The spoken word is important in face to face negotiation and then in the following order: first, volume; second, tone an finally content. Gender issues come to play, males listen to words and switch into information and problem-solving mode; females are interested in being heard and a mix of this “report” talk with “rapport” talk as called by researcher Deborah Tannen, the preferred communications mode. The spoken word can be recorded in person and over the phone. Confidential or secret information should not be shared unless the parties know the conversation is not recorded, and only then under a non-disclosure agreement. Assume all is recorded unless otherwise told. Ask not to be recorded as appropriate.
