原汁原味商务英语播客第91课:谈论你最大的弱点

 　　In this advanced Business English Podcast we continue to look at the language and skills of interviewing for jobs in English.

　　在这节高级商务英语播客中，我们继续来看下英语面试中的语言和技巧。

　　So far in this series, we’ve examined two common question themes that you will likely be asked in almost any interview. They were, “Tell me about your previous experience?”, and “What is your most significant accomplishment¹?”

　　目前为止在这个系列课程中，我们已经回顾了2个普遍些的几乎在任何面试中都会被问到的问题。它们是：“说下你以前的经验？”和“你最重要的成就是什么？”

　　In this episode², we will likewise deal with another extremely common question. Unfortunately, it’s almost as challenging to answer as it is popular to ask. It requires you to think about possible problems with your working style and personality, and to give an answer that demonstrates professionalism and the ability to present your weakness as a strength. That’s right, you guessed it, the question is: What’s your greatest weakness?

　　在这节课中，我们来处理下另一个比较普遍的问题。不幸的是，这个问题问得较多但是回答起来很有挑战，那要求你想下这节的工作方式和个性中遇到的问题，并给出能证明专业素质和能力的答案，从而将弱点变成长处。那个问题就是：“你最大的弱点是什么？

　　Talking about your weaknesses tests a unique skill: It investigates your ability to present a drawback³ as an advantage. Thus, the theme of this episode is “be positive”, and that’s the main point that we’ll be focusing on.

　　谈论弱点检验一项特殊的技巧：它涉及到将弱点展示优点的能力。这节课的主题就是“要肯定”，那也是我们将要讨论的要点。

　　Listening Questions:

　　1) What is Sherry’s weakness?

　　2) Did this weakness affect her GPA (exam scores)? How?

　　3) Does Sherry explain the positive aspects of the weakness she describes?

1 accomplishment   

n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能

参考例句：

• The series of paintings is quite an accomplishment.这一系列的绘画真是了不起的成就。
• Money will be crucial to the accomplishment of our objectives.要实现我们的目标，钱是至关重要的。

2 episode   

n.（作品的一段）情节，插曲，系列事件中之一

参考例句：

• The episode was a huge embarrassment for all concerned.这段小插曲令所有有关人员都感到非常尴尬。
• This episode remains sharply engraved on my mind.这段经历至今仍深深地铭刻在我的心中。

3 drawback   

n.缺点，欠缺，不利条件

参考例句：

• Everything has its drawback.事事不免有缺点。
• He felt the apartment's only drawback was that it was too small.他觉得这个公寓唯一的缺点就是太小了。