Make a deal that works
Students learn practical language for negotiating, meeting halfway and reaching agreement in business and everyday situations.
Lesson overview
Students practise negotiating in a business context and in a travel-planning context.
Lesson aims
- Understand key negotiation vocabulary.
- Listen for prices, quantities, preferences and compromise.
- Use phrases for suggestions, preferences, counteroffers and agreement.
- Take part in a short negotiation role-play.
Warm-up questions
- When was the last time you had to compromise?
- What makes a deal fair?
- Is it easier to negotiate about money or plans?
Key idea
A good negotiation is not about winning everything. It is about finding an agreement that both sides can accept.
Key negotiation vocabulary
Review these words before listening.
compromise
an agreement where both sides give up something
deal
an agreement or arrangement
offer
to suggest something
counteroffer
a different suggestion in response to an offer
meet halfway
to compromise equally
fair
reasonable and equal for everyone
budget
the amount of money available to spend
flexible
willing to change or adapt
Vocabulary practice: choose the best word
Complete each sentence with a word from the box. Reveal the answers after students try.
Negotiating in business and travel
Listen carefully and answer the questions. Reveal answers inside each white box after listening.
Audio 1: Business Negotiation
Conversation between a supplier and a business owner negotiating a deal.
Audio 2: Weekend Trip Planning
Two friends negotiate plans for a weekend trip.
Useful phrases for negotiating
Review these key phrases used in negotiations.
Making Suggestions
- What if we...?
- How about...?
- I was thinking we could...
- Could we...?
Expressing Preferences
- I'd prefer...
- I'd rather...
- I'm not really in the mood for...
Compromising
- Could you meet us halfway?
- That sounds fair.
- Let's compromise.
- What if we meet in the middle?
Making Counteroffers
- However, if you...
- What if we... instead?
- I could offer... if you...
Reaching Agreement
- That works for me.
- Let's make it a deal.
- That sounds like a good plan.
- Perfect!
Useful phrases practice: complete the negotiation
Complete the missing negotiation phrases. Reveal the answers after students try.
Mini practice
Choose one phrase from each category and use it in a short negotiation about a price, a deadline or a weekend plan.
Complete the negotiation
Use the phrases from the lesson to complete the conversation.
A: We can deliver 500 units for $20 each.
B: I like the product, but our budget is limited.
A: I can offer a small discount.
B:
A: If you order more units, I can reduce the price.
B:
A: That sounds fair. Let's make it a deal.
Negotiation role-plays
Work in pairs. Try to reach an agreement.
You sell office chairs. Your normal price is €80 each. You can offer a discount if the customer orders more than 20 chairs.
You need 15 office chairs. Your budget is €1,000. Negotiate the price, delivery date and payment terms.
You want a relaxing beach weekend. You do not want to spend too much money.
You prefer an active weekend with hiking or sightseeing. Try to find a compromise.
Negotiation checklist
Use this checklist before your final speaking task.
- Start with a clear offer or suggestion.
- Explain your preference or limitation.
- Make a counteroffer politely.
- Try to meet halfway.
- Confirm the final agreement clearly.
Exit ticket
Write three phrases you can use in a negotiation: