ESL Podcast 932 - Rebuilding Consumer Trust

scandal - a tense and exciting situation resulting from a person or organization's bad and shocking behavior, causing disapproval and surprise

The senator's affair with a teenager has become a huge scandal.

image - reputation; how one is perceived by others; the opinions and impressions that people have about a person or organization

They're trying to change their company image so that they're seen as a cosmetic company.

to rebuild - to re-create something, especially after it has been damaged

How long did it take them to rebuild their home after the fire?

consumer trust - buyers' positive feelings of loyalty to a company because they believe it provides a good product, treats them well, and is reliable and fair

This department store tries to build consumer trust by accepting returns of any item, even without a receipt.

uphill battle - something that is very difficult to do and will require a lot of time and effort in order to be accomplished

Getting rid of all these weeds is an uphill battle. No matter how much we try to kill them, they keep growing back!

to win (someone) back - to convince someone to return to a relationship and feelings of trust after something bad has happened in that relationship

Iago is trying to win back his girlfriend with flowers and chocolate, but I don't think it will work. She was really hurt and angered by what he did.

to take a beating - to be defeated; to be decreased or diminished in some way; to be attacked by something

Housing prices took a beating during the economic downturn.

to heighten expectations - to make someone anticipate or believe that something will be very good, better than previously expected

Sales in the first three months of this year has heightened expectations of how much the company will earn overall this year.

to fall short of the mark - to not meet expectations; to not meet the standards or requirements of something

Franklin thought he submitted a strong job application, but apparently it fell short of the mark, because he didn't get called for an interview.

to under promise and over deliver - to be modest or humble when describing what one will do, but then actually do it much better than people expect; to do more than what one said one would do

The print shop said that it would take three days to finish the job, but actually finished it in one. They really under promised and over delivered!

transparency - clarity; the condition of allowing people to see how something works or what is really there

A democracy requires transparency in law-making so that voters can understand how new laws are created.

input - feedback; opinions that are presented, especially during a decision- making process

Can I get your input on these graphics?

to notify - to inform; to alert someone to something; to make sure someone knows about something

The power company notified the Schaller family that their electric service will be shut off if they don't pay their bill by next Friday.

in advance - with anticipation; ahead of time; before the deadline; before something happens

If you cancel your registration at least two weeks in advance of the event, we will refund your registration fee.

betrayed - the feeling of having been treated unfairly and without loyalty by someone who should have been faithful and respectful

Didn't you feel betrayed when your best friend started dating your ex-girlfriend?

to talk specifics - to discuss something in great detail

Now that we've selected a wedding date, it's time to talk specifics.

while (one is) at it - a phrase used to show that one wants to take something further and continue doing what one is doing, but at a deeper level

We're planning to spend Saturday cleaning out the garage, but while we're at it, I hope we can clean out the attic and basement, too.

morale - how people feel about something, especially whether they are excited about it and have positive feelings, or whether they are depressed and disappointed about something

The company has an annual summer picnic for employees and their families to try to improve morale.