第一单元听力原文.docVIP

第一单元听力原文 Today we are going to practice evaluating the main tool used when addressing groups – the voice. There are three main elements that combine to create either a positive or negative experience for listeners. They can result in a voice that is pleasing to listen to and can be used effectively, or they can create a voice that doesn’t hold the attention, or even worse causes an adverse reaction. The three elements are volume, pitch and pace. When talking about volume, keep in mind that a good speaker will adjust to the size of both the room and the audience. Of course, with an amplifying device like a microphone, the speaker can use a natural tone. But speaker should not be dependent on it. A good speaker can speak loudly without shouting. The second element – pitch – is related to the highness and lowness of the sounds. High pitches are for most people more difficult to listen to, so in general, the speaker should use the lower registers of the voice. During a presentation, it’s important to vary pitch to some extent in order to maintain interest. The third element, pace – this is how fast or slow words and sounds are articulated – should also be varied. A slower pace can be used to emphasize important points. Note that the time spent not speaking can be very meaningful too. Pauses ought to be used to signal transitions or create anticipation. It can be very effective when moving from one topic to another because a pause gives the listener time to think about what was said or even predict what might come next. 第二单元听力原文 Once, a group of tourists who were staying at a hotel in Birmingham were having dinner in the restaurant. Fish was brought and while they were eating it some of them told interesting stories about finding pearls and other valuable things inside fish. An old gentleman, who up to now had listened quietly to their conversation, at last said, “I’ve heard all your stories, and now I’ll tell you one. When I was a young man I was employed in a larg