Question

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. This article gives some suggestions on how to give a successful speech.

So, you have to give a speech and you’re frightened. You get nervous, you forget what you want to say, you stumble(结巴)over words, you talk too long and your listeners feel tired of your speech. Later you think, “Thank goodness, it’s over. I’m just no good at public speaking. I hope I never have to do that again.”

Cheer up! It doesn’t have to be that bad. You can do the following things to take the pain out of speech making. Ask yourself the purpose of your speech. What is the occasion(场合)? Why are you speaking? Then, collect as many facts as you can on your subject. Spend plenty of time doing your research. Then spend plenty of time putting your material in good order so that your speech is clear and easy to follow. Use as many examples as possible and use pictures, charts and graphs if they help you make your points clearer. Never forget your listeners. Don’t talk over their heads and don’t talk down to them. Respect your listeners. They will enjoy your thoughtfulness.

Just remember: Be prepared. Know your subject, your listeners and the occasion. Be brief. Say what you have to say and then stop. And be yourself. Let your personality come through so that you make person-to-person contact with your listeners.

If you follow the simple things, 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 volunteer to make more speeches! You’re not confident yet. Give it a try and see what happens.

Suggestions on making a speech
Problems	You feel nervous and don’t remember the content you will say. You talk too much, making the listeners 1. .
2. ______ to take	Knowing why you have to give the speech. Spending much time researching and having your material 3._____to make your speech smooth. Neither using too difficult words nor looking down upon your listeners but remembering to4. them with respect.
Conclusion	Be well prepared. Don’t mention something 5.______. It is your personality that will help you communicate with your listeners well.

Answer 1