阅读理解 You might say that one reason Barack Obama is the President of the US is because he knows how to give a good speech．In 2004, when Massachusetts Senator(参议员)John Kerry was the Democratic Party's nominee(被提名者)for the presidency, a little-known senator from Illinois gave the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention．That senator was Obama．It was a remarkable speech－poetic, and inspiring．The people who heard it would remember it for a long time． Since 2004, Obama has written and delivered thousands of speeches．These are usually praised for two reasons：he treats the audiences like intelligent adults, and he is able to express complicated ideas in a easy, natural way．Before becoming president, Obama was a lawyer, a college professor, and a successful writer -- his two memoirs(回忆录)have become best-sellers．The skills he needed to succeed in his previous jobs have also contributed to his success as a speechmaker． Writing team：Obama has a team of people who write his speeches．The writers chat with Obama for hours about what he wants to say．They listen to recordings of past presidential addresses and seek advice from advisers．Obama usually edits and rewrites the drafts several times． Obama's tricks for a lighthearted speech that stays on message： Make fun of the guests．Obama starts his speech by gently teasing his guests．His opening lines grab the audience's attention while giving them an opportunity to relax and laugh at themselves and each other． Make fun of yourself．A good rule for speechmakers：If you're going to make a joke about someone else, be sure to make one about yourself, too．Obama mocks his own poor choices for filling the position of Commerce Secretary, saying, "No President in history has ever named three Commerce Secretaries this quickly．" | 
