Mastering English Grammar, Vocabulary, and Negotiation Skills

English Grammar Fundamentals

Conditional Sentences

0. Zero Conditional (0C): Facts and general truths (Ejemplos, Verdades)

• Structure: If + Present Simple > Present Simple

1. First Conditional (1C): Something that could occur (Algo que podría ocurrir)

• Structure: If + Present Simple > Will + Verb

2. Second Conditional (2C): Hypothetical situation (Situación hipotética)

• Structure: If + Past Simple > Would + Verb

3. Third Conditional (3C): Hypothetical past/Regret (Situación irreal del pasado)

• Structure: If + Past Perfect > Would have + Verb

Uses of the Present Simple

The Present Simple is used for:

• Habits and usual routines (Hábitos y rutinas habituales)
• Permanent situations (Situaciones permanentes)
• General truths (Hechos generales)
• Scientific facts (Hechos científicos)

Essential Vocabulary: Nouns, Adjectives, and Opposites

Structure: Noun (Translation) > Adjective > Opposite

• Patience (Paciencia), Patient, Impatient
• Calmness (Calma), Calm, Nervous
• Weakness (Debilidad), Weak, Strong
• Credibility (Credibilidad), Credible, Not Credible
• Emotion (Emoción), Emotional, Unemotional
• Consistency (Consistencia), Consistent, Inconsistent
• Sympathy (Simpatía), Sympathetic, Unsympathetic
• Formality (Formalidad), Formal, Informal
• Enthusiasm (Entusiasmo), Enthusiastic, Apathetic
• Creation (Creación), Creative, (Related Noun: Creativity)

Effective Communication and Negotiation Skills

Conflict Resolution Strategies

• Say: "I see what you mean."
• Find out why the other side is unhappy.
• Speak calmly and slowly.
• If people cannot agree with each other, suggest a 15-minute break.

Roleplay Dialogue: Price Increase Negotiation

A: Hello! Good afternoon! I’d like to meet with you.

J: Yes, tell me, what do you want to talk about?

A: I wanted to talk about the percentage increase in restaurant prices. The workers are very unhappy. Before making a decision, I’d like the workers to be consulted.

J: I understand what you’re saying, but the cuts in subsidies are necessary. The company has to reduce costs, or the staff’s salaries will be affected. Can you order the vote?

A: Yes, I agree. After bringing together the workers and conducting the vote, we will meet again in five days to communicate the results.

J: We’ve got a deal. See you in three days.

A: Okay. Thank you for your attention, Mrs. J.

Key Idioms and Phrases for Business Communication

• To jump to conclusions: To make a decision too quickly.
• To move things forward: To make a situation better or progress.
• To be consistent: Not to change your attitude or behavior.
• To talk down to somebody: To make someone feel unimportant.
• To get in somebody's shoes: To try and see things from someone else's point of view (Empathy).
• Favouritism: When you treat a person better than others unfairly.