英国BBC China，7月15日发表的文章

题目是Speechwriting ——What Makes a Good Speech?  

翻译如下，原文附后

 写演讲稿

——好演讲稿的关键是什么？

一个成功的演讲总要归因于演讲者的能力，这些包括演讲者的自信、口才、知识以及在演讲中成功说服的能力。

但是经常地，这些动人的演讲稿并不是由演讲人亲自写的，而是出自演讲稿编辑人之手。而在一种业界里，这种行为非常普遍，这就是政治界。那么成为一名政界的演讲稿编辑人需要付出什么呢？

根据最近一份来自美国驻英国领事馆的应聘广告中可以看到，一名政界的演讲稿编辑人需要有非同一般的人际交往、注重细节以及能够证明有在撰写演讲稿方面有身后知识的能力。他们必须要与演讲人进行密切的工作并且能够适应演讲人的风格。

一些人相信杰出的演讲稿编辑人在这方面拥有与生俱来的天赋，和善于创新的能力，他们视写演讲稿为一种艺术形式。

那么对也我们这些没有这些天赋的正常人来说，我们能否仍然写出好的演讲来呢？

在与BBC的Dr Max Atkinson（沟通交流学专业学者）的采访中，他提到了一系列的写作技巧。并且同时举例说明这些写作技巧是怎样在历史性演讲中被应用的。

其中一个技巧是提出对比。这在当展示一个从有负面因素问题里取出正面影响的时候非常有效。其中一个在演讲中可以找到的最有名的例子是出自美国前总统 John F Kenned的演讲：“不要问你的国家能为你做什么，而是要问你能为国家做些什么。”

另一个技巧是运用“三次重复”。Dr Atkinson解释说这种技巧是为一个陈述添加终结和确定的很有效的方式。英国前总理Tony Blair是这一技巧的忠实爱好者。他的最出名的竞选口号之一就是：“教育，教育，再教育”。

这些技巧就像工具一样，可以从工具箱中拿出，必要时应用到演讲稿中。几个其他的技巧你还可以在演讲稿编辑者的工具箱中找到，像使用想像、使用名人叙事和头晕等等。

所以要是下次你学要准备一个演讲或者是展示，尝试使用一个或几个这些演讲稿技巧，看看你是否拥有成为一名成功的演讲稿作家。

Speechwriting

——What Makes a Good Speech?

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.

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