B2
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE
Class 18
Section 2
Glossary
Instructions
One word from each audio will be briefly explained below.
Try to understand their definitions, examples and, listen to the audios again if you didn't catch them the first time you did.
Then, move on to Section 3
1
Aggressive
SHOWING STRONG DEMANDS OR PUSHING HARD FOR ADVANTAGE
Formality: Common use
Synonym: Demanding / Forceful
Separable: No
Their terms were more aggressive than we expected for a minority stake.
She took a more aggressive stance during the final round of talks.
2
Push for
TO STRONGLY ENCOURAGE OR DEMAND SOMETHING
Formality: Common use
Synonym: Demand / Advocate
Separable: No
They’re pushing for a higher valuation without clear justification.
The team kept pushing for tighter delivery timelines.
3
Red flag
A WARNING SIGN THAT SOMETHING MIGHT BE A PROBLEM
Formality: Common use
Synonym: Warning / Concern
Separable: No
Asking for full access before signing raised a red flag.
Lack of financials was a red flag during due diligence.
4
Call the shots
TO BE IN CONTROL OR MAKE THE FINAL DECISIONS
Formality: Informal
Synonym: Control / Decide
Separable: No
Once they joined the board, they started calling the shots.
We’re fine with their input, but we still need to call the shots.
5
Counter
TO RESPOND TO AN OFFER WITH A DIFFERENT PROPOSAL
Formality: Common use
Synonym: Respond / Propose back
Separable: No
They asked for 20% equity, but we countered with 12%.
He countered their terms with a shorter lock-up period.
6
Observer rights
THE ABILITY TO ATTEND MEETINGS WITHOUT FORMAL VOTING POWER
Formality: Formal
Synonym: Passive board access / Non-voting seat
Separable: No
They were given observer rights for six months after the deal.
We’re okay with observer rights, but not full board involvement.
Section 3
Transcript
Instructions
We're nearing the end, this section is like the "answer sheet".
Read the text extracted from the audio.
Now's the time to see what you heard!
Try to understand as much as possible before going to the Walkthrough section.
Then, move on to Section 4.
Audio 1
We got their revised offer this morning—it’s a bit more aggressive than I expected.
Audio 2
How so? Are they pushing for more equity or control?
Audio 3
They want a board seat and a say in hiring for key roles.
Audio 4
That’s a red flag. We can’t let them start calling the shots internally.
Audio 5
Agreed. We could counter with observer rights instead of full voting power.
Audio 6
Yeah, that gives them visibility without giving up too much control.
Section 4
Walkthrough
Instructions
In this video, the teacher covers every and each little detail you may have missed or may not know about the audios/transcript.
This video is rich in information so make sure to take notes of the new things you learn here.
Then, move on to Section 5 .
Section 5
Talking Point
Instructions
With a teacher, friend, or AI companion, practice talking, answering and discussing the following points listed below.
Reading Section:
When terms get too ambitious, smart negotiators pause to reassess power dynamics. Control over hiring, product direction, or even decision-making can shift quietly if you’re not paying attention. Spotting these moves early can protect long-term stability.
Talking Point:
Share a time when a potential partner or investor asked for more control than you expected. How did you respond?
Conversation Questions:
When does asking for more control cross the line from reasonable to risky?
How do you usually respond when a partner pushes beyond what was agreed?
What’s the smartest compromise you’ve seen when power was uneven in a deal?