NEGOTIATIONS VOCABULARY

Alternatives: a possibility of choice, esp between two things, courses of action, etc

Sentence: We can’t offer you the raise you requested, but let’s discuss some other alternatives.

Amplify: expand; give more information

Sentence: Could you amplify on your proposal please.

Arbitration: conflict that is addressed by using a neutral third party

Sentence: We’re better to settle this between us, because a formal arbitration will cost both of us money.

Bargain: try to change a person’s mind by using various tactics

Sentence: We bargained on the last issue for over an hour before we agreed to take a break.

Bottom line: the lowest one is willing to go

Sentence: I’ll accept a raise of one dollar per hour, but that’s my bottom line.

Collective: done or shared by all members of a group of people,together

Sentence: This is a collective concern, and it isn’t fair to discuss it without Marie present.

Compensate: make up for a loss

Sentence: If you are willing to work ten extra hours a week we will compensate you by paying you overtime.

Comply: agree, to act according to someone’s wishes or rules.

Sentence: I’d be willing to comply if you can offer me my own private office.

Compromise: changing one’s mind/terms slightly in order to find a resolution

Sentence: We are willing to compromise on this issue because it means so much to you.

Concession: a thing that is granted or accepted

Sentence: I think we can offer all of these concessions, but not all at once.

Conflict resolution: the process that two or more parties use to find a cordial solution to a problem.

Sentence: It is impossible to engage in conflict resolution when one of the parties refuses to listen

Leverage: something that gives one party a greater chance at succeeding over another

Sentence: We have a little bit of leverage because we are the only stationary company in town.