Speechwriting
写演讲稿
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Speechwriting 写演讲稿
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, knowledgeable 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 illustrated 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 applied as necessary. A few other techniques you might find in a speechwriter’s toolbox might be the use of imagery, anecdotes and alliteration.
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.
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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 inherent talent – 与生俱来的天赋
detail oriented – 注重细节 creative instinct – 善于创新的天性
art form – 艺术形式 genius – 天才 communications specialist – 沟通交流positive spin – 编造正面影响 专家
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. Reading Quiz 阅读测验
Are these sentences true or false? Circle the correct answer.
以下句子哪句是真?哪句是假？请圈出正确答案。
1. Speechwriters are often used in politics. True / False
2. The US Embassy in Britain recently advertised for articulate speakers who
could confidently deliver speeches. True / False
3. Some people see the best speechwriters as artists. True / False
4. Dr Max Atkinson says there are a series of techniques that can be used in
speechwriting. True / False
5. Techniques such as imagery and alliteration are rarely used in successful
speeches. True / False
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2. Matching 配对
Match the speechwriting techniques (a-e) with their definitions (1-5)
把写演讲稿的技巧名称(a-e)和相应的解释(1-5) 搭配在一起。
a: contrast
b: three-part list
c: anecdote
d: imagery
e: repetition
1. ____
2. ____
3. ____
4. ____
5. ____
replicating a word or statement
presenting two opposing ideas or statements using three linked statements to add emphasis telling a short, often amusing story, especially about something you have done
using words which conjure pictures in someone’s mind
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3. Jumbled Sentences 打乱词序的句子
Create sentences using the jumbled words. These sentences illustrate the use of imagery in political speech.
请将下列句子中的单词重新排列，组成正确的句子。这些句子曾出现在政治演讲稿里。
1. “______________________________________________” Tony Blair (former UK Prime Minister)
I feel hand my can of on history shoulder the .
2. “______________________________________________” Sir Winston Churchill (former UK Prime Minister)
The nation lion’s give the had the ; I had the heart luck to roar .
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4. Wordsearch 单词搜索
Try to find the words associated with this week's topic in the puzzle below.
There are ten words to find. Words can be written horizontally (J), vertically (L) or diagonally (P)
请找出和本周题目相关的英语单词。
共有10个单词，其组成方式可能以水平的(J)垂直的(L)或对角的(P)形式出现。
c o n t r a s t a z t o a s i m a g e r y f n s s d s r b e h a g v l v x b t a l e n t i o v i r i l u b e i c g a n e c d o t e n t a c o n u a z d s s i n t r a l s d d s t o s g e n a d a d a i n r e p e t i t i o n r e p e a e y a s g c g e n i u s h f x d t
imagery articulate conviction anecdote
contrast repetition instinct
genius talent slogans
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Answers 答案
1. Reading Quiz 阅读测验
1. Speechwriters are often used in politics. True
2. The US Embassy in Britain recently advertised for
articulate speakers who could confidently deliver speeches. False
3. Some people see the best speechwriters as artists.
True
4. Dr Max Atkinson says there are a series of
techniques that can be used in speechwriting. True
5. Techniques such as imagery and alliteration are
rarely used in successful speeches. False
3. Jumbled Sentences 打乱词序的句子
1. “I can feel the hand of history on my shoulder.” Tony Blair (former UK Prime Minister)
2. “The nation had the lion’s heart; I had the luck to give the roar.” Sir Winston Churchill (former UK Prime Minister)
2. Matching 配对
1. imagery (d)
using words which conjure pictures in someone’s mind
2. anecdote (c)
telling a short, often amusing story, especially about something you have done
3. three-part list (b)
using three linked statements to add emphasis
4. contrast (a)
presenting two opposing ideas or statements
5. repetition (e)
replicating a word or statement
4.Wordsearch 单词搜索
c o n t r a s t o i m a g e r y n
s
r
v l t a l e n t i o i i c g a n e c d o t e n t
a
u
s
i n l t o
s
a
i
n r e p e t i t i o n
e
c
g e n i u s t
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