2004年英语专八真题听力原文

　　SECTION D TALK?

　　Good morning. Today's lecture will focus on how to make people feel at ease in conversations. Iguess all of you sitting here can recall certain people who just seem to make you feelcomfortable when they are around. You spend an hour with them and feel as if you've knownthem half your life. These people who have that certain something that makes us feelcomfortable have something in common, and once we know what that is, we can go aboutgetting some of that something for ourselves. How is it done? Here are some of the skills thatgood talkers have. If you follow the skills, they will help you put people at their ease, make themfeel secure, and comfortable, and turn acquaintances into friends. ?

　　First of all, good talkers ask questions. Almost anyone, no matter how shy, will answer aquestion. In fact, according to my observation, very shy persons are often more willing toanswer questions than extroverts. They are more concerned that someone will think themimpolite if they don't respond to the questions. So most skillful conversationalistsrecommend starting with a question that is personal, but not harmful. For example, once afamous American TV presenter got a long and fascinating interview from a notoriouslyprivate billionaire by asking him about his first job. Another example, one prominent womanexecutive confesses that at business lunches, "I always ask people what they did that morning.It's a dull question, but it gets things going." From there, you can move on to other matters,sometimes to really personal questions. Moreover, how your responder answers will let youknow how far you can go. A few simple catchwords like "Really?" "Yes?" are clear invitations tocontinue talking. ?

　　Second, once good talkers have asked questions, they listen for answers. This point seemsobvious, but it isn't in fact. Making people feel comfortable isn't simply a matter of making idleconversation. Your questions have a point. You're really asking, "What sort of person areyou?" and to find out, you have to really listen. There are at least three components of reallistening. For one thing, real listening means not changing the subject. If someone sticks to onetopic, you can assume that he or she is really interested in it. Another component of reallistening is listening not just to words but to tones of voice. I once mentioned D.H. Lawrence toa friend. To my astonishment, she launched into an academic discussion of the imagery inLawrence's works. Midway through, I listened to her voice. It was, to put it mildly, unanimated,and it seemed obvious that the imagery monologue was intended solely for my benefit, andI quickly changed the subject. At last, real listening means using your eyes as well as your ears.When your gaze wanders, it makes people think they're boring your, or what they are saying isnot interesting. Of course, you don't have to stare, or glare at them. Simply looking attentivewill make most people think that you think they're fascinating. ?

　　Next, good talkers are not afraid to laugh. If you think of all the people you know who makeyou feel comfortable, you may notice that all of them laugh a lot. Laughter is not only warmingand friendly, it's also a good way to ease other people's discomfort. I have a friend who mightenjoy watching at gathering of other people who do not know each other well. The first fewminutes of talk are a bit uneasy and hesitant, for the people involved do not yet have a senseof each other. Invariably, a light comment or joke is made, and my friend's easy laughterappears like sunshine in the conversation. There is always then a visible softening that takesplace. Other people smile, and loosen in response to her laughter, and the conversation goeson with more warmth and ease.?

　　Finally, good talkers are onces who cement a parting. That is, they know how to make use ofparting as a way to leave a deep impression on others. Last impressions are just as importantas first impressions in determining how a new acquaintance will remember you. People whomake others really feel comfortable take advantage of that parting moment to close the deal.Men have had it easier. They have done it with a smile, and a good firm handshake. Whatabout women then? Over the last several years, women have started to take over that customwell between themselves or with men. If you're saying goodbye, you might want to give him orher a second extra hand squeeze. It's a way to say, I really enjoyed meeting you. But it's notall done with body language. If you've enjoyed being with someone, if you want to see thatperson again, don't keep it a secret. Let people know how you feel, and they may walk awayfeeling as if they've known you half their life. ?

　　Okay, just to sum up. Today, we've talked about four ways to make people feel at ease inconversations. These skills are important in keeping conversations going, and in formingfriendships later on. Of course, these skills are by no means the only ones we can use. the listis much longer. I hope you will use these four skills, and discover more on your own in yourconversations with other people. ?

　　Now you have two minutes to check your notes, and then please complete the 15 minute gapfilling task on Answer Sheet One.?

　　This is the end of listening comprehension.

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