Many of us have occasion to read aloud to others, something written by ourselves or, more often, by others—speeches, quotations, scripture, prepared statements, and other texts. The quality of some readings doesn't matter, but for many it makes a difference.

Actors and voice professionals study many techniques. You probably don't have time for that, and you don't need it. Your reading will improve greatly by practicing just three principles, titled to help you remember them.

Here they are, most important first:

1. Get the Last Word. In nearly every sentence or major clause, the most important word is the last one, sometimes the next to last or the last two. A most common tendency is to drop your voice volume and/or pitch at the end of each sentence, deemphasizing that most important word. Read the following familiar line that way; then read it again, stressing the last word a little louder and at slightly higher pitch.

  …dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

We can be sure Mr. Lincoln used the latter technique. Look at the whole Gettysburg Address and note the important words: new nation, liberty, equal, endure, battlefield (an exception), … devotion, in vain, freedom, earth. See why this is so important?

2. Not So Fast. Another common tendency is to speak faster when reading than when expressing spontaneous thoughts, probably because the mind doesn't need time to compose something it's reading. But some speakers—politicians, preachers, etc.—read their own words at normal speed, then rush through quotes, scriptures, or other pieces not their own.

Why does the pace matter? Because rushing those readings makes them lifeless. It's as if they're less important than yours—that you want to get them over or don't care whether your hearers really get them. Also, most people are much more expressive when speaking their own words.

Which gives us the third principle:

3. Be Yourself. Speak as if these words are your own and you're saying them spontaneously. Doing that, you'll just naturally be more expressive, and impressive. You'll tend to follow the first two principles somewhat automatically, and you'll add color throughout the sentences.

At first, this may take a little practice. If you have time, rehearse your reading. At least read it over a couple of times, imagining how you'd say it if it were your own. Notice whether you're applying the first two principles, and correct yourself if not.

If the piece is short enough, the best result will be if you memorize it. But keep the text in front of you, so you won't blow it.

Remember these three the next time you read aloud. You'll not only do it much better; you'll feel it as you do, and, more important, your hearers will feel it.

                                     © Copyright 2021 by Robert D. Smith