Speaking or reading aloud in public is not the norm if you are an engineer, a crane operator, a doctor, a pilot, a business owner, a law clerk, a horse trainer, an office manager. Many people have had some experience with some type of public speaking.
Speaking in public is one skill, but reading in front of an audience is quite another.
Someday, someplace, sometime, you will have a situation where you, and only you, will be selected to read an engineering report, a medical paper, a legal document, a formal introduction, a passage from the Scriptures, a dedication, an article from a newspaper or journal. You want to be prepared.
Should you suddenly find yourself in this predicament - needing to read aloud in front of a group of people you don't know (maybe some you do) and not look or sound awful, embarrassing, stupid, vague, unprofessional or, the worst, boring - there are some strategies you should know.
The biggest challenge when reading aloud is that you cannot change or eliminate any of the words. You have to read what is on the page.
Tip # 3 - Here are a few strategies for Speakers who suddenly have to be Readers...
1. Practice - read the piece aloud and correct any pronunciation errors. Use an online pronouncing dictionary for help.
2. Read your work, do not perform it. You are not an actor. Unless you are, but then, still do not perform unless it's a script, poem, or literary passage.
3. Speak slowly, clearly, and use a microphone if available.
4. Drink plenty of water before the event and have some available while you are reading.
5. Wear comfortable clothing. Do not wear a new outfit or shoes that are too tight, itchy, noisy, or require frequent adjustments.
6. Identify places in the document where you can pause and take a breath. Do this ahead of time. Some of these places are indicated by commas.
7. Stand up straight and take a few deep breaths to relax before you begin.
And don't forget to Smile. Or at least don't frown, grimace, or sneer.
For additional strategies for a truly professional reading, simply contact Barringer Consultants. czbarringer@gmail.com
