Think over other possible outcomes

7. Comment on the language used by the participants. Is it appropriate? Aren’t there any phrases that sound too categorical?

8. Reproduce the dialogue making up any appropriate ending you like.

Task 2: Match the sentences on the left with the more diplomatic sentences on the right.

1. There’s no way we can invest in your project in its present form. 2. We must talk about start-up costs first. 3. We want some other collateral. 4. We won’t lower our interest rate. 5. You must try to bring in another backer. 6. Your interest rate is far too high.

a. Could you offer some other collateral? b. I’m afraid that’s the lowest rate we can offer. c. Unfortunately, we couldn’t invest in your project in its present form. d. Is there any possibility you could bring in another backer? e. Maybe we should talk about start-up costs first. f. Your interest rate is higher than we were expecting.

Task 3: Make sentences using the information below. Start each sentence with If.

1. we/delay/miss/opportunity

2. you/not/repay/overdraft/they/take legal action

3. we/take out/ loan/we/be able/ extend/factory

4. we/fail/we/learn from/mistakes/start again

5. you/want/repay by installments/terms/change

6. you/bring in another backer/we/consider revising/rate

7. we/can’t get/loan/we/have to/ turn to family and friends/start-up capital

8. you/not/bring/account/within/credit terms/we/suspend/credit facilities

Task 4: In negotiations, you cannot always answer all questions immediately. Note how Speaker B expresses the need for a little thinking time, and complete the exchanges with the phrases from the table below.

1. A: Do you think you’ll be able to break even in two years?

B: Well, maybe, erm, ………

2. A: So exactly how many backers will you be able to find?

B: Can I…...?

3. A: Will you accept payment by installments?

B: We’ll ……

4. A: We’d like to know why the overdraft hasn’t been repaid yet.

B: I’ll……

5. A: How much will you need for start-up costs?

B: Well,……

6. A: So we’re all agreed on the collateral, then?

B: ……

hold on a minute; get back to you on that one; think about that;

I don’t know really; that really depends on the market; look into that