Embodied voice course for people who (consistently or sometimes) speak too fast
• Speaking quickly, often with rapid bursts of speech
• Some words being unclear or mis-pronounced
• Difficulties in explaining and conveying sequences of information
• Difficulties in being understood by the listener
Cluttering can be present as the only communication challenge or alongside stammering, dyslexia and/or ADHD (formal diagnosis is not required).
This course will provide you with skills to become more aware and knowledgeable of your voice and speech. The course will also explore ways to develop effective listening and communication strategies.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 05 Feb 2026End Date: 12 Mar 2026Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 20:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)Course Code: XS341Tutors: Vivien Grant-JonesFull fee £99.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £20.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course will provide you with skills to become more aware and knowledgeable of your voice and speech. It will also explore ways to develop effective listening and communication strategies. You will gain insights into how you currently use and relate to your voice. The course will facilitate you to identify what you like about your voice and provide a safe place to play with possibilities.
The course places importance on enjoying voice, reconnecting voice with the body and exploring potential resources this connection can provide. Exploring your voice will be a creative, practical process realised through engaging in experiential voice work. This course will introduce concepts and practical opportunities to cultivate skills to experience speaking in flow.
What will we cover?
• Increasing perceptual skills for voice and speech
• Listening and connecting to self and others
• Breath and Presence
• Resilience and self-compassion for when communication with others doesn’t go as hoped
• Information sequencing.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
1) Describe the key attributes of an effective communicator.
2) Describe all parameters of voice and how they interrelate.
3) Identify aspects of your voice you like and specific aspects you are interested in exploring further.
4) Identify practical exercises you have found useful in developing your voice skills.
5) Develop your listening skills and strategies to self-monitor.
6) Identify key goals to progress your communication and practice these in a range of situations.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for people who sometimes or continuously speak too fast (for their own speed of processing) to manage. No previous knowledge is necessary.
The course will be practical and experiential. You will need to be able to participate in physical movement/exercise, working within your own limits.To benefit from the course you will need an attitude of openness, curiosity and be interested in yourself and others
.
Before joining the class you will need to speak to one of the Speech Therapy team: SpeechTherapy@citylit.ac.uk.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There is a large component of practical work. Visual aids including demonstration, and handouts are used. Work will be undertaken both in the whole group and smaller sub-groups using a wide variety of activities and exercises. You are encouraged to extend your enquiry beyond the class sessions and take ownership of your developing skills.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to wear clothes you are able to move and feel comfortable in.You will also need a notebook and bottle of water for each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The tutor can advise on an individual basis courses students could benefit from going on to do after the course.
Vivien has been a part-time tutor for City Lit since 2009. In 2023 she gained the opportunity to be a Co-ordinating Tutor at City Lit. Vivien does not stammer herself but does experience cluttering (as part of her dyslexia). She has had a varied, diverse and creative career so far, the central thread being a personal and passionate pursuit to understand our individual and cultural relationship with fluency. She has found the combination of City Lit’s environment (students attending adult education), City Lit’s approach and the group therapy setting a unique and ideal path for students to progress with their speech and wider life goals. Vivien also trained as a voice teacher (Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, 2005). She has taught voice at East 15 Acting School, Italia Conti, London School of Dramatic Art (LSDA) and she is currently the voice tutor for Buckinghamshire New University’s BA (Hons) Acting Programme. In 2010 Vivien studied writing and directing at RADA (MA Text & Performance) which has supported both her professional and personal creative endeavours considerably.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
