Non-verbal communication includes gestures, such as facial expressions, body movements and eye contact. It is significant in normal interpersonal exchange, and it differs between places and cultures. Clues are interpreted by others to understand the speaker and to respond. Be aware of your facial expressions and body posture in terms of their meaning in different cultures, and know what kind of physical contact is appropriate with special attention to the physical distance between you and the person with whom you are speaking.
Before you begin any negotiation process, organize your thoughts. Take notes and plan what you are going to say, outlining the main points you want to cover. During the negotiations continue to take notes and plan responses. Take your time to respond; silence can be a powerful negotiating tool. Determine the logical conclusion of an idea and evaluate the possible reactions. Be concise and get to the point without being blunt. Emphasize your main point often, and focus on the benefit to the other party.
Successful negotiation requires accepting the other person despite differences in values, beliefs, education, ethnicity, or perspective. It allows you to consider an issue from all sides and to promote understanding and interest in the other person without agreeing with his point of view. Negotiation is a matter of choosing a solution to which no one has an objection, so keep your personal goals from interfering with the overall shared goals.
Listen attentively to enhance creative solutions for problem-solving. The psychological benefit of being a good listener is that the person to whom you are listening tends to be more cooperative and understanding in reaching a solution to the problem. The ability to listen well will help you evaluate and analyze the situation. Because everyone wants to be heard and to be understood, you can often effectively diffuse a situation and have a desirable outcome.