How to Read Aloud Effectively in 10 Easy Steps

Many people do it; few do it well. Whether reading aloud to a small child or addressing the state assembly, there are ways to get your message across, clearly, comfortably, and even entertainingly. Here are a few tips on how to go about it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Reading material
• A pencil (optional)
• A little prep time
• An audible speaking voice
• A dictionary or other pronunciation guide
• A glass of water (optional, but recommended)

1. LEARN THE HARD WORDS.
   To read effectively, take some time and familiarize yourself with the material. If it contains unfamiliar words, look up the pronunciations and practice saying them aloud to yourself until you can say them smoothly and easily. Lightly underline the words with which you have difficulty so you will be aware that they are coming up.
2. REMEMBER TO BREATHE.
   If the reading material has long phrases, mark with the pencil where you want to take a breath. I know it seems unnecessary, but if you are reading in a public situation, nothing is worse than running out of breath at the wrong time.
3. DON'T LEAN ON THE PODIUM.
   If you are reading, standing at a podium, don't lean on it. It's okay to touch it, but don't put your weight on it. It looks sloppy, and you're more likely to slip and spill all your papers on the floor.
4. PLANT YOUR FEET.
   Whether you are reading standing at a podium, or reading standing in front of a class or on a stage, plant your feet. Don't move them until you are done reading, unless you are making some sort of gesture that requires you to take a step. Shifting back and forth on your feet looks really amateurish, and it's distracting to your audience.
5. DRESS CAREFULLY FOR THE OCCASION.
   Dress appropriately. If you are sitting on the couch with a child or children, wear something loose and comfortable. If you are addressing a class or a group of some kind, dress neatly and attractively, but don't make the mistake of being too flashy. Ideally, the audience should be listening to your words and watching your face, instead of criticizing or admiring your clothing.
6. HAVE A DRINK OF WATER HANDY.
   If at all possible, have a glass of water handy. Even if you are reading to your child. sitting on the edge of the bed, sometimes your throat can go dry, and a quick sip of water will fix that. Same with the state assembly, and taking a sip of water is a good way to buy a little time if you suddenly lose your place.
7. SLOW DOWN.
   Read slowly, more slowly than you think is necessary. In general, when people begin reading aloud, they read much too fast, and they tend to speed up as they progress. The audience won't notice if you are reading slowly, but they will become anxious and impatient if you read too fast. Notice how on TV commercials, the voice-over people read REALLY slowly. It makes a huge difference.
8. MAKE YOURSELF HEARD.
   Make sure you are reading loudly enough. If this is a situation where you have a microphone, test the equipment beforehand, before the audience gets there. It's horribly embarrassing for you and off-putting for the audience if you are too quiet to be heard, and have to be told to speak up, or if you are struggling with malfunctioning equipment when you are trying to do your reading.
9. PRACTICE AHEAD OF TIME.
   If at all possible, practice the reading with a friend ahead of time. If that's not something you can do, read into a tape recorder and listen to it. Try to be objective. Sometimes something that seems self-evident to you would be confusing to the audience. Or you may find yourself stumbling over the same word each time. Rehearsal really helps!
10. EXPRESS YOURSELF.
    Read with expression. The best reading tends to sound conversational. If you are reading something exciting, sound excited. If it is sad or happy, sound sad or happy. You get the idea. I never knew what an emotional book "The Cat in the Hat" was until I read it aloud.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have long hair, wear an up-do or a pony tail. I have long hair, and whenever my hands are busy or I can't afford to be messing with it, it heads straight for my mouth.
• Take a restroom break before you begin, even if it isn't an urgent necessity. If you are reading to a child, have him or her take a restroom break ahead of time, too.
• Eat something before you read, so you won't be distracted. Dairy products are a bad idea, because they cause mucous to develop in your throat. Don't pig out, but a few crackers or a piece of fruit might settle you down a little.
• A teaspoon of honey before reading really seems to makes your voice sweeter. Try it and see!
• If you have a bad, messy cold, reschedule. If it's impossible to reschedule, keep tissues handy, and avoid blowing your nose. Blot it instead.
• Plan ahead if you think there will be anything disruptive in your reading--if you think the audience will react loudly or violently, prepare for it.
• Pause for laughs, if the reading is funny, but don't go back and repeat if they don't laugh; it's really lame to do that.