Meetings & Negotiations

Learning objectives

Lead and participate effectively in formal legal meetings and commercial discussions.

Manage professional dialogue by controlling the flow of conversation, interrupting politely, and clarifying positions smoothly.

Propose compromises and handle objections strategically when negotiating deal terms.

Summarize agreements and action points before closing a professional session.

Grammar Focus

A. Modal Verbs for Diplomatic Negotiation

Using could, would, and might to propose terms softly or hypothetically instead of making rigid demands (e.g., “We could accept that amendment if you extend the notice period”).

Differentiating between should (recommendation) and must / have to (strict legal requirement) during deadlocks.

B. Linkers of Concession and Contrast

Using cohesive devices to introduce alternative proposals or accept points with specific conditions (e.g., although, however, provided that, as long as, on the condition that).

C. Conditional Structures for Negotiations 

Structuring proposals and counter-proposals systematically to weigh outcomes during a negotiation.

Review of First Conditional: Used when an agreement is close (e.g., “If you drop the price by 5%, we will sign the contract today”).

Introduction of Second Conditional: Used to test boundaries or explore options without committing (e.g., “What would you do if we requested an exclusive jurisdiction clause?”).

Core Vocabulary

Counter-proposal

Concession

Compromise

Deadlock 

Main priority

Common ground

Trade-off

Useful Conversational Phrases

Correct me if I’m wrong, but…

I see your point, however…

What we are prepared to offer is…

Let me make sure I

 understand your position…