Time : Meet in the Lobby on the ground floor @ 1.15pm. We assemble, and from here at 1:25pm we go up to the second floor venue.

The meeting room is located inside Customs House Public Library at Circular Quay in the city of Sydney, on Alfred Street, between Loftus and Young Streets.

You can bring cold food such as sandwiches and some drinks like bottled water/soft drinks etc. Alcohol is not allowed.

Why this venue?

Customs House Library has a lot of Japanese resources available. They have the “Japan Times” and “Asahi” newspapers available for reading, as well as other Japanese reading material such as novels. They also have DVDs available.

It is also a major link to Sydney for Japanese people. Many important Australian documents can be viewed in Japanese language.

You can view information about this here.

Is Auspeak for me?

The focus at Auspeak, is using and improving your non-native language communication skills.

You will not be judged on perfect or imperfect grammar. The important part is, that you can communicate whatever you desire to communicate - confidently, and fluently in your non-native language.

Everyone has weaknesses when it comes to learning another language. This is normal. Likewise, people also have strengths. Make sure you show everyone both your strengths and your weaknesses, and you will improve within a very short period of time. You will also learn from each other. Watch, listen, and observe everything which is said. Look at reactions and look out for different words which have the same meaning. The more you observe, the more you will learn.

English Skill Requirement

If you are Japanese, you will need to be able to discuss a topic (example: Public Transport in Sydney ) in English.

This is your required English skill level to participate in Auspeak.

For example… “There are many differences between the public transport system in Australia and Japan. In Japan, the trains are very punctual…”

Japanese Skill Requirement

If you are not Japanese, you will need be able to discuss a topic (example: Earthquakes in Japan) in Japanese.

This is your required Japanese skill level to participate in Auspeak.

For example… 「 シドニーでは地震は全く起こらないから、日本で初めて経験した時は怖かった。」

In other words, for both Japanese and English, you need to be able to express a specific opinion regarding a given topic. So you'll need to have some good vocab, and a reasonable understanding of grammar fundamentals.

How Does it Work?

Please RSVP your attendance by the Friday before the session to auspeak@gmail.com 

When you arrive at the Customs House at 1.15pm, look for a sign that says “Auspeak”. As you walk into the lobby, we are usually waiting on the sofas on the right hand side. 

While at the lobby, everyone is encouraged to introduce themselves to each other, in the opposite language.

Auspeak has use of the room in the library from 1.30pm to 3.30pm sharp, so we all need to be in the room by 1.30pm, which is located on Level 2 ( ３階 ).

The group will be split into sub-groups, and each sub-group will be given a topic to discuss.

Useful vocabulary will be written on the board in front of the room, to help you discuss the topics.

The topic will be discussed for a total of 1.5 to 2 hours. We will alternate languages - 10 minutes in Japanese, and 10 minutes in English and so on amongst your group.

You are encouraged to take notes while you discuss your topic.

Presentations/discussions can be full of mistakes. This is not an exam. The important thing is that you get your point across, and communicate to the group in your non-native language effectively.

Auspeak aims to improve your speaking and listening skills and encourages confidence in speaking to others as I believe this to be the most important aspect of language by far.

The attitude at Auspeak is, “just say it!”. With the difference in our vocab levels, we'll help each other pick up new tricks and advice. Auspeak recognises that everyone knows something different and unique that they can share.

Do I need to bring anything?

Yes, you need to bring a notepad, something to write with, and a J/E or E/J dictionary.

Cost

Auspeak only costs $5.00 per session, to make it as accessible as possible. This money goes towards room hire, admin fees, website and printing costs. A lot of time and effort is also put into Auspeak to have it run as effectively as possible.

よろしくお願い致します。