If you have to get up in front of a crowd and speak or read your own
work for the first time, and you can't hardly think over the knocking of
your knees, below you'll find some practical advice for getting through
the experience, if not in glory, at least well enough not to cringe every
time you think about it afterwards. The following exchange occurred on
Speculations
Rumor Mill (a message board for spec fiction writers; you don't have
to subscribe to the quarterly spec fiction market gold mine known as Speculations
to participate, but usually people who become involved in the RM end up
subscribing, because it's so valuable for a writer).
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Message #80 left by Frank T on Nov 11, 1999 at 12:19
Yipes!
I think I just agreed to do a reading. I work (by day, mild-mannered
computer programmer; by night, wild-eyed author) at a university, and one
of my former English professors found out I was selling stories, and now
they want me to read from "The Mister Trophy" to a meeting of English honor
students.
Read. As in perch before a roomful of people and speak aloud.
Oh boy.
Does anyone have any advice? Has anyone done this before? Words of calming
wisdom would be most appreciated, gang.
Thanks,
Frank
Message #82 left by Terry on Nov 11, 1999 at 14:33
Frank: Congratulations! You're on your way to fame & fortune. :^)
Terrifying, isn't it?
Here's my advice, for what it's worth:
1. Find out how long a slot the teacher wants you to fill. Make sure
you understand how much is to be reading, and how much Q & A. If s/he
says 30 minutes, then don't go to 31. (This prompt finish will endear you
to the students, believe me.)
2. Rehearse, and time it. (Do NOT skip this step!) Read the material
out loud, either by yourself or to a sympathetic ear (wife, friend, whoever).
If you're alone, you might think about even taping it, so you can play
it back and discover if you have any annoying or embarrassing speech habits.
A videotape would be even better, but you may not feel it's worth the effort
if that would be a hassle. Time your rehearsals, so you know pretty closely
how far along you get in 30 minutes, or whatever the time limit is. (If
you want to do a little sly marketing, adjust your reading speed so that
you stop right at a suspenseful part; then they have to buy your story/book
to find out the ending!
3. Unless you're an accomplished actor, I would advise against trying
to instill the reading with a great deal of acting. The writing should
be sufficient to bring the audience along into & with the story. I
don't mean "drone along in a monotone," but just be mindful of your dignity
(and save yourself later misgivings: Egad, did I sound like an idiot when
I came to Fair Cymbeline's part?)
4. The moment is imminent: in two minutes you're On! Look at your manuscript,
and remind yourself how much you love this story, these characters. *That's*
the important part, the only important part. Be true to your story &
characters and you don't have to apologize to anyone. Have fun with it!
5. I'm not sure what "The Mr. Trophy" is, I assume it's a published
short story? If you have the computer capability, you could make up a few
business cards with the story's illustration or title on them, and your
email address, and if you have a web site, the URL. If you have any books
for sale, put the title on there...and pass them out at the end of the
class.
6. Afterwards, go have yourself a beer & pat yourself on the back.
Then race to the Rumor Mill & tell us all about it!
Message #83 left by Frank T on Nov 11, 1999 at 15:41
Thanks, Terry. You're right about rehearsing; I should know how long
my spot is after the English department calls me back.
Kent, I'll give Speculations a king-sized plug -- as I understand it,
this is a group of aspiring writers who have a particular interest in fantasy
and SF (which in itself is a big shock -- I thought I was the only practicing
fantasist in North Mississippi). I think I'll even bring along a copy as
a prop, and if anyone seems particularly interested I'll let them keep
it. There's still the "being onstage" hurdle, but I've agreed to
do this so I'm determined to see it through.
Now, where can I find a tweed jacket and a pipe...
Message #87 left by Julie Anne Parks on Nov 12, 1999 at 6:23
Frank,
I've been away from the RM for awhile; now I'm making up for lost time,
and read the post about your reading. Congrats! And I can promise you one
thing: reading in front of a group of people DOES get easier each time
you do it. I've done twelve readings within the last year and a half, and
I've gotten to the stage where I no longer get sick to my stomach as I
approach the podium.
Two suggestions: when people are nervous, they tend to read more quickly
than usual. It might help your pacing if you make notes on your ms every
so often to SLOW DOWN! in black magic marker. Also, notes to pause at appropriate
places ... to give your listeners time to laugh without missing the next
few words, or to absorb a major revelation, or just to add a little note
of suspense.
Second suggestion: Take bottled water with you, preferably the spill-proof
kind. If nerves make your mouth go dry, you can quickly wet your whistle
so the last part of your story won't be read by a cotton-tongue.
Good luck and have fun.
Message #88 left by Leslie What on Nov 12, 1999 at 15:56
Frank:
In addition to the excellent suggestions already offered, my tips are
to print out a copy of your story in an EXTRA LARGE font. Write in cues
(as Julie said) to yourself about slowing down, raising your voice at tense
moments, pronouncing odd words you might otherwise stumble on, anything
you want to remember when you are actually reading. To indicate character
changes when reading dialogue, try cocking your head one way for the first
speaker and the other way for the second. If you have don't need your hands
to hold your story, you can indicate speakers with your hands.
A professional storyteller once told me she always covers her pages
with a folder to keep a restless audience from fixating on how much is
left to read. It's not that you are trying to manipulate them so much as
doing all you can to make the difficult act of being a good listener a
little easier.
When you get to the room, make sure everyone can hear you and be willing
to wait in case you need a mike or need to change rooms if they slot you
next door to a drumming practice.
Stand in a place where, when the audience looks at you, they will not
be distracted by things going on outside the window or by people coming
in and out. Remember, part of a good reading is allowing listeners to relax
and be able to hear and internalize the story and distractions interfere
with that.
I'm told that apple juice works better than water for cotton mouth,
but I detest apple juice. If you can take a few minutes before your reading
to focus your energy and take some deep breaths, that might help.
Message #89 left by Terry on Nov 12, 1999 at 16:23
Frank, you're getting tons of good suggestions here! Every one of them
I kicked myself because I should have thought of it--but
everyone's taking care of you, eh?
One other thing to keep in mind -- the audience *wants* you to succeed,
too--they *want* your story to be fascinating and your delivery to be entertaining--so
you're all on the same side! Yes! They're on *your* side! Everybody in
the room is after the same goal!
So practice, then relax & enjoy the experience. You'll do fine.
Message #90 left by Frank T on Nov 12, 1999 at 17:34
Wow! Thanks, Terry and Julie and Leslie, for all the wonderful advice.
I can always count on the Mill crowd for solid advice and sincere support.
I should be getting the details (when, how long, etc.) soon (very very
soon I hope). I'll keep you posted, though I will of course omit any embarrassing
episodes of fainting or fruit-throwing. Thanks!
Frank
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(Three notes from Terry, Keeper of the Writers' Repository:
1. I spell-checked this before posting it, to avoid outraged cries
from my fellow writers, but you should know that you don't have to have
perfect spelling/grammar/punctuation to join the fray at the Rumor Mill.
2. If you try some of these ideas, email me and let me know how they
worked!
3. If you really feel the need to hone your public speaking skills,
give Toastmasters International
a try. There couldn't be a more enjoyable way to become a terrific public
speaker--without the clammy palms and stomach cramps!)
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