Five Steps to a Perfect Reading
by Anne Earney
If the idea of reading your prose in front of an audience scares you into a deep silence, you're not alone. But there
are several steps you can take to ensure your reading presents your work in the best possible light.
Over the past six years, I've gone from a nervous, shy reader who rushes through her words, to being an effective
presenter of the words I love. Here's ho you can do the same.
1. Practice
Practice may not make perfect, but it always makes for a reading better.Read to your cats, your computer, your
spouse... Read more slowly than you think you need to, because it's likely that at the reading, words will
roll off your tongue too quickly. Practicing will also help you find and correct words and phrase you stumble over.
2. Prepare
You're probably not a Boy Scout, but for readings, we can learn from them. Print your work in a font slightly larger
than normal, so you can see it without holding the pages under your nose. Break your pages where paragraphs
break, so you don't have to pause in the middle of a sentence. Don't staple the pages-it's easier and less
interruptive if you can slide each one you've finished to the bottom of the pile, or pile them on a table or podium.
Also, make sure you have something to drink, that your lips are not dry, and that your clothing is comfortable-all
things you don't want to worry about while reading.
3. Relax
Some nervousness is unavoidable-after all, you are taking a chance getting up there-but the hyperventilating type
of nervousness doesn't help. There are many techniques for relaxation, but I've found that one in particular works
best. On the day of my reading, or at any point I'm feeling nervous, I tell myself, "It's always possible I might give a
terrible reading." I repeat it so often, the possibility begins to seem like less of a threat. It almost gets to be almost
funny-I couldn't possibly be that bad! Before it's your turn to read, breathe deeply, so you go into it deprived of
oxygen. I also avoid caffeine and other stimulants. When I'm nervous, the last thing I need is more energy.
4. Look at the Audience
At least once. More, if you can manage it. Readers who constantly stare at the page seem to be communicating only
with themselves. When you do look up, be prepared for a sea of blank faces. They're not bored, no matter how
it looks-they're listening intently. If what you're reading is humorous and the audience laughs, pause for a moment.
People like to laugh, and they can't hear you if they're laughing. And don't be afraid to gesture-if you describe a
character as tall, put your hand up to show just how tall. Miming bits of the story helps the audience understand. It
feels silly, but it works.
5. Say Thank You
When you're finished, thank the audience for listening and sit down. Breathe a sigh of relief and graciously receive
your compliments.
For me, the entire experience has gotten easier and become more enjoyable with every reading I do. From my first
struggle at the podium six years ago, I've come a long way. I recently read a story with a tricky ending, and I knew
that in order for the audience to understand, I needed to read slowly and clearly-something that wouldn't have been
possible at my first reading. And it worked. I'd practice and built up the necessary skills, and I know you can do the
same.
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appeared in
THE WRITER WITHIN NEWSLETTER
Volume 4, Issue 5 #41
August 1, 2006
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Copyright 2006
Bio: Anne Earney's fiction has been published in Big Ugly Review, Flyway and Pangolin Papers, among others, and
is forthcoming in Versal and Night Train, where her story won the 2005 Firebox Fiction Competition. Anne teaches
in the Continuing Education program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, writes freelance feature articles on the
arts and other topics, a column on mixed drinks, and theater reviews for St. Louis magazines. www.anneearney.com