Critical Communication Skills in Negotiation

Communication is at the heart of effective negotiation. The most skilled negotiators understand the importance of asking good questions; listening to and discovering key issues and interests; and observing, reflecting, and summarizing throughout the conversation to build relationships. They also understand how to frame issues collaboratively, share information persuasively, and balance assertion with listening and curious exploration. Finally, skilled negotiators are able to act as problem-solvers, deliver difficult messages with diplomacy, and manage ineffective or potentially damaging communications by counterpart negotiators in ways that keep negotiations on a productive track. In this workshop, we will discuss, demonstrate, and practice all of these communication skills for enhanced negotiation conversations and meetings.