Speaking: Interactive Communication B2 - Lesson 4: Negotiating Meaning & Reaching Compromise

Speaking: Interactive Communication B2

Negotiating Meaning & Reaching Compromise

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use a three-step framework to understand others' priorities, propose solutions, and reach a fair compromise in English.

The 3-Step Path to Agreement 🤝

A successful negotiation isn't a fight; it's a structured process of understanding and collaboration. This framework can guide you.

Step 1: Understand Their Priority

Before you can find a solution, you must fully understand the other person's needs. Don't assume you know—ask clarifying questions.

• "So, if I understand correctly, your main concern is..."
• "Could you help me understand why... is so important for you?"
• "Just to clarify, what is the key outcome you're looking for?"

Step 2: Propose a "Middle Ground"

Once both priorities are clear, suggest a solution that gives something to both sides.

• "How about we try...?"
• "Perhaps we could find a middle ground. What if we...?"
• "Here’s a possible compromise: we could..."

Step 3: Confirm the Agreement

Once a good compromise is on the table, clearly state your acceptance to finalize the plan.

• "Okay, that sounds like a fair compromise."
• "I can agree to that. Let's move forward with that plan."

Scenario: Planning a Company Event 💬

Listen to two colleagues, Thida and Piseth, trying to decide on the food for a company party. Notice how they use the three steps.

Thida: For the year-end party, I think we should have a formal, sit-down dinner.

Piseth: I'm not so sure. I think a casual buffet would be better so people can socialize.

Thida: But a formal dinner feels more special and celebratory.

Piseth: Okay, so if I understand you correctly, your main priority is making the event feel special and elegant?(Step 1: Understand)

Thida: Exactly.

Piseth: And my main priority is making sure it's social. What if we try a compromise? We could have a 'standing reception' with high-quality, elegant finger foods. That way, it feels high-class like you want, but people can still walk around, which I want.(Step 2: Propose)

Thida: Hmm, elegant finger foods instead of a buffet... Okay, that sounds like a fair compromise. I can agree to that.(Step 3: Agree)

Tips for Successful Negotiation

💡 The Language of Collaboration

Your tone is critical. Use collaborative language to show you are working together.

Use "We" and "Us," not "I" and "You":

• Less Collaborative: "I want this, but you want that."
• More Collaborative: "It seems we have different approaches. How can we find a solution that works for us?"

Focus on Interests, Not Positions:

• A Position: "I want a formal dinner."
• The Interest Behind It: "I want the event to feel special."

When you understand the underlying interest, you can find many different ways to satisfy it.

Practice Your Skills 🎯

🧠 Practice Quiz: What's the Function?

1. "What if we agree to your timeline, but we use my proposed budget?"

A) Clarifying a point.
B) Proposing a compromise.
C) Agreeing to a compromise.

→ Answer: B. This is a classic compromise structure.

2. "So, just to be sure I understand, the main issue for you is the deadline, not the cost. Is that right?"

A) Holding the floor.
B) Reaching a compromise.
C) Negotiating meaning.

→ Answer: C. This is a perfect clarifying question to understand the other person's priority.

Your Mission: Role-Play a Compromise ⭐

Your Task:

Practice the three-step framework in a simple role-play with a partner.

Setup:

1. Choose a simple disagreement. For example:
   • One person wants to watch an action movie; the other wants a comedy.
   • One person wants to go to the mountains for holiday; the other wants the beach.
2. Follow the framework:
   • Person A: State your preference.
   • Person B: First, clarify A's priority (e.g., "So you want something exciting?").
   • Person A: Agree.
   • Person B: State your preference and priority.
   • Propose a compromise (e.g., "What if we watch your action movie tonight, and we watch my comedy next weekend?").
   • Agree formally ("Okay, that works for me. It's a deal.").

Key Vocabulary

• Negotiate (Verb) | ចរចា
  To have a formal discussion to reach an agreement.
• Compromise (Noun) | ការសម្របសម្រួល
  An agreement where each side gives up something to find a solution.
• Clarify (Verb) | បញ្ជាក់
  To make something easier to understand.
• Middle ground (Idiom) | ចំណុចកណ្តាល
  A position that is acceptable to both sides.
• Priority (Noun) | អាទិភាព
  Something that is considered more important than other things.