Out-neutral / Negotiating url
Let’s make a deal
- Let’s get down to business.
- Let’s mend our fences.
- Let get down to brass tacks.
- We can see eye to eye.
- Make me an offer I can’t refuse.
- Let’s split the difference.
- I’ll take you up on it.
- Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
- Let’s put our heads together and do our best to get to come up with something.
- I’ll make it worth your while!
- On second thought, maybe I will reconsider your generous offer.
- Let’s go through with the deal.
Let’s make a deal
Out-positive / Concern url
To a friend whose new job is harder than he expected
- How’s this working out for you?
- Perhaps you got more than you bargained for.
- Your old job is a hard act to follow.
- You have to give it time for the dust to settle, to see if it works out.
- Things sometimes get worse before they get better.
- This is a chance for you to show your mettle.
- Rise to the challenge!
To a friend whose new job is harder than he expected
Out-neutral / Advice url
Protect yourself
- My advice to you is just try to save your own skin.
- Look out for number one.
- Don’t do this to yourself.
- Run for your life.
- Your luck can’t hold out forever.
- If you don’t watch out for yourself, who will?
- It’s a dog eat dog world, and your first obligation is to protect yourself.
- Make sure you take your medicine religiously.
- An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
- Don’t let them stab you in the back.
Protect yourself
Out-positive / Agreement url
Do you like my new style of dressing?
- It’s growing on me.
- It looks fine to me.
- I think it’s a change for the better.
- I think it’s a step in the right direction.
- I agree with your decision.
- Suits me just fine.
Do you like my new style of dressing?
In-negative / Explaining url
After getting too angry at the kids
- I lost control.
- This is what I have to deal with all the time.
- Things got the better of me.
- I’m a bit overwhelmed.
- I wasn’t myself.
- I was caught off-guard.
- It goes with the territory.
- I’ve been a little on edge.
- I meant well.
- I hope you understand.
- That’s easy for you to say, but put yourself in my shoes.
- I just got carried away.
After getting too angry at the kids
Out-neutral / Advice url
Flexible
- It’s best just to roll with it punches.
- Now let’s switch gears.
- Don’t get bogged down.
- That’s the way to learn how to do things like that.
- You’re as young as you feel.
- Pick up where you left off.
- Variety is the spice of life.
- When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do.
- Give it another shot.
- What have you got to lose?
- Let's play it by ear.
Flexible
In-positive / Hope url
When your candidate is elected
- Maybe there’s hope for us yet.
- It could turn things around.
- Things are looking up.
- It’s the wave of the future.
- That’s a good sign.
- I hope to heaven that what you’re telling me is true.
- It took a long time to happen, but it was worth waiting for.
- At times we didn’t think it would be successful, but now it might be a dream come true.
- The best is yet to come.
When your candidate is elected
In-negative / Doubt url
Being told that a certain penny stock is a sure thing
- I have a nagging suspicion that this isn’t on the up and up.
- I don’t feel right about it.
- I just can’t buy that.
- You can’t fool me.
- I’ve heard that before.
- That’s wishful thinking.
- It’s a figment of your imagination.
- Whatever gave you that idea?
- I wouldn’t be too sure.
- It won’t hold water.
- I find that very hard to believe.
- What are you talking about?
- If I did that, it would be against my better judgement.
Being told that a certain penny stock is a sure thing
In-negative / Confusion url
Being given a bag of rocks for a present
- I don’t know what to do with it.
- What am I going to do with all this stuff?
- What does this mean?
- What do you mean by this?
- I’m almost afraid to ask.
- Do you mind telling me what this is about?
- Does it make any sense?
- I’m speechless.
- I wonder what that means.
- It doesn’t make any sense at all.
- I don't get it.
Being given a bag of rocks for a present
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Going to sleep after a long day
- I’m pooped and totally worn out, and I’m going to hit the sack.
- I’m no worse off for wear and tear.
- Time just flies when you’re having fun.
- There’s only so many hours in the day.
- Tomorrow’s another day.
- It’s as good a time as any.
- At one point you just have to call it day.
- I’m bushed, I think I’m going to hit the sack.
Going to sleep after a long day
In-positive / Confidence url
Promise that will be on time
- I give you my word.
- We’re on our way.
- I will, I promise.
- I’ll see to that.
- You can bet on it.
- You have nothing to worry about.
- Take my word for it.
- It’s nothing I can’t handle.
- There’s no question about it.
Promise that will be on time
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who’s tied in a final set of a tennis match
- That’s the spirit.
- You’ve got it in the palm of your hand.
- You’ve got what it takes.
- You’ve got to come through, we’re all depending on you.
- We’re all rooting for you.
- Take the bull by the horns.
- You can do it.
- The ball is in your court.
- Give it your best shot.
- Give it the old college try.
- We’re all counting on you.
- It’s all up to you.
- Get a move on it, and strike the iron while it’s hot.
- It’s shaping up to be a moment of truth.
- This is your big chance, don’t blow it.
For a friend who’s tied in a final set of a tennis match