Customer Reviews

Speak French With Michel Thomas: The Language Teacher to the Stars! (2-CD Edition) (French Edition) (English and French Edition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First, get the 8 disc set because its worth it. This is the easiest way to learn a language ever. Though I see some reviewers were irritated by the "slow learner" on the tape, I found myself comforted by the fact that I was better than she was (though I admit that I was less adept than the male student). I've listened to Pimsleur and other tapes and the Michel Thomas approach is the best. But the two disc set is just the warmup. So, go for the full set.

This is a unique method of learning to speak French; very logical and user friendly. You are asked to become the third member of a class learning a new language without memorization or homework. It's actually enjoyable and it works.

While planning a trip to France, I worried that my broken high-school French would not be up to the task. I got these CDs and they have been wonderful. My husband, who never took French before, is picking it up as quickly as I am. I agree with anderdog that I perhaps should have gotten the 8 CD set, but I couldn't bring myself to do that right off, not knowing whether I would like the method. But, it's great, so I think I'll get them. I very much disagree with the person who said the method is over rated because there are no drills. Drills are one of the main reasons that I hated French in high school! I love that this method allows me to speak in full sentences without drilling. Also, the "trick" of pointing out the similarities between French and English helps to demystify the language so that students don't feel so uptight about it. This is a very relaxing, almost effortless way to pick up the language.

In terms of method, I would give this product five stars but I think you might be wasting your money if you buy this introductary set. I bought this two disc set and really enjoyed it. It was effective but inadequate to prepare for a trip abroad so I purchased the 8 disc "deluxe" edition and was disappointed to find that the first two discs were exactly the same as the two from this intro set so I would have been better off getting the deluxe edition from the start. If you're interested in learning French, you'll probably want more than this two disc set can offer.

Do you want to learn French from a smiling guy in a shiny suit? Oui. The tourist French recordings that average on 120 minutes don't get you anywhere. You learn enough phrases to ask questions, but don't learn enough to comprehend the replies. The Pimmsleur recordings uses a similar principle to Michel Thomas, but they get too repetitive and long (and pricey). Michel Thomas explains the language he teaches, especially in comparision to English. So you actually comprehend what you are saying instead of mouthing sounds. The only thing I didn't like is the woman "student" on the recording affected a "slow learner" attitude that got annoying. Overall, Michel Thomas' is interesting to listen to throughout, he makes you excited to be learning the language.

Since my daughters are taking French in grade school, I bought the 2-disk set to listen to in the car. Now, I am back looking for the 8-disk set. The course is excellent! Within one hour, I was speaking and understanding sentences in French. When I took Spanish in high school some 20 years ago, I hated it. But, this course is actually fun! My daughters (9 and 11) are listening and practicing, too.

In terms of method, I would give this product five stars but I think you might be wasting your money if you buy this introductary set. I bought this two disc set and really enjoyed it. It was effective but inadequate to prepare for a trip abroad so I purchased the 8 disc "deluxe" edition and was disappointed to find that the first two discs were exactly the same as the two from this intro set so I would have been better off getting the deluxe edition from the start. If you're interested in learning French, you'll probably want more than this two disc set can offer.

When I first began listening to French with Michel Thomas, I was a bit disappointed, because I didn't think I would learn anything with his teaching technique. A few days later it all came to me and I found myself putting together complete sentences in French. I would highly recommend learning (to) "parler francais avec Michel Thomas."

I could not get through the first CD of this program. This program includes two students who are learning the material along with the customer. I found their participation annoying and interferring. It slowed me down. I found that I became more of a listener than a participant. Therefore, my learning experience was hindered.

The information seemed scattered, unstructured; and Michel Thomas' gruffy voice was irritating. Petty stuff? Maybe! But, I just could not stand it!

I speak several languages and am interested in sound teaching methods. When I heard all the hype about Michel Thomas I wanted to check it out. I was very disappointed in this product. To merely emphasize the similarities between French and English as a means of giving the student a "trick" way of remembering, rather than drilling (which Thomas specifically avoids), you will not achieve the end of speaking effortlessly. The way babies learn to speak their native language IS by drilling - they are repeating things over and over until they become automatic. You can even hear on the tape how Thomas' students are efforting to mentally "shift gears" rather than just speak easily. I would much rather study with the Pimsleur tapes that teach the way people really learn - naturally, without these phony memory hints. Thomas' voice has a rather drone-like quality that is not very pleasing to listen to for any extended amount of time. The only thing positive I can say is that Thomas doesn't try to teach a lot of grammar.