by Kelbra Fleiss

Created on: February 10, 2010

The highest form of public reading is an art form that knows no boundaries. An author may write a book and do a reading at a book signing or belong to an organization, which teaches interpretive reading, Public readings take place at a poetry reading, a church service, funeral or at a children's group at a library. Once a person has achieved a high level of public reading ability, the voice of that person can be an inspiration that soars like a songbird high in the sky and totally enthralls an audience. The art of public reading is fun, informative, challenging but needs certain elements to be successful.

*Selection of material

Not all reading selections are appropriate for reading aloud, so you must be selective. If you read an excerpt from a play, you must ensure that there are only about two characters to enable the audience to follow the reading. Some poems fit more easily into a public reading; for example, Rudyard Kipling poems. A selection from a novel entails material with a plot, and you must mark the portions you select, and mark out anything in between. 

Nicholas Spark’s novel, “The Notebook” is an excellent choice for public reading. One of the scenarios is the decision that the heroine must make about marrying one of two men. That portion of the book overflows with emotion and dialogue that come across well to an audience, and adapts well to the cutting process.. 

*Voice

Speak so that people at the back of the room can hear you, and you can hear your voice bounce off the wall. You must also read slowly and allow for pauses, often where punctuation marks appear. In poetry, you must not pause at the end of a line but where the thought ends. It is of utmost importance that you do interpretive reading and understand the author's intention. If you are the writer, you should be able to interpret your own work. It just takes practice until you can do it without even thinking. Using the correct vocal variety, speed, rhythm and tone of your voice ensures that you have read the selection several times and understand the author's thoughts. Your voice might be dramatic, fearful, lilting, a low pitch, or a high pitch, all which facilitate the reading. 

*Eye contact 

Even though you are reading, you must know the material so well, that you can frequently look at the audience, focusing on an area of room at a time. Toastmasters International suggests that you not look at the audience when reading an excerpt from a play. 

*Body 

You might do a few gestures if they seem appropriate for the reading. Remain at the lectern, if possible, and move your reading pages in a non-distracting manner, making sure that the font is large enough for you to see. Pay attention to your posture and facial expressions.. 

“Once you learn to read, you will forever be free,” stated Frederick Douglas. Books can make a person laugh, cry, or forget their problems or ills. The next level, the art of public reading, can transport a person to another planet, another country, to fairyland, or to an island paradise for that brief period. The listener might have a lasting memory of that reading that could represent ultimate freedom.

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