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Lesson

B2EN

Business Negotiations in English: Deal, Compromise & Close

Master the language of business negotiations in English! From making offers to handling objections and closing deals — this lesson covers essential vocabulary, grammar and communication strategies for successful negotiations. Perfect for B2 learners in business contexts who want to negotiate confidently and professionally.

8 Activities
1

Negotiation Warm-Up

Talk Time

Shared
  1. Describe a time when you had to negotiate something in your personal or professional life. What was the outcome?
  2. What do you think are the three most important qualities of a successful negotiator?
  3. How does negotiation style differ between cultures? Give examples if you can.
  4. Is it ever acceptable to walk away from a negotiation? When and why?
  5. How do you prepare for an important negotiation? What research do you do?
  6. Describe the difference between a compromise and a concession. When would you use each?
2

Negotiation Vocabulary

Speed Match

Individual
  • Negotiation→A discussion aimed at reaching an agreement between two parties
  • Compromise→An agreement where both sides give up something to reach a solution
  • Concession→Something you agree to give up during a negotiation
  • Deadlock→A situation where no agreement can be reached and progress stops
  • Leverage→An advantage that gives you more power in a negotiation
  • Counteroffer→A response to an offer that proposes different terms
  • Bottom line→The minimum acceptable outcome you will accept in a negotiation
  • Win-win→An outcome that benefits both parties equally
  • Mediator→A neutral third party who helps two sides reach an agreement
  • Terms→The specific conditions of an agreement or contract
  • Stakeholder→A person or group with an interest in the outcome of a negotiation
  • Due diligence→Careful research and investigation before agreeing to a deal
  • Non-disclosure→An agreement to keep certain information confidential
  • Arbitration→A formal process for resolving disputes outside of court
  • Closing→The final stage of a negotiation when the deal is agreed and signed
3

Negotiation Phrases

Swipe Battle

Individual

  • "We would be willing to consider a discount if you increase your order volume."

    A conditional offer that creates a win-win opportunity

  • "Take it or leave it, that's our final offer."

    A flexible phrase that invites the other side to negotiate further

  • "I understand your position. Could we explore some middle ground?"

    A phrase that shows empathy and willingness to find a compromise

  • "Your price is completely unreasonable and frankly insulting."

    A professional way to express disagreement with an offer

  • "Perhaps we could look at a phased payment schedule that works for both sides."

    A creative solution that shows flexibility and problem-solving

  • "We absolutely cannot move on any of our terms whatsoever."

    A phrase that keeps the negotiation open and shows flexibility

  • "I appreciate your concerns. Let me see what flexibility we might have."

    A professional response that buys time and shows goodwill

  • "If you sign today, we can offer you our preferential rate."

    A phrase that creates urgency with a positive incentive

  • "That's simply not how we do business."

    A constructive phrase that explains your position clearly

  • "What would need to change for this deal to work for you?"

    A question that opens dialogue and shows genuine interest

  • "We're prepared to walk away if our terms aren't met."

    A phrase that should never be used as it damages the relationship

  • "I'm not authorised to discuss that."

    A strong phrase that demonstrates confidence and authority

4

Negotiation Grammar

Word Choice

Individual
  • If they reducingwill reducereducedreduce the price by 10%, we would be prepared to sign immediately.
  • Unless both parties will agreeagreeagreedagreeing to the revised terms, the contract cannot proceed.
  • We willwouldmustshould consider a longer contract if you could guarantee the delivery dates.
  • Had we knowknownknowingknew about the delay earlier, we could have found an alternative supplier.
  • If the deal fellfallsfallingfall through, we will need to find a new partner urgently.
  • Provided that the quality meetingmeetsmeetmet our standards, we are happy to proceed.
  • We should nevercould neverwill neverwould never have agreed to those terms if we had seen the full contract beforehand.
  • If I ambewaswere you, I would reconsider the payment schedule before making a final decision.
5

3 steps to getting what you want in a negotiation

Content Block

Individual
Watch video
6

Business Language

Correct the Mistake

Individual

  • We are writing in regards of your recent proposal and wish to discuss the terms.

    We are writing with regard to your recent proposal and wish to discuss the terms.

  • Both parties must agreed to the terms before the contract can be signed.

    Both parties must agree to the terms before the contract can be signed.

  • We would be appreciate if you could provide a revised quote by Friday.

    We would appreciate it if you could provide a revised quote by Friday.

  • The deal was eventual reached after three days of intensive negotiation.

    The deal was eventually reached after three days of intensive negotiation.

  • I am looking forward to meet with your team next week to discuss the proposal.

    I am looking forward to meeting with your team next week to discuss the proposal.

  • We regret to inform that we are unable to accept your current terms.

    We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept your current terms.

  • The contract will came into effect on the first day of the following month.

    The contract will come into effect on the first day of the following month.

  • Please revert back to us with your decision at your earliest convenience.

    Please revert to us with your decision at your earliest convenience.

7

Business Negotiations Debate

Speed Debate

Shared

Useful phrases

  1. I would argue that...
  2. The evidence suggests...
  3. From a business perspective...
  4. On the contrary...
  5. That depends entirely on...
  6. In my professional experience...
  7. One cannot overlook the fact that...
  8. The key issue here is...
  1. The best negotiators always aim for a win-win outcome.
  2. It is acceptable to use silence as a deliberate negotiation tactic.
  3. Price is always the most important factor in any business negotiation.
  4. Building a personal relationship before negotiating always leads to better outcomes.
  5. Walking away from a deal is sometimes the most powerful move you can make.
  6. Aggressive negotiation tactics are more effective than collaborative ones.
  7. Business negotiations should always be conducted face to face, never by email.
  8. It is ethical to withhold information during a negotiation if it gives you an advantage.
  9. The person who speaks first in a negotiation is always at a disadvantage.
  10. Cultural differences in negotiation style are more important than individual personality.
8

The Contract Crisis

Mission Briefing

Individual

Scenario

Your company is in final negotiations to sign a $10 million contract with a major international client. The signing ceremony is tomorrow morning. Tonight, each team member has received different critical information that could change everything. You have one hour to coordinate and agree on your negotiation strategy before the final meeting.

  • Lead Negotiator

    You received an email this afternoon from a trusted contact at the client company. They warned you that the client is also in advanced talks with your main competitor and may be using your proposal simply to drive down the competitor's price. The signing tomorrow may be a tactic, not a genuine commitment.

    Must use: You can only share intelligence and strategic observations. No financial decisions.

  • Finance Director

    Your analysis shows that if you offer any further discounts, the contract becomes unprofitable in year one. However, you have discovered that the client's company has serious cash flow problems and may not be able to pay on the agreed schedule. You have three payment terms options prepared.

    Must use: You must present options in numbers only. No recommendations — just figures.

  • Legal Counsel

    You noticed a clause in the contract that could allow the client to terminate with only 30 days notice and no penalty. This is extremely unusual and potentially very damaging. You also know that changing this clause may cause the client to walk away.

    Must use: You must cite the specific clause number before every statement. Use "Clause 7.3 states..."

  • Relationship Manager

    You have been working with this client for two years and have built a strong personal relationship with their CEO. You believe the deal is genuine and that your contact is wrong. You are worried that raising concerns now will damage trust permanently.

    Must use: You must begin every statement with "From a relationship perspective..."

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