Negotiations with business partners determine the financial future of a business. When establishing relationships with partners, it is important to understand what can have a negative impact on negotiations. When dealing with English-speaking colleagues, people who are not fluent in spoken English should approach upcoming negotiations with double the responsibility.
5 taboo phrases to avoid during negotiations
In addition to the purely semantic component, namely the ideas and goals with which you enter into negotiations, the manner of communication and the phrases you use are also important. There are words and phrases that sound repulsive and inappropriate to English-speaking interlocutors. We have selected the top 5 phrases that can create a negative impression and cast doubt on your professional plans. Let’s take a look at what you can replace them with:
1. I guess, Maybe, We are trying (I think, We are trying)
Few people would want to build business relationships with someone who doubts their words and just “tries” instead of taking action. Avoid expressions like “I think” and “We are trying.” Always speak about what you are confident in and understand.
What to replace them with?
❌
✅
Maybe we could
Something we could do is…/I would suggest doing it this way…
We are trying to fix the problem as quickly as we can.
Our specialists are aware of the problem and we are doing our best to fix it ASAP.
I guess we will need to allocate more resources for this project in maybe a month or so.
We might need to allocate more resources in a month, I’ll make the estimate with the team and come back to you by Wednesday.
I try to provide the best plan for my clients.
I analyze all the data and provide my clients with the best plan.
2. I don’t know, I have no clue, I have no idea
No one is immune to questions that we don’t have answers to. And no matter how well prepared you are for negotiations, it’s difficult to foresee every detail. However, don’t use the blunt phrase “I don’t know” to avoid appearing unprofessional.
What to say instead?
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❌ |
✅ |
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I don’t know |
1) It requires more research from my side. 2) I’ll need to do more research on this. 3) I’ll be ready to provide a more accurate estimation after talking to the team. |
3. I’ll be honest, Trust me
At first glance, these phrases seem completely harmless and could serve as introductory words. However, you need to be careful with them. When you hear “to be honest” and “trust me” from your conversation partner, you subconsciously think that they are trying to manipulate you.
What to replace them with?
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❌ |
✅ |
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I’ll be honest, I hesitate, if we cope with this within 2 months. |
I do hesitate, if we cope with this within 2 months. |
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Trust me/Believe me, this is the most appropriate variant. |
Right now this is the most appropriate variant. |
4. If you don’t work with us…
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❌ |
✅ |
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If you don’t work with us, you will lose time looking for a better partner. |
1) Due to our cooperation we may start the project already next week. 2) We guarantee your profit will increase more than 30%. 3) Being our partner you are not obliged to refuse from your main occupation. |
5. That’s our final offer (This is our final offer)
Negotiations by their nature are a process in which partners exchange ideas, visions of further cooperation, and come to an agreement on mutually beneficial terms. Saying “this is our final offer” at an early stage deprives both you and your partner of the chance to find a compromise solution. Such a radical phrasing may discourage the partner from considering any type of cooperation.
What to replace it with?
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❌ |
✅ |
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That’s our final offer. |
1) Which conditions are not acceptable for you? |
Besides the examples above, there are factors that can also negatively affect negotiations. First of all, these are:
- Inability to conduct small talk;
- Unwillingness to invest in relationship development;
- One-word answers (yes/no);
- Appearance;
- Weak level of spoken English.
Previously, we already wrote about the importance of small talk in work relationships. For business negotiations, this rule remains relevant. Before diving directly into the core of the conversation, exchange a few phrases with your interlocutor about the weather or traffic. This way, you start the negotiations in a more relaxed atmosphere. And remember, for the cooperation to become long-term, don’t forget to also develop your communication skills.
Before signing a contract, the parties must discuss all the details. By giving one-word answers, you force the interlocutor to extract all the necessary information by themselves, thereby demonstrating your indifference to the process. For example:
– Do you consider these deadlines the most realistic? (Вы считаете данные сроки наиболее реалистичными?) – Yes. (Да)
In this situation, you can immediately explain why the deadlines are realistic, how you arrived at this conclusion, and what experience you already have. Most likely, all clarifying questions will follow later. However, by providing comprehensive information, you demonstrate your professionalism and interest in cooperation.
If the conversation is online, appearance may not play a significant role, but in a face-to-face meeting, you should take care of it in advance, because we often “judge by appearance.” And even if a suit and tie or a black-and-white palette are not mandatory dress codes, a presentable and neat appearance is still considered an unwritten rule of business negotiations.
A low level of English is a factor that can hinder the success of any negotiations. After all, you and your interlocutor must at least understand the essence of the conversation. At StopFail, we raise English from scratch or help advanced learners reach any language goal. Come to a free trial conversation session to improve your self-presentation in English in just 40 minutes.
What can improve negotiations?
The recipe for successful negotiations is, of course, unique for everyone. Having understood what can jeopardize upcoming negotiations, it is worth also thinking about the tools that will enhance your communication skills.
1. Prepare thoroughly
Preparation for negotiations can be arguably the key stage. Clearly formulate the points to be discussed and think through answers to possible questions from your partner. Start negotiations with aspects where you are most likely to reach agreement immediately, and then smoothly move to the more debatable points.
2. Focus on your responsibilities, proposals, advantages
During negotiations, people often focus on what they expect from the partner, and of course, this should not be forgotten. However, it is better to start with what you offer, how valuable your contribution is, and which obligations you are ready to take on.
3. Keep in mind human qualities
Remember that first and foremost, you are dealing with a human being just like yourself. Show tolerance, follow the rules of good manners, and demonstrate understanding of what you hear. An appropriate joke can sometimes help ease tension between interlocutors and allow negotiations to continue in a pleasant atmosphere for both parties.
