When you’re preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, being able to effectively answer questions that test your ability to describe past experiences is crucial. One such question you might encounter is “Describe a time when you were involved in a negotiation”. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to effectively tackle this question and provide a comprehensive answer with examples and analysis.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your proficiency in English through a variety of question types. It comprises three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn
- Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Your responses will be evaluated based on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Let’s dive into how to prepare for and answer questions related to negotiations effectively.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiners in Part 1 typically ask general questions to get you talking. Here’s an example of a related question and a sample answer:
Question: “Do you often have to negotiate in your daily life?”
Sample Answer: “Yes, I do. Negotiation is a common part of everyday life, whether it’s discussing a project deadline with a colleague or bargaining prices at a market. I find that effective negotiation skills are essential for reaching mutually beneficial agreements.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic. Here’s a sample cue card and a detailed answer.
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were involved in a negotiation.
You should say:
- Who was involved in the negotiation
- What the negotiation was about
- What the outcome was
- How you felt about the negotiation
Sample Answer
“I still vividly remember a negotiation I was involved in about two years ago. This took place in my previous job where I worked as a project manager. The negotiation was between my team and a critical supplier whose materials were essential for our project.
The negotiation revolved around the delivery schedule and pricing of the materials. Initially, the supplier was adamant about maintaining their high prices and a delivery timeline that didn’t align with our project deadlines. I was responsible for leading the discussion on behalf of my team.
During the negotiation, I presented a detailed breakdown of our project timeline, emphasizing the significance of timely delivery for our overall success. I also highlighted the long-term benefits of a continued partnership and proposed a pricing model that would be more advantageous for both parties.
After a few rounds of discussions, we reached a mutually beneficial agreement. The supplier agreed to expedite the delivery and offered us a reasonable discount. I felt a great sense of accomplishment after the negotiation. It was a challenging situation, but it taught me the importance of clear communication and the ability to understand and address the concerns of all involved parties.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you usually prepare for a negotiation?
- “I typically start by researching all relevant information and considering possible outcomes. I try to understand the interests of the other party and think about various scenarios to ensure I’m prepared for whatever might come up.”
- Why are negotiation skills important in today’s world?
- “Negotiation skills are crucial because they help in reaching agreements that are beneficial for all parties involved. Whether in business or personal life, good negotiation skills can lead to better relationships and more favourable outcomes.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part involves broader discussion questions related to the topic in Part 2. Here’s an example of how you might handle it.
Question: “What are the key qualities of a successful negotiator?”
Sample Answer: “A successful negotiator possesses several key qualities. Firstly, effective communication skills are crucial. Being able to articulate your points clearly and listen actively can make a significant difference. Secondly, empathy allows you to understand the other party’s perspective and find common ground. Moreover, patience and persistence are vital, as negotiations can often be lengthy and complex. Lastly, a good negotiator must be able to think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances to find the best possible solutions.”
III. Useful Vocabulary and Structures
-
Vocabulary:
- Negotiation (/nɪˌɡəʊ.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/): The process by which two or more parties aim to reach an agreement.
- Mutual (/ˈmjuː.tʃu.əl/): Shared by two or more parties.
- Outcome (/ˈaʊt.kʌm/): The result of a negotiation or process.
- Empathy (/ˈem.pə.θi/): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
-
Structures:
- “The negotiation revolved around…”
- “We reached a mutually beneficial agreement…”
- “I felt a great sense of accomplishment after the negotiation…”
IV. Tips for Scoring High in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps in naturally improving fluency and coherence.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar: Show your ability to use advanced vocabulary and a variety of grammatical structures.
- Stay Confident: Confidence in speaking will reflect positively in your pronunciation and overall delivery.
- For more strategies on how would you describe a draw in IELTS Speaking, you can refer to this detailed guide.
V. Conclusion
Describing a negotiation in your IELTS Speaking test can be a great opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, ability to structure an argument, and reflect on experiences effectively. Use the sample answers and tips in this article to prepare thoroughly and confidently tackle this topic.