BBC Radio Stoke Sept 30^th. Sounds Right Managing Director Marina Jones was asked to comment on a recent article by Emma Thompson in which the award- winning actress criticized the sloppy English used by youth of today. (Sept 28^th)

 Marina voiced agreement and said that unfortunately though many of todays' young people are bright, streetwise, well-travelled and technically astute, some  do indeed find it difficult to access a formal, more structured style of speech and communication when the occasion demands it.   Marina went on to say that many take the informality of their everyday speech into the interview room and either resist using a more elaborate code of speech, thinking it false and unnatural, or simply do not have the skills to operate at a more formal level.  They are unable to use phrasing, vocabulary and grammar in a coherent and confident manner.

 "Many young people are confused.  Written  examinations are sometimes not challenging enough, spelling and grammar is not always checked, sloppy speech not corrected. Young people are not encouraged to learn poems off by heart - thus activating memory - and reading aloud isn't as popular as it once was.  In addition we have a celebrity and reality culture where individuals are applauded for undisciplined outpourings of personal intimacies and unchecked language no matter how inappropriate it might be. Texting and emailing encourages brevity, slang and cliché and many youngsters regard well-formed speech as 'affected' and not part of their 'scene'.  We all have a responsibility to use and encourage  correct English where we can, to get young people to use a language and a style appropriate to the situation.  Trades, skills and professions all depend on clear lines of communication. The ability to voice thoughts and opinions, to argue, explain and discuss with clarity and confidence is vital to individual happiness and a successful society."

 As an Adjudicator and Examiner Marina is aware of how important it is that all young people, whatever their background or school status, have the opportunity to develop their oral skills.  Sounds Right Limited and Lichfield Diocese Board of Education have  initiated a Public Speaking Competition to be launched shortly for all schools and youth groups in the Diocese.  Marina is a passionate supporter of oral skills assessments, debating and public speaking.  "I have heard many young people speak clearly and  skillfully, with elegance and authority.   These skills and opportunities - so often commonplace in the Independent School system, have to be encouraged in all schools at all levels"