiation where both parties don’t see eye to eye but someone has to be able to come up with a solution.  It is important to propose a solution in a way that encourages the other party to consider your perspective. This will make for a more effective discussion.

“I am basing my recommendation on this…”

Just as important as it is to offer solutions, it is equally important to be able to back them up.  Be prepared to explain why your solution makes sense and explain how it will benefit the other party.

“I agree with your suggestion.”

Negotiation is about building a trusting relationship with your counterpart and these words help to validate their opinion.  Rather than always disagreeing and turning the discussion into an argument, find points that you do agree with and make sure to express that.

“Let’s consider this alternative”

Whenever your negotiation reaches a deadlock or your counterpart makes a proposal that you simply cannot agree to, your best bet is to propel the conversation forward by offering another alternative.  In a sense you are still able to avoid conceding on the issue, but you are doing so by offering another plausible solution.

“I have some reservations about that.”

Disagreeing in a negotiation is one of the most difficult things to do because the way you do it can impact the entire negotiation.  You don’t want to offend your counterpart with a staunch “no” but you do need to make it clear that you are not on the same page. You can politely disagree with a phrase like this and let this phrase lead into your concerns.  

“We might be able to work on…if you could…”

Negotiation is all about compromise and there are plenty of times when you will have to be willing to meet your counterpart halfway.  This is a great way to explain that you are willing to make some concessions in exchange for others.

“Let me make sure I understand.”

If your counterpart is being vague about something, it is important that you have full clarity so you can make the best decision.  Likewise, it’s always a good idea to repeat back to them what you have heard to let them know that you are listening. You want to avoid letting the discussion head in the wrong direction.

“Let’s sum this up to make sure we are on the same page.”

Before the negotiation is over it is always a good idea to recap everything that has been discussed. This ensures that both parties are clear about the agreement and eliminates any gray area that might otherwise be present.