"Never Say No": Ury's Case for Yes
Grammar: Hedging and reframing under pressure
A Business English English lesson exploring business.
What's in this lesson
A Business English ESL lesson on business, practising hedging and reframing under pressure. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.
From the reading: "Never Say No": Ury's Case for Yes
"The opposite of fighting isn't giving in — it's finding a third way." William Ury has repeated some version of that line for four decades, since he co-founded Harvard's Program on Negotiation with Roger Fisher in 1979. He has sat across the table from striking coal miners, Venezuelan officials, and warring family members. His first rule, he says, is almost childishly simple: "Never say no. Say 'what if' instead."
Vocabulary
- common ground
- framing effect
- stalemate
- win-win
- constructive feedback
- de-escalate
- diplomatic
- it might be worth
Grammar
- If + were to
- If the union were to accept a trial, would you delay layoffs? — hypothetical offer, softened
- It would help if
- It would help if both sides left able to talk again. — tentative suggestion, not a demand
Discussion questions
- Is it ever right to walk away from a negotiation?
- Should negotiators always look for a compromise?
- Do you think polite language can weaken your position?
"Never Say No": Ury's Case for Yes
Grammar: Hedging and reframing under pressure
What's in this lesson:
Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.
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