Join us on Wednesday 31 May 2023 (held regularly on the last Wednesday of the month) for the next session in our long-running Bilingual Public Speaking Club (BPSC).

Every month we propose a topic in advance and invite participants to make a short speech (from 1 to 5 minutes) in the language of their choice (English or Japanese). It can be a structured presentation prepared in advance, or just some spontaneous thoughts about the topic if you prefer; the important point is to gain experience in speaking to an audience.  Everyone will have the chance to speak and to interact with others, asking questions and giving feedback in an informal, friendly and supportive atmosphere. The BPSC is designed to be an interactive space to improve communication and presentation abilities in English and/or Japanese, learning techniques and tricks to develop confidence in speaking in public. 

The topic for the May session is “Cultural Appreciation or Appropriation?”. Can borrowing from and sharing other people’s cultures be a means to build bridges and promote understanding? How do we know whether it is misrepresentative or exploitative?
Check these pages for inspiration: 
What Does it Mean to Appreciate vs Appropriate Culture?  (en)
The Dos and Don’ts of Cultural Appropriation  (en)
Why we need to pause before claiming cultural appropriation  (en)
「文化の盗用」って何を盗んでいるの？（日）
文化の盗用とは？なぜ着物という名前の下着はNGなのか「敬意」の示し方を事例に学ぶ（日）
盗用してしまう前に考える：クリエイターとデザイナーのための手引き（日）

BPSC is open to anyone who is willing to speak in public in Japanese or in English. However, please note that you need knowledge of both languages to participate. The main focus of the Club is on developing confidence in public speaking, rather than language learning. The event is not suitable for beginners; as a minimum, you need to be able to hold a conversation in both languages, though both native speakers and language students are welcomed.

As well as public speaking, the Club is a great opportunity to get to know other members with similar interests, so why not join us beforehand at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and we will walk the short distance over to Deloitte at 6.45pm. Please let us know in advance if you plan to do so.

We are grateful to Deloitte for hosting this event.

If you have any questions, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email us at: events@japansociety.org.uk.

Booking Info

• The topic for the May session is “Cultural Appreciation or Appropriation?”. Please prepare a short speech (from 1 to 5 minutes) in the language of your choice (English or Japanese). 
  
  
• You should receive an automated email from the Japan Society to let you know that your booking request has been registered. Please note that your booking is pending while we check your details and you will receive a further email once your booking is confirmed.
  
  
• If you don't receive any confirmation emails, please check your spam folder or email events@japansociety.org.uk.