Think negotiation is about logic, arguments, and cold hard facts? Think again.
In this engaging 90-minute lesson for upper-intermediate to advanced learners (B2-C1), students discover why focusing on logic alone can leave millions of dollars on the table. Drawing on insights from former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss, students explore the surprising truth: negotiation is an emotional process.
Through real-world examples – including a powerful story about a customer service call that led to a full refund – students learn three practical strategies: making emotionally intelligent decisions, mitigating loss aversion, and practicing “listener’s judo.” They then put these strategies to work in a debate and a salary negotiation role-play.
Students will develop:
- Listening comprehension through authentic video content
- Vocabulary for discussing negotiation, emotions, and decision-making – hostage, mitigate, aversion, skewing, diminish, preemptive, flip side, integrity
- Grammar precision with quantifiers – a million vs. millions of
- Critical thinking through debate and discussion
- Speaking fluency through role-play and pair work
- Real-world communication skills for business and everyday life
Perfect for business English, communication skills, or general English courses. Your students will walk away not just with new language, but with practical skills they can use immediately – whether they’re asking for a raise, closing a deal, or simply trying to be heard.
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Teach English through negotiation psychology, emotional intelligence, and real-world communication skills.
