'It's not what you say but the way you say it'. Do sound values, stress, rhythm, intonation and fine timing have a greater role in the process of spoken communication than the words and grammar we use? For native and non-native speakers alike, this informal course will focus on the articulation and broad phonemic notation of our spoken language and explore those features which impact on communication and intelligibility, as well as the magic that makes language memorable. This year we will also include a session on English language varieties and dialects and factors influencing language change. Members' contributions are very welcome and no previous knowledge of linguistics is assumed.