Business English from All Ears English BE 549: How to Show Your Non-Starters Right Off the Bat
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Mar 31, 2026 They explore how to spot ideas that are doomed right away and why speaking up matters. They unpack ways to be direct yet kind to keep relationships intact. Practical phrases for declining proposals politely are introduced. Cultural differences in negotiation and short role play examples show tone and phrasing in real situations.
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Lindsay's Sales Call Where Price Killed The Deal
- Lindsay described a sales call where the proposed rev-share pricing was a non-starter for her company.
- Both Lindsay and the founder were upfront about non-starters, which made the follow-up meeting productive and focused on other contract terms.
State A Showstopper Early And Politely
- Say a firm, clear phrase early to avoid wasting time, for example, "That's a showstopper on our end."
- Use polite language and keep the relationship intact while establishing boundaries so negotiation can continue productively.
Use Right Off The Bat To Cut To The Chase
- Use the idiom "right off the bat" to signal an immediate judgment, e.g., "Right off the bat, I can tell you we need to switch gears."
- This communicates your first, important reaction quickly and helps cut to the chase in meetings.
