How to Speak Simply to Leaners of English

Course Information

Language barriers shouldn’t block people from participating in research.

Learn to overcome language barriers with confidence and skill, so that more speakers of English as a Foreign Language can participate in research.

Even when someone speaks “good English”, research language can be hard to follow. Terms like Informed Consent, Clinical Trial, random allocation, and control group can sound confusing or intimidating if they are not explained carefully.

In this workshop you’ll learn how to explain complex information simply, so that participants who speak English as a foreign language find you easier to understand. You’ll learn to speak more slowly but without sounding patronising.

We’ll focus on how to recruit research participants who don’t require an interpreter but do speak English as a foreign language.

    You’ll be able to:

  • Explain complex information more clearly without talking down
  • Reduce confusion and increase meaningful questions
  • Feel more confident that participants have understood what is being asked
  • Explain informed consent more clearly

For more information

Learning Outcomes

During this session you will learn how to:

  • How to declutter your speech.
  • How not to sound like a stream of noise.
  • How to maximise the impact of your facial expressions
  • How to explain complex terminology, with examples.
  • How to check understanding without saying ‘Do you understand?’

    • Course Dates

    Course Start Date:  Tuesday, May 26, 2026 10:00 AM

    Course End Date :  Tuesday, May 26, 2026 12:00 PM

    Enrolment Dates

    Enrolment Start Date:  Wednesday, February 11, 2026 8:00 AM

    Enrolment End Date :  Monday, May 18, 2026 5:00 PM

    Course Location

    Newcastle University

    Course Tutor/s

    Shelley Purchon, English Unlocked

    Course Delivery Type

    Face to Face in-person icon

    Course Fees

    This is a free course.