How to Read Poetry Aloud

How to Read Poetry Aloud

“A poem will live or die depending on how it is read.”
~Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate

Before reading poetry aloud:

  • Get to know the poem. Read it to yourself a few times.
  • Look up unfamiliar terms.
  • Practice hard-to-pronounce words so you won’t stumble over them.
  • Notice if the poem is from the perspective of a character. If so, choose a voice that will convey that character: high or low, young or old, gruff or kind, serious or silly, etc.

When reading aloud:

  • Relax. Most poetry is conversational. No need, usually, to be formal.
  • Read slowly and clearly. Sometimes a humorous poem might need more speed but even then make sure to enunciate and don’t rush the punchline.
  • Don’t give every word the same emphasis. Provide a little extra “punch” here and there.
  • Only pause when there is punctuation, as you would when reading prose.
  • Read with emotion but don’t overdo it. Let the words do the work.

Visit our Poetry Teatime website!

2 Responses to “How to Read Poetry Aloud”

  1. “A poem will live or die depending on how it is read.” ~Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate ”
    this was the most wonderful thing and probably the main idea of the whole post. really good one. Cheers for Julie 🙂