'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. We will also consider factors influencing language change and some specific language varieties and dialects. Members' contributions are very welcome and no previous knowledge of linguistics is assumed.