演講或發言是自我展示的機會，幾乎所有人都有可能在某個時候被要求做或長或短的發言。怎樣成為一個能吸引聽眾的演說者呢?
　　How to Give a Good Speech
　　We are all called upon to make a speech at some point in life, but most of us don’t do a very good job. Here are some suggestions on how to give a good speech.
　　First of all, it is important to plan. Do your homework. Find out everything you can about your subject. And, at the same time, find out as much as you can about your audience. Who are they? What do they know about your subject? Do they have a common interest? Why are they coming to hear you speak? Put yourself in their shoes as you prepare your speech①. Just remember: be prepared. Know your subject, your audience, and the occasion.
　　Let us suppose that you have been asked to introduce the main speaker at a meeting. First, find out the most important and interesting things about the speaker. Then, summarize this information in a few words. Remember, you are not the main speaker; you are introducing the main speaker.
　　If you are giving a lecture or explaining an idea, gather as many facts as you can on your subject. Spend plenty of time doing your research. Then spend plenty of time organizing your material so that your speech is clear and easy to follow. Use as many examples as possible, and use pictures or charts if they will help you make your points more clearly. Never forget your audience. Don’t talk over their heads, and don’t talk down to them②. Treat your audience with respect. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
　　If you follow these simple steps, you’ll see that you don’t have to be afraid of public speaking. In fact, you may find the experience so enjoyable that you ask to make more speeches! You’re not convinced yet? Give it a try and see what happens.
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　　行文點評
　　文章條理清晰，簡單易懂。全篇文章采用總分總的結構，來解決問題How to give a good speech。從第二段到第四段作者具體提出了幾點建議，且每一個分論點都位于段首。在第二段中，作者用first of all先指出做好發言首先要做計劃，接著用整段的篇幅舉例說明需要計劃的內容。第三、四段指出在不同的場合需要注意不同的問題。最后一段總結全文。文章本身就是一份優秀發言稿的范例。
　　好文妙譯
　　如何做好發言
　　在生活中，我們都會碰到這樣的時候：被邀請做一個發言。然而，我們中的大部分人都做不好這件事。關于如何做好發言，下面給大家提幾點建議。
　　首先，做計劃這一點相當重要。發言之前做好充分準備，對你發言的主題盡可能地了解。同時，還要盡可能地了解你的聽眾，他們是什么人?他們對你發言的主題有怎樣的了解?他們是否有共同的興趣?他們為何來聽你發言?當你準備發言稿的時候，別忘了站在他們的角度考慮考慮。請你記住，一定要準備充分。對發言的主題、聽眾、以及場合要心中有數。
　　假設你要在一次會議上介紹主要發言人。首先，你應該發掘出關于那位發言人最重要、最有趣的事情。然后用幾句話來概括挖掘到的相關信息。請記住，你并非主要發言人；你的職責是介紹那位主要發言人。
　　假如你要做一個講座，或講解一種觀點，務必圍繞主題收集盡可能多的材料。要花大量的時間進行研究。此后，還要花大量時間將材料有條理地整合在一起，以便使你的發言清晰易懂。盡可能多地使用例證，為了使講解更為清晰，必要時可使用圖片或圖表。要始終把聽眾記在心上。不要高談闊論，超出他們的理解范圍，也不要以居高臨下的口氣對他們說話。尊重你的聽眾，他們會感謝你的體貼。
　　只要你按照這些簡單的步驟來做，你便會發現在公共場合發言并不可怕。事實上，你甚至會覺得這種經驗是一種享受，還希望有更多的發言機會呢!你還將信將疑嗎?那么，試一試這個方法，看看會怎樣。
　　詞匯斟酌
　　?summarize v. 總結
　　?pictures or charts 圖表
　　?thoughtfulness n. 體貼，考慮周到
　　?convince vt. 使確信, 使信服
　　佳句臨摹
　　①【注釋】put/in oneself in sb’s shoes (設想)處于某人的地位或處境
　　【臨摹】I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes if they find out what You’re doing.要是人家發現你現在干的這件事，我可不愿想象你得有多倒霉。
　　②【注釋】talk down to sb 以居高臨下的口氣說話
　　【臨摹】 Now that he is at university, he talks down to all his relatives.他現在算是大學生了，對親戚講話竟是一律帶上高人一等的口氣。
　　思如泉涌
　　Speaking without thinking is shooting without taking aim. 講話不經考慮猶如無的放矢。
　　A bird is known by its note, and a man by his talk. 聞其歌知其鳥，聽其言知其人。
　　Talking mends no holes. 空談無補。