Email Vocabulary – Lesson 2: Persuasion and Diplomacy in Emails
Level: B2 | Business English
Vocabulary
The most sophisticated professional emails do not simply inform — they persuade, negotiate, and manage relationships. At B2 level, you need the vocabulary to propose, concede, assert, and facilitate agreement, while maintaining a diplomatic tone that keeps communication productive even under pressure.
Nouns
leverage(noun)
Power or advantage used to influence a situation or negotiation.
"The exclusivity clause gave us considerable leverage in the renegotiation."
proposition(noun)
A formal proposal or offer put forward for consideration.
"We would like to put forward a revised proposition for your consideration."
concession(noun)
Something given up or agreed to in order to reach a compromise.
"We are prepared to make a concession on the delivery timeline if you can meet us on price."
deadlock(noun)
A situation in which no progress can be made because neither party will move from their position.
"Negotiations reached a deadlock after three rounds of discussion."
facilitation(noun)
The act of making a process easier or helping a discussion or agreement to progress.
"The facilitation of this agreement required input from both legal teams."
mediation(noun)
Intervention by a neutral third party to help resolve a dispute between two parties.
"Both sides have agreed to enter into formal mediation next month."
consensus(noun)
General agreement reached by a group, typically after discussion.
"The committee reached a consensus on the revised proposal after two hours of deliberation."
assertion(noun)
A confident and direct statement of a fact or belief, often in the face of disagreement.
"His assertion that the figures were incorrect was supported by the audit report."
reciprocity(noun)
A mutual exchange of benefits or concessions, where both parties give and receive.
"The agreement was built on reciprocity — both parties made equal concessions."
undertaking(noun)
A formal promise or commitment to do something.
"We require a written undertaking that the work will be completed by 30 June."
Fixed phrases for persuasion and diplomacy
Notwithstanding the above,conceding a point
Used to introduce a contrasting point despite what has just been said. Formal equivalent of "despite this".
"Notwithstanding the above, we remain committed to finding a solution that works for both parties."
We trust this is in order.seeking confirmation
A polite way of assuming or hoping the reader agrees with what has been proposed or provided.
"Please find enclosed the signed agreement. We trust this is in order."
We reserve the right toasserting position
Used to state formally that the organisation may take a particular action if necessary.
"We reserve the right to withdraw from the agreement if these conditions are not met."
In accordance withciting rules or agreements
Used to indicate that something is being done in line with a rule, agreement, or procedure.
"In accordance with the terms of your contract, a 30-day notice period is required."
Without prejudice,legal/negotiation context
Used to indicate that a communication cannot be used as evidence in legal proceedings. Common in settlement negotiations.
"Without prejudice, we are prepared to offer a settlement of £5,000."
We draw your attention tohighlighting formally
A formal way to direct the reader's attention to something important.
"We draw your attention to clause 7.3, which clearly states the conditions for termination."
This is to certify thatformal certification
Used to formally confirm or verify a fact in writing.
"This is to certify that the above-named individual has successfully completed the course."
Pending your confirmation,conditional progress
Used to indicate that action will be taken once the reader has confirmed their agreement.
"Pending your confirmation, we will arrange for delivery on the agreed date."
Sentence Transformation
Rewrite each sentence using the word or phrase given. Do not change the meaning. The form of the given word may need to change.
Error Identification
Each sentence contains one error, or no error at all. Click the word you think is wrong and select the reason. If the sentence is correct, select the reason without clicking a word.
Gap Fill
Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each sentence.
Matching
Match each word or phrase to its meaning.
Word Sort
Click a word or phrase to place it in the correct group.
Paragraph Gap Fill
Read the email and choose the correct word or phrase for each gap. Pay close attention to register and context.