Million Dollar Darkness

During Christie's most prestigious auction of the year, the main gallery plunges into darkness minutes before a $50M Rothko is set to sell. The building's master electrician reveals the backup generators were sabotaged and demands 15% of all sales for emergency repairs. With millions at stake and wealthy clients getting restless, time is running out.

Challenges

Survivors

Popularity

Difficulty

B1-B2

Start Practicing Now

Scenario Overview

Your Role

Head of Operations at Christie's New York

Conversation Partner

Viktor Kovac, Master Electrician

Setting

Emergency office lit only by phone screens and emergency exit signs, sweat visible in the dim red glow

Location

Christie's Auction House, Manhattan

Learning Objectives

✓

Negotiate emergency repair fee below 10% of sales

✓

Maintain calm among VIP clients and prevent exodus

✓

Secure written proof of extortion without spooking the electrician

About This Scenario

How It Starts

“Listen carefully because I won't repeat myself. Your fancy backup systems? They're not 'malfunctioning' - they're dead. Thirty years I've kept this place running, and tonight, you'll finally understand what that's worth. Fifteen percent of tonight's sales, or your Rothko will be selling by candlelight.”

This is how Viktor Kovac, Master Electrician's greeting will start.

Practice Details

Scenario ID

#190

What You'll Get

🎯Real-world conversation practice
🤖AI-powered speaking partner
📊Instant feedback on your performance
🎓Learn from your mistakes

Other Scenarios to Explore

Similar scenarios coming soon

Ready to Practice?

Start your speaking journey with BoldSpeak today. Sign up for free and get unlimited access to scenarios.

Get Started Free