THE NEED FOR WORDS

Patsy Rodenburg explores howwe speak, what we speak and the impact of the spoken word. As one of the world's leading voice coaches, she describes practical ways to approach language, and uses Shakespeare, Romantic poetry, modern prose and a range of other texts to help each of us discover our own unique need for words.

In Part One the author attacks the myth that there is only one correct way to speak by clearing away the blocks that can make language inaccessible. Part Two, a series of language and text exercises, connects the voice to the shape and quality of individual words and phrases.

Drawing on the author's time spent coaching in the worlds of business and politics, this new edition reflects on how the way we use words has changed since the book was first published. It brings a renewed focus on the language of power – spoken in the worlds of politicians and company directors – which will give readers an insight into the potency of clear, direct communication. Finally, new language exercises provide readers with unmediated access to this new research, allowing them to practice and master the language and words that drive the modern world.

Patsy Rodenburg, OBE, has been the Director of Voice at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for 26 years and until recently at the Royal National Theatre. She trained in Voice Studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama and is recognized as one of the world's leading voice teachers and coaches, and also as a renowned authority on Shakespeare. Patsy has worked regularly with the best-known actors of the British theatre, including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and Daniel Day-Lewis, to name a few, as well as many of the biggest stars of film and television such as Nicole Kidman, Orlando Bloom, Hugh Jackman, and Natalie Portman. She was previously in residence with the Royal Shakespeare Company for 9 years and has worked with The Royal Court Theatre, Donmar and Almeida Theatre in London. She has also worked extensively with many of the great world theaters such as the Moscow Art Theatre and Comédie-Francaise. Patsy's home in America is at the renowned Michael Howard Studios in New York City where she teaches workshops for the professional actor. Under the Michael Howard Studios banner. She travels around the world teaching and speaking, from Los Angeles to Canada to Portugal to Australia, and in November 2012, will bring her expertise to India. Patsy is also a best-selling author whose notable publications include Speaking Shakespeare, The Right to Speak, The Need For Words, The Actor Speaks, The Second Circle, and Power Presentation.