Ever wondered how some people always seem to get their way?

Believe it or not, it’s not magic – it’s smart negotiation.

And guess what? You can do it too.

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you 9 sly negotiation tricks that can help you win any argument.

So buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride!

1) The power of silence

Silence is golden, especially when it comes to negotiations.

You see, it’s natural that we tend to fill awkward silences. It’s uncomfortable, and we aim to eliminate this discomfort by talking.

And that’s where the magic happens in an argument!

Think about it. When you’re negotiating and you simply stay silent after the other person makes a point, they will often feel compelled to fill the silence.

In doing so, they may reveal more of their thoughts or even make concessions that they wouldn’t have if you had quickly responded.

It’s a simple tactic, but it’s incredibly powerful when used correctly.

And the best part? It doesn’t involve any manipulation or deceit. Just remember not to overuse it.

The secret behind this powerful tool is that you have to find the right balance when using it. If you remain silent for too long or too often, you might come off as uninterested or distant.

2) Framing your argument

Framing is a subtle yet impactful negotiation tactic.

It’s all about presenting your argument in a way that highlights its benefits and downplays its drawbacks.

Research has shown that human brains are more inclined to avoid losses than to acquire equivalent gains.

Let’s say you want to convince someone to try a new approach at work. Instead of saying, “If we do this, we could gain 20% more productivity,” reframe it as “If we don’t do this, we could miss out on 20% more productivity.”

The latter statement, though saying the same thing, sounds more compelling because it taps into our innate desire to avoid losses.

Framing provides you with a persuasive edge in an argument without resorting to manipulation.

It’s all about how you present your case. And trust me, it can make all the difference.

4) The power of questions

Never underestimate the power of a well-placed question.

It’s a great tool to steer an argument in your favor without appearing confrontational.

Questions can be used to challenge assumptions, provoke thought, and guide the other person towards your viewpoint.

They allow you to control the flow of the conversation and subtly lead the other person to rethink their stance.

This approach is less direct and less likely to put the other person in the defensive mode

Negotiation is not about winning or losing.

It’s about finding a common ground. And asking the right questions can be a crucial step towards achieving that.

5) The ‘yes’ ladder

Climbing the ‘yes’ ladder is another clever negotiation tactic.

It’s about getting the other person to agree with you on smaller points, building up to a bigger one.

The trick is to start with statements or questions that are easy to agree with.

Each ‘yes’ they give makes it more likely they’ll agree with the next point, and the next, until eventually they’re more inclined to agree with your larger point or request.

For instance, in a business setting, if you’re trying to implement a new process, you might start by asking, “You want our team to be more efficient, right?”

Once they agree, follow up with, “And you believe that improving our processes can help achieve that?”

After another agreement, you can then introduce your proposal.

This tactic is not manipulative. It’s a way of building rapport and alignment before introducing a bigger idea or request.

It’s all about taking small steps towards a larger agreement.

6) Empathy goes a long way

In the heat of an argument, it’s easy to forget that there’s another human being on the other side.

But remember, empathy can be a powerful tool in negotiations.

When you genuinely understand and acknowledge the other person’s feelings and viewpoint, it creates a bond of trust.

When people feel heard and valued, they naturally lower their defenses and are more open to listening to your perspective.

Empathy isn’t about giving in or losing the argument.

It’s about creating an environment where both parties feel heard and respected, making it easier to find a resolution that satisfies everyone.

This negotiation tactic helps to diffuse tension and open up a more constructive dialogue.

7) The power of ‘I’ statements

In my early days of negotiation, I learned a valuable lesson about the power of ‘I’ statements.

It was during a heated debate with a team member, and we were both digging in our heels.

Then I switched my approach. Instead of saying, “You’re not considering the risks,” which immediately put him on the defensive, I said, “I’m concerned about the risks involved in this approach.”

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed.

I was no longer attacking his idea; I was sharing my concerns.

This shift led to a more constructive conversation and, ultimately a better outcome for both of us.

‘I’ statements are a great way to express your opinion without sounding accusatory or confrontational.

It’s a subtle language change that can have a big impact on your negotiations.

8) The power of reciprocation

Reciprocation is a social norm we all adhere to. When someone does something for us, we often feel compelled to return the favor.

This principle can be applied in negotiations too.

Offering small concessions or compromises early in the discussion can set a cooperative tone.

It sends the message that you’re willing to meet halfway and encourages the other party to do the same.

Negotiation is a two-way process.

It’s not just about getting what you want, but also about ensuring that both parties feel satisfied with the outcome.

Adopting the power of reciprocation when negotiating can help create this balance.

9) Always maintain respect

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of any negotiation or argument is to maintain respect.

Regardless of how heated the discussion may get, never allow it to derail into personal attacks or disrespectful comments.

The minute respect is lost, the chances of reaching a positive outcome diminish greatly. 

Even if you disagree with their viewpoint, it’s crucial to respect their right to have that viewpoint.

This respect paves the way for open, honest communication which ultimately leads to productive negotiations.

Maintaining respect doesn’t mean you’re losing.

It simply means you value the relationship more than winning a point. And that’s what true negotiation is all about.

Final thought: It’s all about the balance

The essence of negotiation is not about winning or losing, it’s about finding a balance. A sweet spot where both parties feel their views have been considered and respected.

Sure, these sly negotiation tactics can give you an upper hand in an argument. But they’re not a ticket to steamroll over others’ opinions.

They’re tools to facilitate open communication, mutual understanding, and ultimately, a resolution that satisfies everyone involved.

So, as you apply these tactics in your next argument, bear in mind that your aim should not just be to win, but to create a win-win situation.

After all, the best negotiations are those where everyone leaves the table feeling heard and valued.