English Wordplay ~ Listen and Enjoy
Speak English Correctly and Effectively
Background
English is the world's lingua franca in business, politics and in academe, but it isn't the easiest language to pronounce.
Professor Stephen Morrison, of the University of Poitiers, France, who is responsible both for teaching English and for International Relations, remarks that students, of all nationalities, have an appropriate understanding of both grammar and literature. Sadly, he says, this is accompanied by an absolute inability to speak the language intelligibly. For example, apparently, few students can master the "th" sound.
Evidence from Japan demonstrates a similar trend. The Japan Times of Tokyo, quoted in the British journal The Week, dated 28th February 2009, reads:
"Japan has about 6.4 million people of college age, South Korea just 3.2 million. There are 39 Koreans studying at Harvard and only 5 Japanese. Our (Japanese) high schools make it impossible even for extremely bright students with a superb work ethic to be competitive in the admissions process, because English is taught so badly. Unless these attitudes change, Japan will be left behind, as the rest of Asia exchanges ideas with the wider world."
The clear international imperative to speak and pronounce English intelligibly is accompanied by the requirement to communicate effectively and credibly. This, in turn, demands an understanding of colloquialisms, customs, current affairs and, not least, of humour.
Such abilities are enviable and useful to students, to politicians, to business people and to decision-makers, alike.
The Tutors
Shaun MacLoughlin, MA, Oxon. Former BBC Radio Drama Director, producer of 400 audio plays, documentaries and poetry programmes for the BBC. Currently lectures in Creative Writing at Universities and teaches Radio Acting in Accredited Drama Schools. Languages spoken: French and a little Spanish. He is studying Mandarin Chinese, using the Michel Thomas Method.
Claire Marchionne, Former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, currently teaching Scholarship English and Drama to girls of many nationalities at a private boarding school near London. Diploma: "Teaching English as a foreign language (TFL)".
Languages spoken: French and Italian.
Bob Pierson, Former BBC presenter; former British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS) Programme Director in Cologne, Berlin, Singapore, Malta and Gibraltar; former Managing Director, Beacon Radio, Wolverhampton; former Chairman of Star FM, Bristol; former executive with Paragon Media Strategies, Denver, Colorado.
Languages spoken: French and German.
Costs
No proposal is complete without a costing. We are highly qualified. However we offer excellent value and will be happy to discuss fees and expenses in the light of your requirements.
Please see "FOLLOW UP" below for added bonus.
As an example of our approach, here is an outline for a Two Day Workshop, we offer. However we shall taylor our workshops to your specific requirements.
An "English Communication Work Shop" for up to 15 students or business people with the aim of improving communication skills alongside those of pronunciation.
The 15 would be split into 5 teams of three people. Teams would be expected to work together and would be coached and encouraged, in their work, by an experienced tutorial team.
Before his or her arrival, each participant would have prepared a 3 minute Personal Presentation which would be recorded in audio. The nature and content of the presentation would depend upon individual choice.
During the workshop, each team would produce a 3 minute, recorded, drama or role play appropriate to their particular interest or interests. This might concern English literature on a student's syllabus or it might be business oriented and treat, for example, a negotiation or product presentation. The subject matter would be for the participants to choose.
The luncheons on the two days would be preceded by a single, 10 minute presentation, in English, by a decision maker or guest speaker, on a subject of general interest and followed, during coffee, by a 20 minute plenary question and answer session.
The result of the Work Shop is intended to provide participants with sufficient knowledge and skills to be able, confidently, to make presentations and hold conversations, in English to a high degree.
| DAY 1 | |
| 09.00 till 09.30 | Opening Presentation, Guidance and Inspiration from 3 Tutors |
| 09.30 till 12.00 | Split into 5 groups of 3 people to create 5 minute dramas / role play presentations. Appoint a) a Script Editor, b) a note Taker. Continuing help and inspiration from tutors. |
| 12.30 till 14.00 | Lunch a) 10 Minute speaker presentation by a local person/decision maker. b)lunch c) Final 20 minutes question and answer session with the speaker. |
| 14.00 till 16.30 | Continue script writing for drama / role play presentations. |
| 16.30 till 17.00 | Break for refreshments. |
| 17.00 till 19.00 | 2 play recordings Remaining 3 groups may watch or continue writing. |
| 19.00 till 19.30 | Review of day's proceedings and look forward to Day 2 |
| DAY 2 | |
| 09.00 till 12.30 | 3 Play recordings |
| 12.30 till 14.00 | Lunch a) 10 Minute speaker presentation by a local person/decision maker. b)lunch c) Final 20 minutes question and answer session with the speaker. |
| 14.00 till 16.00 | 2 minute "Personal Presentation" from each of the 15 class members. Coaching and discussion after each personal presentation. Net time per presentation about 8 minutes. Total time about 2 hours. |
| 16.00 till 16.30 | Break for refreshments. |
| 16.30 approx. | Review the two days plus feedback from participants as to perceived value. |
Follow Up:
Included in the cost:
We will post produce and compile a CD of the plays to be sent to the participants.
We will offer a half hour's further person to person tuition by Webcam.
Another Approach: Improving Spoken English through Drama in Overseas Schools
At Loysai Anusorn School, Bangkok the students had great fun and learnt fast and effortlessly performing Shaun's dramatisation of a Russian fairy tale The Wise Little Girl
To end a little bit of fun
Learning should be fun. Click on the mic and try singing this song with me. I am sorry I sing so badly and out of key. I am sure you can do better; but what matters is trying and having fun. That is the best way to learn.
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| DAISY DAISY |
Daisy, Daisy, Give me your answer, do. I'm half crazy All for the love of you. It won't be a stylish marriage. I can't afford a carriage. But you'll look sweet Upon the seat Of a bicycle made for two.