
Dan Brecher
Counsel
212-286-0747 dbrecher@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Dan Brecher
Date: August 20, 2014
Counsel
212-286-0747 dbrecher@sh-law.comIn today’s fast-paced world, we are not accustomed to silence. Too much quietness makes us uncomfortable, particularly when in the company of others. When there is a lull in the conversation, we feel compelled to fill the void even if we don’t necessarily have anything to say.
During contract negotiation, it is possible to use this social awkwardness to your advantage. Remaining silent gives you the opportunity to really digest what the other party said and plan your response. Speaking too quickly can result in hasty decisions.
Keeping quiet for a moment also signals to the other person that you don’t feel compelled to jump on the deal immediately. It also leaves the other person wondering why you have not yet responded. Are you confused, uninterested, stalling, or simply contemplating your decision? Letting the other side “squirm” may give you the upper hand.
Of course, it is important to remain engaged, even if you are not actively speaking. Maintain eye contact and resist the urge to quell the awkwardness by staring at your shoes. If you need to look at something, study your notes or review the proposed contract.
There is an old saying, “He who speaks first loses.” Silence often compels the other party to reinitiate the conversation. Most people will offer additional information intended to convince you to accept their offer. However, if they want to close the deal badly enough, the other party may even offer more favorable terms without you having to propose them.
If you have any questions about this post or would like to discuss your company’s business contracts, please contact me, Dan Brecher, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Retaining top talent continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing employers today. Even in an employer’s market, the loss of a key employee can disrupt operations and result in significant costs. While compensation plays a role, long-term retention often depends on workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement. One increasingly popular strategy for improving […]
Author: Angela A. Turiano
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Author: Dan Brecher
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!