In this research the authors examined whether conversational dynamics occurring within the first 5 minutes of a negotiation can predict negotiated outcomes. In a simulated employment negotiation, microcoding conducted by a computer showed that activity level, conversational engagement, prosodic emphasis, and vocal mirroring predicted 30% of the variance in individual outcomes. The conversational dynamics associated with success among high-status parties were different from those associated with success among low-status parties. Results are interpreted in light of theory and research exploring the predictive power of "thin slices" of behavior (N. Ambady & R. Rosenthal, 1992) . Implications include the development of new technology to diagnose and improve negotiation processes.
In REF , Curhan and Pentland mainly explored behavioral features in speech and showed that four speech features, including activity, conversational engagement, prosodic emphasis, and vocal mirroring during the first 5 minutes of interaction predicted 30 percent of the variance in individual negotiation outcomes on the terms of employment.
Thin Slices of Negotiation: Predicting outcomes from conversational dynamics within the first five minutes
J, Applied Psychology
Psychology Medicine