The 4-Sentence Script

You don't need to be a confrontational negotiator. You need four sentences.

1. "Thank you for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about this role."

2. "Based on market data for [role] in [city], the range I'm targeting is X to Y."

3. "Is there flexibility to bring the base closer to that range?"

4. "If base is fixed, can we look at the sign-on or equity component?"

That's it. Quiet. Wait. Don't fill the silence.