Now, negotiating looks  different in different cultures.

But, today we're going to  look at the first two steps  

and language must-haves to negotiate  within a British cultural context.

So, to start off with, you  have to take step number 1:

Learn the gentle art of small talk.

Don't get down to business straight away.

Morning, morning, so I'll give  you £200 for 10 garden gomes.

That approach is just going to frighten people,  

and make everyone feel uncomfortable. Rather, you need to break the ice.

Hi, lovely day today isn't it?  I thought it was going to rain. 

I know, we should conduct this meeting  outside, although apparently it's not  

going to last. My app says it's going  to rain in 10 minutes and 20 seconds.

Or

Hi Hello, welcome! Before we start,  

would you like a cup of tea and some cake? Yes please, oh my goodness, you've read my mind! 

This cake is just amazing, did  you, did you make it this morning? 

Oh that's very kind of you, no, no, no, it's just  Marks and Spencers, but they're good aren't they?

The best small talk is on topics that aren't  

controversial. Never talk about things  that people feel too emotional about,

for example, politics, finances,  whether you love or hate Marmite.

The best and most comfortable small talk  is when you talk about everyday things.  

Food, travel, the weather.

Once you've covered the appropriate subjects for  small talk, you need to take step number two:

Open negotiations reluctantly. I'm sorry, you're not there to negotiate, they're  

not there to negotiate, who's here to negotiate? You all are. 

After 10 minutes of tea, cake, talking about  whether you should bring your umbrella to work  

tomorrow, you can shift into the,  'let's get down to business' gear.

Do me a favour, take a pen and paper  and write down these sentences.

'I suppose we'd better get  started. Does anyone mind?' 

'If no one objects, shall we  take a look at the agenda?' 

'Would anyone like more tea  before we get cracking?'

Remember, you need to make it sound  like you're having such a good time  

and the last thing you want  to do is start negotiations.

Cue step number three:

Make your proposal.

But I won't talk about it in this video.  

If you want to read about the 6 language  must-haves to negotiate in English,  

read the blog linked to above. You'll be selling gnomes in no time!

We have so much Business English  language knowledge and skills that  

we want to share with you so make  sure you subscribe to this channel,  

because a lot more videos are going  to be coming your way very soon.

If you want to improve your  business English language skills,  

click on the link in the description and it will  take you to the English Online website where you  

can have a look at our courses that are designed  to specifically help you with Business English.  

To read the full blog, the link is also in  the description. See you next time, bye!