{"id":19281,"date":"2026-04-14T08:40:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T06:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/?p=19281"},"modified":"2026-04-26T09:48:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T07:48:19","slug":"coup-de-pouce-en-anglais-des-negociations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/2026\/04\/14\/coup-de-pouce-en-anglais-des-negociations\/","title":{"rendered":"Coup de pouce en anglais des n\u00e9gociations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Negotiate in business English like an American with Les langues sans stress<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Let’s Make a Deal<\/span><\/h3>\n

The language of negotiation in American business<\/span><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In U.S. workplaces, negotiation isn\u2019t about pushing harder. It\u2019s about saying the same thing in a way the other person can actually respond to. A small shift \u2014 from \u201cWe need a lower price\u201d to \u201cWould you be open to revisiting the pricing?\u201d \u2014 can change how the conversation unfolds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In this lesson, I\u2019ll show you how negotiation actually sounds in American business settings\u2014and how to use language that keeps the conversation open, productive, and professional.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to understand this is to hear it in a real conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

So instead of starting with rules or explanations, let\u2019s start with a dialogue: a negotiation between two professionals. As you read, pay attention not just to what <\/strong><\/em>they say, but how <\/strong><\/em>they say it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\ud83e\udded How to Use a Dialogue and this very one<\/span><\/h2>\n

To get the most out of this section:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\ufe0f\u20e3 Read the dialogue out loud<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t worry about understanding every word. Focus on the flow, rhythm, and how the speakers respond to each other. Note that the words in bold are our vocabulary words that are defined below the dialogue.<\/span><\/p>\n

2\ufe0f\u20e3 Review the vocabulary & examples <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Look at how each phrase is used. These are the expressions professionals actually use in workplace conversations. The vocabulary for this lesson is in bold in the dialogue and defined below it.<\/span><\/p>\n

3\ufe0f\u20e3 Go back and read the dialogue again <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

This time, you\u2019ll notice more: tone, nuance, and how the negotiation develops.<\/span><\/p>\n

4\ufe0f\u20e3 Take the quiz<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Test your understanding and make the language active.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\ud83c\udfad Dialogue: Vendor Contract Renewal<\/span><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Tom (the sales director at Prism Software) and Lisa (the head of operations at Hartwell Group) are on a Zoom call. For the past year, Hartwell Group has used Prism\u2019s data analytics platform under an annual subscription contract. That contract is now up for renewal. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Tom:<\/strong> Hi Lisa! Good to see you. How\u2019s it going?<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa:<\/strong> Good, thanks. I\u2019ve been slammed<\/strong> lately, but I\u2019m glad we carved out some time<\/strong> for this call. How are things on your end?<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom:<\/strong> Busy! We just launched something I think you\u2019re going to like, which is a nice segue<\/strong> into today\u2019s call.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa:<\/strong> Great, looking forward to hearing about it!<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom:<\/strong> Well, as you know, our contract is up for renewal next month. To sweeten the deal<\/strong>, we\u2019re adding full access to our new reporting tools at no extra charge. But I do need to be upfront<\/strong>: we\u2019re looking at a 5% increase on the base subscription this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa:<\/strong> I appreciate the new tools, Tom. But the price increase is a sticking point<\/strong>. Even 5% is going to be a tough sell<\/strong> to my CFO.* We\u2019ve had other vendors come in with lower numbers, and honestly, I was hoping to bring costs down this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom:<\/strong> I hear you. What if we meet you halfway<\/strong>? We can hold the rate flat, no increase \u2014 and throw in six months of dedicated live support on top of<\/strong> the new tools. That\u2019s a win-win<\/strong>: your costs stay stable and you get a lot more out of the platform.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa:<\/strong> Okay, that may move the needle.<\/strong> But I still need to run this by<\/strong> my CFO before anything is final. She calls the shots<\/strong> on all vendor contracts now \u2014 company policy since January.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom:<\/strong> Of course. I don\u2019t want to rush you, but our current pricing expires at the end of the month.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa:<\/strong> I\u2019ll have an answer by Thursday. Hold the rate flat, add the tools and the support package, and I think we have a deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom:<\/strong> You drive a hard bargain<\/strong>, Lisa! Let me send you the updated terms today so you have something to take to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa:<\/strong> That sounds good. Thank you.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

*CFO (Chief Financial Officer) \u2014 the senior executive responsible for managing a company\u2019s finances<\/span><\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udcd6 Vocabulary<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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slammed<\/strong> \u2014 extremely busy (informal) <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> \u201cCan you join the 3 o\u2019clock call?\u201d \u2014 \u201cI\u2019m completely slammed<\/strong> today. Can we reschedule?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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to carve out (some) time<\/strong> \u2014 to deliberately set aside time for something, even when you are busy <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> I know you have a lot on your plate, but can you carve out some time<\/strong> this week to review the proposal?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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segue<\/strong> (noun\/verb)<\/em> \u2014 a smooth, natural transition from one topic or activity to another Pronunciation:<\/em> SEG-way<\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> After discussing Q1 results, the CEO made a smooth segue<\/strong> into the company’s new strategy for the year ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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to sweeten the deal<\/strong> \u2014 to make an offer more attractive by adding something extra Example:<\/em> The vendor sweetened the deal<\/strong> by offering six months of free support.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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upfront<\/strong> \u2014 honest and direct about something from the beginning, without hiding anything <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> I want to be upfront<\/strong> with you \u2014 there will be a small price increase this year, but we’re adding significant value to the package.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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sticking point<\/strong> \u2014 an issue that prevents an agreement from being reached <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> Delivery time was the main sticking point<\/strong> in our contract negotiations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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a tough sell \u2014 <\/strong>something that is difficult to convince someone to accept or agree to<\/span>
\nExample: <\/em>Asking employees to return to the office five days a week will be a<\/strong> tough sell<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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to meet someone halfway<\/strong> \u2014 to compromise; to accept some of the other side\u2019s terms in exchange for them accepting some of yours <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> We were far apart on price at first, but we both met each other halfway<\/strong> and finally reached an agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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on top of<\/strong> \u2014 in addition to; as well as something else <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> We’re offering six months of free support on top of<\/strong> the standard package \u2014 at no extra charge.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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win-win<\/strong> \u2014 a situation or outcome that is good for everyone involved <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> Letting employees work from home two days a week is a win-win<\/strong> \u2014 staff are happier and the company saves on office space.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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to move the needle<\/strong> \u2014 to make a noticeable difference or meaningful progress on something <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> We’ve tried several marketing campaigns, but nothing has really moved the needle<\/strong> on sales this quarter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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to run something by someone<\/strong> \u2014 to ask for someone\u2019s approval or opinion before deciding <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> Before we sign this agreement, I need to run it by<\/strong> our legal team.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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to call the shots<\/strong> \u2014 to make the important decisions; to be in charge <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> After the merger, it wasn\u2019t clear who would call the shots<\/strong>at the new company.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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to drive a hard bargain<\/strong> \u2014 to negotiate very firmly and refuse to accept unfavorable terms <\/span>
\nExample:<\/em> Our supplier drives a hard bargain<\/strong> \u2014 it took three rounds of talks before we agreed on a price.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\ud83e\udde0 Quick Quiz: What Did You Understand?<\/span><\/h4>\n

If you understood this conversation, you\u2019re already thinking like a U.S. professional negotiator. Let\u2019s test that.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Why does Tom offer extra features during the renewal discussion?<\/strong><\/span>
\na) Because Lisa asked for them<\/span>
\nb) To offset a price increase<\/span>
\nc) Because they\u2019re included in the standard package<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. What is Lisa\u2019s main concern about renewing?<\/strong><\/span>
\na) The new reporting tools aren\u2019t useful<\/span>
\nb) The contract deadline is too soon<\/span>
\nc) The price increase will be hard to justify to her CFO<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. What does Tom offer to do to reach an agreement?<\/strong><\/span>
\na) Lower the price by 5%<\/span>
\nb) Hold the rate flat and add support and tools<\/span>
\nc) Extend the contract deadline by a month<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Why does Tom say \u201cI don\u2019t want to rush you, but\u2026\u201d?<\/strong><\/span>
\na) He wants to end the conversation quickly<\/span>
\nb) He is applying subtle pressure while staying polite<\/span>
\nc) He is unsure about the offer<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2705 Answer Key<\/span><\/p>\n

1\ufe0f\u20e3 b) To offset a price increase<\/span><\/p>\n

2\ufe0f\u20e3 c) The price increase will be hard to justify to her CFO<\/span><\/p>\n

3\ufe0f\u20e3 b) Hold the rate flat and add support and tools<\/span><\/p>\n

4\ufe0f\u20e3 b) He is applying subtle pressure while staying polite<\/span><\/p>\n

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Your Turn<\/span><\/h4>\n

Now imagine you\u2019re in Lisa\u2019s position.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tom has just proposed terms you\u2019re not sure about.<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t want to agree too quickly. But you also don\u2019t want to push back too directly.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So what do you say?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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\ud83c\udfaf What to Say in This Situation<\/span><\/h2>\n

Instead of responding immediately, try a simple line like:<\/span><\/p>\n