ESL Podcast 912 - Working as a Lobbyist
lobbyist - a person who works with elected representative and tries to get them to vote a certain way or create a certain type of law
It seems wrong for lawmakers to spend more time with lobbyists than with the people who live in their state.
to picture - to imagine something in a certain way; to have an image in one's mind of how something appears or how something is
I always pictured you becoming a famous actor or musician, not an accountant.
pushy - forceful and assertive, insisting on getting one's way
Why do car salesmen have to be so pushy? Negotiating with them is really uncomfortable.
corrupt - lying or cheating to benefit in some way, usually be getting more money or a powerful position
What can we do to get rid of corrupt politicians who give the best jobs to the people who've donated money to their campaigns?
underhanded tactics - unfair, dishonest ways of doing something
Our competitors are using underhanded tactics to try to get our clients to switch to their services.
powers of persuasion - one's ability to change other people's opinions or decisions by telling them that something is a better or more attractive option
Marsha, you've been dating Tassyer for a while. Can you use your powers of persuasion to get him to accept our proposal?
legislator - a person who is elected to a government position and is responsible for working with others to make laws
Drew's uncle is a legislator, but I can't remember whether he's a member of the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives.
to sway - to persuade; to present facts or arguments that make someone change an opinion or belief
Judges aren't supposed to allow themselves to be swayed by public opinion.
favorable - advantageous; beneficial; useful and helping
We're hoping for a favorable outcome, but we have to be prepared for the worst.
to represent - to speak or act on behalf of an organization or a person who is not present
I'm the attorney for Acme Corporation and represent the company's interests.
spokesperson - a person who is authorized to speak to the public and/or the media on behalf of an organization
Mariah agreed to speak with the reporter only if he didn't use her name, since she wasn't an official spokesperson for the company.
private sector - businesses; the part of the economy that is not controlled by the government and is not not-for-profit
After 20 years of working for nonprofit organizations, Keith has decided to look for jobs in the private sector.
special interest group - an organization in a particular industry where related businesses work together to gain new knowledge, change laws, organize conferences, raise public awareness, and more
Did you read the latest report about the benefits of offering prepaid electricity? It's based on a study conducted by a special interest group.
advocate - to speak on behalf of a group of people and say what should be done or how society should change to benefit those people
Jamil is an advocate for children and is trying to get laws passed to protect them.
conflict of interest - a situation where one's personal and public interests or values are in disagreement, making it difficult or impossible for one to make a fair decision
As the head of the university's admissions committee, Tiana had a conflict of interest when she was asked to review her niece's application.
let's say - a phrase used to introduce a hypothetical situation or an example
I know you think stealing is wrong, but let's say your children were starving. Would you steal a loaf of bread for them?
gun for hire - a person who is hired to kill someone or to handle some other difficult or challenging project or problem
The company is looking for a gun for hire who can help them through the difficult merger.