Negotiating: Listening 1
Model
1. Vicky Palmer is an architect. She is working on the design for a new office building for Mark Davidson's company. Listen to Vicky and Mark negotiating and answer these questions.
How has Vicky changed the design of the reception area?
What three features do they discuss for the reception area?
2. Now listen again. Pause the recording if you need to and note down the phrases Vicky and Mark use to:
State positive expectations
- I think
- Yes, I'm looking
State preferences
- I'd ......... one one side ....
- I'd ......... that.
Suggest alternatives
- But what ......... in the middle ...?
- Another ......... some ....
Exercise
Listen to six sentences (a-f) and match them with the functions (1-3). For each one, write 1, 2, or 3 as your answer.
- Stating positive expectations
- Stating preferences
- Suggesting alternatives
Over to you
Think of a situation at work or at home in which you will have to negotiate soon. Note down some ways in which you will state positive expectations at the beginning of the negotiation and any preferences you have. Finally, think about what you will say if your preferences are not fully accepted and write down some alternative suggestions. Please write your answers on your personal page.
