商务英语播客 第109课:讨价还价

      In this Business English Podcast episode, we'll study the skills and language of bargaining. This podcast is part of an ongoing series on negotiation skills. 在本集的商务英语播客中，我们将学习讨价还价的语言技巧。本节目属于我们正在播出的谈判技巧节目。

      Bargaining is the process of swapping or trading concessions—in other words, "You give me something, and I'll give you something in return." This is also called making offers and counter-offers. The goal is to reach a compromise—a result in which both sides benefit. 还价是交易中互相让步的一个过程。换句话说，即“你给与我优惠，我也相应地作出回报”，这也称为发盘与还盘，其目的是实现一个折中的方案，使双方都获益。

      Today's listening focuses on a typical bargaining situation. Paul is a purchasing manager for a construction company. Tony is a supplier of anchor bolts—large metal screws used in building projects. They are in the middle of a telephone conversation in which they are negotiating an order. Tony has already opened the discussion and clarified Paul's basic needs. Now they need to agree on the quantity and price. 今天的内容主要是一个典型的还价场景。鲍尔是一家建筑公司的经理。托尼是一个锚栓（一种建筑用大号金属螺栓）供货商。他们正通过电话谈一笔订单。托尼已经展开讨论，阐明了鲍尔的基本要求。他们现在需要就质量和价格达成一致。

      As you listen, focus on the language that they use to swap concessions and reach a deal. 大家在听的同时要注意他们在互相让步和达成共识的过程中使用的语言。

Listening Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says he'll be "throwing more business your way?"
2. Tony suggests a way of helping Paul get a higher discount. What is it?
3. When Tony says to Paul, "You drive a hard bargain!" what does he mean?