导语：本文是2008年CCTV杯全国大学生英语演讲大赛(现“外研社”杯全国英语演讲大赛)评委Phillip McMinn的大赛感想。

　　I have been teaching English as a foreign language for nearly ten years in China. Whether asking questions or judging, it is a tough job, as the level of contestants is consistently high and keeps improving year after year. This, I believe, is representative of the continuing improvement of language teaching methods and the keenness and realization by the students of the importance of English in the global community。

　　Being involved in the “CCTV Cup” is an immensely enjoyable experience though. That is certainly a thing that greatly attracts me to be involved year after year. I am always so impressed with the performance of the contestants—not just at the level of English language displayed—but at the confidence of speaking before a large audience and the effectiveness of the speeches. It is a challenge to speak well in front of a large group of people, but to achieve success at this in a foreign language is an admirable accomplishment indeed。

　　It is clear to see why this contest has become the most prestigious English speaking contest in China. It is exciting to be a part of something that—for anyone achieving any level of success in the competition—can bring great rewards for their future academic life or career。

　　One of the special things for me about the competition is the general feeling of excitement that prevails during the whole proceedings. The students are really having a unique and special occasion, coming from a multitude of areas and universities all around China to Beijing with their coaches, and trying so hard to shine above their competitors. At the same time, though, there is a feeling of camaraderie and friendship between them. At the end of the semi-finals this year, one young man stood on stage to invite everybody to a party in the evening. This sums up the special magic that happens every year。

　　I can feel a great “buzz” while I am working. Everyone sees the judges and question masters sitting formally and doing their job in a professional manner—and we do of course take our work very seriously. We realize what a huge amount of preparation and work the students have put in to get to the semi-finals and finals and that there are potentially high stakes at risk in winning or not. But the judges and question masters cannot help but be enthused and excited when we see the determination and commitment of the students. When we retire behind the scenes to discuss the performances we have quite heated discussions about how the contestants have spoken, the content of what they have said, who was funny, who was powerful, who had great pronunciation, who seemed nervous, who was original and how questions were answered, etc. I think that one of the most difficult things for us is that we want everyone to succeed due to the thorough and hard work that everyone has done. But of course, not everyone can win! I take heart in feeling that even though there can only be one final winner; all the students have succeeded with their accomplishments。

　　So, after being witness to four years of “CCTV Cup” contestants’ performances first hand, and ten years of teaching and examining Chinese students, what would be the major pluses and minuses that I have experienced?

　　When I teach, when I examine and when I judge or ask questions for the “CCTV Cup” there is one common thing that I would like to see more of: creativity! Creativity leads to more natural communication. That means thinking away from structure, set ideas, and the usual expected responses to questions. It is generally acknowledged that due to the nature of the Chinese language, and due to the information that needs to be contained in certain subjects in ANY language, a certain amount of rote learning in the classroom is necessary。

　　But another example of where more creativity could be employed: the title for the 2008 “CCTV Cup” semi-final speech was “1+1=2?” This title was less specific than in previous years and was given deliberately to allow the contestants more scope for individuality and originality in the content of their speeches. While, as I have mentioned, the overall standard of speeches was very high, the standards could have been enhanced by the employment of a little more creativity. There was, of course, a certain amount of originality in every speech. All the contestants used their own contexts to deliver what they had to say. But this was limited。

　　The two major events of this year in China were the terrible Sichuan Earthquake, and the Olympic Games. What contestants said about these two events was pertinent and moving, and considering the significance of them both was due acknowledgement. But a very large content of many speeches was devoted to these subjects. Coaches and students alike should bear in mind that their speeches need to stand out. While delivery and language can make a difference, content plays a no lesser role. The contestants are speaking to an audience, and the audience wants to listen to something interesting, entertaining and unique, as do the judges!

　　All the candidates are performing well with their language and method of delivery. If I were to give any advice, it would be to try and make the contents of speeches somehow different. I would say to the students, ask yourself “Will anyone else talk about this?” If the answer is “No!” then perhaps you are on the right track! Another tip I would give would be to try to engage the audience in a little humor. This is one of the hardest things to do in a natural way when speaking in public, and extremely difficult to do in a second language. To use this technique successfully would probably require the advice and assistance of a foreign teacher. If it is done or even tried, the audience and judges will appreciate it. Humor can always add to the way a speaker holds the audience’s attention, and after all, the competition is not meant to be a solemn and somber affair!

　　I have been asked what I value most as a judge, and why I ask the type of questions that I do as a question master. I think that the best answers to these questions are simple ones. As a judge (and English teacher) I appreciate good linguistic skills. But, “CCTV Cup” is not just about language. I want to be captured by the speaker. I want to hear something different and be interested in what the speaker has to say. Just for three minutes at a time I would like to be entertained and listen to someone who delivers something intriguing and who genuinely appears to believe in what they are saying. These people, to me, are the best speakers—people who speak from the heart—which leads me on to explain why I ask a certain style of question. I WANT the contestants to do well. I know that the judges place high priority on how the contestants respond to the impromptu questions. So I try as best as I can to give the contestant the best opportunity possible to show their full potential. Firstly I give a context so that the contestant knows exactly what subject they will need to respond to, and then I proffer the question. Also, as much as possible, I try to personalize the question. For example, “You said in your speech that we should all take individual responsibility for protecting the environment. So my question is: in what small ways do YOU help to protect the environment each day?” The question is succinct, not linguistically too challenging, and gives the contestant the opportunity to use their own experiences or ideas to respond. It is a SPEAKING test, not a listening one. The question is merely a prompt for them to be able to speak for one minute in a relevant and effective way. It is not a test of logic, knowledge or intelligence. So in this way I hope to give each person a fair and equal chance to perform to the best of their ability。

　　I would advise though: listen to the question, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, rather than avoiding the question or answering irrelevantly. I am however mostly very pleasantly surprised by responses, especially as the questions are completely impromptu and the contestants need to answer immediately for a full minute。

　　I know that I have mentioned it several times before, but I am genuinely impressed and moved by the performances of these young rising stars, and feel truly privileged to be a part of “CCTV Cup”， which is now a national Chinese institution。

　　I would like to thank my friends and colleagues at the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press and CCTV International for giving me this special opportunity. I wish all previous and future “CCTV Cup” contestants, and indeed every Chinese learner of English the best of luck with their current and future studies and careers. I hope that I can continue for many years to be a small cog in the wheels of your success!

　　(英国使馆文化教育处专家 Phillip Mcminn)