Lesson 15 -- Nicole Practices Her Election Speech Speak English Like an American -- Lesson 15 Nicole is running for student body president. She must give a speech next week. She discusses the speech with her mother.
Susan: What's up, Nicole? Nicole: I pulled an all-nighter working on my election speech. Susan: No wonder you look like a basket case! Did you finish your speech? Nicole: Yes, at 6 a.m. Susan: That must be a load off your mind! Nicole: It's not. I've got to give the speech tomorrow in front of 1,500 people. I'm a nervous wreck! Susan: Just remember the old rule of thumb, imagine your audience naked. Nicole: That's gross. Why would I want to do that? Susan: According to conventional wisdom, it'll make you less nervous. Nicole: Only practice will do the trick. Susan: Okay, let hear the speech. Nicole: Good afternoon, everyone. There are four candidates running for president. You think you have several choices. In reality, you have just one choice: me! Susan: You can't say that. You'll turn off your audience immediately. Nicole: It sounds like I have a big head? Susan: I'll say.
Idioms, Basket case (slang) – someone or something in a useless or hopeless condition (to have a) big head – arrogant; too proud of oneself Conventional wisdom – a widely held belief (to)do the trick – to achieve the desired results I’ll say! – yes, definitely! In reality – in fact; actually Load off one’s mind – a relief Look like – have the appearance of Nervous wreck – a person feeling very worried No wonder – it’s not surprising (to) pull an all-nighter – to stay up all night to do work Rule of thumb – a useful principle (to) turn off – to cause to feel dislike or revulsion
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