7 Key Phrases for Negotiating Better Terms

Welcome to Business Fluency - a newsletter designed to enhance your understanding of essential business terms and concepts and provide you with practical strategies to boost your business and career prospects.

In today’s newsletter:

• 7 Key Phrases for Negotiating Better Terms

• Quote of the day: Nelson Mandela

• What I’m Reading: Harvard Business School

• Word of the day: Negotiation

• Quiz: Negotiation

• Whenever you are ready, here is how I can help you

7 Key Phrases for Negotiating Better Terms

The Power of Words in Negotiation

Last week, we explored how effective communication creates measurable business value. This week, let's focus on negotiation—how the right phrases can help secure better terms while preserving strong business relationships.

Successful negotiation isn't just about getting what you want; it's about finding solutions that work for both parties. Using professional and diplomatic language allows you to advocate for your interests without damaging long-term partnerships.

This was particularly true in my motorsport business. Because the motorsport sector is reasonably small and most people know each other, when I was buying or selling cars I was conscious of the fact that I needed to build long-term relationships. As it turned out, many of my customers bought several cars from me and sold several cars to me over a number of years.

7 Key Phrases to Strengthen Your Negotiation Skills

1. "I understand your position, and here’s what I propose…"
Acknowledging the other party’s viewpoint before presenting your own helps build rapport and fosters a collaborative atmosphere.

2. "Is there any flexibility on this?"
This phrase signals that you’re open to discussion without being confrontational. It invites the other party to consider alternative terms.

3. "If we can agree on X, we’d be happy to move forward."
Framing a request as a pathway to an agreement creates a sense of progress and keeps negotiations constructive.

4. "What would it take to make this work for both of us?"
This question encourages a problem-solving mindset, helping both parties focus on mutually beneficial outcomes.

5. "Let’s look at the bigger picture."
Reminding the other party of long-term benefits can shift the conversation from short-term obstacles to long-term value.

6. "We’re committed to working with you—let’s find a solution together."
Emphasising commitment reassures the other party that you value the relationship, making them more likely to negotiate in good faith.

7. "Can we explore an alternative that meets both our needs?"
This phrase keeps the conversation open-ended, encouraging flexibility and creativity in problem-solving.

Why This Matters

Research from the Harvard Program on Negotiation suggests that maintaining a cooperative tone in business discussions leads to higher-value agreements and stronger professional relationships. A win-win mindset often translates into:

• Higher client retention

• Increased referrals

• Improved long-term profitability

Practical Exercise

This week, when negotiating terms with a client, supplier, or colleague, try incorporating at least one of these phrases. Observe how it influences the discussion and whether it leads to a more positive outcome.

By refining your communication style, you’ll not only secure better deals but also strengthen the professional relationships that drive long-term success.

Next week, we'll discuss strategies for handling objections while maintaining goodwill.

Quote of the Day: Nelson Mandela

I am a big rugby fan, and when I think of negotiation, the film Invictus always comes to mind. It tells the true story of how Nelson Mandela used dialogue, understanding, and negotiation to bring a racially divided nation together. The film shows how Mandela’s belief in the power of negotiation, rather than force, was key to overcoming the deep divisions in South Africa. He truly understood the importance of discussion and compromise in achieving lasting peace.

Nelson Mandela himself once said:

This quote sums up the spirit of Invictus and serves as a reminder of the transformative power of negotiation in overcoming even the most difficult challenges.

What I’m Reading: Harvard Business School

As part of my research for this newsletter, I came across this article:

Does your company offer negotiation training?

Word of the day: Negotiation

Negotiation - noun - countable or uncountable - the process of discussing something with someone in order to reach an agreement with them, or the discussions themselves

As you can see in the above example, ‘negotiation’ is countable. However, it can also be uncountable:

We cannot say ‘under negotiations’.

However, we can say ‘in negotiation’ or ‘in negotiations’ (countable or uncountable).

Business Context: In business, negotiation is a crucial skill for securing favourable terms, building partnerships, and maximising value in deals. Effective negotiation balances assertiveness with relationship management.

Word Family:

• Verb: to negotiate

• Noun: negotiation, negotiator (person)

• Adjective: negotiable, negotiated

• Past tense: negotiated

Common Business Collocations:

• price negotiation

• under negotiation

• contract negotiation

• negotiation skills

• negotiating power

• negotiation strategy

• to negotiate terms

Quiz: Negotiation

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Disclaimer:

This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The information contained herein is generic and does not take into account your individual financial circumstances. You should always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions.

Additionally, the authors and/or publishers of this newsletter may hold investments in securities or other financial instruments mentioned herein. These are included for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell such securities or financial instruments.