Speak. Persuade. Win: Communication and Negotiation in the Modern Workplace

What if every conversation you have is a form of negotiation? 

Drawing on their insights and knowledge, Mike and Alan define negotiation, not as a high-stakes skill reserved for boardrooms, but as a fundamental part of everyday communication. From building rapport and finding shared understanding to knowing when to pause and listen, negotiation is about searching for agreement, not winning an argument. 

Find out how effective negotiators are great communicators first, how listening and silence can shape outcomes and why asking questions often achieves more than making statements. You’ll also hear how persuasion, patience and reflection can transform the way we collaborate, influence and build trust. 

About the authors: 

Mike Clayton has had a long career as a project manager, consultant, educator and writer. Formerly a senior manager at Deloitte, he has trained tens of thousands of managers throughout the UK and beyond. He is the author of How to Negotiate. 

Alan Barker is Managing Director of Kairos Training Limited, a specialist consultancy dedicated to developing creativity and communication skills. A prolific writer, he is the author of How to Improve Your Communication Skills and The Complete Copywriter. 

Where to find them: 

Mike: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeclayton/  

Website: 

mikeclayton.co.uk (Company) 

onlinepmcourses.com (Company) 

youtube.com/channel/UCQazot7vvCK6sz3ZAr6OG9g (Management Courses) 

Alan: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanbarker/  

TIME STAMPS 

00:00 Introduction 

01:03 - Why did you decide to write a book on communication?

04:22 - Negotiation is fundamentally a communication skill

11:40 - Struggling to speak up for yourself

20:24 - Everyday communication skills = strong negotiator

37:02 - One habit to improve communication and negotiation skills43:46 - One key thing you learned from writing and researching your books

50:40 - Where to find the authors

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