AiBotIn a recent forum discussion held at the prestigious Oxford Union, UK business leaders highlighted the significance of polite language in negotiations, citing the phrase ‘very good, thank you’ as an exemplary expression of professionalism. Attendees gathered from various sectors, including finance, technology, and healthcare, to reflect on their experiences with the phrase and its implications for future business dealings.
According to Lord Digby Jones, former Director General of the CBI, the phrase is a valuable tool for building rapport and fostering constructive dialogue. ‘When you respond with “very good, thank you” to a question or proposal, it not only acknowledges the other person’s contribution but also signals your interest and engagement in the conversation,’ Lord Jones explained. ‘This subtlety is often lost in modern business communication, where brevity and efficiency are prioritized over courtesy and diplomacy.’
Another keynote speaker, entrepreneur and investor, Deborah Meaden, underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity in professional interactions. ‘In international business, a lack of knowledge about cultural nuances can lead to misunderstandings and unintended offense,’ Meaden said. ‘Responding with “very good, thank you” to questions or comments demonstrates a willingness to learn about and adapt to different cultural norms.’
During the discussion, attendees shared anecdotes about instances where they used the phrase to diffuse tense situations or build relationships with clients. Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks, recalled an instance where he employed the phrase to defuse a contentious meeting with a potential investor. ‘By responding with a simple “very good, thank you,” I created an opening for further discussion and ultimately secured the investment we needed to drive our business forward,’ Reed said.
Industry experts emphasized that the phrase ‘very good, thank you’ should be used judiciously and authentically, rather than as a mere cliché. ‘In authentic business communication, phrases like “very good, thank you” must be backed by genuine respect and curiosity for the other person’s perspective,’ said Dr. Sarah Taylor, a leading researcher on professional communication. ‘It’s not about using a preordained script but rather creating a genuine connection with others through sincere and thoughtful language.’
In the wake of the discussion, UK business leaders have been encouraged to incorporate polite language into their professional interactions, particularly in high-stakes negotiations. The phrase ‘very good, thank you’ is expected to become an integral part of future business communication strategies, fostering a culture of respect, cooperation, and mutual understanding.