Speaking courses
Speaking fluently and appropriately - Begins Wednesday, 15 October 2025 - book here (bookings open on Monday, 6 October 2025)
This course is designed for non-native speakers of English and covers a variety of spoken language, ranging from the more formal language needed for seminars, discussions and conferences, to the more informal everyday language used in the office or the student house, or in wider social settings, whether online or face-to-face. The course, wherever possible, will take into account the needs and wishes of the participants. This is an opportunity to meet people and to practise your spoken English online in an informal and relaxed environment.
Pitching your work successfully - On Friday, 23 January 2026 - book here (bookings open on Monday, 1 December 2025)
This interactive workshop provides guidance and feedback on sharing your research clearly and effectively in spontaneous and prepared situations.
Pronunciation - Begins Friday, 30 January 2026 - book here (bookings open on Monday, 1 December 2025)
This course covers important aspects of English pronunciation for effective academic, professional and social interaction. The group meets for approximately one hour a week and each participant is offered an additional 30-minute individual supervision for personalised input to accompany the course's group input.
Practise presenting and/or teaching in English - Begins Friday, 1 May 2026 - book here (bookings open on Monday, 16 March 2026)
This course gives Engineers preparing for future conferences, teaching jobs, work interviews, and other career opportunities a chance to practise, obtain personalised feedback and perfect their skills.
Individual Speaking Supervisions
Individual online speaking supervisions are available to schedule throughout the year (during and out of term) and are tailored to your needs.
The individual speaking supervisions focus on your particular speaking needs, provide guidance and feedback, as well as opportunities to practice or rehearse for presentations, meetings, or other situations.
Booking a supervision
- Michaelmas term supervision bookings will open on Monday 6 October 2025
- Lent term supervision bookings will open on Monday 1 December 2025
- Easter term supervision bookings will open on Monday 16 March 2026
You can either book supervisions on the Moodle schedule or at your convenience by emailing David Tual.
The supervisions can be used to prepare for meetings or presentations or as sustained support in areas such as pronunciation, intonation, enunciation, conversation, or interaction in academic, professional or social settings. The focus is on clear expression, the appropriate use of language, and the tenets of successful presentation, interaction and negotiation of meaning.
Bookings can be made and cancelled up to 2 working days of the supervision time slot. If you are unable to attend your supervision and do not cancel it ahead of time, this hour will be deducted from your total supervision time (unless you notify clic-enquiries@eng.cam.ac.uk and your slot can be reallocated).
For urgent assistance
For urgent ‘just-in-time’ online writing assistance, on-demand support is available.
Speaking practice
Public Speaking Club - Begins Tuesday 21 October 2025 - book here (bookings open on Monday, 6 October 2025)
Are you looking to build confidence in public speaking in an informal, supportive and relaxed environment? Join our club designed to help you gain confidence and develop a toolkit of speaking skills. You’ll learn essential tips and strategies, while receiving feedback from both peers and professionals. Seize this chance to learn the art of rhetoric and the power of the spoken word.
Whether you're aiming to captivate audiences, motivate teams, or inspire change, this club will give you the tools and confidence to make an impact.
CLIC English café (Michaelmas)
If you are an international student, postdoc, visiting scholar, researcher or staff member, bring your tea, cup of coffee or lunch to CLIC’s weekly English cafés for informal conversation and discussion in English, as well as the opportunity to socialise.
- CLIC café Trumpington street - JDB, 1st floor meeting room - every Monday, 1.15-2pm (during full term)
- CLIC café West site - IfM, Meeting Room 3 - every Tuesday, 12-1pm (during full term, starting 14 October)