A、Postponement. B、Preparation. C、Confidence. D、Information. B短文第1句便提到，在公众演讲中，一个重要的格言就是做好准备(preparation)。即B。

In public speaking, the watchword is preparation. Most of us tend to put things off, at least occasionally. It’s so easy to put things off, especially those things we do not look forward to doing. So if a speaking engagement is several weeks off, we may feel we still have plenty of time. But as the day draws closer, we begin to panic.
    Do not let this happen to you. Start preparing as soon as you are given or accept the speaking assignment. You have much to do and to do it right will take time. How much better your speech will be, how much better you will feel, if you have taken the time to do it right. When you are prepared, you have gathered the needed data, determined what is appropriate to the listeners’ understanding and acceptance levels, organized the ideas so they flow logically, selected examples and other supports for your ideas, and made them interesting to your listeners. Develop a great opening that you know will catch the attention of even daydreamers in your audience. Check out the room where you will be speaking. Request any feasible changes you wish in the setup of the room. If you are prepared, you are confident you can best convey your message to your listeners.
    If you have waited until a few days before your presentation to begin to prepare, no doubt you will be anxious, and with good reasons. But there is not enough time to engage in more than a superficial attempt. Both you and your audience will feel uncomfortable. Like retirement planning, it is never too early to start preparing for your presentation.
16. What is the most important thing in public speaking?
17. When is the best time to start a preparation according to the speaker?
18. Why is useful to develop a great opening?