How to Give a Good Speech

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演讲或发言是自我展示的机会，也是领导才能的重要组成部分。一个优秀的演讲者能通过演说影响其听众。何为优秀的发言呢？条理清晰，简单易懂。为达到这一目的，发言稿通常采用总－分－总的结构，且每一个分论点通常都位于段首。本文的结构就是一份优秀发言稿的范例。发言者在论述观点时常列举实例以增强说服力。

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 you 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 speech.

Ask yourself the purpose of your speech. What is the occasion? Why are you speaking? Are you introducing another speaker? Giving a lecture? Convincing someone? There are many possible speaking roles, and they are all different from each other. Make sure you know into which category you fit. Don't spoil your speech by confusing one speaking role with another.

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. It is all right to tell a joke if it is in good taste and will not embarrass the speaker. And, most important, be brief. 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 them. Treat your audience with respect. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

When you are making your speech, try to relax. Speak slowly and clearly and look at people in your audience. Use simple vocabulary and expressions whenever possible. Stop for a few seconds now and then to give your audience a chance to think about what you have said. Make sure that everyone in the room can hear you. If it is a large room, you will probably have to use a microphone.

Just remember: be prepared. Know your subject, your audience, and the occasion. Be brief. Say what you have to say and then stop. And be yourself.

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.

背景介绍：

几乎所有人都可能在某个时刻被要求做个或长或短的讲话，如何做一个吸引听众的演说者呢？请不妨试一试本文作者给您的建议。

参考译文：

如何做好发言

在生活中的某个时刻，我们所有的人都会被邀约去做一个发言，然而，我们中的大部分人都做不好这件事。关于如何做好发言，下面给大家提几点建议。

首先，做计划这一点相当重要。发言之前要做好充分准备，对你发言的主题尽可能地了解。同时，还要尽可能地了解你的听众，他们是什么人？他们对你发言的主题有怎样的了解？他们是否有共同的兴趣？他们为何来听你发言？当你准备发言稿的时候，别忘了站在他们的角度考虑考虑。

问一问自己发言是为何目的。是在何种场合下发言？你为什么要发言？你要介绍另一为发言者？作为一个讲座？说服某人？发言人的角色多种多样，各不相同。务必弄清楚你自己是属于哪种情况。千万不要把不同的发言角色混淆起来，那样会破坏你的发言。

假设一下，你应邀在一次会议上介绍主要发言人。首先，你应该发掘出关于那位发言人最重要、最有趣的事情。然后用几句话来概括关于演讲的信息。如果你的玩笑话不失风雅，不至于使那位发言人尴尬，不妨开个玩笑。然而，最重要的是：简洁。请记住，你并非主要发言人；你的职责是介绍那位主要发言人。

假如你要做一个讲座，或讲解一种观点，务必围绕主题收集尽可能多的材料。要花足够的时间进行研究。此后，还要花大量时间组织材料，以使你的发言清晰易懂。尽可能多地使用例证，为了使讲解更为清晰，必要时可使用图片或图表。要一直把听众记在心上。不要高谈阔论，超出听众的理解，也不要以居高临下的口气对他们说话。尊重你的听众，他们会感谢你的体贴的。

发言时尽量放松，语速放慢，声音清晰，并且双目直视听众。尽可能使用简单的词汇和表达。不时地停顿几秒钟以便听众能有时间想一想你所说的话。确保房间里的每一个人都能听到你的讲话。如果那是一间大厅，你可能必须使用麦克风。

请你记住，一定要准备充分。对发言的主题、听众、以及场合心中有数。务必言简意赅。说完该说的就停。放轻松，别紧张。

只要你按照这些简单的步骤来做，你便会发现在公共场合的发言并不可怕。事实上，你甚至会觉得这种经验是一种享受，还希望有更多的机会发言呢！你还将信将疑吗？那么，试一试这个方法，看看会怎样。
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