When negotiating with creditors, there are a number of key points to keep in mind. First of all, you have to have a clear goal. Understand what is possible and likely. There is no point going into negotiations with unrealistic expectations and a creditor will not take kindly to suggestions that the debt can simply be cancelled or forgotten.
They will also not be impressed if you try to play the blame game. If the debt is legal and the debtor has behaved within the law, then it is futile to try and shift or deny responsibility for the situation. They want to hear about what you intend doing to redress the problem, they are not concerned with your views on the state of the economy or the behaviour of your former employer.
Be courteous and polite in all your communications. This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, and most obviously, people respond better to courtesy than rage. Also, if you behave rudely, it will indicate that perhaps that you have problems with payments and that therefore your suggestions cannot be taken seriously. It is essential you come over as having thought carefully about the situation and are not simply flying off the handle or making wild promises.
Measured communications also play well if negotiations break down and legal proceedings take place. Magistrates are impressed by someone who can demonstrate that they have made a genuine attempt to solve their issues outside the court processes. They are considerably less impressed to learn of negotiations which involve personal threats or violent language.