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Written by: Nigel Green | deVere Group
The most disastrous meetings don’t always end in slammed doors or storm-outs, but sometimes they unfold in front of rolling cameras.
The recent Oval Office showdown between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky was a lesson in exactly how not to handle a high-stakes meeting.
It had all the hallmarks of an unmitigated disaster: defensive body language, a combative tone, an air of unpreparedness, and a complete breakdown in listening.
For those of us in business, meetings are often where deals are made or broken. The way you handle a tense conversation with a client can determine whether a relationship is strengthened or permanently soured.
Watching the Trump-Zelensky exchange was like observing every corporate meeting mistake play out in real time, magnified by the fact that this was happening between world leaders with global security at stake.
The same principles apply whether you’re negotiating a contract, handling a difficult investor, or pitching a product. So, what went wrong—and what can we learn?
First impressions matter. From the moment the two leaders sat down, their body language set the tone for what would follow. Trump’s arms were crossed, his expression veering between condescending and irritated. Zelensky, for his part, leaned forward aggressively, interrupting frequently and jabbing the air for emphasis. It was defensive against defensive, a recipe for instant deadlock.
The way you carry yourself in a meeting speaks before you do. A calm, controlled posture signals authority without arrogance. A relaxed but engaged stance invites cooperation.
Walking into a negotiation looking ready for battle—arms crossed, fingers stabbing the air—ensures only one thing: the other party will mirror that aggression. In contrast, a composed presence exudes confidence and openness, qualities that naturally de-escalate tension.
Then came the tone. Trump’s voice sharpened as Zelensky pushed back, each statement laced with barely veiled threats. Zelensky, instead of adjusting, matched him force for force, rejecting any attempt to concede ground.
It was a contest of egos rather than a productive conversation. The best negotiators know how to read the room and adapt. There’s a stark difference between holding your ground and making it personal. You can assert your position without alienating the other party.
Another glaring issue was a lack of preparation. Both leaders knew what was at stake, yet they each seemed intent on making their point rather than understanding the other’s. Trump expected deference. Zelensky expected trust. Neither was willing to bridge that gap.
This is where meetings often fall apart—when one or both parties fail to acknowledge the other’s motivations. Successful negotiators walk into a room understanding not just what they want but what the other side needs to walk away satisfied.
And then there was the bait-taking. Trump, as he often does, framed the discussion as a personal test of loyalty. Zelensky, instead of redirecting or sidestepping, engaged in direct confrontation. This was a tactical misstep.
In high-pressure meetings, taking the bait is one of the worst things you can do. If the other party is pushing your buttons, you can bet they’re doing it for a reason. The person who stays calm controls the conversation. Responding emotionally cedes power and derails the focus.
It’s also crucial to recognize who’s in the room. Trump thrives on dominance and public displays of authority. He doesn’t like being challenged, especially in front of an audience. Zelensky, by choosing to push back forcefully in that setting, guaranteed that the discussion would turn into a contest rather than a negotiation.
Whether dealing with clients, executives, or stakeholders, knowing their temperament and adapting accordingly is vital. Some people respond well to direct challenges; others, like Trump, shut down entirely when confronted in front of others. Understanding this dynamic can mean the difference between closing a deal and losing one.
Ultimately, the meeting ended as badly as it began. Trump, bristling with wounded pride, stormed onto his social platform to publicly denounce Zelensky, shutting down talks in the process. Zelensky, left with nothing to show for the encounter, had lost the opportunity to extract any meaningful commitments. And all of it played out for the world to see.
The business world may not operate on the same global stage, but the same missteps can derail careers and companies. Presentation, body language, preparation, adaptability—these are the underpinnings of every successful meeting. Watching the Trump-Zelensky clash was a stark reminder of what happens when these elements are ignored.
If nothing else, it served as a live demonstration of why controlling the room is more important than controlling the argument. Because, as Trump made clear with his abrupt dismissal, if you lose the room, you can lose the deal and the client.
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