UNIT 2- LESSON

STATEMENTS WITH WHAT

The word what is often used to begin a questions

- 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.

- 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.