中国网站品牌栏目（频道）
My comments:
In other words, you must get your point across by arranging your major speaking points in proper order.
The phrase “get your ducks in a row” is obviously inspired by observing the behavior of ducks in nature. The mother duck, when travelling with her young, always have them walk behind her in a straight line. One by one and one after another, the ducklings march out after their mom. The advantage of this is, I guess, if anyone strays from the line, the mother will easily notice.
In making a speech, same thing. Better have your points lined up and in proper sequence. That way you’ll sound clear and coherent.
Rather than meandering and, thus probably, losing your way.
Related stories:
Rise above the twittering crowd
As common as shelf paper in a cabinet
Spotting and eliminating "pork"
本文仅代表作者本人观点，与本网立场无关。欢迎大家讨论学术问题，尊重他人，禁止人身攻击和发布一切违反国家现行法律法规的内容。
About the author:
Zhang Xin（张欣） has been with China Daily since 1988, when he graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Write him at: zhangxin@chinadaily.com.cn, or raise a question for potential use in a future column.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
No matter how long or short your speech is, you’ve got to get your ducks in a row—how you are going to open, what major points you want to make and how you’re going to close.
