Negotiation & Persuasion

About the Course

In this course, participants will learn the fundamentals of negotiation, while developing interpersonal techniques and tactics for effectively influencing people, especially in difficult situations involving strong emotions. Utilizing the latest research in negotiation, and conflict resolution, this course will expand participants’ abilities to more productively approach interpersonal interactions that may cause anxiety or discomfort. By the end of the course, participants will have more control and confidence during these interactions, more effectively managing them and influencing others.

Course Methodology

Negotiation simulations and exercises, carried out in small groups, will be conducted throughout this course to help participants practice developing their powers of communication, persuasion, and negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Course Goals

There are several learning objectives for the course, based on 12 modules covered over four days June 21-24, 2020: 

Day 1: Persuasion Through Negotiation

  • The Value of Negotiation 
  • The Elements of Positional Bargaining
  • Anchors, First Offers, and Making Concessions

Day 2: Persuasion Through Problem Solving

  • The Negotiator’s Dilemma
  • The Elements of Principled Negotiation 
  • Principles of Influence and Persuasion

Day 3: Persuasion Through Curiosity 

  • Persuading Their Internal Voice
  • Cultivating a Cooperative Environment
  • Impact the Contribution System 

Day 4: Persuasion Through Emotion 

  • Acknowledging Emotion
  • Sustaining a Resilient Identity 
  • Managing Difficult Tactics 

For more information on the course modules and objectives, please click here to access the course flyer. 

About the Instructor

David Gray.

David Emmanuel Gray, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service in Qatar. Over the past ten years, Dr. Gray has taught undergraduate and professional education courses on negotiation and conflict resolution in Qatar. He received his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University, and specializes in ethical theory, political philosophy, and decision theory.  

He has taught a number of classes in these areas at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, and Georgetown University in Qatar. In addition, he has worked  on social responsibility projects with local companies, ministries, and other  organizations, while also being invited to deliver talks on conflict resolution, business ethics, sustainability reporting, ethics of leadership, and religious tolerance.

Negotiation banner with two people on opposite side of the table.