Most businesses will have cause to come to the negotiating table eventually. These negotiations open the doors to better prospects across both sides of the divide. And so, it is essential to approach them with the right mentality. 

Business English knowledge and application are vital resources to bring to the negotiating table. It can pave the way for a smooth engagement and even provide the key that unlocks a mutually beneficial agreement for all parties. This is why good use of business English in the business world is a critical asset.

With ASC English’s Business English program, you can equip yourself with these vital resources. Here, we discuss four crucial negotiation skills incorporated in business English courses due to their importance in business.

What Is Business English

Business English is the specific style of writing/speaking or use of the English language during interactions carried out in a professional or business-inclined setting. It includes the range of specialized language and communication skills like grammar, structure, and language tone used to process conversations or correspondence in a formal setting. 

It also speaks to how you can pass your message across the board in clear, precise, and agreeable terms. Business English courses generally focus on this “effective delivery” theme, among other concepts. Below are the four important negotiation skills to cultivate. 

1. Effective Communication 

To complete a negotiation, you must convince the other party to appreciate your perspective fully. To do this, you must convey your message clearly, directly, and in relatable terms. So while kicking off a negotiation round on behalf of your business, ensure to communicate your points clearly and confidently. 

Be articulate and precise, all while using the appropriate speaking/writing tone. Do this, and you’ll find that the other party understands you quicker, and an agreement can be reached more quickly.

Our business English courses emphasize the importance of effective communication.

2. Persuasion is Encouraged in Business English Courses

Providing compelling arguments can come in handy while carrying out negotiations. It can help you present a more convincing viewpoint. As you’ll discover in your business English program, this can mostly be achieved by clearly pointing out what the other party stands to benefit from following your stance. 

When you find common ground, you can further solidify your position by helping the other party see that there’s no better alternative to the option you suggest. If you find that you can change people’s minds and influence their decision by making your points out to them, you will be a great asset to your company’s negotiating team.

Our business English program teaches you to be persuasive during business negotiations.

3. Flexibility

Negotiations will only sometimes be smooth sailing for either party, and a compromise might often be your best bet at closing. It is important to be flexible to accommodate the other party’s differences. 

So when the other party comes around with a different demand or condition to the one you have in mind, you can always adapt appropriately and give an appropriate response. You’ll only sometimes have prepared for every argument or outcome, but you can always create room for changes. 

4. Rapport Building After Business English Courses

Your negotiations will be ever closer to hitting the home run if you can get the other party to be on the same page with you. One effective way to achieve this is to make them as comfortable as possible, which calls for using emotional intelligence during your interactions. 

When you hit the negotiation table, look out for those verbal and non-verbal cues that show the other party’s reasoning. Another tip is to listen intently to them, even making eye contact while they speak, and according to them, mutual respect. Do this, and you’d have set the stage for a mutually beneficial agreement. 

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