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
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 pro. 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，帮助你提高口才。
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 err on the dressy side when you plan to speak in front of an audience — and it's crucial that your clothes fit well. Tugging at the hem 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 outfit.
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.