Module 4 Unit 4.1 Lesson 4 - Agreeing and Disagreeing Diplomatically

 

LESSON 4 — Agreeing and Disagreeing Diplomatically

Focus

• Diplomatic disagreement
• Softening negative responses
• Professional compromise language

Lesson Time

50 Minutes

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Lesson Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Agree professionally
• Disagree diplomatically
• Suggest alternative solutions politely

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Lesson Flow

Stage	Time
Warm-Up	5 mins
Expressions Practice	10 mins
Listening Activity	10 mins
Diplomatic Negotiation Activity	15 mins
Feedback & Reflection	10 mins

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1. Warm-Up (5 mins)

Teacher Script

“In business negotiations, disagreement is normal.

The important thing is how we disagree professionally.”

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2. Expressions Practice (10 mins)

Agreeing

• “That sounds reasonable.”
• “We can agree to those terms.”
• “That proposal works for us.”

Disagreeing Diplomatically

• “We understand your position, however…”
• “That may be difficult for us.”
• “Perhaps we could consider another option.”

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3. Listening Activity (10 mins)

Teacher Reading Script

“We understand your request for a shorter delivery schedule. However, reducing the production timeline may affect product quality. Perhaps we could explore a phased delivery approach instead.”

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Questions

1. What request was made?
2. What problem may occur?
3. What alternative was suggested?

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Answers

Shorter delivery schedule
Product quality issues

1. Phased delivery approach

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4. Diplomatic Negotiation Activity (15 mins)

Teacher Script

“You must negotiate difficult contract conditions professionally.

Do not say:

• ‘Impossible.’
• ‘No.’
• ‘That’s wrong.’

Instead, soften your disagreement.”

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Scenarios

• Unrealistic deadlines
• High pricing demands
• Limited staff support
• Delivery delays

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5. Feedback & Reflection (10 mins)

Reflection Questions

• Which phrases sounded diplomatic?
• Which disagreements sounded too direct?
• Which alternatives were effective?

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