I am going to be making a brief film for my UCLA writing classes about how to give a good reading--i.e. what not to do and what to do. (And I am going to have them film their own readings.) Beyond the obvious, does any one out there have any great suggestions or personal stories they might want to share?
I would be eternally happy.
Keep it short and set it up! Make sure your listeners know why you're reading this section (no more than four pages) - and really act it out as you read.
ReplyDeleteKeeo it short but I think what I learned (sort of hthe hard way but mumbling and never looking up) is to read to the people listening, who have come and taken the time to hear you. Really see them, acknowledge their presence and read to them,not AT them. Grace Paley once told me "Hey, remember your "audience" are people too"
ReplyDeleteTell the story...don't recite the story. Listen to the room, acknowledge where your audience is at, connect to them, engage them, encourage them...and breathe.
ReplyDeleteBreathing is good! Remembering to breathe is key!
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