Unit 2 Review and Mastery

Unit 2 Review and Mastery: Workplace Negotiations

Welcome to the final review of Unit 2! At the B2 level, professional negotiations require tact, nuance, and precise vocabulary. This lesson focuses on simulating a high-stakes business negotiation, allowing you to advocate for your interests while maintaining positive professional relationships.

Key Strategies & Diplomatic Phrasing

• Mitigate demands: Instead of direct commands, use conditional structures like vorremmo proporre (we would like to propose) or subjunctive moods like sebbene sia difficile (although it is difficult).
• Establish common ground: Use phrases such as siamo d'accordo sul fatto che (we agree on the fact that) to build rapport before addressing discrepancies.
• Counter-proposals: Frame compromises constructively using in alternativa (alternatively) or venire incontro alle esigenze (to accommodate [someone's] needs).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid translating English idioms literally. For instance, for "let's get down to business" do not say *scendiamo agli affari; use veniamo al dunque. (Note that mettere le carte in tavola, "to put one's cards on the table", does exist in Italian.) Watch out for register: professional Italian requires the formal Lei pronoun with an individual (and voi when addressing a company or team), plus appropriate conditional verbs.