Nov 07 2008
Nervous About Reading Your Poetry?
I know I am. I’ve been to many poetry readings of which I enjoy however only read once. This was years ago and I had to read a poem I wrote which was published in a local magazine. It was at a bookstore and attracted a couple of dozen people. I was so nervous, my hands were visibly shaking, my face I could feel turned red hot and I was sweating profusely. All that along with the publisher telling me to speak up during the reading because I could not be heard. That was the last time I’ve read at a reading. There are a couple of steps you can take to help you get through this traumatic event. Of course there are people who love it and do very well at readings and I certainly applaud them for their efforts. Here are a few things to remember.
First try reading your poems out loud to yourself so you can hear your voice. Most of us hate the sound of our voice when we read but you have to realize we are our own worst critics. Next try reading in front of friends. This is good because they will give you honest feedback. If any of your friends is a performer of any kind you definitely want their opinion. Another good thing to do is buy a microphone. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate one at all. I found one for my computer on Tiger Direct for $4.99 and it works great. With the mic you can create some audio on your computer which will allow you to hear exactly what you would sound like in front of an audience. You can also burn some cd’s of your poetry or even make some mp3’s. When reading you can either read from memory or read from a notebook - either is fine. If like me, you are nervous about reading make sure to read from a notebook and not just a piece of paper as with paper your shaking hands will be very visible. Also, if you are nervous about making eye contact with the audience, then just scan the room over the top of their heads and it will appear as if you are looking right into their eyes. It is important to look at the audience and least once during the reading because you want to connect with them on some level.
Readings are great places to get noticed and also sell your chapbook if you have one published. If you are just there to listen, like me, then always remember to be respectful and not talk during any reading. You’ll have plenty of time to talk and get to know your favorite poets after the readings.
There are many poetry readings all over the country so all you have to do is google them in you area. And, remember to just have fun.
I enjoy reading out loud, but I’m often told I read too fast. I took Toastmaster’s and that helped a lot. They’re a great organization for people who have to speak in front of people at any time in their lives. They really build up confidence and offer support.
One of the things I learned is never apologize for being nervous and never tell the audiance you’re nervous. Chances are that they don’t even know until you tell them. You feel more nervous than you look.
As for poetry readings, I just attended a poetry reading by Tim Seibles and Kim Addonizio. Tim has an awesome voice. You can find samples of his readings on youtube.com. Kim broke out a harmonica. Now there’s some guts, and it was actually good!
Thanks for the tip on Toastmaster’s. It’s good to know the audience doesn’t realize your nervous. Although I think they can see it in me
Love Kim Addonizio and didn’t know she played the harmonica - cool.