商务英语谈判对话 02-03

Dialog 3

This dialog is a continuation of the above. Bob,Brenda's attorney tries to argue Gail into agreeing a compromise is possible.

此对话是上一个对话的延伸.鲍伯是布兰达的律师,他试着要说服嘉儿妥协.

Bob: Huh! You know that just isn't true. A roof penetration won't mean anything.

Gail:Roof penetrations aren't cut after the roof is poured. They're carefully planned before the roof is poured.

A styrofoam plug is placed where the holes is needed to avoid doing what you're proposing.

Using a jackhammer to create the hole will cause cracking radiating from the penetration and that will require additional maintenance. There's no way to calculate the additional expense.

Bob:That's not true and you know it.

Gail:You don't have to take my word for it. Check with a professional.

Bob:We did and they said it wouldn't be a problem. Brenda did her homework here.

She checked all these potential problems out, and the roofer said it would be no problem.

Gail:A roofer is a professional for waterproofing systems,not the structural integrity of concrete.

You need to check with an architect or a structural engineer.

Bob: That's not necessary.

Gail: We Checked it out with an architect and he gave us a written opinion that says we shouldn't do it.

In a court of law,his opinion would prevail over that of a roofer.

Bob: You just bought a hired gun to write a conservative opinion.

We could do the same thing, hire an architect to write an oppinion tha supports our position.

Gail: So why didn't you?

Bob: My clien wants to settle this in a friendly way.

Gail:Well,that's just not going to happen. The board can't abandon its position.

If they did, they would be opening a real can of worms.如果他们这样做的话,会给自己带来一大堆麻烦.

Bob: I disagree on that point. But I will tell you that if the board takes my client to court, she's prepared to fight it all the way. And that'll be a real can of worms.

Gail:Your client can do whatever she wants. The board won't back down on this point.

And, unless you're got something else to offer, something we haven't already heard today,then I think this lunch is over.