How to Read Poetry at Readings and Like It
The Spoken Word-Tips to Help Anyone Conquer Stage Fright
Jun 15, 2009
Some might say why bother? The answer is that reading poetry in public usually enhances one's writing. Isn't that reason enough to give it a try? The hurdles to reading in public may be alleviated by how the poet prepares, both mentally and physically for a reading. Here are some tips in that regard:
Prepare For the Reading:
- Decide What to Read. It's always empowering to have a plan. Get two or three specific poems in mind and rehearse them.
- Practice Reading Out Loud--whether it's to the wall, friends, or the cat. The important thing is to hear how the poem sounds, which may lead to editing or smoothing out the language in a way that improves the poem. Do this several times, which will make the actual reading feel like second nature.
- Time the Reading. Open mike readings set limits on how long you can read--whether it's three minutes or unlimited. Find out beforehand what the limit is. To stay in good graces with the audience and host of the reading, it's best to stay within the limit.
- Take a Notebook or other sturdy material to support the paper the poems are written on. Many people's hands shake when they're nervous, and this is one way of disguising it.
- Take Bottled Water Dry mouth makes it harder to read and is a reminder of being nervous which makes it harder to project confidence.
See more about stage fright and how to combat it.
Take Charge During the Reading:
- Check the microphone (if there is one). Make sure it's at the right level and speak directly into it. Otherwise, the reading may be garbled or even inaudible.
- Engage the audience. Greet them in a friendly way. Many are writers themselves and are very supportive of other writers. Relaxing with the audience is a good way to start.
- Don't Announce Material as "Work in Progress." It sounds like an apology, and there's no reason to apologize unless the poem is not ready for reading, in which case, it should be replaced with a poem that is.
- Keep Introductory Comments Short. With some exceptions, all that's needed is to give the title and begin reading. Some like to say how many poems they are reading, or to briefly mention the form or length of a poem (e.g., set up haikus in advance, which because of their brevity, are usually read twice). Don't make the mistake of describing the "gist" of the poem beforehand.
- Read with Confidence. Those who don't feel confident can fake it; it's possible to create a sense of boldness in the same way that whistling can make someone feel less afraid (as it did Anna in The King And I). However it's achieved, the greater the confidence, the more justice done to the poem.
- Read Slowly, with Emotion and Emphasis. The poem should be read not line by line, but in a way that flows and is consistent with the voice and tone of the poem. Hear Billy Collins' advice in this regard.
Reading poetry can be very rewarding. Whatever the reason for writing, reading poetry at readings is a way to share the work with others. It also offers an important dimension to the creative process and the poet's involvement in that process. Many who fear reading their poetry in public come to relish it after giving it a try. For those who have held back out of fear, it may be time to get onstage and have fun with it. What's there to lose?
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