Speechwriting 演讲稿写作

http://www.24en.com/column/annson_yan/2011-05-04/133488.html

Speechwriting

演讲稿写作
              

Translated by Dallars Sun
Revised by Annson Yan

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.

一次成功的演讲往往归功于演讲者的演讲技巧，而这些演讲者都具备很多优点，他们充满自信，能说会道，知识广博，并且能够以坚定的信念进行演说。

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. Sowhat does it take to be a political speechwriter?

然而，这些感人至深的演讲通常不是由演讲者本人写的，而是由专门负责写演讲稿的人写的。而这在政界已是司空见惯。那么，如何成为一个政坛演讲稿作者呢？

Well according to a recent job advertisement from the US Embassy in Britain, a political speechwriter needs to have exceptional interpersonal skills, bedetail 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.

一则由美国驻英国使馆近期刊登的招聘广告表明，一位政坛演讲稿作者需具备非凡的交际能力和捕捉细节的能力，并且要能够深入挖掘演讲主题。他还得与演讲者紧密合作，以便能够融入他们的风格

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

有人认为那些优秀的演讲稿作者与生俱来就有一种才能，有一种天生的创造本能，而演讲稿写作本身就是一种艺术创作形式。

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

那么我们这些没有具备演讲稿创作天赋的人该怎么做呢？我们仍能创作出成功的演讲稿吗？

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.

在接受BBC采访时，麦克斯博士，同时也是一位沟通交流专家，他总结了一些写演讲稿的技巧。他还举例说明这些技巧在以往的演讲中是如何应用的。

One such technique is introducing contrast. This is extremely useful whenpresenting 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."

其中一种技巧是引入对比。当你用一种积极的笔调来描绘一件消极的事件时，这种技巧就变得非常管用。最有名的一个例子就是出自美国前总统约翰?肯尼迪的演讲：“不要问国家能为你做什么，而要问你能为这个国家做什么。”

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".

另外一种技巧就是三句式排比的应用。阿特金森博士解释道这是添加结论和确认声明的最佳方式。前英国首相托尼?布莱尔就非常喜欢这种技巧。他最有名的竞选标语就是：教育，教育，还是教育。

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.

这些技巧就像是你的工具，你可以从工具箱里任意挑选一件，必要时拿来用。从演讲稿作者的“工具箱”里或许还可以找到其他一些技巧，例如比喻、趣闻和头韵的应用。

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.

所以下次当你要准备一次演讲或口头展示，可以尝试着使用这些技巧中的一种或多种，看看你是否具备成为一个成功的演讲稿作者的能力。