Book excerpt: Today’s super negotiator has to be a versatile problem solver, seeking hard-bargain results with a soft touch. With punch and panache, Bob Mayer shows you how to make the grade, revealing powerful negotiating tools drawn from a unique blend of sources: — Recent advances in psychology, linguistics, trial advocacy, sales, and management communications—the cutting edge of the art of performance. — Tips, tricks, and techniques from 200 of the world’s masters—the legendary street and bazaar merchants of Bombay, Istanbul, Cairo, and Shanghai. — Mayer’s own “been there, done that” years as a lawyer representing thousands of clients (from foreign government agencies and mega-corporations to some of the world’s best-known actors, authors, and athletes), negotiating deals on everything from amphitheaters to Zero aircraft. You’ll learn what works—and what doesn’t—when you’re up against a stone wall...or your ideas are being rejected...or you’re confronted with hostility and anger. Included is the highly acclaimed Deal Maker’s Playbook, a collection of step-by-step “how-to’s” and “what-to’s” for 38 common negotiating situations such as: — Buying a car — Leasing an apartment — Dealing with the IRS — Interviewing for a Job — Buying a franchise — Getting out of debt It’s all here—the fancy footwork and magic moves for outgunning, outmaneuvering, and out-negotiating the other person. And the techniques for developing life skills that will dramatically enhance your chances of professional success and personal satisfaction.