托福口语技巧之美国总统奥巴马

 　　作为美国总统，奥巴马的每一次公开演讲都能激发起听众的热情。这种抓住人心的技巧，在托福口语中也很适用。奥巴马的演讲技巧，大家可以把奥巴马的演讲稿作为托福口语练习材料，以提高自己的口语技巧。

　　Public speaking is a regular — and regularly feared — part of life, so it's important to refine your skills. This year, challenge yourself by learning to lecture like a pro¹. Here are four tips to help you polish your public speaking.

　　演讲是生活常事，也是常常头疼的事，所以提高演讲能力很重要。今年，挑战一下自己，学着像个演讲家那么去讲话。以下提供四条小贴士，提高口才。

　　1、自我评估。

　　1. Assess yourself. What part of public speaking makes you nervous? Where have you slipped up in the past? One reason public speaking is so nerve-racking is because there's so much to manage — your presence, your words, your delivery, and your reaction. Determine your weakest points, from stuttering to stiff hands, in order to tailor your speech improvement.

　　讲哪个部分会紧张?以前在什么地方出过错?演讲之所以让人神经紧张，是因为演讲过程中要掌控的东西很多——你的仪态、用词、讲话和反应。从说话结巴到手势僵硬，找出自己最薄弱的地方，对症下药。

　　2、多多练习。

　　2、Find opportunities to practice. It's hard to feel confident about speaking if it's something you rarely do, so look for the chance to polish your technique in everyday life. At a dinner party? Offer to give the toast. Working on a new project at the office? Present it at the weekly staff meeting. Public speaking is like anything else: the more you do it, the better you'll become, and the more comfortable you'll feel when the moment arises.

　　如果不怎么讲话，那么讲话就会没自信。所以平日里要找机会锻炼讲话的能力。在晚会上，主动祝酒。工作上，每周员工会议演示新的工作项目。演讲和其他事情一样：熟能生巧，做得多再碰到就不怕了。

　　3、注重穿着。

　　3. Dress the part. Confidence is crucial, and you'll be much more sure of yourself if you know that your appearance conveys a sense of authority. It's best to err² on the dressy side when you plan to speak in front of an audience — and it's crucial that your clothes fit well. Tugging³ at the hem⁴ of your skirt or the sleeves of your blouse will distract both you and your audience. It's important to look put-together, and the focus should be on your words, not your outfit⁵.

　　自信至关重要，如果你的外表能给人一种权威感，就会更加自信。在观众面前演讲的时候，最好在衣着上讲究——并且衣服要合身。拉拉裙子、扯扯领子，会分散你和观众的注意力。穿着要统一得体，这样观众的焦点就会在你的讲话上，而不是衣着。(当然，托福口语是机考，穿着是没有影响的了^_^)

　　4、准备准备再准备。

　　4. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Begin with standard prep techniques, like writing note cards and practicing in front of your friends, but also take the time to do some research. Find out as much as you can about your audience, the context of your speech, the environment, and the tools and media that will be available. Most importantly, be sure that you're achieving what was asked of you — confirm that you're answering the right question and fulfilling the expectations of your audience.

　　做好前期基本准备工作，比如写提示卡、排练给朋友看看，但也要花点时间去弄清其他事。尽可能弄清你的观众是些什么人，了解演讲内容的上下文，演讲的环境，确保道具和多媒体到时能用。最重要的是，确定你在做的是你需要做的准备——如看是不是准备了恰当的问题，有没有满足观众的期望值。

　　Above all else, learn to relax. Everyone understands the stress and pressure involved with public speaking, so know that your audience will be empathetic toward your efforts. Just remember the basics — to stand up straight, smile, and make eye contact — and be yourself, because personality and genuine enthusiasm are key to making great connections.

　　演讲过程中最重要的是，放轻松。托福口语技巧也是如此，只有心态放松，你的语言才够流畅，应对也会更自然，英文水平才能得到真正的发挥。

1 pro   

n.赞成，赞成的意见，赞成者

参考例句：

• The two debating teams argued the question pro and con.辩论的两组从赞成与反对两方面辩这一问题。
• Are you pro or con nuclear disarmament?你是赞成还是反对核裁军？

2 err   

vi.犯错误，出差错

参考例句：

• He did not err by a hair's breadth in his calculation.他的计算结果一丝不差。
• The arrows err not from their aim.箭无虚发。

3 tugging   

n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Tom was tugging at a button-hole and looking sheepish. 汤姆捏住一个钮扣眼使劲地拉，样子显得很害羞。 来自英汉文学 - 汤姆历险
• She kicked him, tugging his thick hair. 她一边踢他，一边扯着他那浓密的头发。 来自辞典例句

4 hem   

n.贴边，镶边；vt.缝贴边；(in)包围，限制

参考例句：

• The hem on her skirt needs sewing.她裙子上的褶边需要缝一缝。
• The hem of your dress needs to be let down an inch.你衣服的折边有必要放长1英寸。

5 outfit   

n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装

参考例句：

• Jenney bought a new outfit for her daughter's wedding.珍妮为参加女儿的婚礼买了一套新装。
• His father bought a ski outfit for him on his birthday.他父亲在他生日那天给他买了一套滑雪用具。