This document provides an overview of effective negotiation skills. It defines negotiation as involving parties with competing interests working towards an agreement through communication. It discusses the importance of preparation, including defining objectives and concessions. There are two main approaches to negotiation - positional/competitive and interest-based/problem-solving. The four phases of negotiation are prepare, debate, propose, and bargain. Key elements of each phase are discussed such as listening, building rapport, maintaining flexibility in proposals, and trading concessions.