They can:
• Provide a name to the face of a counterpart
• Give a title that describes what the individual does or responsibilities in the organization they represent
• Indicate the rank or status of the negotiator and how he or she fits into the team or organization participating in negotiations-as well as in relation to counterparts
• Define the formal role that the person will play during negotiations, such as spokesperson, facilitative spokesperson, technical expert, or recorder
• Indicate (possibly) the role the individual will play in team or organizational decision making
• Provide information on the educational background and expertise of the individual
• Present personal or family information about the individual (family background, parents, spouse, children and their ages, and so on)
• Give information about the groups to which the individual belongs or is affiliated with (family, kinship groups, clan, tribe, honorific or secret societies, ethnic group, religious group, firm, organization, regional grouping, political party, country)
• Establish voice legitimacy in negotiations-that is, give each person a chance to speak, which can encourage later participation