English · B2 · Speaking · about 5 min
Turn an impossible deadline into a realistic deal with clear trade-offs.
Viktor is a tech lead at a fintech company in Amsterdam. On Monday the product director asks for a new payments module 'by Friday'. That is not realistic for the full scope. This is not a simple request for an extension: at B2 you negotiate. You acknowledge their goal, give a realistic estimate, offer options with conditionals, ask what matters most and close with a clear agreement.
MomentYou acknowledge their goal.
SayI understand Friday is important for the launch, so let me be upfront about what's realistic.
WhyI understand … so … shows empathy before the bad news; be upfront = be honest early.
MomentYou state what's realistic.
SayWith the current scope, we'd need until Wednesday to test everything properly.
Whywe'd need until … gives a specific date instead of 'more time'.
MomentYou offer a scope trade-off.
SayIf we drop the export feature for now, we could still deliver the core module by Friday.
WhyIf + past simple … could: a second conditional offer that sounds flexible.
MomentYou offer a resource trade-off.
SayAlternatively, if we could borrow one developer from the mobile team, Monday might be doable.
WhyAlternatively introduces option B; might be doable is cautious.
MomentYou ask about priorities.
SayWhich matters more to you here — the date or the full feature set?
WhyAn either-or question makes the other side choose.
MomentYou confirm the deal.
SayOkay, so we're agreed: core module on Friday, export the following Wednesday. I'll confirm that in writing.
WhySo we're agreed: … summarises; confirm in writing prevents disputes.
| Moment | Say | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You acknowledge their goal. | I understand Friday is important for the launch, so let me be upfront about what's realistic. | I understand … so … shows empathy before the bad news; be upfront = be honest early. |
| You state what's realistic. | With the current scope, we'd need until Wednesday to test everything properly. | we'd need until … gives a specific date instead of 'more time'. |
| You offer a scope trade-off. | If we drop the export feature for now, we could still deliver the core module by Friday. | If + past simple … could: a second conditional offer that sounds flexible. |
Conditionals are the engine of negotiation: If we drop X, we could deliver Y (second conditional = hypothetical offer). 'We'd need' (would need) sounds firmer and more professional than 'we want'. Use 'Alternatively' and 'Otherwise' to present options.
Never just say 'impossible'. Offer at least two options: less scope, more people or more time. Let the other person choose, then repeat the agreement and send it by email.
Related topics: /topics/english/b1/work/requesting-more-time, /topics/english/b2/meetings/disagreeing-politely. To keep going, continue with the English course on MyAnya.
Acknowledge the goal, give a realistic date with we'd need, offer a scope trade-off with if … could, offer a resource option with alternatively, ask what matters more and confirm the agreement in writing.
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The director insists on Friday. How do you open?
I understand Friday is important for the launch, so let me be upfront about what's realistic.
I understand … so … shows empathy before the bad news; be upfront = be honest early.
The director has already promised Friday to a client.
With the current scope, we'd need until Wednesday to test everything properly.
we'd need until … gives a specific date instead of 'more time'.
Viktor checked the estimate with his team first.
If we drop the export feature for now, we could still deliver the core module by Friday.
If + past simple … could: a second conditional offer that sounds flexible.
The export feature is used by only 5% of clients.
Alternatively, if we could borrow one developer from the mobile team, Monday might be doable.
Alternatively introduces option B; might be doable is cautious.
The mobile team is between sprints this week.
Which matters more to you here — the date or the full feature set?
An either-or question makes the other side choose.
She chooses the date over the features.
Okay, so we're agreed: core module on Friday, export the following Wednesday. I'll confirm that in writing.
So we're agreed: … summarises; confirm in writing prevents disputes.
He sends the email ten minutes after the call.
| You offer a resource trade-off. |
| Alternatively, if we could borrow one developer from the mobile team, Monday might be doable. |
| Alternatively introduces option B; might be doable is cautious. |
| You ask about priorities. | Which matters more to you here — the date or the full feature set? | An either-or question makes the other side choose. |
| You confirm the deal. | Okay, so we're agreed: core module on Friday, export the following Wednesday. I'll confirm that in writing. | So we're agreed: … summarises; confirm in writing prevents disputes. |