Don t memorize your answers AFTER the impromptu (即兴的) speech, speakers in the 21st Century Cup are queried (询问) by a panel of question masters. How can speakers perform well during this part of the contest? US public speaking expert Stephen Lucas gives his top tips here. Q&.A session Let s first have a glimpse of some examples of questions from the previous 21st Century Cup competitions. They might deal with either the prepared speech or the impromptu speech. "You say that you d go for a good job or a good career. In your opinion, what are the most important features of a good career?" "If you were taking a tour in a foreign country and ran into a beggar, would your attitude there be any different than towards a beggar in China?" As you can see, the questions can be quite challenging and, like the impromptu speech, provide a good test of your ability to think on your feet. It s tough. But don t let that throw you. If you approach the question-and-answer session by following the principles we discussed in regard to the impromptu speech, you should be able to do well. As with the impromptu speech, you must practise before you get to the competition. Look over your prepared speech and anticipate possible questions about it. When you practise the speech in front of other people, invite them to ask your questions. Write these questions down, then work out some answers to them. Some students write outlines of their answers — or even write the answers out in full — to make sure they have thought everything through fully. Once you have a set of potential questions and answers, practise delivering your answers orally. It s crucial that you do this on a regular basis. The more you practise answering questions, the more comfortable you will be on the day of the competition. As you practise, work on making your answers brief and to the point. Also work on delivering the answers with poise (沉着) and confidence. As with other aspects of preparing for the competition, you d better make a videotape. As you practise for the question-and-answer session, identify weak spots and work on correcting them. No matter how much you work ahead of time, of course, there is no way to predict exactly what questions you will receive during the contest. Be certain to listen carefully to the questions you are asked on the day of the competition. If you are given a question for which you have prepared in advance, then consider yourself fortunate and make the most of your opportunity. Beware of the temptation, however, to recite (背诵) an answer that does not truly address the question posed to you. This is a sure way to lose points. Judges at the competition understand how difficult the question-and-answer session can be. They do not expect perfect answers, but they do expect answers that respond directly to the questions that are asked.