“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” -U.S. President John F. Kennedy

In business, it is important to negotiate so that both sides are happy with their agreement. This can be difficult to do in your native language, so it is of course also difficult in English. Use this language of negotiation for English learners and you will be comfortable negotiating deals in your profession.

Language of Negotiation for English Learners

Language of agreement

I completely/totally/wholeheartedly agree.

That’s a fair point/suggestion.

You have a good point.

I think we can both agree that . . .

I see no problem with . . .

I see where you are coming from.

 

Language of disagreement

I’m not sure if I completely agree with you.

I understand where you’re coming from. However,…

I’m prepared to compromise, but…

The way I look at it…

The way I see things…

If you look at it from my point of view…

That’s not exactly how I look at it.

From my perspective…

I’d have to disagree with you there.

I’m afraid that doesn’t work for me.

Language of persuasion

Why don’t you meet me halfway.

I’m confident we can come to an understanding.

Surely there is a solution that we will both be happy with.

I’m convinced this is the best option for both of us/both parties.

Converse International School of Languages provides Business English classes of no more than 8 students and Premier Classes of no more than 4 students for business professionals. Contact CISL to learn more about our Premier Classes, including our Executive English in San Diego and Global Success in San Francisco.