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

Speaking: Interactive Communication B2

Negotiating Meaning & Reaching Compromise

Listen to the negotiation dialogue here.

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 🤝 (Click 🔊)

A successful negotiation isn't a fight; it's a structured process of understanding and collaboration. Follow this framework:

1

Understand Their Priority

Before you can find a solution, you must fully understand the other person's needs. 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?"

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..."

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, deciding on food. Notice how they follow 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?

Choose the correct function for each phrase. Click "Check Answers" when you're done.

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.

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.

3. "I can agree to that. Let's move forward."

A) Proposing a compromise. B) Confirming agreement. C) Asking for a reason.

Your Mission: Role-Play a Compromise ⭐

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

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.