This is the second in a two-part advanced business English lesson on negotiation strategy. It is part of a longer series of podcasts on the language and skills of negotiating in English.

Dans le premier épisode, management consultant Bryan Fields discussed the basics of making a deal. We learned how to avoid some top common mistakes and we reviewed important vocabulary, such as BATNA, bottom line, bargaining chip, win-win, and zone of possible agreement.

Today’s podcast continues the interview with Bryan. Dans la boîte de dialogue, we’ll learn five important elements of strategy – des soirées, intérêts, value, power and ethics. And along the way we’ll study useful vocabulary and idioms.

Questions d'écoute

1) What is the interviewer talking about when he refers to a “trap?”
2) How does Bryan say we should think about interests?
3) In the interview, we learn that overcoming blockage – C'est, getting past problems – is not just about reaching the agreement but also about maximizing what?

Download: Podcast MP3

This is the beginning of a new Business English Podcast series on the skills and language of negotiating in English.

Over the coming months we’ll explore the topic in a series of podcasts that examine several typical business negotiations and the language used in each stage of the process.

Today’s show is the first in a two-part sequence on the fundamentals of negotiation strategy. We will be hearing an interview with experienced management consultant Brian Fields. Brian discusses key concepts and important strategic considerations. The dialog teaches us both useful vocabulary and helpful skills.

Questions d'écoute

1) What are the top mistakes people make in a negotiation?
2) What is a BATNA, ou “best alternative to a negotiated agreement?”
3) What does Brian think about the idea of “win-win” négociations

Download: Podcast MP3