Sometimes things are helped when a neutral, external authority is used to measure fairness - a dictionary, a lab test, or an academic article, for instance. Be prepared to commit . You shouldn't make a commitment unless you can fulfill it. Moreover, commitment is not likely to result unless all parties feel the process has been fair. Be an active listener .
Communication takes place when information passes from a source to a receiver.
If you spend all of your listening time planning how to zing the other party, then, when they finally stop talking, you haven't heard them. Focus on what others say, both on their words and their underlying meaning. This will help you understand the interests upon which agreement can be based. Active listening can change the rules of the game and raise the level of civility in the negotiation. Be conscious of the importance of the relationship.