Class 17
Section 2
Glossary
Instructions
One word from each audio will be briefly explained below.
Try to understand their definitions, examples and, listen to the audios again if you didn't catch them the first time you did.
Then, move on to Section 3
2
Take on
TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOMETHING
Formality: Common use
Synonym: Handle / Assume
Separable: Yes
We’re not ready to take on new costs without a clear return.
She took the entire migration project on after the team lead left.
3
Steep
TOO HIGH OR UNREASONABLE, USUALLY REFERRING TO PRICE OR COST
Formality: Common use
Synonym: Excessive / High
Their licensing fee seemed steep for what they were offering.
We liked the proposal, but the upfront cost was a bit steep.
4
Fair enough
USED TO SHOW YOU ACCEPT SOMETHING AS REASONABLE, EVEN IF YOU DISAGREE
Formality: Informal
Synonym: Reasonable / Understandable
You don’t want to move forward without more data? Fair enough.
They passed on the offer? Fair enough—it wasn’t the right fit.
5
Tied to
CLOSELY CONNECTED OR DEPENDENT ON SOMETHING ELSE
Formality: Common use
Synonym: Linked to / Based on
Their bonus is tied to quarterly performance results.
The final payment is tied to client approval of the last stage.
6
Loop in
TO INCLUDE SOMEONE IN A DISCUSSION OR DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
Formality: Informal
Synonym: Include / Notify
Separable: Yes
Let’s loop in Sarah before we move ahead with this.
He looped the legal team in to double-check the contract language.
6
Circle back
TO RETURN TO A TOPIC OR CONVERSATION LATER
Formality: Informal
Synonym: Follow up / Revisit
Separable: No
Let me gather the data and circle back by end of day.
They said they’d circle back after reviewing the numbers internally.
Section 3
Transcript
Instructions
We're nearing the end, this section is like the "answer sheet".
Read the text extracted from the audio.
Now's the time to see what you heard!
Try to understand as much as possible before going to the Walkthrough section.
Then, move on to Section 4.
Audio 1
You’re offering 15% equity for full access to our platform, right?
Audio 2
Exactly. We’d also take on the infrastructure costs.
Audio 3
Fifteen sounds steep considering your current reach.
Fair enough. What number would you feel better about?
Audio 1
Audio 2
Closer to 10%, tied to performance milestones, would be ideal.
Audio 3
Got it. I’ll loop in the legal team and circle back this afternoon.
Section 4
Walkthrough
Instructions
In this video, the teacher covers every and each little detail you may have missed or may not know about the audios/transcript.
This video is rich in information so make sure to take notes of the new things you learn here.
Then, move on to Section 5 .
Section 5
Talking Point
Instructions
With a teacher, friend, or AI companion, practice talking, answering and discussing the following points listed below.
Mini-Article
In high-stakes deals, no one agrees to terms blindly. People might say a number sounds “interesting” or that they’re “open to ideas,” but unless the deal structure feels balanced, they won’t move forward. Good negotiators spot hesitation early and adjust before losing momentum.
Article Conversation
Describe a time when you or your company pushed back on a deal because the structure didn’t seem balanced.
What signals made you hesitate?
Use real elements like valuations, equity splits, or milestone clauses to make your example more detailed.
Questions
How do you know when a proposal is truly fair versus just “acceptable enough” to avoid conflict?
What strategies can you use to bring hidden concerns into the open before closing a deal?
When is it better to walk away instead of pushing for a better offer?