Discover the Benefits of Joining a Book Club in English

 

The CET Book Club is starting soon! And what could be a better way of starting a Book Club in English - for speakers of other languages at intermediate (B1) level or above - than by reading the transformational gem, The Art of Communicating, by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, live on zoom together?

Very often, students and clients report that although they understand it very well, they feel stuck, anxious or unable to communicate in English satisfactorily, leading to a strong sense of loss of opportunity in their professional contexts.

Part of the reason for this might be what I refer to as undernourished English, that is, insufficient exposure to English through reading and listening. 

The CET Book Club in English will address this directly by offering you the opportunity to develop your English language skills through the option of reading the corresponding chapter first, and then by following the transcript as you listen to one of us reading it out loud live during our weekly meetings. 

You'll also have the opportunity to join the discussion, practise your speaking skills, and share your thoughts, reflections and insights within the safe environment of the Club.

Other reasons for your discomfort when using English could be somewhat deeper: a feeling of uncertainty, a lack of mental clarity or even a sense of being judged or criticised by others.

In The Art of Communicating, Thich Nhat Hanh goes to the heart of these matters, and explains why we experience such difficulties, while offering concrete, practical exercises and trainings we can incorporate into our daily lives to greatly improve the ways we view, approach and communicate with others, in our life and at work.

How reading helps your English skills

It's food for your brain

Extensive reading of simple, easy-to-understand and enjoyable material (for example, a whole book), is like feeding and watering your brain. Without the habit of reading, your brain becomes undernourished, and this might be part of the reason why you feel stuck, uninspired, or even unable to make progress with your English language skills.

The best source of vocabulary

If what you experience when you speak or write in English is not knowing how to express your idea, it's a sign that you might have insufficient vocabulary. You feel able to talk about things that are routine and familiar to you, but as soon as you want to articulate more abstract thoughts or experiences that go beyond functional language, you're invaded by a sense of dread and incompetence. Your mind might go blank, and you may feel embarrassed to discover that you cannot express the apparently simple idea you wanted to share in English. Reading helpful and inspiring material provides you with the vocabulary you need to express yourself more clearly and authentically.

Effortless grammar

Reading is a wonderful way of acquiring and internalising grammar without effort. While we're reading, we tend to be more focused on the message than on its structure, but our brain is re-wiring itself as we read. Simply noticing the way language fits together, by occasionally re-reading a sentence or two, ensures that you're able to use a similar structure or phrase when you need to. So if you find that doing traditional grammar exercises isn't a helpful way of being able to use natural English grammar when you communicate, joining this Book Club is an invaluable option and opportunity.

How this book helps your 

communication skills

The Art of Communicating is not about learning or improving your language skills, but about improving your communication skills. What are the necessary conditions for successful communication to take place?

If you find yourself - either at home or at work - in a place of conflict, misunderstanding, disagreement or difficulty, this wonderful book explains, in simple terms and using many examples, how to soften these situations and choose the path of calm and peaceful resolution.

You'll learn about:

Communicating with Others

In language learning and in life, we listen long before we're able to speak. Listening enables us to make sense of the world and to understand the communications of others. And yet, we tend to be poor listeners. Effective communication is possible when we're able to listen and understand, and when we speak in such a way that can be accepted by others. Skillful Communication at Work Our workplace can often be a source of tension and stress, as we rush from one activity to the next in an effort to get things done and tick items off the agenda. When we are able to transform our strong emotions, we feel much better, and can respond to challenging situations more skillfully. We set the example and become role models to follow.

Communicating with Yourself

"To stop and communicate with yourself is a revolutionary act." What can be more interesting and fascinating than becoming your own best friend? The practice of listening to yourself is the first step towards successful communication with others. "You just need to sit down and breathe in and out." How to Manage Difficulty Being unable to communicate can generate anger and frustration, but acting from a place of anger and frustration is usually counterproductive because the effects of strong emotions are unpredictable. From personal, long-term relationships to the relaxing of international conflicts, Thich Nhat Hanh offers practical and pragmatic instructions for dispute resolution.

About the Author

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022) was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, global spiritual leader, peace activist, scholar, and the founder of the Plum Village tradition in France. Today, there are eleven practice centres and monasteries around the world, run by a diverse and international community of monks and nuns. The centres are open throughout the year, for short or long stays, to learn the art of mindful living. Learn more more about The Life of the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh.

We are so excited to be co-facilitating this priceless opportunity to read the invaluable advice of Thich Nhat Hanh for joyful and peaceful communication together.

Our first meeting is on Wednesday, 9th August at 6PM (US Mountain time), but if you cannot attend the live event, register anyway because we'll be sending the recording of the meeting the following day to everyone who registers. Save the date! 

Looking forward to seeing you there,

~ Tanya, Rogelio, Claudia, Andrew and Toni