原汁原味商务英语播客第110课:克服阻碍

 　　In this episode of our ongoing¹ Business English Podcast series on business negotiations³ in English, we will discuss how to overcome blockage⁴ in a negotiation². 在本期的商务英语播客中，我们将学习怎样克服谈判中的阻碍。

　　Usually we think of blockage in terms of stumbling blocks, or obstacles, to agreement. But blockage can also be any impediment to creating maximum value. In other words, we're not only interested in removing obstacles to a deal but also in removing obstacles to a better deal. Doing this successfully often requires thinking outside the box, that is, thinking creatively. 一谈到阻碍，我们通常会联想到使我们不能达成共识的绊脚石，障碍物。但这里说的阻碍还指限制我们创造最大价值的因素。换句话说，我们不光是要清除妨碍双方达成协议的障碍物，更要清除那些妨碍我们做更有利交易的因素。要想做到这一点，我们必须打破传统，即运用创造性思维。

　　So in this episode, we'll study overcoming barriers. In particular, we'll focus on identifying stumbling blocks, exploring alternatives, and moving towards agreement. 在本集中，我们将学习怎样克服障碍，尤其要辨别障碍和探索性的选择，并且达成一致。

　　Recall that Peter, owner of Textacular, has been trying to buy Maxine's company, Gamester, as part of his strategy to roll up other small businesses. His ultimate goal is to increase the value of his own operation so he can sell it to a larger company for a handsome profit. In previous episodes, Peter had tried to acquire Maxine's company, but talks reached an impasse⁵ when Maxine wouldn't climb down from or reduce her price of 15 million. 大家回想一下，Textacular的老板皮特打算收购Maxine的公司Gamester。这是他收购其他小企业的策略之一。他的终极目标是增加自己公司的价值并出售给更大的企业以获得丰厚利润。在之前的章节里，皮特试图获得Maxine的公司。但是由于Maxine拒绝降低所出的15,000,000美元的价格，谈判陷入僵局。

　　In today's listening, Peter calls Maxine back to restart talks. As you listen, focus on the language they use to remove obstacles to agreement. 在今天的节目里，皮特打电话给Maxine想恢复谈判。大家在听的时候，要注意他们克服阻碍时运用的语言。

　　Listening Questions:

　　1. How does Peter suggest restarting talks with Maxine?

　　2. What does Peter identifying as the main stumbling block to a deal?

　　3. What does Peter mean when he says, "It's not a question of growth for us, it's a question of survival."

　　4. What is Peter's key insight that enables Maxine and him to overcome their blockage?

1 ongoing   

adj.进行中的，前进的

参考例句：

• The problem is ongoing.这个问题尚未解决。
• The issues raised in the report relate directly to Age Concern's ongoing work in this area.报告中提出的问题与“关心老人”组织在这方面正在做的工作有直接的关系。

2 negotiation   

n.谈判，协商

参考例句：

• They closed the deal in sugar after a week of negotiation.经过一星期的谈判，他们的食糖生意成交了。
• The negotiation dragged on until July.谈判一直拖到7月份。

3 negotiations   

协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过

参考例句：

• negotiations for a durable peace 为持久和平而进行的谈判
• Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. 谈判未能达成任何妥协。

4 blockage   

n.障碍物；封锁

参考例句：

• The logical treatment is to remove this blockage.合理的治疗方法就是清除堵塞物。
• If the blockage worked,they could retreat with dignity.如果封锁发生作用，他们可以体面地撤退。

5 impasse   

n.僵局；死路

参考例句：

• The government had reached an impasse.政府陷入绝境。
• Negotiations seemed to have reached an impasse.谈判似乎已经陷入僵局。