Institute for the Spoken Word
Spoken Word for Solicitors
Workshops consisting of a series of exercises and short interventions that will look at issues of status and deference, assertiveness and authority
The Institute, the first of its kind in the UK, aims to be an international centre of excellence for oracy - the study of oral skills as the foundation for literacy, comprehension, and advanced reasoning.
The Greeks recognised that civil society is dependent on the ability of its citizens to express themselves with confidence, presence of mind and clarity of argument. They also need to be able to listen to and understand the opposite opinion. Today, oral skills are recognised as the foundation on which essential communication skills can be built. Research by UNESCO shows that young people who develop their communication skills will see benefits in: improved social behaviour; improved self-image, self-awareness, social and emotional adjustment; increased acquisition of knowledge; and improved classroom behaviour.
Longitudinal research shows that people with good communications skills are more likely to have higher self-esteem, better health, better jobs and higher wages than those with poor literacy skills. They are more able to take advantage of the opportunities that life may offer them.1
For this reason, the Government has designated 2011-12 the National Year of Speech, Language and Communication.
Reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the subject, the Institute brings together researchers from the Arts, Social Sciences, Business and Law. The common theme is the need for creative and business students to develop superior oral skills in order to thrive in the modern workplace.
1 Parsons, S & Bynner, J. 2002. 'Social Exclusion and the Transition from School to Work: The Case of Young People Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)', Journal of Vocational Behavior 60, 2:289-309.
