To begin, let's take a look at the distribution contract we just signed with Standard Suppliers. I believe each of you has a copy.
Looking over the numbers, you get an idea of what Standard expects from us in terms of monthly shipments. I think you'll agree that our necks are on the line here.
This leads me to my first concern. Frankly speaking, we're worried that current productivity can not keep up with demand. Mr. Gibson and I have gone over Action's operating expenses, and we believe that there is room to both expand and upgrade facilities.
The best place to start is Action's mainstay - the assembly line. What we'd like each of you to do is to go over your respective operations, make recommendations about improving production, and report back to us.
首先，我们来看看公司和Standard公司刚签订的这份配销合约。相信各位手上都有一份。
看过合约上的数字，各位便知道Standard公司每个月要从我们这边进多少货。我想各位也都同意，我们这方面有点冒险。
我的首要顾虑就是这个问题。坦白说，我们担心目前的生产力会赶不上需求量；Gibson先生和我已经仔细查核过公司的营运费用，我们认为公司还有余力可以改良设备和提高产量。
最佳的着手点就是本公司的主干--生产线；我们希望在座各位重新检视自己部门的运作情形，然后提出改进的建议，再让我们了解情况。
短语解说
neck(s) is / are on the line 冒险；赌运气
这是个俚语，字面解释有点像中文的"脖子架在刀口上"的夸张说法。引申来形容一种危险的状况。
I hope you know what you're doing because we're really putting our necks on the line.
希望你们清楚自己的所为，因为我们可是冒了很大的风险。
operating expenses 公司的营运费用
这是指一家公司营运所需的各种费用，如员工薪资、办公室或厂房租金、硬设备等等。"Operating"做"运转的，经营的"解释。
If our operating expenses exceed sales, we won't be able to make a profit.
我们的营运费用若比销售所得高的话，就赚不到钱了。
keep up with 配合，保持
这个词组是指与别人的速度或层次能相配合、能赶得上。
Can our factory keep up with the incoming orders for the next six months?
我们的工厂能保证得了下半年的订单吗?
in terms of... 就......来说，以......的角度来看
"Terms"在此表示"条件、状况"；介系词"of"之后used to think of everything in terms of money.
他以前总以钱来衡量每件事情。
assembly line 生产线，装配线
这是大量生产作业的装配线，包括不同制造过程中各项机件与人员的组合。
Working on an assembly line can be incredibly boring and tiring.
装配线的工作通常极端无聊而且累人
句型总结
● 问题前导
1. To begin, let's take a look at the distribution contract we just signed with Standard Suppliers.
2. Let's get started by taking a look at the Standard distribution contract.
3. To get started, I'd like you to go over the distribution contract we just signed with Standard Suppliers.
在整段报告的开头，可利用会前分发的文字数据引出今天的讨论重点。值得注意的是，开头语应力求简洁明确。
● 团队精神
1. I think you'll agree that our necks are on the line here.
2. Don't you agree that Action is taking a risk with this new contract?
3. We're certainly all aware of the risks with this new contract.
请大家了解目前的情况时，必须注意营造出团队的气氛，让每个与会者都觉得这是自己的责任，并无职位高低之分。可用"we" 、"our"或公司之名"Action"，作为句子的主语，还可用间接句型使口气婉转。
● 问题症结
1. Frankly speaking, we're worried that current productivity can not keep up with demand.
2. To be honest, we're worried that current productivity can not keep up with demand.
3. Basically, there is concern about productivity levels not keeping up with demand.
进一步地指明问题；但绝不说出某某部门或某人应负责这类话。注意说话者仍然使用"we"为主词，表示这件事大家都有责任。句子开头可加上"Frankly speaking"、"To be honest"（坦白说），这样的词汇加重口气。
● 解决之道
1. What we'd like each of you to do is go over your respective operations, make recommendations about improving production, and report back to us.
2. What we recommend is that each of you evaluates your departments and makes recommendations for improvement.
3. We'd like to see each of you go over your operations, and think of where we can improve production.
问题点明之后，接着就提出明确的要求。用间接语法的句子如"what we'd like", "what we recommend"，可使语气婉转，让听者较没有被命令的感觉。
结构分析
为解决共同的问题而召开内部会议时，由于与会者中有上司及同级干部，在会中发言时应采间接句型，使得语气婉转。
1. 请注意看
先请与会者团队精神
根据开场白逐渐引出问题，同时唤起大家的团队观念。
3. 问题症结
指出真正的问题、困难所在。
4. 解决之道
说明应从何处着手，进而对与会者提出要求。
