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The Need for Words

Voice and the Text
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( 37 ratings, 2 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Patsy Rodenburg, a leading voice coach, explores the power of language through Shakespeare, Romantic poetry, modern prose, and more to help readers find their unique need for words. The book debunks the myth of a single 'correct' way to speak and offers exercises connecting the voice to the form and quality of words. Updated to reflect changes in business and political language, it highlights how clear, direct communication shapes the modern world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book suits actors, public speakers, business professionals, and anyone interested in improving their vocal expression and communication skills.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

As one of the world’s leading voice coaches, Patsy Rodenburg describes practical ways to approach language, using 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, Rodenburg 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 Rodenburg’s time spent coaching in the worlds of business and politics, this 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. This gives readers an insight into the potency of clear, direct communication. Language and text 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.

Foreword by Antony Sher.

Series: Bloomsbury Revelations

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Need for Words is highly praised by experts: Trevor Nunn recommends it for clarity and passion in speech, Alan Bennett highlights its insight into the spoken word's role beyond text, and Declan Donnellan calls it an essential discovery for actors and non-actors alike.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350290112

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Edition: 2nd edition

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 214.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 248

About the Author

Patsy Rodenburg, OBE, is Professor of Text and Poetry at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, UK, after serving as Head of Voice from 1981–2016. In 1981 she was appointed the Voice Coach for the Royal Shakespeare Company, responsible for the works of the Company in London, and in 1990 was appointed the first Head of Voice at the Royal National Theatre where she ran the department until 2006.

She has worked with theatre companies across the UK including Theatre de Complicitè, Shared Experience, Cheek by Jowl and the Royal Court, having coached numerous West End and Broadway productions. Patsy has also worked at many major theatre companies all over the world, including Stratford Festival Theatre (Ontario, Canada), Kabuki Theatre (Japan), Indian National Theatre (Mumbai, Japan), Lithuania National Drama Theatre (Vilnius, Lithuania), Royal Dramatic Theatre (Stockholm, Sweden), The Market Theatre (Johannesburg, South Africa), Beijing Opera (China) and Verbier Festival (Verbier, Switzerland). She has been teaching storytelling to teachers and corporate leaders since 1976.

www.patsyrodenburg.co.uk.

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