Why This Matters
Here’s the deal: most people suck at negotiating. Add English to the mix, and suddenly you’re sweating through your shirt, blurting out stuff like “yes sure okay fine” before you even realize you just agreed to pay double.
Sound familiar? Yeah. That’s why you need a handful of phrases that sound confident without making you come across like a used-car salesman. The good news? English has plenty of them. The better news? I’ve already collected them for you.
And if you’re the type who still freezes mid-sentence, maybe start by brushing up on intonation and emphasis. Because trust me — the wrong tone will make even the right words sound pathetic.
10 Phrases You Can Steal (and Pretend Are Yours)
1. “We’re open to negotiation.”
Translation: “I’m flexible, but don’t try to rob me blind.”
- Use this at the start. It shows you’re not stubborn, but also not a pushover.
- Example: “Our rate is $5k. We’re open to negotiation if you’re thinking long-term.”
- Bonus: don’t cross your arms like a sulky teenager. Seriously, check body language fails.
2. “Could we explore other options?”
Polite code for: “Your idea sucks, but I’m trying not to start a fight.”
- Example: “That delivery date is brutal. Could we explore other options that won’t destroy my team’s sanity?”
- Key trick: could softens the blow. More on that in this modal verbs guide.
3. “That’s beyond our budget.”
Fancy way of saying: “Ha! No way.”
- Example: “That’s beyond our budget. Can you make it less insane?”
4. “Let’s find common ground.”
Negotiation Jedi move. Makes you sound like a peacemaker instead of a bloodthirsty capitalist.
- Example: “We’re not aligned on cost, but let’s find common ground on deadlines.”
5. “Could you clarify what you mean by…?”
A lifesaver. Instead of nodding like an idiot, you actually ask.
- Example: “Could you clarify what you mean by ‘lifetime warranty’? Are we talking one year, or until I die?”
- Also: beware of false friends. Saying yes to the wrong word can get you wrecked.
6. “What would be a win-win solution for both of us?”
Makes you look like you care about them (even if you don’t).
- Example: “What would be a win-win solution for both of us on support fees?”
7. “We’ll need more time to consider.”
Your stall card. Buys time without sounding weak.
- Example: “We’ll need more time to consider before making a decision.”
8. “That’s acceptable, on the condition that…”
Classic half-yes.
- Example: “That’s acceptable, on the condition that delivery is guaranteed within 48 hours.”
- Nerd tip: if you geek out on grammar, peek at conditional sentences.
9. “We’ll have to agree to disagree.”
A polite mic drop. Conversation over.
- Example: “On pricing, we’ll have to agree to disagree. Let’s at least settle the timeline.”
- Extra credit: read this on polite disagreement.
10. “Deal.”
Short. Clean. Powerful.
- Example: “Price, terms Deal.”
Wrap-Up
It’s about sounding firm, clear, and not desperate. The 10 phrases above? They’ll keep you from fumbling through meetings like a rookie.
Do yourself a favor: practice saying them out loud. Hell, write them on a sticky note before your next call. The more natural they feel, the less you’ll panic.
And when the time comes, you’ll smile, nod, and say the only word that really matters: “Deal.”