We can all imagine what it's like to speak naturally. We did it as children, we sometimes do it with people we know well, and we see other people doing it on TV. But in practice, much of the time, many of us feel that we can't be truly "ourselves". The greatest difficulty can come when we speak foreign languages -- a context that worsens the things that might also feel bad in our own language. Speaking foreign languages -- for work, or on holiday -- we worry about getting things "wrong", go blank, and tend to adopt a cautious, low status persona that doesn't feel comfortable for us or for other people. This class is designed to help you speak happily and freely in ANY language (including your own), and find ways to express what needs to be expressed even when you don't have the right vocabulary -- because there's always a way to improvise. As well as talking, this class uses theatre games, often in foreign languages, to see more clearly what we may be doing in everyday life (and because the games provide a welcome dose of laughter). You don't need to be good at languages, or acting - in fact, the less expert you are, the better. http://www.theschooloflife.com/london/shop/how-to-be-yourself-in-any-language/

1. We can all imagine what it's like to speak naturally. We
did it as children, we sometimes do it with people we
know well, and we see other people doing it on TV. But
in practice, much of the time, many of us feel that we
can't be truly "ourselves".
The greatest difficulty can come when we speak foreign
languages -- a context that worsens the things that
might also feel bad in our own language. Speaking
foreign languages -- for work, or on holiday -- we worry
about getting things "wrong", go blank, and tend to
adopt a cautious, low status persona that doesn't feel
comfortable for us or for other people.
This class is designed to help you speak happily
and freely in ANY language (including your own),
and find ways to express what needs to be expressed
even when you don't have the right vocabulary -- because
there's always a way to improvise.
As well as talking, this class uses theatre games, often in
foreign languages, to see more clearly what we may be
doing in everyday life (and because the games provide a
welcome dose of laughter). You don't need to be good at
languages, or acting - in fact, the less expert you are, the
better.
Images: main image - 'Sunbathing', from Tyne & Wear
Archives and Museums, small image - Japanese
Government Railways
ABOUT SPECIALEVENTS
Leading writers, economists, historians, philosophers,
psychologists, artists and other thinkers offer
provocation, inspiration and consolation in the form of
advice for living better. Speakers for this strand have
been invited by The School of Life to present their own
material. Session formats will vary depending on the
subject.
DETAILS FOR SAT 5THJUL2014
COURSELEADERS
John-Paul Flintoff is the author of 'How To
Change The World', and 'Sew Your Own'. In
his time, John-Paul has worked as a bin
man, an executive PA, a scuba diver, a poet,
a taxi driver, a tailor, a gardener, an ice-cream
salesman, a hairdresser, an assistant undertaker, a bit-
part player in pantomime, a waiter, an illustrator, a
high-wire window cleaner, a photographer, a very
amateur boxer, a karaoke singer, and a rat catcher - but
writing comes first.
Jude Claybourne is a performer who trains
people in communication and confidence
across Europe, in French, German and
English. She also translates, teaches impro
and designs games. She's excited about combining
staples from the actor-improviser's toolbox with 'serious'
skills, so that freedom and playfulness infiltrate
learning. Be Yourself in any Language is one of these
fruitful combinations.
Antony Quinn is a consultant, trainer and
facilitator who helps people to generate and
develop ideas. He’s good at improv, design,
technology and languages, and knows quite
a bit about biology and economics. He has appeared on
TV and in film, and his play The Last Turfcutter was
premiered in Cambridge in 2012.
TIMETABLE
10.00am Tea & Coffee on arrival
11.45am Break (times may vary)
1.00pm Finish
VENUE
The School of Life
70 Marchmont Street
London
WC1N 1AB
TESTIMONIALS
It was absolutely the best class I have experienced at
School of Life! The amount of theory and practice was
just perfect. The exercises inspired the whole group and
the insights which John­Paul gave about some deeper
issues where just outstanding. I could never expect
(and believe) that a class could touch so many core life
subjects in such a magical way. I am very happy that I
could experience it.
-Participant
Home » How to be Yourself in Any Language
HOWTO BEYOURSELFINANYLANGUAGE
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BOOK NOW
£40.00
Please note that we are unable to offer
refunds or transfers less than 10 days
before the event.
Course Dates*
Sat 5th Jul 2014
1Quantity