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Communication - Clear Communication · 2 min read

Communication: Negotiation Skills

Learn practical negotiation skills that create win-win agreements, boost confidence and secure better business outcomes. Join our in-house training course today

Chris Farmer, Founder of Corporate Coach Group

“Skilled negotiators plan with clear goals, trade value not favours, stay calm and polite, and seek deals that let both sides win; grasp these ten rules and every talk becomes a chance to build profit and trust.”

Chris Farmer — Founder, Corporate Coach Group

Communication: Negotiation Skills

Negotiation Skills Training

In business, you often have to negotiate with other people. Maybe though, you have never been taught the proper principles of negotiation.

Negotiation is defined as:

"The process of gaining an agreement where all parties can arrive at a mutually beneficial and sustainable solution.

It is a transaction where both have a veto over the final outcome. It requires voluntary consent on all sides."

Negotiation Skills Training Course

Our in-house negotiation skills course covers the following:

1. Be clear about what you want.

Write it down.

Know too, what you do not want.

Knowing what you want is the critical step. Be specific.

Know why you want it.

2. In negotiations, don't just agree to the first proposal.

Saying "yes" to their first offer may leave you open to lose/win solution.

3. Maintain your principles.

Honesty in all your dealings, is the first principle.

The second principle here is trade. You are not there to give your stuff away.

Something for something. Not something for nothing.

4. Once agreed, stick to the agreement.

If the other person wants to change the package, the terms must change too.

Use the magic phrase, "Yes. But only if......"

Ensure you have a list of your negotiable variables.

5. Watch for bargaining activity just before a deadline.

Deadlines can produce extra leverage, which can be used to gain an extra concession. So be emotionally prepared to use this fact, or resist it.

6. Avoid trying to "drive a hard bargain" by unnecessarily tough talk.

It may be seen as intransigence by the other side.

Take a tough position but keep your style professional and relaxed.

"Tough talk" in the sense of needless over-assertiveness, is bad for business.

7. Record the details of each negotiation.

Always record the details of negotiations, in writing. In case of a later dispute, what you write down may one day be useful information.

8. Always maintain respect for the other person's identity as you question his/her proposition.

Always be polite. Never be rude to anyone.

9. Think Win/Win.

If it is to be sustainable, then there has to be genuine value in the solution for both parties.

The basis of win/win is rational, tough, fair-trading.

10. Keep an eye on your emotional state.

Stay relaxed and focused. Keep your cool.

Benefits of Negotiation Skills Training

Our one-day in-house negotiation skills course will show you exactly how to prepare for a successful negotiation process.

On this course, you will be provided with effective, practical negotiating skills. You will be able to use these skills immediately to improve your results.

Negotiation skills training will enable your team to get the best possible results from any negotiation situation.

We have designed this course to be well-structured, informative and fun.

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Negotiation

In business, negotiation is a process in which two or more parties, each free to refuse the deal, exchange proposals, concessions and rational arguments so they can settle on terms that give fair and lasting value to everyone involved.

CG4D Definition

Context: Business
Genus: Process

  • Involves two or more parties with separate aims or interests
  • Each party keeps the right to accept or reject the outcome
  • Seeks an agreement that delivers mutual, lasting value
  • Moves forward through structured talk, offers and trade-offs

Article Summary

Skilled negotiators plan with clear goals, trade value not favours, stay calm and polite, and seek deals that let both sides win; grasp these ten rules and every talk becomes a chance to build profit and trust.

Chris Farmer, Founder of Corporate Coach Group

Written by Chris Farmer

Founder & Lead Trainer, Corporate Coach Group

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has over 25 years experience designing and delivering leadership and management training across both the public and private sectors. His programmes are structured, practical and built around real-world performance. Read more about Chris and the story of how the Corporate Coach Group was founded.

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Key Statistics

62% of UK learning leaders list negotiation and persuasion as a top-three skill gap for 2024 (LinkedIn Learning Workplace Learning Report, 2024).

48% of global CEOs say weak negotiation skill in their teams has cost them at least one major deal in the last two years (PwC Global CEO Survey, 2024).

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this topic

Negotiation is a structured talk where two or more parties swap offers, facts and concessions until they reach terms that give fair, lasting value to everyone; it underpins all business negotiation techniques.
Accepting the first offer often leaves hidden value on the table. By asking questions and trading variables, you use your negotiation skills to move from a possible lose/win outcome toward balanced, fair terms.
Writing clear goals forces you to think about needs, limits and reasons. This step helps you prepare for negotiation, guides every counter-offer, and keeps discussions aligned with your objectives.
A written note records negotiation details, captures who promised what and when. If memories differ later, the record protects trust, speeds any dispute resolution and improves your future negotiation skills.
As a bargaining deadline nears, fear of losing the deal can push one side to concede more. Knowing this, you can plan to resist last-minute pressure or time your request for maximum leverage.
Emotional control in negotiation prevents rash moves. Simple tactics like slow breathing, pausing before replying and focusing on facts keep your mind clear and your offers consistent with your plan.
A win-win negotiation produces an agreement each side sees as fair and valuable. Both parties trade concessions of equal worth, protect their principles and leave ready to work together again.

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