How To Read Poetry Out Loud

Creating Confidence when Reading out Loud

Reading poetry out loud can be a daunting experience for many, but with a few helpful tips it can be a lot less nerve-wracking. As with any kind of public speaking, preparation is key. Having an understanding of the poem and the terminology used within it can make all the difference. Most importantly, the confidence to take the risk to get it right – or even wrong – will help you to be successful. Take a few moments before you start to read to calm your breathing and focus your energy. Try to focus all your attention and commitment to the task at hand, and remember to be confident in your performance.

Techniques to Remember

When attempting to read a poem out loud, there are a few techniques and tips to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to consider the poem’s rhymes, rhythm, and balance. Be aware of the poem’s metre, and the different types of sounds used. Similarly, the use of pauses and inflection. Try to determine when a line needs to be emphasised or when it needs to be drawn out. Make sure to keep an eye on the punctuation, too; use a pause to indicate a comma, and work out which lines need to be shortened or long.

Different styles require different techniques. For example, if the poem is written in a playful manner, then speaking in a low and witty tone can be effective. Poems that are emotional will benefit from a more tender and reflective delivery. When reading traditional poetry, most readers use a formal style. Taking the time to consider the feel of the poem will give readers extra insight into its true meaning.

Practise and Perfect

Practising the poem alone, in the comfort of your own home should be considered a must. Reciting the poem in this environment will provide you with the confidence to move forward and eventually practice delivering a performance to an audience. Your practise doesn’t have to be a long and drawn out task; it can simply be a quick run-through of the poem. Once you are comfortable with the language and the structure, you can start to consider the elements of your performance. Find the right points to pause at, and work out where the stresses and emphases should go. The goal is to convey a distinct image of the poem – not just to recite the words in a monotone voice.

Vary the Volume

Using a variety of tones when reading out loud can help to keep an audience interested and engaged. Remember to use different rhythms, and adjust the volume in sections to bring out different emotions as the story flows. An effective way to add drama and intensity to a poem is by adjusting your pitch. Dramatic pauses, unpredictable mumbling and murmurs can help to create a captivating atmosphere. To create an inviting atmosphere, try experimenting with different styles of reading – for example, if the poem is about a gentle summer’s day then adopt a softer, warmer tone in sections.

Convey emotion

Reading a poem out loud should involve a range of emotions. It’s important to remember to be subtle and delicate with certain words, and convey emotion through a pitch that rises and falls. Above all else, make sure to stay focused on the task at hand and try to remember why you’re doing this. Whilst reading out loud there is a certain amount of projection and connection that needs to come through, in order to tell the story of the poem in a manner that sparks emotion and thought in the audience.

Develop Expertise and Confidence

As with any kind of public performance, practice brings confidence – the more you do it, the better you’ll be. By regularly practising, you’ll be able to develop a credible connection with your audience and encourage collective understanding and discussion. As confidence grows, so too does expertise – you’ll start to build a heightened understanding of the words and pick up on the subtleties of language. Above all, developing expertise and confidence in creative communication builds character.

Be Generous and Open Minded

Whilst reading poems out loud it is important to try to be as generous and open minded as possible. As a performer, it is up to you to bring out the underlying message, values and expression of the poem. Do your best to remain aware of audience reactions; even a few seconds of silence can be meaningful and powerful. Generosity and openness will help facilitate a better-rounded understanding of the piece.

Involve the Audience

When delivering your performance it is important to involve the audience in the storytelling. Ask questions throughout and engage the audience in what’s being said. Similarly, if audience members are familiar with the poem, encourage them to chime in. This will create a sense of intimacy between the performer and the audience and ensure that even unfamiliar members of the audience will be able to gain an understanding of the poem’s plot and purpose.

Create a Mood

To create an effective performance it is important to consider how to craft a mood. When reading out loud try to use pauses, emotions and facial expressions to heighten the plot of the poem. Above all, have fun and enjoy it! Remember that a performance enhanced by enthusiasm and joy is far more successful than one that is stiff and emotionless.

Be Prepared To Take Risks

As with any creative endeavour, it is important to take risks and not to be overcritical of yourself. Mistakes happen, and it is important to appreciate your own efforts and accomplishments. Allowing yourself to feel more relaxed and comfortable can help to break down any anxieties that you may be experiencing. Take the time to enjoy yourself and appreciate the others that are involved in the performance. When reading out loud remember, the risks you take will help to create an intimate and stimulating performance.

Be Present and in The Moment

In order to be successful when delivering a performance, try to remain in the moment and be as present as possible. Let go of expectations and fears and allow yourself to be comfortable with the poem and the words that are being spoken. Develop a sense of presence and use the presence of others to help build enthusiasm and a collective understanding. Allow yourself to trust in and enjoy the process, and with each successful performance the feeling of success can grow.

Minnie Walters is a passionate writer and lover of poetry. She has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the work of famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and many more. She hopes you will also fall in love with poetry!

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