On a serious and professional note negotiating is defined as a process in which two or more parties use both verbal and non-verbal tactics to reach an agreement and achieve their goals. It is important to be aware that while negotiating we are constantly communicating not only by what we say but sometimes, more importantly; by the way we say it: our tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures and the way we hold our body (posture). When these two collide, we will trust non-verbal expressions over words.
In the process of negotiating, parties go through certain steps/phases: Preparation: the stage in which the parties research one another, define their entry and exit position (what you want to get) and agreement (what you are prepared to leave with or settle for). It is extremely important that you set up your BATNA (best alternative to negotiated agreement). If your entry position is to use the bathroom at 7 but for various reasons you are anticipating you might not be finished by 7.15., BATNA would in this case be your alternative: are you prepared to go to work without paying a visit to your bathroom? Or maybe pick up a fight with your household members?
Building rapport: in this phase parties build rapport, that is to say (preferably) a friendly relationship in which people get to know each other better which makes it easier for them to communicate. In that stage they also discuss points of their agenda. Believe it or not, this stage can actually take place in front of the bathroom. Rapport would in that case be rebuilt by reminding the other party of the favours you did to them. Discussing points on the agenda might however be too time-consuming.
Bargaining: parties look for common grounds and make concessions. Bear in mind that psychologists say that the ability to make concessions is what differentiates adults from children!
