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 that this practise is common is that of 【M1】_________

politics. So what does this take to be a political speechwriter? 【M2】_________

Well according to a recent job advertisement from the US Embassy

in Britain, a political speechwriter needs to have exceptionally 【M3】_________

interpersonal skills, be detail oriented and able to demonstrate a deep

knowledge of their subject. They must also work close with speakers and 【M4】_________

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 if those of us who do not possess such genius? Can we still 【M5】_________

produce successful speeches? In an interview with the BBC, Dr. Max

Atkinson( a communications specialist) outlined the number of 【M6】_________

speechwriting techniques. He also illustrated what these techniques have 【M7】_________

been used in historic speeches. One such technique is introducing

comparison. This is extremely useful when presenting a positive spin on 【M8】_________

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 and what you can do for your 【M9】_________

country.” Other technique is the use of three-part lists. Dr. Atkinson 【M10】________

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.”

【M4】