Как показывают наблюдения, в последнее время происходит постоянное сокращение предложений и концентрация информации в меньшем количестве слов. Эта попытка сэкономить время ведет к большой потере эмоционального воздействия на слушателей.

Как же добиться экспрессивности устного выступления? Известно, что выразительность представляет собой особенность стиля речи, художественную окраску идей, захватывающих внимание, создающих атмосферу эмоционального сопереживания, эстетического наслаждения[Розенталь,Голуб].Впечатления, сохраняющиеся в воображении слушателей после мастерски произнесенной ораторской речи, составляют ряд образов. Аудитория не только слушает, но видит и чувствует речь. Для того, чтобы заставить аудиторию пережить определенные чувства, чтобы нарисовать ту или иную картину в воображении, оратором используется изобразительно-выразительные средства. К ним относятся тропы и стилистические средства фигуры.

Троп рассматриваются как оборот речи, в котором слова или выражения употребляются в переносном значении с целью достижения большей художественной выразительности. К наиболее употребляемым в публичной речи тропам относят сравнения, метафору, эпитет, аллегорию, олицетворение, гиперболу, литоту, перифраз.

Риторическими или стилистическими фигурами называют обороты речи, используемые для усиления выразительности высказывания. Следует отметить, что они влияют на восприятие речи, возбуждают интерес, привлекают внимание к главному, а также учитывают законы логики, правила индукции, умозаключения и доказательства. Наиболее употребительными фигурами речи являются анафора,эпифора, инверсия, антитеза, градация.

Нередко речи ораторов включают в себя риторические вопросы, которые имеют целью вызвать у слушателей определенную реакцию, то есть вопрос связан с неким пробуждением. Следует подчеркнуть, что в отличие от собственно вопроса, риторический вопрос не требует ответа, он используется с целью привлечения внимания слушателей.

Многие опытные ораторы для повышения экспрессивности речи используют пословицы и поговорки, крылатые выражения, афоризмы. Задача оратора в таком случае будет состоять в выборе наиболее уместного высказывания.[27]

Принимая во внимание вышеизложенное, представляется целесообразным рассмотреть несколько примеров публичных выступлений, принадлежащих к различным стилям красноречия и проанализировать использование ораторами изобразительно-выразительных средств.

Для анализа возьмём речь царствующей королевы Великобритании Елизаветы II, двенадцатой королевы Великобритании и Северной Ирландии с 6 февраля 1952 года.

Рождественское обращение монарха к нации стало традицией почти 80 лет назад, а именно в 1952 году. Каждый год, 25 декабря, королева делает послание всей нации, которое транслируется в 15:00 по лондонскому времени (18:00 по Москве) с тем, чтобы его могла услышать на коротких волнах большая часть населения стран, входивших в Британскую империю. Основоположником традиции стал дед Елизаветы II король Георг V. Его речь, транслировавшуюся по радио 25 декабря 1932 года, подготовил английский писатель Редьярд Киплинг. Традиция прерывалась дважды - в 1936 и 1938 годы. После начала Второй мировой войны в 1939 году король Георг V решил ее возродить и упрочить с целью укрепления духа британского народа.

Елизавета II впервые выступила с радиообращением в 1952 году, а в 1957 году речь монарха впервые транслировалась по телевидению. В отличие от других выступлений, королева готовит текст рождественского обращения без помощи премьера и вкладывает в послание много личного.

Обратимся к Рождественской речи королева Великобритании Елизаветы II 2001 года. (прил.Является целесообразным осветить события в мире за 2001 год. 2001 год навсегда запомнился как один из самых драматичных в истории человечества. 11 сентября из Соединенных Штатов из Нью-Йорка и Вашингтона пришло страшное сообщение: Америка подверглась атаке террористов-камикадзе, захвативших гражданские самолеты. Два самолета врезаются в башни-близнецы Всемирного торгового центра в Нью-Йорке, которые через некоторое время рушатся. Один самолет падает на Пентагон. Еще один лайнер, который террористы планировали направить на Белый дом, разбивается в Пенсильвании. Погибли тысячи людей. На следующий день после этих крупнейших за всю мировую историю терактов мировые СМИ выходят с заголовками: "Мир изменился навсегда".

В Великобритании была зафиксирована вспышка ящура - смертельно опасного для домашних животных заболевания. По всей стране жгут трупы зараженных животных. Ящур распространяется по Европе и за ее пределы. Из-за эпидемии в стране были перенесены выборы. Также единичные случаи ящура были зафиксированы среди людей.

Десятиминутное праздничное обращение королевы к нации транслировалось по двум общенациональным телеканалам - ВВС и ITV, а также по спутниковому каналу Sky News. В своем телевизионном послании королева особо отметила мужество британских военнослужащим, находящихся в Афганистане. 7 октября Соединенные Штаты начинают военную операцию в Афганистане после неоднократных отказов талибов выдать главного подозреваемого в организации крупнейших за историю террористических атак на Нью-Йорк и Вашингтон 11 сентября 2001 года, главу террористической организации "Аль-Каида" Усаму бин Ладена.

Как отмечал Леммерман, вступление одновременно является «настройкой на слушателя».[ Леммерман:336]

«У введения две задачи, установить мысленную связь оратора и слушателя, а также, как говорит название, ввести слушателя в курс дела» (Винклер).

Вступление рождественской речи выглядит следующим образом

For many people all over the world, the year 2001 seems to have brought them more than their fair share of trials and disasters.

По Леммерману можно отметить, что во вступлении Королева Елизавета переходит сразу к сути дела, отказываясь от любого введения, поэтому такое вступление относится к прямой технике формирования введения.(там же)

Наблюдается использование элементов разговорного стиля- а именно союза в начале предложения с целью достижения простоты, доступности, эмоциональности речи, создания впечатления меньшей официальности.

But whilst many of these events were of natural origin, it was the human conflicts and the wanton acts of crime and terror against fellow human beings which have so appalled us all.

But there is more than that.

В актуальной для современной филологии теории типов речевых культур (Н.И.Толстой, О.Б.Сиротинина, В.Е.Гольдин) важным звеном является интерпретация разговорности (Р) как особой категории - эстетической и риторической, - находящей свое воплощение в элитарном типе речевой культуры. Общим свойством двух названных разновидностей Р признается целесообразное, намеренное привлечение разговорных элементов (включая просторечие, жаргонизмы, диалектизмы) для создания иллюзии говорения в словесном искусстве и впечатления некнижной речи в СМИ [Сиротинина:134]. Методологические принципы этой концепции и служат основой нашего исследования.

Аргументативность (доказательность) обеспечивается такими свойствами текста, как истинность положений текста; аргументированность, зависящая от качества и количества используемых для доказательства когнитивных операций; целостность текста, отражающая логику смысловой предикации; информативность, которая включает в себя информационную насыщенность и новизну (полезность). Аргументативность включает подкатегорию персуазивности (убедительности, связанной с усилением аргументации), обеспечиваемую рядом микро- и макролингвистических средств: риторическими фигурами, софизмами, а также связностью, имплицитностью и модальностью текста.

There have been storms and droughts as well as epidemics and famine.

Описывая проблемную ситуацию в мире, Елизавета прибегает к использованию местоимения мы в своей речи , подчеркивая этим единение с нардом, вселяя уверенность в сердца людей.

…..it was the human conflicts and the wanton acts of crime and terror against fellow human beings which have so appalled us all.

Every one of us needs to believe in the value of all that is good and honest; we need to let this belief drive and influence our actions.

All the major faiths tell us to give support and hope to others in distress.

We in this country have tried to bring comfort to all those who were bereaved, or who suffered loss or injury in September's tragic events through those moving services at St Paul's and more recently at Westminster Abbey.

Рассматривая лингвистический аспект публичной речи, при описании негативных явлений, чтобы описать критическую остроту картины мира на 2001 год, Елизавета использует в первой части своей речи негативно выраженную лексику:

trial

disaster

storms

droughts

epidemics

famine

evil

А также фразы, которые в воображении людей носят ярко выраженные негативные ассоциации:

devastating consequences

continue to suffer

terror against fellow human

brought the pain and grief

Осветив тяжелые для людей события уходящего, 2001 года, королева считает необходимым использовать слово Church в своей речи. Обращаясь к религии, королева тем самым восполняет бессилие людей , убеждает их веру в день грядущий, Упорядочивает определенным образом помыслы, стремления людей, их деятельность.

As so often in our lives at times of tragedy - just as on occasions of celebration and thanksgiving - we look to the Church to bring us together as a nation or as a community in commemoration and tribute.

Использование позитивной лексики с эмоциональной окраской

Good and honest

Let this belief drive and influence our actions

To give support and hope to others in distress

I believe

Certainly

Provide the way of helping

Work selflessly

Sense of belonging which is compelling need in all of us

Enjoy great moments of happiness

the happiness is heightened, the sadness softened when it is shared

A sense of belonging helps to overcome differences and misunderstanding

Можно проследить, что последовательность и способ выражения мыслей - элокуция- складывается наиболее убедительным образом ,от перехода негативной лексики к положительной, с преобладанием положительного эмоционального окраса, что к концу речи тем самым создает хорошее настроение у аудитории в преддверии Рождества.

Королева подчеркивает, что неважно к какой религии вы принадлежите,откуда вы родом, - все люди должны научиться друг у друга чему-то.

We all have something to learn from one another, whatever our faith - be it Christian or Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or Sikh - whatever our background, whether we be young or old, from town or countryside.

По убеждению Ушинского, «в языке одухотворяется весь народ и вся его родина», в нем «отражается не одна природа родной страны, но и вся история духовной жизни народа... Язык есть самая живая, самая обильная и прочная связь, соединяющая отжившие, живущие и будущие поколения народа в одно великое, историческое живое целое. Он не только выражает собой жизненность народа, но есть именно самая эта жизнь».Через свою речь, часто используя местоимения we, us, our, We all..Елизавета II укрепляет и развивает чувства единения с нацией.

Использование в речи таких фраз, как :sense of belonging ,we come together,we shall be able to find ways еще раз подкрепляет это.

Общественное предназначение политического дискурса состоит в том, чтобы внушить адресатам - гражданам сообщества - необходимость «политически правильных» действий и/или оценок. Иначе говоря, цель политического дискурса - не описать (то есть, не референция), а убедить, пробудив в адресате намерения, дать почву для убеждения и побудить к действию [38]. Поэтому эффективность политического дискурса можно определить относительно этой цели.[14]

As we come together amongst family and friends and look forward to the coming year, I hope that in the months to come we shall be able to find ways of strengthening our own communities as a sure support and comfort to us all - whatever may lie ahead.

Политический оратор заинтересован в будущем, он рассуждает о вещах или призывает к тому, что произойдет после его выступления. [31, стр. 12]

Таким образом, существует большое количество средств для обеспечения выразительности речи. Удачный выбор того или иного средства помогает оратору добиться поставленной цели, т.е. эффективно воздействовать на публику, убедить ее в истине излагаемой информации. Вышеизложенное позволяет сделать вывод о том, что такие характеристики устного выступления, как точность, ясность, доступность, краткость, выразительность, логичность являются необходимым условием достижения положительного прагматического эффекта публичной речи. Следовательно, положительно прагматический эффект публичной речи зависит от того, насколько ораторское выступление соответствует указанным качественным характеристикам. Готовясь к выступлению и выбирая ту или иную коммуникативную стратегию, оратору следует обратить особое внимание на особенности этапов подготовки публичной речи.



Заключение

В данной дипломной работе была предпринята попытка теоретически исследовать практически проиллюстрировать особенности прагматического воздействия публичной речи, оказываемой на слушателей.

В результате исследования были сделаны следующие выводы:

1.Любое выступление преследует несколько целей, основной из которых является оказание прагматического воздействия на мысли, чувства и поведение слушателей.

2.Для достижения положительного прагматического воздействия речи оратору необходимо определить тему и цель выступления с учетом состава слушателей и ситуации произнесения речи.

3.Четкая композиция публичной речи, включающая вступление, основную часть и заключение, позволяет эффективно воздействовать на восприятие слушателей.

4.Большую роль в композиции речи играют законы логики: тождества, непротиворечия, исключенного третьего и достаточного основания, соблюдение которых обеспечивают публичной речи четкость, последовательность и логичность.

5.Для повышения эмоциональности речи следует использует, как просодические средства оформления высказываний(интонацию, ритм паузы, ударение), так и паралингвистические средства воздействия воздействия(жесты, мимику, позу).

6.Такие характеристики публичной речи, как четкость, ясность, доходчивость, выразительность, простота позволяет оратору добиться положительного прагматического воздействия речи.

7.Проведенные исследования показали, что отдельные характеристики образ оратора(личные и коммуникативные),а также общее отношение к нему аудитории влияют на эффективность воздействия его речи.

Список использованной литературы

1. Абашкина Е., Егорова-Гантман Е. и др. Политиками не рождаются: Как стать и остаться эффективным политическим лидером (психологическое пособие для политиков). Ч. 1-2. М., 1993. - 170 c.

2.Авеличев А.К. Возвращение риторики (Предисловие) // Ж. Дюбуа, Ф. Эделин и др. Общая риторика. М., 1999. - с. 38-44.

3.Аверинцев С.С. Риторика как подход к обобщению действительности // Аверинцев С.С. Поэтика древнегреческой литературы. М., 1999. - с. 69-78.

4.Аверинцев С.С. Античная риторика и судьбы античного рационализма // Античная поэтика: Риторическая теория и литературная практика / ред. М.Л. Гаспаров. М., 1991. - с.59-62.

5.Алексеев А.П. Аргументация, познание, общение. М., 2006. - с. 155-156.

6.Алексеева И.Ю. Исторические формы дискуссии: логический анализ // Вестник МГУ. Серия: Философия. 2005.- с. 133-136.

7.Аллен Дж., Перро Р. Выявление коммуникативного намерения, содержащегося в высказывании. // Новое в зарубежной лингвистике. Вып. 17: Теория речевых актов. М., 1986.

Алпатов В.М. Ноам Хомский//История лингвистических учений - 4-е изд.,испр. и доп.. - М.:Языки славянской культуры, 2005.

8.Аннушкин В.И. Риторика: Учебное пособие. Пермь, 2003. с.- 33-35.

9.Аннушкин В.И. Опыт периодизации истории русской риторики.// Риторика -2000. - с. 32-34.

10.Апресян Г.З. Ораторское искусство. М., 2003. - с.57-64.

11.Аристотель Риторика // Античные риторики./ Ред. А.А. Тахо-Годи. М., 1978. - с. 15-164.

12.Аристотель.Поэтика.Риторика.-СПб.:Изд-во “Азбука”,2000.-c.49-55.

13.Арно А., Николь П. Логика или искусство мыслить. М., 2001. - 26 с.

14.Арутюнова Н.Д. Типы языковых значений: Оценка. Событие. Факт. М., 2000.с. - 155.

15.Арутюнова Н.Д. Дискурс // Лингвистический энциклопедический словарь. М., 2005. -с.33.

16.Арутюнова Н.Д. Жанры общения // Человеческий фактор в языке. Коммуникация, модальность, дейксис. М., 2002. - с.200.

17.Асатрян М.В. Экстраполяция и аргументация // Философские проблемы аргументации. Ереван, 1999. - с.122.

18.Афонин Н.С. Эффективность лекционной пропаганды. М.: Знание, 1999.-с.122.

19.Баранов А.М., Сергеев В.М. Лингво-прагматические механизмы аргументации // Рациональность, рассуждение, коммуникация. Киев, 2000.- с.123.

20.Баранов А.Г. Динамическая стилистика (контекстуализм vs актуализм) // Разновидности текста в функционально-стилевом аспекте. Москва, 2000. - с.166.

21.Баранов А.Г. Когниотипичность текста (К проблеме уровней абстракции текстовой деятельности) // Жанры речи. Саратов, 2008. -с.133-154.

22.Баранов А.Н. Аргументация в процессе принятия решения (К типологии метаязыкового описания аргументативного диалога) // Когнитивные исследования за рубежом: Методы искусственного интеллекта в моделировании политического мышления. М., 1999.-с.123-124.

23.Баранов А.Н. Лингвистическая теория аргументации (когнитивный подход). - Автореферат докт. дис. М., 2002.- с.122-123.

24.Баранов А.Н., Казакевич Е.Г. Парламентские дебаты: традиции и новации (Серия: Наука убеждать: риторика № 10) М.: Знание,2000. - с.146-150.

25.Барнет Вл. Проблемы изучения жанров устной научной речи // Современная русская устная научная речь. Т. 1.Москва ,2010. - с.-144-147.

26.Безменова Н.А. Риторика и аргументация (неориторическая концепция Х. Перельмана) // Языковая практика и лингвистическая теория. М., 1981.

27.Безменова Н.А., Герасимов В.И. Введение // Языковая деятельность в аспекте лингвистической прагматики: Сборник обзоров. М., 2004. с. - 133.

Винокур Г.О. Избранные труды по языкознанию и культуре речи

28.Безменова Н.А. Речевое воздействие как риторическая проблема // Проблемы эффективности речевой коммуникации. М., 2003

29. Ворожбитова, А.А. Теория текста: антропоцентрическое направление / А.А. Ворожбитова. - Изд. 2-е, испр. и доп. - М.: Высш. шк., 2005. - 367 с.

30.Ворошкевич Д.В. Роль интонации в формировании социо-культурного компонента межличностного общения. Авто-реф.дисс. канд. Филол. Наук. М., 2003

31.Гаузенблас, К. Культура языковой коммуникации / К. Гаузенблас // Новое в зарубежной лингвистике. Вып. XX. - М. - 1988. - с. 296Ї306.

Л.К.Грудина Культура русской речи / Под ред. Л.К. Граудиной и Е.Н. Ширяева -- М., 1999

32.Даль В.И. Толковый словарь Изд.: Олма Медиа Групп, 2010. - 354с.

33.Дейл Карнеги.Как вырабатывать уверенность в себе и влиять на людей, выступая публично. - М.:Лабиринт- Пресс,2000. - с. 319-321.

34. Земская, Ю.Н. Основы общей риторики: учеб. пособие / Ю.Н. Земская, И.Ю. Качесова, Н.В. Панченко, А.А. Чувакин; под общ. ред. А.А. Чувакина. - Барнаул: изд-во Алт. ун-та, 2000. - 110 с.

Иссерс О.С. Коммуникативные стратегии и тактики русской речи. М.,2002

35. Клюев, Е.В. Риторика (Инвенция. Диспозиция. Элокуция) / Е.В. Клюев. - М.: Изд-во ПРИОР, 1999. - 272 с.

36.Карстен Бредемайер.Правила Риторики.Как не теряться во время выступления и быть убедительным. - М.:Альпина Бизнес Бук, 2008. - с.109-115.

37.Леммерман Х. Уроки риторики и дебатов Уникум Пресс, 2001, C.100-336 с

38. Ломоносов, М.В. Краткое руководство к красноречию / М.В. Ломоносов // Полн. собр. соч. - Т. 7. Труды по филологии 1739-1758. - М.; Л., 1952. - c. 89-378.

39. Марченко, О.И. Риторика в контексте культуры / О.И. Марченко // Введение в культурологию / под ред. Ю.Н. Солонина, Е.Г. Соколова. - СПб., 2003. - С. 149-160.

40. Марченко, О.И. Риторика как норма гуманитарной культуры / О.И. Марченко. - М.: Наука, 2005. - 191 с.

41.Миртов А.В.Умение говорить публично. - Тула: Автограф,2000. - с.1-16.

42. Михальская, А.К. Основы риторики. Мысль и слово / А.К. Михальская. - М.: Просвещение, 1996. - 416 с.

43.Миртов А.В.Умение говорить публично. - Тула: Автограф,2000. - с.1-16.

44. Панов, М.И. Риторика / М.И. Панов, Л.Е. Тумина // Эффективная коммуникация: история, теория, практика: словарь-справочник под ред. М.И. Панова. - М.: ООО Агентство "КРПА Олимп", 2005. - с. 323-328.

45. Платон. Сочинения: в 3 т. / Платон. - Т. 1. - М., 1968. - с.624

46. Рождественский, Ю.В. Теория риторики / Ю.В. Рождественский. - М.: Добросвет, 1999. - с.487

47.Смирнова Л.П.Риторическая азбука. -СПб.:СПБГУКИ, 2000. - 188с.

Уотсон Дж, Б. Психология как наука о поведении. М. - Л.1926; статьи K.S. Lashev, 1925

Шелестюк, Е. В.доктор филологических наук Речевое воздействие: онтология и методология исследования, 2008

48.Сперанский М.М.Правила высшего красноречия. -Изд. СПб, 1844. - с.144-153.

49.Телешева, И. В. Морбиальная метафора в политическом дискурсе США России / И. В. Телешева // Лингвистика XXI века : материалы науч. конф.; Урал. гос. пед. ун-т. - Екатеринбург, 2004. - с. 164-166.

Храпченко М. Б. Проблемы современной филологии. Сборник статей к семидесятилетию академика В. В. Виноградова Отд-е лит. и яз. М.: Наука, 1965. 475 с.

50.Чикилева Л.С. Воздействие средств различных уровней в осуществлении эмоционального речевого воздействия на адресата//Функционирование языковых единиц различных уровней - Москва, 1989

Приложение №1

Christmas Broadcast 2001

The year 2001 saw large-scale terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, killing around 3,000 people, the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK's farming community, and famine in Sudan. The Queen's Christmas Broadcast for that year stressed the importance of communities working to respond to problems and disasters together.

For many people all over the world, the year 2001 seems to have brought them more than their fair share of trials and disasters.

There have been storms and droughts as well as epidemics and famine. And this country has not been spared, with the floods this time last year, and Foot and Mouth, which has had such devastating consequences for our farmers and rural communities.

They and others whose livelihoods have been affected continue to suffer hardship and anxiety long after the newspaper headlines have moved on.

But whilst many of these events were of natural origin, it was the human conflicts and the wanton acts of crime and terror against fellow human beings which have so appalled us all.

The terrorist outrages in the United States last September brought home to us the pain and grief of ordinary people the world over who find themselves innocently caught up in such evil.

During the following days we struggled to find ways of expressing our horror at what had happened. As so often in our lives at times of tragedy - just as on occasions of celebration and thanksgiving - we look to the Church to bring us together as a nation or as a community in commemoration and tribute.

It is to the Church that we turn to give meaning to these moments of intense human experience through prayer, symbol and ceremony.

In these circumstances so many of us, whatever our religion, need our faith more than ever to sustain and guide us. Every one of us needs to believe in the value of all that is good and honest; we need to let this belief drive and influence our actions.

All the major faiths tell us to give support and hope to others in distress. We in this country have tried to bring comfort to all those who were bereaved, or who suffered loss or injury in September's tragic events through those moving services at St Paul's and more recently at Westminster Abbey.

On these occasions and during the countless other acts of worship during this past year, we came together as a community - of relations, friends and neighbours - to draw strength in troubled times from those around us.

I believe that strong and open communities matter both in good times as well as bad. Certainly they provide a way of helping one another. I would like to pay tribute to so many of you who work selflessly for others in your neighbourhood needing care and support.

Communities also give us an important sense of belonging, which is a compelling need in all of us. We all enjoy moments of great happiness and suffer times of profound sadness; the happiness is heightened, the sadness softened when it is shared.

But there is more than that. A sense of belonging to a group, which has in common the same desire for a fair and ordered society, helps to overcome differences and misunderstanding by reducing prejudice, ignorance and fear.

We all have something to learn from one another, whatever our faith - be it Christian or Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or Sikh - whatever our background, whether we be young or old, from town or countryside.

This is an important lesson for us all during this festive season. For Christmas marks a moment to pause, to reflect and believe in the possibilities of rebirth and renewal.

Christ's birth in Bethlehem so long ago remains a powerful symbol of hope for a better future. After all the tribulations of this year, this is surely more relevant than ever.

As we come together amongst family and friends and look forward to the coming year, I hope that in the months to come we shall be able to find ways of strengthening our own communities as a sure support and comfort to us all - whatever may lie ahead.

May I, in this my fiftieth Christmas message to you, once again wish every one of you a very happy Christmas.

Christmas Broadcast 2002

In 2002 The Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee (50 years as Queen). She also lost her mother and sister within a few weeks of each other. The Queen's Christmas Broadcast in 2002 reflected on the celebrations which had taken place around the UK and Commonwealth, and looked forward to the challenges of the future.

As I look back over these past twelve months, I know that it has been about as full a year as I can remember. But Christmas itself still remains a time for reflection and a focus of hope for the future.

All great religions have such times of renewal, moments to take stock before moving on to face the challenges which lie ahead.

Many of you will know only too well from your own experience, the grief that follows the death of a much loved mother or sister. Mine were very much part of my life and always gave me their support and encouragement.

But my own sadness was tempered by the generous tributes that so many of you paid to the service they gave to this country and the wider Commonwealth.

At such a difficult time this gave me great comfort and inspiration as I faced up both to my own personal loss and to the busy Jubilee summer ahead.

Anniversaries are important events in all our lives. Christmas is the anniversary of the birth of Christ over two thousand years ago, but it is much more than that. It is the celebration of the birth of an idea and an ideal.

In a different way I felt that the Golden Jubilee was more than just an anniversary. The celebrations were joyous occasions, but they also seemed to evoke something more lasting and profound - a sense of belonging and pride in country, town, or community; a sense of sharing a common heritage enriched by the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity of our twenty-first century society.

I hope it also provided an occasion to acknowledge the progress of the past fifty years and the contributions of those who have done so much to make this country what it is today - their leadership and example, their achievements in science, the arts and many other fields.

These celebrations also gave opportunities to recognise the valuable work undertaken by so many people in service of their communities. It was a time to remind ourselves, as the Christmas story does every year, that we must never forget the plight of the disadvantaged and excluded, that we must respond to the needs of those who may be in distress or despair.

Our modern world places such heavy demands on our time and attention that the need to remember our responsibilities to others is greater than ever. It is often difficult to keep this sense of perspective through the ups and downs of everyday life - as this year has constantly reminded me.

I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.

Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.

Fortified by this and the support you have given throughout the last twelve months which has meant so much to me, I look forward to the New Year, to facing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and to continuing to serve you to the very best of my ability each and every day.

A Happy Christmas to you all.

Christmas Broadcast 2003

In 2003 many British servicemen and women were stationed in Iraq. The Queen's Christmas Broadcast that year was recorded entirely on location at Combermere Barracks in Windsor, the first time in the history of the broadcast that an outside location was used for the message. The theme of the message was teamwork, and recognition of the professionalism of the Armed Services, and of voluntary services.

I am sure that most of you will be celebrating Christmas at home in the company of your families and friends, but I know that some of you will not be so lucky.

This year I am speaking to you from the Household Cavalry Barracks in Windsor because I want to draw attention to the many Servicemen and women who are stationed far from home this Christmas.

I am thinking about their wives and children, and about their parents and friends. Separation at this time is especially hard to bear.

It is not just a matter of separation. The men and women of the Services continue to face serious risks and dangers as they carry out their duties. They have done this brilliantly.

I think we all have very good reasons for feeling proud of their achievements - both in war, and as they help to build a lasting peace in troublespots across the globe.

None of this can be achieved without paying a price. I know that all our thoughts at this time are with the families who are suffering the pain of bereavement. All those who have recently lost a close relative or friend will know how difficult Christmas can be.

These individual Servicemen and women are our neighbours and come from our own towns and villages; from every part of the country and from every background.

The process of training within the Navy, the Army and the Air Force has moulded them together into disciplined teams.

They have learnt to take responsibility and to exercise judgement and restraint in situations of acute stress and danger. They have brought great credit to themselves and to our country as a whole.

I had an opportunity recently at the Barracks to meet some of those who played their part with such distinction in the Iraq operations. I was left with a deep sense of respect and admiration for their steadfast loyalty to each other and to our nation.

I believe there is a lesson for us all here. It is that each of us can achieve much more if we work together as members of a team. The Founder of the Christian Faith himself chose twelve disciples to help him in his ministry.

I was reminded of the importance of teamwork as I presented, for the first time last summer, The Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service by groups within the community.

I have been struck by how often people say to me that they are receiving their award on behalf of a team and that they do not deserve to be singled out. This annual award recognises the team rather than the individual.

In this country and throughout the Commonwealth there are groups of people who are giving their time generously to make a difference to the lives of others.

As we think of them, and of our Servicemen and women far from home at this Christmas time, I hope we all, whatever our faith, can draw inspiration from the words of the familiar prayer:

"Teach us good Lord

To serve thee as thou deservest;

To give, and not to count the cost;

To fight, and not to heed the wounds;

To toil, and not to seek for rest;

To labour, and not to ask for any reward;

Save that of knowing that we do thy will."

It is this knowledge which will help us all to enjoy the Festival of Christmas.

A happy Christmas to you all.

Christmas Broadcast 2004

In her Christmas Broadcast of 2004 The Queen addressed the theme of religious tolerance.

Christmas is for most of us a time for a break from work, for family and friends, for presents, turkey and crackers. But we should not lose sight of the fact that these are traditional celebrations around a great religious festival, one of the most important in the Christian year.

Religion and culture are much in the news these days, usually as sources of difference and conflict, rather than for bringing people together. But the irony is that every religion has something to say about tolerance and respecting others.

For me as a Christian one of the most important of these teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question "who is my neighbour".

It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner - and a despised foreigner at that.

The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.

Most of us have learned to acknowledge and respect the ways of other cultures and religions, but what matters even more is the way in which those from different backgrounds behave towards each other in everyday life.

It is vitally important that we all should participate and cooperate for the sake of the wellbeing of the whole community. We have only to look around to recognise the benefits of this positive approach in business or local government, in sport, music and the arts.

There is certainly much more to be done and many challenges to be overcome. Discrimination still exists. Some people feel that their own beliefs are being threatened. Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures.

They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others; that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat.

We need also to realise that peaceful and steady progress in our society of differing cultures and heritage can be threatened at any moment by the actions of extremists at home or by events abroad. We can certainly never be complacent.

But there is every reason to be hopeful about the future. I certainly recognise that much has been achieved in my lifetime. I believe tolerance and fair play remain strong British values and we have so much to build on for the future.

It was for this reason that I particularly enjoyed a story I heard the other day about an overseas visitor to Britain who said the best part of his visit had been travelling from Heathrow into Central London on the tube.

His British friends were, as you can imagine, somewhat surprised, particularly as the visitor had been to some of the great attractions of the country. What do you mean they asked?

Because, he replied, I boarded the train just as the schools were coming out. At each stop children were getting on and off - they were of every ethnic and religious background, some with scarves or turbans, some talking quietly, others playing and occasionally misbehaving together - completely at ease and trusting one another.

How lucky you are, said the visitor, to live in a country where your children can grow up this way.

I hope they will be allowed to enjoy this happy companionship for the rest of their lives.

A Happy Christmas to you all.

Christmas Broadcast 2005

In the twelve months following the 2004 Christmas broadcast, the world suffered a number of terrible natural disasters, including a huge tsunami in South East Asia, a series of hurricanes in the Caribbean, disastrous floods in New Orleans, and an earthquake in Pakistan and India which killed over 70,000 people and made millions homeless. July also saw terrorists strike in London, killing commuters. In her Christmas Broadcast in 2005 The Queen reflected on the year's tragedies and praised the work of those involved in providing humanitarian assistance.

The day after my last Christmas message was broadcast, the world experienced one of the worst natural disasters ever recorded.

The devastating tsunami struck countries around the Indian Ocean causing death and destruction on an unprecedented scale. This was followed by a number of vicious hurricanes across the Caribbean and the inundation of the city of New Orleans. Then in the autumn came the massive earthquake in Pakistan and India.

This series of dreadful events has brought loss and suffering to so many people - and their families and friends - not only in the countries directly affected, but here in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth.

As if these disasters were not bad enough, I have sometimes thought that humanity seemed to have turned on itself - with wars, civil disturbances and acts of brutal terrorism. In this country many people's lives were totally changed by the London bombings in July.

This Christmas my thoughts are especially with those everywhere who are grieving the loss of loved ones during what for so many has been such a terrible year.

These natural and human tragedies provided the headline news; they also provoked a quite remarkable humanitarian response. People of compassion all over the world responded with immediate practical and financial help.

There may be an instinct in all of us to help those in distress, but in many cases I believe this has been inspired by religious faith. Christianity is not the only religion to teach its followers to help others and to treat your neighbour as you would want to be treated yourself.

It has been clear that in the course of this year relief workers and financial support have come from members of every faith and from every corner of the world.

There is no doubt that the process of rebuilding these communities is far from over and there will be fresh calls on our commitment to help in the future.

Certainly the need for selflessness and generosity in the face of hardship is nothing new. The veterans of the Second World War whom we honoured last summer can tell us how so often, in moments of greatest trial, those around them seemed able to draw on some inner strength to find courage and compassion. We see this today in the way that young men and women are calmly serving our country around the world often in great danger.

This last year has reminded us that this world is not always an easy or a safe place to live in, but it is the only place we have. I believe also that it has shown us all how our faith - whatever our religion - can inspire us to work together in friendship and peace for the sake of our own and future generations.

For Christians this festival of Christmas is the time to remember the birth of the one we call "the Prince of Peace" and our source of "light and life" in both good times and bad. It is not always easy to accept his teaching, but I have no doubt that the New Year will be all the better if we do but try.

I hope you will all have a very happy Christmas this year and that you go into the New Year with renewed hope and confidence.

Christmas Broadcast 2006

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast in 2006 focused on understanding between faiths and generations. The broadcast was filmed in Southwark Cathedral in London where Her Majesty met schoolchildren working on a Nativity collage.

I have lived long enough to know that things never remain quite the same for very long. One of the things that has not changed all that much for me is the celebration of Christmas. It remains a time when I try to put aside the anxieties of the moment and remember that Christ was born to bring peace and tolerance to a troubled world.

The birth of Jesus naturally turns our thoughts to all new-born children and what the future holds for them. The birth of a baby brings great happiness - but then the business of growing up begins. It is a process that starts within the protection and care of parents and other members of the family - including the older generation. As with any team, there is strength in combination: what grandparent has not wished for the best possible upbringing for their grandchildren or felt an enormous sense of pride at their achievements?

But the pressures of modern life sometimes seem to be weakening the links which have traditionally kept us together as families and communities. As children grow up and develop their own sense of confidence and independence in the ever-changing technological environment, there is always the danger of a real divide opening up between young and old, based on unfamiliarity, ignorance or misunderstanding.

It is worth bearing in mind that all of our faith communities encourage the bridging of that divide. The wisdom and experience of the great religions point to the need to nurture and guide the young, and to encourage respect for the elderly. Christ himself told his disciples to let the children come to him, and Saint Paul reminded parents to be gentle with their children, and children to appreciate their parents. The scriptures and traditions of the other faiths enshrine the same fundamental guidance. It is very easy to concentrate on the differences between the religious faiths and to forget what they have in common - people of different faiths are bound together by the need to help the younger generation to become considerate and active citizens.

And there is another cause for hope that we can do better in the future at bridging the generation gap. As older people remain more active for longer, the opportunities to look for new ways to bring young and old together are multiplying.

As I look back on these past twelve months, marked in particular for me by the very generous response to my eightieth birthday, I especially value the opportunities I have had to meet young people. I am impressed by their energy and vitality, and by their ambition to learn and to travel.

It makes me wonder what contribution older people can make to help them realise their ambitions. I am reminded of a lady of about my age who was asked by an earnest, little grand-daughter the other day "Granny, can you remember the Stone Age?" Whilst that may be going a bit far, the older generation are able to give a sense of context as well as the wisdom of experience which can be invaluable. Such advice and comfort are probably needed more often than younger people admit or older people recognise. I hope that this is something that all of us, young or old, can reflect on at this special time of year.

For Christians, Christmas marks the birth of our Saviour, but it is also a wonderful occasion to bring the generations together in a shared festival of peace, tolerance and goodwill.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas together.

Christmas Broadcast 2007

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast of 2007 focused on supporting the disadvantaged as well as family members at Christmas.

One of the features of growing old is a heightened awareness of change. To remember what happened 50 years ago means that it is possible to appreciate what has changed in the meantime. It also makes you aware of what has remained constant.

In my experience, the positive value of a happy family is one of the factors of human existence that has not changed. The immediate family of grandparents, parents and children, together with their extended family, is still the core of a thriving community.

When Prince Philip and I celebrated our Diamond Wedding last month, we were much aware of the affection and support of our own family as they gathered round us for the occasion.

Now today, of course, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Among other things, it is a reminder that it is the story of a family; but of a family in very distressed circumstances. Mary and Joseph found no room at the inn; they had to make do in a stable, and the new-born Jesus had to be laid in a manger. This was a family which had been shut out.

Perhaps it was because of this early experience that, throughout his ministry, Jesus of Nazareth reached out and made friends with people whom others ignored or despised. It was in this way that he proclaimed his belief that, in the end, we are all brothers and sisters in one human family.

The Christmas story also draws attention to all those people who are on the edge of society - people who feel cut off and disadvantaged; people who, for one reason or another, are not able to enjoy the full benefits of living in a civilised and law-abiding community. For these people the modern world can seem a distant and hostile place.

It is all too easy to 'turn a blind eye', 'to pass by on the other side', and leave it to experts and professionals. All the great religious teachings of the world press home the message that everyone has a responsibility to care for the vulnerable. Fortunately, there are many groups and individuals, often unsung and unrewarded, who are dedicated to ensuring that the 'outsiders' are given a chance to be recognised and respected. However, each one of us can also help by offering a little time, a talent or a possession, and taking a share in the responsibility for the well-being of those who feel excluded.

And also today I want to draw attention to another group of people who deserve our thoughts this Christmas. We have all been conscious of those who have given their lives, or who have been severely wounded, while serving with the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The dedication of the National Armed Forces Memorial was also an occasion to remember those who have suffered while serving in these and every other place of unrest since the end of the Second World War.

For their families, Christmas will bring back sad memories, and I pray that all of you, who are missing those who are dear to you, will find strength and comfort in your families and friends.

A familiar introduction to an annual Christmas Carol Service contains the words: 'Because this would most rejoice his heart, let us remember, in his name, the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the unloved.'

Wherever these words find you, and in whatever circumstances, I want to wish you all a blessed Christmas.

Christmas Broadcast 2008

The Queen's 2008 Christmas Broadcast focused on celebration and reflection in the year that The Prince of Wales celebrated his 60th birthday

Christmas is a time for celebration, but this year it is a more sombre occasion for many. Some of those things which could once have been taken for granted suddenly seem less certain and, naturally, give rise to feelings of insecurity.

People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world. Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be keenly felt at home. Once again, many of our service men and women are serving on operations in common cause to bring peace and security to troubled places.

In this ninetieth year since the end of the First World War, the last survivors recently commemorated the service and enormous sacrifice of their own generation. Their successors in theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan are still to be found in harm's way in the service of others. For their loved ones, the worry will never cease until they are safely home.

In such times as these we can all learn some lessons from the past. We might begin to see things in a new perspective. And certainly, we begin to ask ourselves where it is that we can find lasting happiness.

Over the years, those who have seemed to me to be the most happy, contented and fulfilled have always been the people who have lived the most outgoing and unselfish lives; the kind of people who are generous with their talents or their time. There are those who use their prosperity or good fortune for the benefit of others whether they number among the great philanthropists or are people who, with whatever they have, simply have a desire to help those less fortunate than themselves.

What they offer comes in the form of what can easily be recognised as service to the nation or service to the wider community. As often as not however, their unselfishness is a simply-taken-for-granted part of the life of their family or neighbourhood.

They tend to have some sense that life itself is full of blessings, and is a precious gift for which we should be thankful. When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.

I think we have a huge amount to learn from individuals such as these. And what I believe many of us share with them is a source of strength and peace of mind in our families and friends. Indeed, Prince Philip and I can reflect on the blessing, comfort and support we have gained from our own family in this special year for our son, The Prince of Wales.

Sixty years ago, he was baptised here in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. As parents and grandparents, we feel great pride in seeing our family make their own unique contributions to society. Through his charities, The Prince of Wales has worked to support young people and other causes for the benefit of the wider community, and now his sons are following in his footsteps.

At Christmas, we feel very fortunate to have our family around us. But for many of you, this Christmas will mean separation from loved ones and perhaps reflection on the memories of those no longer with us.

I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. Countless millions of people around the world continue to celebrate his birthday at Christmas, inspired by his teaching. He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.