学术英语原文1单元.docx

Presenting a speechOf all human creations, language may be the most remarkable. Through language we share experience, formulate values, exchange ideas, transmit knowledge, and sustain culture. Indeed, language is vital to think itself. [Contrary to popular belief], language | does not simply mirror reality but also helps to create our sense of reality [by giving meaning to events].Good speakers have respect for language and know how it works. Words are the tools of a speaker’s craft. They have special uses, just like the tools of any other profession. As a speaker, you should be aware of the meaning of words and know how to use language accurately, clearly, vividly, and appropriately.Using language accurately is as vital to a speaker as using numbers accurately to a accountant. Never use a word unless you are sure of its meaning. If you are not sure, look up the word in the dictionary. As you prepare your speeches, ask yourself constantly, “What do I really want to say? What do I really mean?” Choose words that are precise and accurate.Using language clearly allows listeners to grasp your meaning immediately. You can ensure this by using familiar words （that are known to the average person and require no specialized background）; by choosing concrete words in preference to more abstract ones, and by eliminating verbal clutter.Using language vividly helps bring your speech to life. One way (to make your speech vivid)|is through imagery，or the creation of word pictures. You can develop imagery by using concrete language, simile, and metaphor. Simile is an explicit comparison between things （that are essentially different yet have something in common）; it always contains the words “like” or “as”. Metaphor is an implicit comparison between things that are different yet have something in common; it does not contain the words “like” or “as”.Another way to make your speeches vivid is by exploiting the rhythm of language. Four devices for creating rhythm are parallelism, rep