Read these tips in order to improve your negotiation skills
- Firstly, listen carefully to the other party’s arguments. Try to find the logic in them, and their reason to say what they’re saying and do what they’re doing. Ask questions to make sure that all that has been said, is clear to you. Before making sure that the other party understands you and your arguments, you should have made an effort to do the same regarding their arguments
-
When making a proposal, make sure that you are arguing your case with logic. Remember to do the necessary research in advance, in order to not make claims while negotiating, that you can’t stand by later, which will weaken your credibility. Don’t present any facts, data or statistics without being able to show to where you got them from. In most cases it’s also safest to double check the credibility of your resources in order to secure your own credibility in discussions
-
Avoid the use of hesitant language such as “uhm”, “like” and “you know”, to show that you are a confident, serious and trustworthy negotiator
-
Be self-conscious about your own behavior during the negotiation, and remember to remain calm instead of aggressive, use diplomatic approaches to loose the tension between the parties, and use an open and encouraging body language, which will symbolize that you’re genuinely interested in finding a resolution
-
When both parties’ cases have been presented, make an overview of all needs and interests, and discover what you agree and disagree on. Identify potential personal agendas, and put these aside in order to solve the key issues
-
Recognize the need of compromising. Sometimes it is needed to make sacrifices in order to continue the dialogue with the other party, but make sure to make the minor sacrifices first. The importance of being conscious of what you’re willing to sacrifice and what you’re not willing to sacrifice, should not be underestimated