Claton - I'm essentially an introspective shy guy, and I have been reading
poetry across Australia for thirty-something years. I learnt a few things
off actors, and by trying out a few acting parts myself early on (in
'Dylan' and in Under Mild Wood - interesting stuff). I learnt to take a
deep breath, and project to the back of the hall. &, as someone has already
said, speak slowly and clearly. Don't read word by word, but read in
phrases - It helps the meaning get across.
Basically I learnt to wear a mask: I pretend to be the
poet-reading-his-works. And, as I now teach students who are preparing
orals at Uni, preparation is a great antidote for nerves. If you are
confident in what you are about to deliver, it will lessen your nerves. So,
rehearse. Read your poems to seagulls or your dog or the postman ...
Whoever. It is best to have some kind of sounding board at the other side,
don't just rehearse aloud in your bathroom.
So: prepare; project; pretend y're you. It works. & read your best poems,
not the ones you think will go down best. Go for the quality of the
literature: don't underestimate your audience, becuase they will pick up on
things you may think will sail over their heads. As good ol' sexist David
Ogilvy used to say, Don't condescend to the consumer: she may be your wife.
Good luck.
Andrew
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Andrew Burke Copywriting
[log in to unmask] Creative Writing
http://www.bam.com.au/andrew/ Editing
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