Joyce Wagner

We’ve all seen it, the author who fidgets and stammers or plants their chin firmly on their chest and mumbles while reading their work. And worse, the writer who, when the subject arises, declares unconditionally, “I could never do that.” Well, you ought to. There are more reasons than not for learning to read before an audience. Five that immediately come to mind are:

1 – Reading aloud tells us things about our writing that we don’t get from silent reading, i.e., unauthentic dialogue, pacing, rhythm, typos, run-ons, missing words.

2 – Audience reaction tells us what’s working and what’s not. Who hasn’t been surprised by a laugh in a place that we didn’t think was funny? And that awful fidgeting and coughing or the pleasure of a rapt silence by an audience provides important clues about the effectiveness of the piece.

3 – Reading in a group setting with other authors enables us to meet and network with our peers. It opens the door to discussion. At the end of a slam or open mike, there’s a lot of back-patting, congrats, and other positive reinforcement. We become a team.

4 – It prepares us to promote our work. Once we’re published, we’re ready to mount that stage or bookstore microphone with confidence and make that important connection with our readers.

5 – It’s part of our job. Every position has a facet or two that we dislike doing. For writers, it can be social media, getting to the page, or sending out submissions. Yet, we do it. Not a real job, you say? If you’re a serious writer, this is your job, whether part or full time.

Undoubtedly, the reluctance on the part of most writers stems from fear. But there are a myriad of resources, on-line and off, to help overcome those fears. And, the knowledge of how to present your writing effectively works wonders in terms of confidence. Attend as many conferences and readings as you can, and study the pros. Determine who is good at it and why. Attend Toastmasters International, an excellent resource for overcoming speaking trauma.

I guarantee, once you’re good at it, it’s fun! You’ll be looking forward to the next opportunity for that standing o.

Joyce Wagner is the author of “Random Overthoughts: The Best (Give or Take) of the Humor Column ‘Overthinking.’” She graduated cum laude from Northeastern Illinois University with a BA in Speech and Performing Arts. She teaches workshops on Thinking Like a Writer and Reading Before an Audience. She has a black belt in ham.