The Negotiator's Secret Weapon
Grammar: BE-4
A Business English English lesson exploring business.
What's in this lesson
A Business English ESL lesson on business, practising be-4. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.
From the reading: The Negotiator's Secret Weapon
What do a hostage negotiator and a procurement manager have in common? More than you think. Chris Voss spent twenty-four years at the FBI, ending as its lead international kidnapping negotiator. After he left, he wrote Never Split the Difference in 2016 and began teaching executives in Europe, Asia and the Americas. His big idea sounds odd: do not start by arguing. Start by understanding.
Vocabulary
- bottom line
- common ground
- meet halfway
- off the table
- aggressive
- firm
- reluctantly
- slowly
- soften
Grammar: BE-4
- Second conditional
- If we offered a discount, would you sign today? — imaginary, softer request
- Were to
- If we were to extend the deadline, we would need more budget. — polite, hypothetical
Discussion questions
- Which is better in a pay talk: direct or diplomatic?
- Would you rather negotiate by email or face to face?
- Which wins more deals: a loud voice or a quiet one?
The Negotiator's Secret Weapon
Grammar: BE-4
What's in this lesson:
Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.
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