Daily English 1242 - Having Difficulty Reaching a Group Decision

Complete Lesson

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Dialogue/Story

Slow Speed begins at: 1:10
Explanation begins at: 3:17
Normal Speed begins at: 17:05

Derrick: That does it. I give up!

Liz: Don’t lose heart. We’ll come to a consensus sooner or later.

Derrick: No, we won’t. We’re hopelessly deadlocked.

Liz: It’s true we’re evenly split right now, but we only need one person to change their mind to break the tie.

Derrick: The trouble is, everybody seems to have made up their minds and they’re beginning to dig in their heels.

Liz: Before they do, let’s take one more vote. Maybe somebody has changed their mind.

Derrick: I doubt it. Nobody wants to be outvoted so both sides are trying to maintain the status quo. They’d rather be deadlocked than on the losing side.

Liz: But if we don’t reach an agreement, we’ll have to come back tomorrow and continue our discussions and deliberations.

Derrick: You’re right! I can’t spend another day in this room. I’ve held out long enough.

Liz: What do you mean?

Derrick: The only way I’m getting out of here is to change sides!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Category: Government + Law