In classrooms across the USA, students from different speech backgrounds give speeches in English. It is important to remember that the major goal of the speech is communication of ideas, not perfection of language skills. Therefore, as you listen to a speaker who is not fluent in the language, seek to understand what is being said by concentrating on the ideas of the message rather than on the specific words of the speaker. This may require a special kind of patience as well as the ability to take the perspective (视角) of the communicator. Perspective taking means that you can put yourself in the other person’s shoes. That is, you try to imagine what it would be like to give a speech in a foreign language to a group of native speakers of that language. Keep in mind that non-fluency is not linked to low intelligence or lack of education~ it is linked to experiences with the second language.
These guidelines can help you be a better listener in these situations.
1. Approach the speech with a positive attitude, and expect to understand.
2. Listen all the way through. Make special efforts to keep your mind from wandering in the middle of the speech. It may help to take notes.
3. Plan to give proper nonverbal (非语言的) feedback to prove your interest, patience, and support for the speaker.
4. Control your negative emotional responses. Let's face it, it is difficult to deal with linguistic barriers (语言障碍), and people often get disappointed or bored when there are language differences.
5. Do not laugh, even if the speakers do, at their language skills. Often they laugh nervously to relieve tension.
68. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. How to become a good listener.
B. How to become a good speaker.
C. We should take a positive attitude towards speech.
D. How to communicate with others
69. The underlined phrase "put yourself in the other person’s shoes" in the first paragraph means ____.
A. to know one's shoes is to know one's problem
B. try to wear the other person’s shoes
C. understand others by trying on their shoes
D. look at something from the point of others
70. What can we learn from the passage?
A. People should be strict with speakers speaking in a foreign language.
B. Taking notes helps keep your mind from wandering in listening to a speech.
C. Whenever the speaker is nervous, he laughs.
D. It's hard to concentrate when the speaker is not fluent.
71. What advice is given on listening to a speech?
A. Believing you can understand every word of the speech.
B. Showing your support for the speaker nonverbally.
C. Laughing when the speaker laughs at himself.
D. Commenting on the speech at times.
