1、英语演讲中的修辞手法 Rhetoric Device in English Speech英语演讲中的修辞手法Foreword A speech is not only a simple formal talk but a kind of encouraging language with artic charm by using all kinds of lingual skills. Speech is a unique style. It expresses thoughts, feelings, and ideas orally to audience through a series
2、of well-organized, well-prepared words or sentences with the aim of evoking some feelings of the listeners. Therefore, to make a successful speech, one ought to use formal, vivid languages as well as many figures of speech. The success of a speech is often attributed to the skill of the orator, with
3、 merit being given to orators who are confident, articulate, knowledgeable and able to deliver a speech with conviction. Persuading an audience to take action involves more than a speaker sharing what he knows about a topic. Speeches are intended to get listeners to accept a particular point of view
4、, and then motivate them into action. The challenge in writing this kind of speech is in delivering a message that will win others over in sharing the same principles as the speaker. You must use words in such a way as to convince listeners that the speakers opinion is reliable. The art of giving a
5、persuasive speech is as much about using language effectively as it is about communicating a convincing argument.Obviously, one of the major factors to be a good or a bad speech is whether the use of rhetoric is appropriate or not. It can be found that the use of rhetoric plays a very important role
6、 in content. The definition of rhetoric is applying many language materials and various expressive devices to manifest the orators purpose appropriately. Without the use of rhetoric, absolutely, there is no good content. Therefore, it is necessary to make an analysis and study on this subject.The wh
7、ole thesis is concerned about the use of rhetoric in English speech, and the thesis is divided into three parts. The first part talks about the definition and function of speech. The second part illustrates the definition and function of rhetoric. The third part makes a carefully study on the use of
8、 main rhetorical devices in English speech, such as, simile, metaphor, parallelism, alliteration and repetition, antithesis , rhetorical question and so on.1Speech1.1 The Definition of Speech One of the definitions of speech which is a formal talk that a person gives to the audiences, to express his
9、/her views or emotions on a specific issue, or to conduct propaganda activities so as to achieve inspiring the audience and promote its action as a information-sharing activities. The benefit of a speech is obvious mass communication. Orators want to engage audiences attention, convey their ideas in
10、 a logical manner and use reliable evidence to support their point.Speech can be made in a small event as a marriage or a little party as president of a country make it to be closer his people. The opportunity arises in everybodys life to give a speech. In its simplest form, a speech is a retelling
11、of events. It can be overwhelming to an introverted individual to think about giving a speech, so knowing the four types of speeches and their purposes can help alleviate some of the pressure. An inspirational speech inspires, an informative speech informs, a persuasive speech persuades and special
12、occasion speeches vary, but only due to the special occasion. 1.2 The Function of Speech “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.“ This is part of a two-minute sp
13、eech given by Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg. He knew that speeches were more than just a bunch of words. Some believe that the power of life and death are in the tongue. This speech was powerful.The purpose of making a speech can range from simply transmitting information, to motivating people to ac
14、t, to simply telling a story. Good orators should be able to change the emotions of their listeners, not just inform them. Making a speech can also be considered a discourse community. Interpersonal communication and speeches have several components that embrace such things as motivational speaking,
15、 leadership/personal development, business, customer service, large group communication, and mass communication. Speeches can be a powerful tool to use for purposes such as motivation, influence, persuasion, informing, or translation.All kinds of speech have one common aim: to convince people to tak
16、e a form of action. Therefore, they are called speeches of action, and the best way to accomplish that is through motivation. Another purpose to be accomplished through speech is to reinforce listeners existing attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, opinions, or values. You would simply reiterate a few powe
17、rful arguments to reassure our listeners and strengthen their position. ContentsABSTRACT I摘 要 IIForeword 11Speech21.1 The Definition of Speech.21.2 The Function of Speech22Rhetoric.32.1 The Definition of Rhetoric 32.2 The Function of Rhetoric.43. An Analysis of Rhetoric in English Speec43.1 Simile 4
18、3.2 Metaphor 63.3 Parallelism 73.4 Repetition 93.5 Alliteration 113.6 Antithesis 123.7 Rhetorical question 144Conclusion 15Bibliography 16Acknowledgements 1527英语演讲中的修辞手法 Rhetoric Device in English Speech 第 2 页英语演讲中的修辞手法 Rhetoric Device in English Speech 第 2 页英语演讲中的修辞手法摘 要演讲，是在听众面前就某一问题表达发表自己的见解,抒发情感
19、，或进行宣传鼓动从而达到感召听众并促使其行动的一种信息交流活动的正式演说。修辞是一种重要的语言表达手段，是用简单具体且充满想象的方法将抽象复杂的思想或进程阐释出来，能够促进情感的传递和思想的表达。修辞存在于各种文体之中，尤其在演讲中起着极为重要的作用，是影响英语演讲成败的关键。论文从分析演讲及修辞的定义和功能出发，认真研究了主要修辞手段在英语演讲中的作用，包括明喻、暗喻、排比、头韵、重复、对偶和设问等修辞手段，旨在更好地欣赏演讲，并学习一些演讲中的语言技巧，从而对演讲进一步理解。关键词：英语演讲 ; 修辞 ; 功能ABSTRACT Speech, a formal talk that a pe
20、rson presents to the audiences, to express his/her views or emotions on a specific issue, or to conduct propaganda activities so as to achieve inspiring the audience and promote its action as a information-sharing activities.Rhetoric is one kind of important expressive device in language. It refers
21、to interpreting abstract and complex ideas or processes through simple and concrete methods. Since rhetoric is full of imagination, it can promote the transmission and communication of emotions and ideas. Rhetoric exists in writings with various styles, especially, in speech. Rhetoric plays a very i
22、mportant role in English speech, acting as a key element for the success of a speech. The thesis, based on the respective studies of the definition of speech and rhetoric, makes a careful analysis of the use of main rhetorical devices in English speech, including simile, metaphor, parallelism, allit
23、eration, repetition, antithesis, rhetorical question and so on, targeting at better appreciating English speech, and learn more about the language skills in speech, so as to promote the further understanding of speech.Key Words：English speech; rhetoric; functionA third purpose of making a speech is
24、to convince people to change their attitude toward a particular subject. In your speech, try to capture their goodwill immediately. You would follow with some strong arguments for your position and elaborate on them. Then you might introduce statistics and other evidence accompanied by visual aids a
25、s you discuss your argument.Anyone who goes to church understands the effects that speeches are capable of producing. Sermons are always given to change, or reinforce, personal lifestyle. When a man is ready to propose, he writes and rehearses the words he chooses to win the heart of a woman. People
26、 of high social status use speeches to influence others. Words are the most powerful medium on this planet and can crush or heal self-esteem. A single phrase can mean different things by adding elements like raised or lowered pitch and volume, or by emphasizing different words in the phrase. All of
27、these are important aspects to giving a speech. 2Rhetoric 2.1 The Definition of Rhetoric What is rhetoric? There have been many studies from scholars as the human civilization reaches this advanced and highly developed society. Rhetoric originated in speaking. Aristotle, in the 4th Century BC, first
28、 defined rhetoric is rhetoric as the art of persuasion. He said, “Rhetoric is the counterpart of the dialects.” In Athens, the centre of western civilization, great orators, by exercising their rhetoric, gained following and support, and eventually, political power. John Locke, English philosopher o
29、f the late 17th century, described rhetoric as “the science of oratory,” or “the art of speaking with propriety, elegance and force.” This explains why the word “rhetoric” refers to “speaking” in many European languages, such as Greek, Latin, French, etc.In present day, the meaning of rhetoric has b
30、een extended. Rhetoric assumes the following characteristics, that is, the elaborated and exaggerated language, the art of using language effectively and persuasively, the skills of using language effectively, the structure of verbal communication.No matter for speaking or writing, rhetoric emphasiz
31、es its importance in the effective communication. American linguists Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn therefore wrote in their Modern Rhetoric, “Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively.” In the dictionary Oxford Advanced learners English-Chinese Dictionary (6th edition) the definition for rh
32、etoric is “the skill of using language in speech or writing in a special way that influences or entertains people.” Rhetoric is an art to use language effectively with special aims.英语演讲中的修辞手法 Rhetoric Device in English Speech 第 3 页英语演讲中的修辞手法 Rhetoric Device in English Speech 第 3 页2.2 The Function of
33、 Rhetoric Rhetorical devices are variations of literal or ordinary forms of expressions. Their function is to make the thought more striking and effective. A fresh and suitable rhetorical device appeals to the imagination, creates mental pictures and makes the speech or writing vivid, impressive and
34、 interesting. Rhetorical devices can make language more vivid by using the simple words to express complex meanings. By the use of rhetoric, even abstract ideas can become concrete. Rhetoric can make the modified subjects more prominent, distinctive, and specific. By the use of rhetoric, the languag
35、e can give people more space to imagine. Whereas, without the use of rhetoric, the language is boring and there is no vigor in the language.For example: Light as a breeze, soft as a cloud.In the sentence, the writer used a kind of rhetorical devicessimile. Simile is a figure of speech in which two e
36、ssentially unlike subjects are compared. Simile often signals itself by “like” or “as”. By using simile, it helps the writer to better communicate with his readers. It is easy for the readers to understand and remember the sentence.3 An Analysis of Rhetoric in English SpeechSpeech can arouse peoples
37、 attention and profound feeling to take action. Languages should be used properly in specific situations and occasions. Figures of speech are ways of making our language figurative. When we use words in other than their ordinary or literal sense to lend force to an idea, to heighten effect, or to cr
38、eate suggestive imagery, we are said to be speaking or writing figuratively. Hence, it is quite necessary for us to learn rhetoric, which serves as a helper to us in writing and speaking different kinds of styles. Through learning rhetoric, we may be in a position to express ourselves more eloquentl
39、y and properly.Several kinds of rhetorical devices are frequently used in speech, and it is necessary to study them one by one by giving definitions and making illustrations. 3.1 SimileA simile is a direct comparison between two objects or attributes that, although essentially different, do have som
40、e similarity. These direct comparisons are easy to identify, as they use words such as “like“ or “as“ to denote the comparison being made. The simile helps to create the clear image, much easier for the others to accept.A simile is made up of four parts: “the tenor”, “the vehicle”, “the comparing wo
41、rd” and “the ground”. “The tenor” is the subject of simile. “The vehicle” is the thing compared to or the part transported. “The comparing word” is the simile marker such as, “like, as, than, as if, similar to.” “The ground” is the common properties owned by “the tenor” and “the vehicle”.For example
42、:“No, no, we are not satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”This sentence is from Martin Luther Kings “I have a dream” speech, It can be found that, in this sentence, “justice”, “righteousness” are “the tenor” and “waters” , “a mighty stream” are “the
43、vehicle”. The word “like” signals this sentence makes use of the rhetoric devicesimile. Thus by using simile, this sentence makes this two words-“justice” and “righteousness” more vivid and lively. It means that we will not quit until justice is as plentiful as water and is raining on all of us and
44、the force of its power to enforce equality and fairness is as powerful and inevitable as the force of a large river. This simile is effective because it communicates not only the extent of his hope but also the passion he has for the fulfillment of his expectations to become a powerful force that wi
45、ll not be stopped.Another example: “America is not like a blanket - one piece of unbroken cloth, the same color, the same texture, the same size. America is more like a quilt: many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven and held together by a common thread.”This sentence is from Je
46、sse Jacksons 1984 Democratic National Convention Address. In this address, “the tenor” is “America”, “the vehicle” are “blanket” and quilt. The word “like” is the simile marker in this sentence. More examples,“It hates Israel because of the West - because it sees Israel as an outpost of freedom and
47、democracy that prevents them from overrunning the Middle East.” (Binyamin Netanyahu, Speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee)“I look forward to hearing the truth, exactly where they are. They could still be there. They could be hidden, like the 50 tons of mustard gas in a turkey farm.
48、”(George W. Bush, Prime Time Press Conference on Iraq War)“The very many times own body occupies as if in a stage, the criticism and the opposition sit under looked I perform, they meet do not stop throw the tomato and the egg to me But this time I was only thinking how develops own role.” (Clinton)
49、“The Chinese held that “one should be as inclusive as the ocean, which is vast because it admits hundreds of rivers” and called for drawing upon the strength of others.”(Chinese President Hu Jintaos Remarks at Yale)英语演讲中的修辞手法 Rhetoric Device in English Speech 第 4 页英语演讲中的修辞手法 Rhetoric Device in English Speech 第 4 页“These great national problems are not for your professional participation or military solution. Your guidepost stands out like a ten-fold beacon in the night: Duty, Honor, Country.”( General Douglas MacArthur, Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance Address)
