Phrases

1. Anyhow – как бы то ни было
2. Above all – главным образом, прежде всего
3. At any rate – во всяком случае
4. In any case – в любом случае
5. After all – в конце концов
6. Finally – в конце концов, в заключении
7. As far as ... is (are) concerned – что касается
8. You see – понимаешь, видишь ли
9. As for me – что касается меня
10. To begin with – сначала, прежде всего
11. First of all – прежде всего
12. I am sorry to say – к сожалению
13. Perhaps - возможно
14. Maybe - возможно
15. Possibly - возможно
16. Probably - вероятно
17. Upon my word – честное слово
18. To my regret – к моему сожалению
19. However - однако
20. As a matter of fact – на самом деле, фактически
21. In fact – в действительности
22. By the way – кстати, между прочим
23. As a rule – как правило
24. I think (suppose) – я думаю (полагаю)
25. So – итак, таким образом
26. Of course - конечно
27. As you know – как вы знаете
28. As far as I see (know, remember) – насколько я понимаю (знаю, помню)
29. Fortunately (unfortunately) – к счастью (к несчастью)
30. For instance - например
31. On the whole – в целом
32. Besides – кроме того
33. Generally (in general) – вообще, обычно
34. Personally - лично
35. No doubt - несомненно
36. At least – по меньшей мере
37. On the contrary – напротив (наоборот)
38. Frankly speaking – откровенно говоря
39. To tell the truth – по правде говоря
40. In my opinion (to my mind) – по моему мнению
41. On the one hand..., on the other hand – с одной стороны, с другой стороны
42. In other words – другими словами
43. In short – вкратце, одним словом
44. To cut a long story short – короче говоря
45. The thing is -  дело в том, что

Topics

1. Family.
2. Family traditions.
3. Family relationship.
4. Friendship and relationship with friends.
5. Education.
6. Studying at school.
7. School traditions.
8. Choosing a career.
9. Life in the city and in the country.
10. Different types of houses.
11. Belarusian national cuisine.
12. National cuisine of an English-speaking country.
13. Shopping.
14. Leisure time.
15. Belarusian customs and traditions.
16. Customs and traditions of an English-speaking country.
17. Modern means of communication.
18. Healthy way of life.
19. Sport.
20. Fashion.
21. Travelling and tourism.
22. Environment.
23. Weather and climate.
24. The Republic of Belarus.
25. Great Britain.

Public Speaking

Dale Carnegie (1888-1955), an outstanding American specialist and writer, devoted two of his five books to the art of speaking.

These are the titles of his two books:

1.      The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking,

2.      How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking.

Dale Carnegie wrote about many special rules and gave a lot of advice to young people about public speaking.

Here are some of his rules and illustrations:

1.      Speak every chance you get. You should learn to speak by speaking.

2.      Your speech should be well prepared. Don't talk impromptu. You must keep your ideas logically grouped around a central thought.

3.      There may be special occasions like meetings or conferences when you are to introduce the speaker. This introduction should not be very long. It should give the most important information about the speaker and mention the topic of his speech. Here is an example:

      Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce our guest tonight. As we all know, sir Claud is one of Britain's leading lights in the realm of consumer research, and we certainly appreciate his kindness in giving up his valuable time to us this evening. Ladies and gentlemen, sir Claud O'Connell.

4.      If you think you may be asked to contribute your comments or suggestions at any moment during the meeting, pay careful attention to the other speakers. Try to condense your ideas into a few words. When you are called upon say what you have in mind as plainly as you can. Give your views briefly.

5.      Speak with enthusiasm. Control your voice. Speak slowly and be yourself. End confidently and give your last sentence a punch.

WORDS

impromptu - экспромт, импровизация

to condense - сжато выражать (мысль)

realm - область, сфера

plain – простой

brief - сжатый, краткий

punch - сила, энергия, эффективность

to give smth a punch - произнести что-либо с особым ударением