Statements with 'What'

 The word what is often used to begin a question.

• What's so great about their computers?

However, you can begin a statement with what to add emphasis. Look at the two statements below. The what statement is more emphatic.

• Their computers are powerful and dependable.
• What's so great about their computers is that they're powerful and dependable.

 

Notice that the what clause, which contains the subject of the sentence, is followed by the verb be.

• What we need to do is upgrade our software.
• What you should try is outsourcing the work to a vendor.

Collocations with 'make,' 'do' and 'take'

Collocations are two or more words that are commonly used together.

A good understanding of collocations will help improve your oral fluency, as well as your reading and listening skills.

Here are some collocations with the verb make:

• Do you think we're making headway in the negotiations?
• We really need to make a decision today.
• I think we finally made a breakthrough in the negotiations.

   

Here are some collocations with the verb do:

• It's important to do research before negotiations begin.
• It's been a pleasure doing business with you.
• You did very well. Congratulations!
• I want you to do your homework before the meeting tomorrow.

Here are some collocations with the verb take:

• They're trying to take advantage of us!
• Our vendor takes good care of us.
• There's no need to rush. Take your time.
• I want you to take the lead in the negotiations.

Stating your position

At the start of a negotiation, it's important to state clearly your opening position. Use expressions like these:

• Let me begin by saying we need 75 machines over the next six months.  
• To begin with, you have to understand we have tough budget limitations.    
• I'm confident that we can work something out.
• We were expecting a better offer from you.
• We have certain limitations, but we'll try to be flexible.

Clarifying

Your goal in a negotiation is to get what you want. During the negotiation, clarify your position as many times as necessary in pursuit of your goal.

Use these questions to get clarification:

• Could you clarify a point for me?
• I'm not sure I fully understand your point.
• What exactly do you mean by discount?
• Could you be more specific?
• So what you're saying is, there's no way you can deliver immediately?

Use these statements to give clarification:

• So, just to clarify, we cannot go that low.
• So, to put it another way, the more you buy, the less you pay.
• What I'm saying is, we can offer you a small discount.
• To be more specific, we can discount the price by 10%.
• What we mean is, that won't be possible.