Lesson 1: Stating a Position

Key Phrases

Basic patterns:

Our position is [noun phrase]

From our side, [priority / requirement]

At this stage, we're looking for [goal / outcome]

Our main concern is [issue]

From our perspective, [statement]

Additional expressions:

The key issue is [noun phrase]

Our priority is [goal]

What we need is [requirement]

We're focused on [objective]

The most important thing for us is [priority]

Example Sentences

Our position is that the delivery timeline needs to be confirmed.

From our side, the key issue is budget constraints this quarter.

At this stage, we're looking for a more flexible payment schedule.

Our main concern is meeting internal quality standards.

From our perspective, the current price doesn't work for us.

The key issue is maintaining consistency across batches.

Our priority is ensuring the project stays within the agreed timeline.

What we need is clear confirmation on the delivery date.

Dialog: Price & Cost Adjustment

Buyer: From our side, the current price doesn't work for us.

Seller: I understand. Unfortunately, we don't have much flexibility here due to internal cost requirements.

Buyer: The reason for our concern is budget pressure this quarter. Would you be open to adjusting the price slightly?

Seller: We wouldn't be able to reduce the price, but we could offer a faster delivery.

Buyer: That could work, provided the delivery timeline is confirmed.

Seller: Great. So we're agreed on faster delivery at the current price.

Variation:

Buyer: The price of $25 per unit is too high for us now.

Seller: I understand. We cannot change the price much because our costs for materials like aluminum are higher this year.

Buyer: We have budget problems this quarter. Can you make the price a little lower?

Seller: We cannot lower the price, but we can send the order faster, in 4 weeks instead of 6.

Buyer: That is good, if you can promise the delivery date.

Seller: Yes. So we agree on faster delivery at $25 per unit.