Question

Speaking in public meetings is necessary for many students and employees. As well, it is a difficult task for them, especially for non-native speakers. A great many researchers have made efforts to help foreign language learners to improve the approaches.

Charles LeBeau is a public speaking professor and consultant. Currently, he teaches at two universities and at the Toshiba International Training Center. He has also written books on the subject. English language learners around the world use his book Speaking of Speech.

In Speaking of Speech Mr. LeBeau says a simple approach helps the learners. So, the professor divides public speaking into three parts: the physical message, the visual message, and the story message. He says, “The central thing to remember about public speaking or presentation is that it’s a very complex communicative activity. For non-native speakers it’s a really scary activity. So to make that more simplistic and easy for them, the approach that I’ve taken is to simplify and break it down. First if we look at presentation, what’s going on? There are basically three messages that the presenter is giving the audience at the same time. There’s what I call the physical message, namely body language. It’s the way that my body, as a speaker, is talking to the audience. Then there’s also the visual message. The visual messages are the slides that we now make and show the audience. The third message is the story message, which is the content of our presentation. The story message is the verbal message, what we say to the audience. The story message also includes how we organize our ideas to present to the audience.”

He says the simple approach to breaking down the parts of public speaking has proved itself. He says learners improve quickly and do a good presentation after a few days of study.

1.What does Mr. LeBeau think of public speaking?

A. Public speaking is a simple task.

B. Public speaking is divided into three parts.

C. Public speaking is a tough communicative activity.

D. Public speaking is necessary for students and employees.

2.From Mr. LeBeau’s point, which of the following is the key way to help speakers?

A. Studying a few days.

B. Simplifying the speech.

C. Using slides and physical language.

D. Reading his book Speaking of Speech.

3.Which of the following provides the visual message?

A. Gestures; videos; ideas.

B. Slides; feelings; videos.

C. Photos; ideas; gestures.

D. Videos; slides; photos.

Answer 1