英语听力精选进阶版 6178

What Makes a Good Speech? 好演讲稿的关键是什么？

The success of a speech is often attributed to the skill of the speaker, with merit being given to speakers who are confident, articulate, knowledgeable¹ and able to deliver a speech with conviction.

But often it is not the speakers who write these moving speeches, it is a speechwriter. And one industry in which this practise is common is that of politics. So what does it take to be a political speechwriter?

Well according to a recent job advertisement from the US Embassy in Britain, a political speechwriter needs to have exceptional interpersonal skills, be detail oriented and able to demonstrate a deep knowledge of their subject. They must also work closely with speakers and be able to relate to their style.

Some believe that the best speechwriters have an inherent talent, a natural creative instinct, and that speechwriting is an art form.

So what about those of us who do not possess such genius? Can we still produce successful speeches?

In an interview with the BBC, Dr Max Atkinson (a communications specialist) outlined a number of speechwriting techniques. He also illustrated² how these techniques have been used in historic speeches.

One such technique is introducing contrast. This is extremely useful when presenting a positive spin on a negative issue. One of the most famous examples of this can be seen in a speech given by former American President John F Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country."

Another technique is the use of three-part lists. Dr Atkinson explains that this can be an excellent way of adding finality or confirming a statement. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was a fan of this technique. One of his most famous campaign slogans was "education, education, education".

These techniques can be used like tools - they can be chosen from a toolbox and applied³ as necessary. A few other techniques you might find in a speechwriter's toolbox might be the use of imagery, anecdotes⁴ and alliteration⁵.

So next time you have to prepare a speech or presentation, try applying one or more of these techniques and see if you have what it takes to be a winning speechwriter.

GLOSSARY 词汇表

attributed 归因于

articulate 善于表达的，口才好的

conviction 说服力

moving 动人的，感动的

interpersonal skills 人际技巧

detail oriented 注重细节

inherent talent 与生俱来的天赋

creative instinct 善于创新的天性

art form 艺术形式

genius 天才

communications specialist 沟通交流专家

positive spin 编造正面影响

negative issue 具有负面因素的问题

finality 终结，最后决定

confirming 确认

campaign slogans 竞选口号

imagery 比喻

anecdotes 轶事，趣闻

alliteration 押头韵

have what it takes 具备取得成功的必要条件

1 knowledgeable   

adj.知识渊博的；有见识的

参考例句：

• He's quite knowledgeable about the theatre.他对戏剧很有心得。
• He made some knowledgeable remarks at the meeting.他在会上的发言颇有见地。

2 illustrated   

adj. 有插图的，列举的 动词illustrate的过去式和过去分词

参考例句：

• His lecture was illustrated with slides taken during the expedition. 他在讲演中使用了探险时拍摄到的幻灯片。
• The manufacturing Methods: Will be illustrated in the next chapter. 制作方法将在下一章说明。

3 applied   

adj.应用的；v.应用，适用

参考例句：

• She plans to take a course in applied linguistics.她打算学习应用语言学课程。
• This cream is best applied to the face at night.这种乳霜最好晚上擦脸用。

4 anecdotes   

n.掌故，趣闻，轶事( anecdote的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• amusing anecdotes about his brief career as an actor 关于他短暂演员生涯的趣闻逸事
• He related several anecdotes about his first years as a congressman. 他讲述自己初任议员那几年的几则轶事。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 alliteration   

n.（诗歌的）头韵

参考例句：

• We chose alliteration on the theory a little vulgarity enhances memory.在理论上我们选择有点儿粗俗的头韵来帮助记忆。
• It'seems to me that in prose alliteration should be used only for a special reason.依我看，在散文里，头韵只能在一定的场合使用。