--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The language of negotiation is primarily…" description: "\"“The language of negotiation is primarily a language of conversation and rapport: a way of quickly establishing relationships and getting people to tal..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/531/chris-voss-5746_communication_the-language-of-negotiation-is-primarily_1846755.jpg" --- # The language of negotiation is primarily a language of… ![“The language of negotiation is primarily a language of conversation and rapport: a way of quickly establishing relationships and getting people to talk and think together. Which is why when you think of the greatest negotiators of all time, I’ve got a surprise for you—think Oprah Winfrey.” quote by Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/531/chris-voss-5746_communication_the-language-of-negotiation-is-primarily_1846755.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/531/chris-voss-5746_communication_the-language-of-negotiation-is-primarily_1846755.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/531/chris-voss-5746_communication_the-language-of-negotiation-is-primarily_1846755.jpg) > ““The language of negotiation is primarily a language of conversation and rapport: a way of quickly establishing relationships and getting people to talk and think together. Which is why when you think of the greatest negotiators of all time, I’ve got a surprise for you—think Oprah Winfrey.”” [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Negotiation relies on building rapport and shared conversation to align thinking and create mutual solutions. **In simple terms:** Talk and trust are key to negotiating. Key Takeaway Focus on relationship before terms. Themes communication rapport negotiation relationship building Mood empathetic strategic Type instructional inspirational When to use this quote - business deals - team meetings - conflict resolution - sales pitches Key Concepts psychology trust collaboration Questions to Reflect On - How can you foster genuine rapport quickly? - What signals indicate trust is building? A Different Perspective If rapport fails, parties may still clash despite conversation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Negotiation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negotiation/) ## Related quotes > [“The kidnapper who was negotiating with Julie seemed extremely perplexed by her persistent questions, and he kept asking for time to think. That slowed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/the-kidnapper-who-was-negotiating-with-julie-seemed-extremely/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“Notice we said 'It sounds like . . .' and not 'I'm hearing that . . .' 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Your attitude is light and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/most-of-the-time-you-should-be-using-the-positive-playful-voice-it-s/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“By repeating back what people say, you trigger this mirroring instinct and your counterpart will inevitably elaborate on what was just said and sustain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/by-repeating-back-what-people-say-you-trigger-this-mirroring-instinct/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“Every case is new. 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