Daily English 576 - Using Unfair Influence

Complete Lesson

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Dialogue/Story

Slow Speed begins at: 1:26
Explanation begins at: 3:30
Normal Speed begins at: 15:10

Josey: Hello, I’m Josey Kim.

Curt: Hi, I’m Curt West. Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.

Josey: You mentioned on the phone that you can help us get that government contract we’re bidding on, is that right?

Curt: Absolutely. I’m sure I can be of service to your company and secure that contract without too much difficulty.

Josey: I appreciate your confidence, but can you tell me more about how you plan to do that?

Curt: I think the less said the better. Let’s just say that I have friends in high places.

Josey: I’m not sure I understand you.

Curt: Come on, you know how business is done on Capitol Hill. If you line the right pockets, it’s not difficult to pull some strings to get what you want.

Josey: Are you suggesting that our company use bribery to get preferential treatment on our bid?

Curt: I’m simply saying that backroom deals are business as usual in the government.

Josey: If you’re suggesting that we hire you to do influence peddling, I can tell you now that we’re not interested. Corruption may be rampant in government, but we’re not willing to do anything unethical to get a contract.

Curt: Suit yourself, but without somebody like me doing your dirty work, there’s no way you’re going to win that contract.

Josey: That may be, Mr. West, but that’s a chance we’re willing to take.

Category: Business