Negotiating for a win-win outcome

In this Business English lesson, the students will learn how to use English when opening, carrying out and closing a negotiation. 

Introduction

The lesson starts with a short email in which the student identifies examples of the language used when negotiating. The student then learns a bit about the process of negotiating as well as some useful structures when opening a negotiation or responding to offers.

Video: 3 steps to getting what you want in a negotiation

The student watches a TED video 3 steps to getting what you want in negotiation and completes the video comprehension. They also learn new vocabulary mentioned in the video by matching it with the meanings.

Next, the student completes a mind map of qualities of a good negotiator (well-prepared, clear, convincing, emotionally intelligent).

Vocabulary: Let’s bargain!

The student learns synonyms of the noun as well as the verb bargain and practices using them in sentences. 

Reading: Types of agreements

The student reads and learns about three types of agreements – win-win, win-lose, and lose-lose. They also learn the meanings of new words from the text (coercion, yield, concessions).

Compromising

The student learns useful expressions when compromising and practices using them in sentences. 

Video: The Michael Scott method of negotiation

The student watches an excerpt from The Office and completes the video comprehension activity.

Negotiation expressions

The student learns some idiomatic expressions related to negotiating and bargaining (drive a hard bargain, draw the line, bottom line, etc.).

Reading: How to manage a successful bargain

The student reads about advice to manage a successful bargain and completes the reading comprehension. 

Finally, the student practices negotiating by picking a card with a negotiation scenario and acting it out with the teacher.