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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