Stop Saying “Try”: Master Definitive Negotiation Language
In everyday conversation, the word “try” seems harmless—almost polite. It suggests effort and good intentions. But in the high-stakes world of business, negotiation language operates differently.
Words are not just vehicles for information; they are signals of authority, confidence, and capability. In this context, “try” acts as a silent saboteur. It signals weak commitment, a lack of authority, or hidden resistance before the real work has even begun.
Here is why upgrading your negotiation language is one of the fastest ways to increase your leverage.
The Danger of Weak Negotiation Language: 4 Ways “Try” Undermines You
When you use tentative words, you aren’t being polite; you are eroding your own position. Here is the psychological impact of “try” on your counterparty:
1. It Signals Uncertainty
Saying “We will try to deliver by next week” plants immediate doubt in the other party’s mind. In the subconscious of a skilled professional, imprecise negotiation language translates to: “There is a high probability they won’t.” You have effectively told them that your promise is unreliable.
2. It Erodes Trust and Authority
Consider the phrase: “I will try to get this approved by Finance.” This statement immediately diminishes your standing. It suggests you lack the influence or mandate to drive decisions within your own organization. Negotiation success requires perceived control.
3. It Opens Loopholes
“Try” gives you a convenient escape hatch—and your counterparty knows it. If you fail to deliver, you can technically claim: “Well, I only said I’d try.” While this might protect you from a lie, it weakens accountability. In business, partners look for predictability, not excuses.
4. It Creates Negotiation Fatigue
Counterparts grow frustrated when commitments are wrapped in conditional phrases. It forces them to chase, clarify, and second-guess every statement. This drains energy and slows progress.
Mastering Definitive Negotiation Language: What to Say Instead
Effective negotiators never hide behind “try.” They trade in clarity. Does this mean you must promise things you can’t deliver? Absolutely not. It means using precise negotiation language to define what you can do.
Instead of: “I’ll try to get the contract to you by Friday.” Say: “I will get the contract to you by Friday.” (Or, if you aren’t sure: “I cannot commit to Friday, but I will guarantee it by Monday morning.”)
Instead of: “We’ll try to match that price.” Say: “Matching that price is not possible given the current scope. However, we can offer X…”
Compare the difference in authority:
| Weak Language (Tentative) | Power Language (Definitive) |
| “I’ll try to make that work.” | “I can do that.” / “I cannot do that.” |
| “We will try to meet your deadline.” | “We commit to the deadline of the 15th.” |
| “I’ll try to speak to the stakeholders.” | “I will speak to the stakeholders and answer by 2 PM.” |
Clarity creates trust. It builds credibility. It drives results because it removes the mental fog of uncertainty.
Conclusion: Commit with Confidence
There is a reason the world’s most famous slogan isn’t “Just Try It.” Nike said: “Just Do It.”
In negotiation, the same principle applies. Tentative words create tentative outcomes. If you want to lead the conversation, you must strip away the safety net of “try.”
Commit with confidence, define your boundaries clearly, or risk undermining the deal before the ink is even dry.
My training programs are designed to help leadership teams replace tentative phrases with definitive negotiation language and measurable results. Let’s talk about your team’s negotiation goals.
