The 7th series of black words commonly used in Chinese business situations includes ‘Play Tai Chi（打太极）’, ‘Set the tone（定调子）’, ‘The last – minute kick（临门一脚）’ and ‘Drive up the price on the spot（坐地起价）’.
1. Play Tai Chi（打太极） In negotiations, one party avoids giving a direct answer to questions. They use ambiguous language, change the subject, etc., to avoid a clear response or getting into a disadvantageous situation. It’s like practicing Tai Chi, with soft and non – confrontational moves.
2. Set the tone（定调子） At the beginning of a negotiation, one party takes the lead in putting forward preliminary views on key aspects such as the negotiation direction, goals, and principles. This lays the foundation for the subsequent negotiation and sets the basic framework and atmosphere.
3. The last – minute kick（临门一脚） At the critical moment when a negotiation is approaching its end and an agreement is about to be reached, make a decisive move or put forward a key proposal to push the negotiation to a successful conclusion. It’s like the final shot in front of the goal in a football game that determines the outcome.
4. Drive up the price on the spot（坐地起价） During the negotiation process, under the trading conditions that have been originally determined or are close to being determined, one party suddenly raises its requirements, especially the price, catching the other party off – guard.