Daily English 289 - Communication Problems

Complete Lesson

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Dialogue/Story

Slow Speed begins at: 1:24
Explanation begins at: 3:18
Normal Speed begins at: 14:46

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Ethel: Can we talk?

Fred: Uh-huh.

Ethel: I don’t think we communicate very well. We don’t talk to each other like we used to. I think we need to have a dialogue about these dysfunctional communication patterns.

Fred: Hmm.

Ethel: I think we need to work on our relationship. We have a strong foundation, but we have problems relating to each other. Oprah says...

Fred: Hold on! Is this something you saw on the Oprah show?

Ethel: Well, yes, it is. Oprah did a show about how couples grow apart after years of being together, and good communication is the cornerstone of a good relationship. Being a sympathetic listener and validating each other’s feelings are very important.

Fred: Stop right there. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll communicate more with you, but you have to promise not to bring up Oprah again. I don’t want a talk show host telling me how to run my life.

Ethel: She’s more than a talk show host. She’s...

Fred: I mean it. I’m putting my foot down. No more Oprah. Okay?

Ethel: Okay, if that’s how you feel about it.

Fred: It is.

Ethel: That’s fine, but I wonder what Dr. Phil would say about your hostile feelings toward Oprah.

Fred: Uh!

Category: Relationships + Family