Daily English 912 - Working as a Lobbyist

Complete Lesson

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Dialogue/Story

Slow Speed begins at: 1:05
Explanation begins at: 3:36
Normal Speed begins at: 17:37

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Cody: You’re not the kind of person I would expect to work as a lobbyist.

Jada: Why not?

Cody: I picture lobbyists as being kind of pushy and corrupt, using underhanded tactics.

Jada: It’s not like that at all, at least not for me. I just use my powers of persuasion to help my clients.

Cody: So what do you do exactly?

Jada: I meet with legislators and try to sway them to support laws that are favorable to the people and companies I represent, and to discourage them from voting for laws that aren’t.

Cody: You’re a spokesperson for your clients, then.

Jada: I’m more than that. I work for clients in the private sector and in corporations, as well as for special interest groups. I advocate for what would benefit my clients in a way that they can’t do themselves directly.

Cody: Isn’t there sometimes a conflict of interest? Let’s say your client this month wants a law passed and your client next month doesn’t. What happens then?

Jada: I’m a gun for hire. I do my best for my client, whichever that client is at that moment.

Cody: I’m glad to hear you say that. I could use the services of a good lobbyist. I’ve been trying to get my wife to agree to buy a new boat...

Jada: Stop right there. In this case there is a conflict of interest. Your wife talked to me last week and wants me to have a little talk with you about that new boat...

Category: Business | Government + Law