How do I say this in a more professional way?

[BananasAreEvil]

I fully appreciate where you're coming from

I understand why you say that...

Can you just listen and ask questions about their plan/ view whatever

Use specific reasons- I understand why you think A will lead to B, but because of C, I would like to...

You make good points, I would like to raise the following infinitely better ones you ficus

I appreciate your perspective, however ....

What I'm hearing is....

Your position is understandable, but...

Can you give us some more detail? Do they have a valid point? Do you want to take their opinion into account? Are they whinging unnecessarily? Are they being a CF? Are you negotiating something?

Thank you for your perspective.

They are 100% in the right.

And yes I am trying to negotiate something

Tell them they are 100% right, yes I agree with you, what's the context.

Just say 'I agree' in that case? What sort of thing are you negotiating?

If they are right in what they say and their request is valid are you going to honour the request or is there a but.....

I appreciate your comments….

I understand your point of view…

Thank you for your enlightening thoughts on the matter…

E.g. if its customer service

I agree, we failed you, here is a full refund.

Or if its salary

I agree we can't afford to increase pay. We also can't afford to recruit staff if people leave, so we will have to increase pay regardless.

Ok in that case context is key. If it's a faulty item/service etc what will satisfy them and have least damaging circumstances for you?

If it's you that's at fault in say a work situation, what can you do that will change their opinion eg you have too many days off sick, you could ask for flexible working ensure you seek medical advice, job share, create an improvement plan

Can you elaborate?

I am trying to continue with a 4-day working week instead of 5, even though boss is right to want me to do 5. So I am basically saying I know you're right, legally, but these are my reasons for wanting things to remain unchanged (very good reasons by the way, which have a direct positive impact on the work I do). Not being a CF, I promise.

I acknowledge and understand that, however.....

Whilst I understand your position, ...

Any negotiation is strengthened if it is fact based and rational. You are negotiating your time, so I would explain plainly and simply why 5 days can't work for you. It also sounds like it would be better for the business for you to remain on 4 days, so weave that in too. Needs to be carefully prepared, thought it and planned in advance.

Thank you that's really helpful.

Always focus on the business case - not why it's better for you but why it's better for them. if 5 days would negatively impact your work, then explain why. You could ask for a trial period as well.

@Xiaoxiong

Always focus on the business case - not why it's better for you but why it's better for them. if 5 days would negatively impact your work, then explain why. You could ask for a trial period as well.

This is good advice, though sounds like OP is already doing it so not sure if trial is the right word? Extension?

All the best op