English for Negotiations (2)

This course helps you develop the English skills, strategies, and cultural awareness needed for professional negotiations. You will practice the full process step by step—from preparation, to making proposals, to reaching agreement—using practical language that you can apply in real business situations.

By the end of the course, you will be able to express your position more persuasively, respond effectively under pressure, and achieve better results in your negotiations.

Number  of Classes

Approximately 25 to 30 Classes

Teacher: James

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

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Introduction (1 class)

Unit 1: Preparation and Setting Objectives

Preparation is one of the most important stages in negotiation. In this part, you will:

1) Learn how to set clear and realistic objectives for your negotiation.
2) Practice prioritizing your goals—deciding which points are most important and where you can be flexible.
3) Study how to create and adapt an agenda to keep the negotiation organized.
4) Learn polite and professional expressions for getting to know the other side, which builds trust and cooperation before serious discussions begin.

Unit 2: The Meeting

Negotiations usually begin with a formal meeting. In this part, you will:

1) Practice the language of arranging and confirming meetings, including invitations and cover emails.
2) Learn how to deal with last-minute changes to the agenda professionally.
3) Express meeting goals clearly so both sides know what to expect.
4) Explore the best approaches to starting discussions, such as showing openness, friendliness, and professionalism.

Unit 3: Proposals and Counter-proposals

This is the “heart” of negotiation, where offers are exchanged. In this part, you will:

1) Practice making a proposal clearly and persuasively.
2) Learn how to respond politely to proposals—whether you agree, disagree, or need clarification.
3) Develop strategies for offering counterproposals and new offers without damaging relationships.
4) Explore the language of clarifying positions and introducing new ideas to move the negotiation forward.
5) Understand different types of negotiation styles, from competitive to cooperative.

Unit 4: Resolving Differences

Disagreement is natural in negotiation, but the key is handling it well. In this part, you will:

1) Learn useful expressions for dealing with conflict in a respectful, professional way.
2) Practice expressing disagreement without causing offense.
3) Explore techniques for suggesting solutions and finding common ground.
4) Build confidence in making and obtaining concessions, which helps reach a fair agreement.

Unit 5: Agreement and Closing

The final stage is reaching an agreement and making sure both sides understand the next steps. In this part, you will:

1) Practice finalizing agreements with clear language that leaves no room for confusion.
2) Learn how to summarize progress made and confirm shared understanding.
3) Use English for setting deadlines and action plans so both sides know exacty what to do next.
4) Develop the ability to convey commitment and trust, which strengthens long-term business relationships.
5) Study how to close negotiations professionally with a positive tone.

Skills and Language Covered Throughout the Course

Across all five parts, you will also practice:

Asking for and giving information clearly.
Expressing possibilities and impossibilities (what can or cannot be done).
Linking offers to conditions (“We can do X if you agree to Y”).
Expressing opinions, agreement, and disagreement.
Meeting and greeting politely, making a strong professional impression.
Arranging and amending meetings by email, including cover letters and confirmations.
Summarizing outcomes to make sure everyone leaves with the same understanding

Useful English Phrases for Negotiating

1. Stating Position and Needs

This is because…
The reason for…is…
We must have… / We need… / We require…
Our main concern is…
It is vital/crucial that…
Our intention is…

2. Making Proposals and Suggestions

We propose / suggest…
How about…?
Would it be possible…?
Would you consider…?
Could the problem be solved by…?
Can you offer any alternatives?

3. Expressing Flexibility and Compromise

I am willing to accept…if…
We can trade this against…
We can compromise on…
It would be an alternative to…

4. Asking for Clarification and Understanding

Do you mean…?
Does that mean…?
Could you clarify that, please?
Could you explain that more fully?
Why is that so important to you?
How do you think we can achieve this goal?

5. Expressing Agreement

I know exactly what you mean.
That seems reasonable.
We can agree with you there.
That is also our point of view.
It’s a deal!

6. Expressing Disagreement or Caution

It is impossible to…
That is out of the question.
I see it a little differently.
That may be right, but…
I’m afraid we couldn’t agree to that.

7. Expressing Commitment and Certainty

I am confident that…
We are committed to finding a solution.
We guarantee you that…
We can assure you that…
We will do our best to…

8. Expressing Uncertainty and Possibility

It is possible that…
There is a possibility that…
It may be… / It could well be that…
That would depend on…

9. Slowing Down and Clarifying

Let me just make sure I understand…
Let’s go back and review the situation.
Let me explain our position.

10. Summarizing and Closing

To summarize…
So far we have established…
This is where we stand.
Shall we put this into a written proposal?
Thank you for a fruitful discussion.

11. Expressing Deadlines and Next Steps

We should come to a decision by…
You will be hearing from us by…
We would be grateful if you could implement this by…

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