Design spiel before start of negotiations (7)

I believe the answer is:

pattern

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'design' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'spiel before start of negotiations' is the wordplay.
'spiel' becomes 'patter' (synonyms).
'before' says to put letters next to each other.
'start of negotiations' becomes 'n' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'patter'+'n'='PATTERN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pattern that I've seen before include "A guide for making something" , "trend" , "Stencil" , "Model - design - example" , "Blueprint, design" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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