Evening English Mini — Negotiation & Persuasion

• Listen as a Podcast
• Key Expressions
• Mini Dialogue
• Tip

Listen as a Podcast

Key Expressions

1. meet someone halfway — to compromise, to make mutual concessions

   • "I'm willing to meet you halfway on the deadline."

2. make a compelling case — to present a persuasive argument

   • "She made a compelling case for increasing the budget."

3. push back (on) — to express disagreement, to resist

   • "Don't be afraid to push back if the terms aren't fair."

4. sweeten the deal — to make the terms more attractive

   • "They sweetened the deal by offering free maintenance."

5. have leverage — to be in an advantageous negotiating position

   • "We have leverage because they need our technology."

Mini Dialogue

A: The client wants a 30% discount. That's way too much. B: I agree, but we can't just say no. Let's meet them halfway — offer 15% with extended support. A: Good idea. And we have leverage here since no competitor offers our integration. B: Exactly. If they push back, we can sweeten the deal with priority onboarding. A: That should make a compelling case. Let's go with that.

Tip

In negotiations, silence is power. After making your offer, resist the urge to fill the silence. Let the other side respond first.