It’s all about confidence. Are your ready to share?
Not many of us enjoy public speaking. For some it’s very natural, for others, an absolute nightmare, especially for authors who are introverted, and face it, most of us are quite introverted. Otherwise how could we sit for hours on end with only our characters to keep us company. But authors need to share their work. If the fear of joining a writer’s group is holding you back, because you may have to read your work, don’t let it. Use writer’s groups as a way to grow and become comfortable while reading your work to an audience.
I find getting in front of an audience quite nerve wracking. Not only do you have to speak, but you have to keep your hands from trembling so hard while holding your story, that you can still read the words. It’s great if you have a lectern or table to hide behind, but standing and reading with nothing between you and the people in front of you is sheer terror.
If you have an authors event coming up, practice reading your story out loud over and over to yourself. Read it in front of the mirror. Read it to your dog, your children and your friends. This at least gets you comfortable with the story and hearing your own voice reading out loud.
If you get a chance to read first- do it! Which means you won’t have time to get nervous while several authors precede your scheduled time. Once you’ve been first to read, you can settle down and enjoy all the other authors to the podium.
When it’s your turn, take a deep breath. Smile at the crowd. Sometimes you can describe what you are about to read, a small synopsis of sorts, or, just delve in. Read slow. When we read out loud, we don’t realize how fast we are reading. It’s not a race. Take many pauses as the story demands and especially for effect.
Speak loud and with inflection. If you are familiar with your story, looking up now and then and making eye contact with your audience is a good thing to do. Try not to roll your shoulders into a ball, staring at your paper and speaking so monotone that your audience falls asleep or has to strain to hear you.
Finally, be proud of your work. It’s unique and it’s part of your creativity. People will be impressed that you authored such an interesting piece and will have nothing but praise that you shared it with them.
I have reading of my children’s picture books coming up with K - grade 2 students. 100 of them. They wish to be entertained. A tough audience indeed. But what fun!
reading of my children’s picture books coming up with K - grade 2 students. 100 of them. They wish to be entertained. A tough audience indeed. But what fun!
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