In this episode of The Negotiation Club Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tobias Threlfall-Holmes, a committed committee member of the Durham University Negotiation Society. Tobias shares an intriguing story about how he and his fellow students employed a variety of negotiation techniques, skills, and tactics during a memorable negotiation at a local restaurant.

The negotiation, centred around obtaining free chicken wings with a drink, provides a fascinating and relatable example of how to navigate negotiations successfully.

Training Gives You the Basics, but Joining The Negotiation Club Gives You the Practical Experience to Succeed

When it comes to mastering negotiation, traditional training can only take you so far. Training provides you with the fundamental principles, theories, and techniques. However, to truly excel, you need practical experience—something that The Negotiation Club is designed to offer.

Take, for example, the insights shared by Tobias in our latest podcast episode. Tobias's real-world experience in negotiating a massive saving at a restaurant highlights the importance of practical skills such as building relationships and using humour. These are techniques that can't be fully grasped through theory alone; they need to be practiced and refined.

Building Relationships and Using Humour in Negotiations

Tobias recounted how he was able to negotiate a significant discount at a restaurant by first establishing a rapport with the staff. He used humour to break the ice, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This approach made the staff more receptive to his requests. Instead of being seen as a demanding customer, he was perceived as a likeable and engaging guest.

Key Negotiation Techniques to Practice

In addition to relationship-building and humour, Tobias emphasised several key techniques that are crucial for successful negotiation:

1. Actively Listening:

Understanding the other party's needs and concerns is vital. Active listening allows you to gather valuable information that can be used to craft compelling proposals. During our practice sessions at The Negotiation Club, we simulate real-life scenarios where members can hone their listening skills.

2. Not Taking 'No' for an Answer:

Persistence is key. Tobias shared how he politely but firmly continued the conversation even when initially faced with resistance. This is a skill that benefits from practice, as it's about finding the balance between being assertive and respectful.

3. Being Curious:

Asking questions and showing genuine interest in the other party’s perspective can uncover opportunities for mutual benefit. At The Negotiation Club, we encourage curiosity and provide ample opportunities to practice this technique in diverse scenarios.

Negotiation Tactics Card "Relationships"

As always we have created our very own Negotiation Tactics Card "Relationships" that we can use specifically to practice this technique and it a great addition to the growing TNC Negotiation Tactics Library. 

Real-World Applications For Negotiations

Tobias's restaurant negotiation is a perfect example of how these skills can be applied in real life. By building a relationship, using humour, listening actively, persisting politely, and being curious, he was able to achieve a favourable outcome. These are the kinds of practical experiences that members of The Negotiation Club regularly engage in, allowing them to refine their skills and build confidence.

For those interested in learning more about Tobias's negotiation tactics and how you can apply these skills in your own life, we highly recommend listening to our latest podcast episode. Tobias's story is not just inspiring but also filled with actionable advice that you can start practicing today.

Listen to Tobias’s Podcast Episode1 Here

Joining The Negotiation Club means stepping beyond the basics and immersing yourself in real-world practice. It's about transforming knowledge into skill through continuous, hands-on experience. So why not take the next step in your negotiation journey?

Join us at The Negotiation Club with a GOLD Membership and start practicing the techniques that will lead you to success.

Training lays the foundation, but it's the practice that builds the structure. At The Negotiation Club, we provide a supportive environment where you can develop and refine your negotiation skills. Whether it's through role-playing exercises, peer feedback, or real-life simulations, our club offers the practical experience you need to succeed.

Don't just learn about negotiation—practice it with us and watch your skills soar.

Join The Negotiation Club today!