Modern social etiquette and eloquence

Chapter 20 Speech Etiquette and Eloquence (1)
"Eloquence can also create wealth." In Europe and the United States, speech writers are very popular professions, and speech skills are required for people from all walks of life.Americans simply say: "Money, eloquence, and computers are the foundation of a country."

Speaking is one of the basic skills of human beings, but it is not easy to be "able to speak", especially in public places and in large crowds.Therefore, in order to grasp more chances of success, one should fully and proficiently master the etiquette and eloquence skills of speeches.

[-]. Speech should be "prepared for any danger"

A speech cannot be without preparation, and preparation cannot be without methods.Some people say that impromptu speech is unprepared, in fact, this is only relative.Because impromptu speech requires daily accumulation, which is a long-term preparation.

Generally speaking, there are two main types of speech preparation: writing speeches and psychological preparation before speeches.

1. Speech writing
(1) Focus on the target and clarify the target of the speech.A speech is a conversation with the public, and the public is diverse, with different interests and requirements.If you don't look at the subject, the speech will not be targeted, and the audience's interest will not be aroused, and naturally there will be no good effect.

(2) The occasion of the speech is very important.From the perspective of speech activities, the occasion is the time, environment (including the place and social background of the speech) and the audience of the speech.Occasions play a restrictive role in people's speech.It affects the choice of topics, the organization of structures, the use of language, the volume of volume, the use of titles, and so on.Someone once went to the prison to give a report to the prisoners. He felt that calling "prisoners" was too exciting and calling "friends" was impractical.This name seems to be very appropriate here.

(3) The center is clear.It should be clear what the speaker is talking about, otherwise there is no way to choose material.

(4) Strive to be specific and realistic.The audience hates false, big, and empty words, and likes specific, real, and sincere speeches.Only when it is specific can it be vivid; if it is real, it can be convincing; if it is sincere, it can move people with sincerity.Speeches should contain plenty of examples.If there are no examples in the speech, or if the examples are not true, the speech will be dull and the audience will be lost.

(5) Pay attention to terminology.The use of language in speech drafts, one must use spoken language, and the other must pay attention to rhetoric.A speech must be understandable before it can be liked.Spoken language is easy to understand, lively and smooth, full of human touch and beauty, in line with people's listening habits, which is also one of the most important characteristics of speech language.

Pay attention to diction, in addition to emphasizing the use of spoken language, it is also necessary to refine the spoken language to remove vulgarity and wordiness, so as to make the language more precise and standardized.In order to achieve this goal, some rhetorical techniques, such as metaphor, parallelism, personification, repetition, etc., should be properly used on the premise of maintaining colloquial language.

(6) Arrange the structure reasonably.The composition of a speech usually consists of three parts: the beginning, the body, and the end.To arrange the structure, we should not only consider the whole, but also study each of them in detail.On the whole, the speech should reflect the organization of the speech, highlight the center of the speech, show the rhythm of the speech, and make the speech have a sense of coordination and harmony throughout.

The beginning of the speech, including title and introduction.According to different intentions, speakers have different ways to start.Sometimes it is necessary to clarify the meaning and point directly at the topic of the lecture, so as to meet the psychological requirements of the audience and make the audience have the necessary mental preparation; sometimes only raise the question to inspire the audience to think and discuss together, enhance their sense of participation, and arouse their interest in listening to the lecture ;Sometimes focus on exaggerating the atmosphere to form the emotional tone of the whole speech.

The body of the speech is the body of the speech.The main purpose of this part is to solve the problem and convince the audience.In addition to paying attention to the requirements of "object", "occasion", "center" and "specificity", it is also necessary to refer to the writing method of the essay, and use progressive, columnar, comparative and other structural methods to carry out discussions.Of course, there are many ways to write articles, such as the progression can be included in the column, and the comparison can be included in the progression.As long as it is conducive to reasoning and acceptance by the audience, the speaker can use it.

The end of the speech is also called the conclusion. "Weaving baskets and baskets is the most important thing to finish." The quality of the ending of the speech directly affects whether the audience agrees with the speech.

There are usually three ways to write the end of the speech.

(1) General summary.Summarizing the main points of the full text has the effect of reiterating and emphasizing your own point of view and deepening the audience's impression. When writing a manuscript, you must take care of the full text.

(2) Express your attitude.For example, at the end of Mr. Wen Yiduo's "Last Speech": "We are not afraid of death, we have the spirit of sacrifice. We are like Mr. Li at any time, stepping into the gate with our front foot, and we are not ready to step out of the gate with our back foot." Shock the hearts of the audience and have a great appeal.

(3) Put forward hopes and requirements.This kind of conclusion often enables the audience to clarify their future direction and method of doing things after accepting the speaker's point of view.As Zhou Enlai (speech at the [-]th anniversary of Lu Xun's death) concluded: "...we must have something to hate, something to be angry, something to love, something to do. The century of the people has come, so we should work hard like him , unite as one, and die for the people. Lu Xun and Wen Yiduo are our role models."

2. Mental preparation before the speech
The purpose of the psychological preparation before the speech is to cultivate the self-confidence that the speech will be successful on the stage.There are three steps in psychological preparation: first, familiarize yourself with the speech; second, do a good job in lectures; third, overcome tension.

Familiarity with speeches is not as rote as one might think.Memorizing word for word will always do more harm than good, and may even lead to a failed speech.I only memorize the speech script, always thinking about what the next sentence is, and I will get "stuck" when I am nervous.Even if it can be recited from beginning to end, the whole process will be unremarkable, because the speaker has no extra energy to take care of the scene.

In fact, the most effective way is to grasp the content of the speech and the structure of the speech through serious and repeated thinking.First of all, think about the issues involved in your speech, which issue is the center, what should be said first in the speech, and what should be said later, where to detail, where to be brief, and always have a general framework of the speech in mind.Secondly, think about the situation on the spot and make some necessary assumptions.For example, how to respond to an unexpected situation at the scene, how to control the scene as soon as you come on stage, and attract the audience.Experienced speakers often have to design one or several opening remarks for on-the-spot selection.

Many famous speakers have placed emphasis on practice.When Mr. Wen Yiduo was young, before giving a speech on stage, he often practiced alone.

Lectures should also be carried out according to individual situations, different purposes, and different conditions. You can pre-lecture alone, or let a few friends or people with speaking experience be the audience, and ask them to help and guide yourself. Conduct lectures.In the process of lectures and exercises, some people emphasize "speaking", some people emphasize "stance", and some people focus on cultivating feelings...

On the basis of completing preparations such as writing a good speech, getting familiar with the speech, and giving appropriate lectures, you have to fight a psychological battle: overcome the anxiety and tension before going on stage.This nervousness is common to most people and is a normal reaction.But if this pressure is too strong and not relieved, it will seriously affect the success of the speech.

How can we overcome this anxiety before going on stage?
(1) Have a strong desire to succeed, and think that you will definitely succeed. "Emotion is an important means of controlling emotion itself"!We should use "desires", "beliefs" and "advantages" to "cure" anxiety.Desire is the idea of ​​achieving success; belief is to firmly believe that the ideas and viewpoints you want to talk about are correct, and the materials you use are real and vivid; advantage is to think more about your own unique favorable factors.

(2) Don't pay too much attention to personal gains and losses.George Bernard Shaw said of his transformation from a timid man to a successful orator: "I did it the way I learned to skate -- I doggedly made a fool of myself until I got used to it."

(3) With the help of relaxation method.We can keep telling ourselves "relax, relax..."; or move the body to release the excess heat in the body due to tension; or take a deep breath, and then breathe out evenly and slowly.

[-]. The beginning of the speech is very important
"A good beginning is half the battle." The beginning of the speech is very important to the whole speech.

The first paragraph at the beginning of the speech is particularly important. Gorky said: "The first sentence at the beginning is the most difficult. It seems to give the tone of the whole work in music, and it often takes a long time to find it."

Here are some questions for speakers to start with.

1. Simple words

Some speakers apologize to the audience as soon as they take the stage, humiliating themselves by saying that they can't speak, which is really a bad habit.Mr. Ye Shengtao gave an example of a speaker who did not sit still and said: "I didn't have any preparations today, so I really have nothing to say." Mr. Ye Shengtao said: "Everyone understands that this is actually a Modesty. However, the speaker has thought a little more. You said that you have not prepared and have nothing to say, so why do you spend a lot of time on the stage? If there is nothing to say, those long speeches (or a few words) on the stage are considered Is it not considered as 'unspoken'? Or is it a play on the occasion? What kind of virtue is it to tell others what you don't even believe in yourself?"

If you are really unprepared, the audience will never forgive you just because you said this in advance. The audience spends so much time listening to your speech, hoping to get a little education and inspiration, not because you are humble enough to tolerate nonsense Gossip.If you are not prepared, you would rather not open your mouth; if you are ready, you must speak forthrightly.

It has been said that in front of an audience, it takes five seconds to get the audience's attention.Of course, it is not easy to maintain this attractiveness all the time.But if you don't even have this kind of attraction at the beginning, then even if you spend a lot of effort later, it will be difficult to bring back the interest of the audience.

2. Spark curiosity

Please see the speech below.

140 years ago, London published a masterpiece of novels that is recognized as immortal, and many people call it "the greatest novel in the world".When the novel was published, citizens would ask each other, "Have you read this book?" when they met their friends in the streets and alleys, and the answer was almost always "Yes, I have." In one day, 1 copies were sold, and 1000 copies were sold in two weeks.Afterwards, it was reprinted several times, and all countries in the world have translations.A few years ago, the banker Morgan bought the manuscript of this book at a price of 15000 yuan, and now the original manuscript of this book is displayed in an art gallery in New York City.

The beginning of this paragraph is indeed successful, why?Because it attracted the attention of the audience at the beginning, and gradually increased the interest of the audience. When the audience was impatient, the speaker only revealed the answer:

What is this world famous book?A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens in the 19s.

Everyone is curious.Speakers must remember this.Everyone has a particularly strong thirst for knowledge about things beyond their imagination.Therefore, in response to this kind of psychology, the speaker sets up some suspense in the opening remarks of the conversation, which will especially attract the audience.

This effect can also be achieved by asking some rare questions, such as: "Did you know? People can talk to dolphins."

This question can immediately arouse the audience's curiosity, and it can also surprise people: Can a thoughtless dolphin talk to a thinking person?Then the audience will have an interest in listening to it.

To attract people at the beginning, there is another better way, which is to show some real objects to the audience, such as: model pictures, objects, etc.However, the real objects displayed must be conspicuous, and the location must have a certain height.Otherwise, the audience behind will stand because they can't see clearly, and the audience will ask each other to make the venue noisy.

For example, when the company boss gives a speech, he can display the company's products, planning drawings and other real objects in front of the public, which will immediately attract the attention of the audience.

3. Ask questions to the audience
Ask the public a few questions at the beginning and ask the audience to help them think together, which can guide the audience into a common thinking space.Not long after you put forward your opinion, you will naturally make the audience listen to you more attentively.

On July 1854, 7, Rochester, New York, USA held a National Day celebration meeting. The famous abolitionist Douglas delivered a speech criticizing racism at the meeting. His speech started with a question.

"Citizens: Excuse me, let me ask a question, why have I been invited here to speak today? What good am I to your country's Independence Day? What does it matter to me? Does the Declaration of Independence contain Do the principles of political liberty and liberty and equality also apply to us? Therefore, let me consecrate our inferior peoples to the altar of nations, and for the happiness of our independence from you, let me admit the benefits And express my heartfelt thanks?"

After some questions, Douglas began to expose the dark system of racial discrimination in the United States, and refuted the fallacy that "blacks do not belong to race" with irrefutable facts and scientific basis.

4. Use quotes
What a celebrity says is not necessarily a famous quote, and a famous quote is not necessarily said by a celebrity.However, famous sayings have a power to attract attention. The reason why famous sayings are "famous" is that they summarize certain philosophical principles in concise language and vivid images, at least in terms of language.For example, we all talk about cherishing learning opportunities. Everyone understands the meaning, but saying it may not necessarily become a famous saying.You can see the following sentences.

Every book is a small ladder. Every time I climb a level, I am more separated from animals and ascended to human beings. I am closer to the concept of a better life, and I love this book more.

- Gorky
People's misfortunes often become his learning.

- Aesop

Whoever plays with life will accomplish nothing; whoever cannot dominate himself will always be a slave.

- Goethe

It can be seen that the famous saying has a certain persuasive force.Quoting a famous quote at the beginning of a speech can serve as an outline.

5. Grasp the psychology of the audience
Some speakers have prepared an opening speech, but some unexpected circumstances happened in the venue and the opening speech cannot be used. At this time, the speaker may wish to boldly draw up an impromptu opening speech based on the situation immediately.In this way, the speaker's speech is closely related to the atmosphere of the scene, which can arouse strong resonance from the audience.

On March 1935, 3, Gorky was invited to speak at the 7nd plenary meeting of the Council of the Former Soviet Writers Association. When the representatives heard Gorky’s name, they applauded and cheered enthusiastically for a long time. Gorky canceled the original opening remarks and improvised start talking-

"If you count all the time spent applauding, it's a waste of time."

At this time, there was a burst of laughter from the audience.This opening is very exciting. It naturally evaluates the situation on the spot, which makes everyone feel more cordial. It also shows Gorky's humility and humor, which attracts the audience even more.

On November 1863, 11, when the Gettysburg National Cemetery was completed in the United States, 19 audience members gathered in front of the temporary rostrum from all directions. , Taoyuan, the endless slopes, and the green peaks in the distance suddenly aroused waves in his heart. Four months ago, the northern army severely damaged the southern army here, changing the situation of the entire civil war in one fell swoop. He felt great admiration for the bravery of the martyrs. Therefore, he looked at the magnificent scenery in front of him and started his nearly two-hour tour. Speech opening remarks.

"Standing under a long clear sky, and looking out across the vast fields that have been cultivated and now resting silently, the majestic Allegheny Mountains loom before us, and the graves of our brethren are Under our feet, I dare not use my insignificant voice to break the meaningless silence that God and nature have arranged..."

This prologue combined magnificent scenery with reverence, and strongly attracted the audience. It was later called Everett's "elaborate masterpiece in his life, marking the perfection of his speech."

"Everything is difficult at the beginning", and the beginning of the speech is the same.Therefore, before stepping on the podium, in order to achieve the effect of a white response, the speech must be given a wonderful beginning.

[-]. Speech language: strive for perfection

The language of the speech directly determines whether the speech is persuasive and appealing. Therefore, we must pay attention to the language of the speech.

The language of the speech must pay attention to the following points.

1. Popular and fluent

Speech language pays attention to instant effects, and the sound is fleeting after a short pause. If you do not make colloquial, popular, and try to create a lifelike auditory image, but pursue gorgeous words and sentences, or even deliberately choose difficult professional terms and classical Chinese, it will magnify your speech. distance from the audience.This feature of the speech determines that the language of the speech must be natural, fluent, easy to understand, and colloquial, and it must not be piled up with rhetoric or overly embellished. It should be like what Mr. Lu Xun said: "Have a true meaning, don't whitewash, less artificial, and don't show off. "

2. Accurate and profound

Language is the material shell of thought, a reflection of objective reality.When the language truly conforms to the actual situation of objective things and expresses the thoughts and feelings in people's minds without error, the language meets the requirement of accuracy.Therefore, in addition to having a correct understanding of things, the speaker must also be able to use concepts properly, judge scientifically, and reason logically, so that the meaning can be called and the words can express the meaning.

From the perspective of ideological content, the language of the speech should also have profound meanings, and it must be able to give the audience a certain amount of inspiration, and tell the truth that the audience did not think of or the truth that they wanted to say but couldn't say.A good speech should be able to leave some incisive and incisive sentences for the audience, and it should be thought-provoking, thought-provoking, and motivating.

3. Concise and clear

(End of this chapter)