Modal Verbs for Requesting

Understanding Negotiation

• Negotiation is the process of reaching an agreement or compromise between two or more parties
• It involves preparation, discussion, clarification, bargaining, and agreement
• Preparation:
  • Decide on your goals and priorities
  • Gather information about the situation
  • Learn about the other person's needs and interests
  • Plan how to explain your needs clearly and politely
• Discussion:
  • Start the conversation in a friendly way
  • Share your thoughts and listen to the other person's ideas
  • Pay attention to what they want and show you understand
  • Explain your needs clearly and use simple language
• Clarification:
  • Repeat what the other person said to check understanding
  • Ask them to repeat if you didn't understand
  • Ask questions if something is unclear
  • Summarize the main ideas and confirm agreement
• Bargaining:
  • Offer solutions that work for both sides
  • Be open to new ideas and willing to compromise
  • Find a middle ground that satisfies both parties
• Agreement:
  • Decide on the final terms
  • Make sure all points are covered
  • Confirm that both sides are happy with the agreement

Offers and Counteroffers

• An offer is a proposal or suggestion made by one person to another
• A counteroffer is a response to an offer, suggesting different terms
• Key differences:
  • An offer is made by the person who starts the negotiation
  • A counteroffer is made by the other person in response to the original offer
  • An offer sets the initial terms, while a counteroffer proposes new terms
• Examples:
  • You offer to sell your bicycle for $50
  • The other person makes a counteroffer to buy it for $40

Key Phrases and Expressions for Making Offers and Counteroffers

• Listen and notice:
  • "I want to ask you for a favor, please"
  • "Can you please do me that favor?"
  • "What would you like in exchange?"
  • "What about 100 dollars?"
  • "Would you mind lending me your car?"
• Using modals to make requests:
  • "Can I take that day off, please?"
  • "Would you like me to do something specific?"
• Using modals to offer help:
  • "I can help you with that"
  • "Would you like me to do that for you?"

Techniques for Reaching a Compromise

• Listen actively and show you are listening
• Understand the other person's perspective and ask questions
• Be open and honest about your needs and concerns
• Stay calm and respectful, even in disagreement
• Look for common ground and focus on shared goals
• Suggest multiple options and be flexible
• Be willing to give and take, and focus on the future
• Set clear terms and conditions, and take breaks if needed