Toi here and welcome back to Lit Carnivale.
Today, I want to talk about public reading.
1.Publlic reading is not the same as public speaking, even if you are using note cards. Public speaking gives you benefit of improvisation. You can read directly from your cards, or you can use the cards a guide and speak from the heart.
If you’re doing a public reading and someone happens to be reading along, they’ll know if you’ve read it wrong. Public reading add an additional layer of pressure to not only read the word correctly, but to read in a way that engages those who may be listening.
2.For my money, just talking about a book is enough to get me interested in it, but sometimes people want more. They want to sample the work before committing to giving the piece a chance. I mean, who doesn’t like a free sample. But when the writer of the piece reads it, it not only tells you something about the piece, it tells you something about the writer.
3. These are the things I take into consideration when I read aloud my own work to others. I also consider this when I sit down to listen to an author read to a crowd. It never occurred to me that some people don’t enjoy public readings, but it’s true. I’ve met a few people who’ve told me so, and yet, these people still enjoy a good book. It’s the public reading itself they’re not into.
With that consideration, whenever I post my podcast interviews, I make an effort to keep the conversation entraining- not just fun but engaging. If there are serious or emotional moments to be had, I let them happen, but ultimately, I want listeners to be entertained. That’s why I always reserve the author readings for bonus content and make it available to those who really want to hear it.
Question: Have you ever done an in-person public reading? I would love to know how that went for you.
If you, or someone you know, is an author or aspiring writer interested in being featured on a podcast, please click my Be Featured links on social media to learn more.
Until next time, stay safe, keep reading, and be blessed.
Credits
Lit Carnivale Season 1, Episode 10.
Staring Toi Thomas.
Featuring no one else at this time.
Topics Discussed: public speaking vs public reading, sampling or testing content before committing, and the joy vs the displeasure of a public reading
Produced by Toi Thomas in association with The ToiBox of Words and Lit Carnivale.
Directed by Toinette “Toi” Thomas.
Thanks again to the Lit Carnivale Community at Substack, YouTube, and wherever you can hear this podcast.
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