How to negotiate in English?
With these tips you'll get the deal.
Since English is the international language of business, it is quite likely that you will need to be able to negotiate in that language. Is English not your mother tongue? Then it may be useful to give your negotiation skills an extra boost so that you can win your next deal in English too.
With these tips, you will definitely be well prepared for your next negotiation in English!
1. Take time to build a relationship
Building a relationship with your customers is important if you want to do business with them. A good relationship can increase your chances of success in negotiations.
So take the time to communicate with your customers and get to know them better.
Don't start your negotiations right away, but start with an informal conversation first (e.g. ask your client how they are doing, or about their journey, or if you know them a bit about their family).
Do you find small talk difficult? Then think about what you can ask in advance!
2. Prepare your arguments
Naturally, you never go to a negotiation unprepared. You probably know your case through and through. But if you have to negotiate in English and not in your mother tongue, it is very important to anticipate possible questions or points of discussion.
Write down in advance certain words or phrases that you might need during your negotiation. By writing these words down, there is a good chance that you will remember them during the negotiation, and if you do not come up with the right word int the moment, you will always have your cheat sheet.
These standard phrases can help you on your way in your business negotiations in English.
3. Keep your goals in mind
In a business negotiation, it's important to keep your goals in mind. How you achieve them is not always the priority, but rather, the fact that you achieve them is what counts.
Do you see the possibility for compromise or that both parties want to achieve the same goal? Then steer the discussion towards the ways in which you want to achieve that common goal.
Be open to suggestions, listen to the other party, and look for a happy medium in order to achieve your goal.
4. Stay calm
Not all negotiations proceed smoothly. Whatever happens, stay calm as stress can cause you to lose focus and struggle to express yourself when speaking.
Feeling nervous? Then it is important to take a deep breath, think and then continue calmly.
5. Believe in yourself
Would you want to work with someone if they did not believe in themselves? Well, no!
Believe in yourself. Do not get discouraged because a negotiation takes place in English and you may feel a little insecure. Your business skills are not diminished because you now have to speak in English. Stay calm and believe that you can do it!
Do you need help for your negotiations in English?
Are your language skills too much of a barrier to feel confident while negotiating in English? Then you can book one of our language coaches. Together with your coach you will prepare your negotiation, broaden your vocabulary, practise standard phrases until you can negotiate in English with full confidence.
Create your account on Squidll, find a business language coach who fits your needs and start today on Squidll!
Do you want more tips on boosting your business English? Find out all our tips on our blog.