1. The “Cuppa”
Tea is an Englishman’s kryptonite. Just its mention will stop him in full flight, even if he doesn’t like tea. Conviviality is the aim. It is the cornerstone of any agreement. A cup of tea bridges all genetic and cultural influences. It is breaking bread, offering hospitality, sustenance. It says, if we must disagree, let us at least be civil. If your Englishman takes tea with you then your path to victory will be much eased.
If, however, he rejects the offer, suggest coffee; if that fails, propose a fruit brew or hot chocolate. If these are dismissed, then all is not lost, because the Englishman (some might say he no longer warrants the title) will be agitated by your ongoing offers—a glass of water? Lemonade? Freshly squeezed—while you remain collected, ready to dodge any verbal lunges like a Tai Chi master waiting for an opponent to topple himself with an angry punch. On that note, I strongly suggest avoiding alcohol at this point in the argument.