Often an uncomfortable truth, but reading one's poems out loud in public is very much part of the job of a poet, especially if you are releasing your new book into the wild and want people to buy it. Many folk like to hear the work before they part with their hard earned, so consider this activity as part demo, part entertainment and try to make some fun for yourself and your audience when doing it.
I've been to many, many launches and book promotions over they years, and it has struck me that there are some key things to avoid for a successful reading. If you are a debut poet, these notes might be useful. They might also be a reminder for the rest of us.
1. You are on stage, so dress appropriately and put your best self forward. Don't scruff on in dirty clothes, unwashed and unkempt. Your audience will most often have paid to attend, so present yourself well. Would you want to buy a book from someone who didn't care about their own appearance? OK, call me a snob if you will, but I'm old fashioned and think this kind of thing is rather important.
2. Unless you have a disability, don't sit down. Stand proudly so you can fill you lungs with air and give good voice to your words. Lift your head up and don't mutter to the ground. Don't try to disappear at the back of the stage. Step forward and approach the audience.
3. Hold up your book. Let the audience have a chance to see the cover. You are trying to garner sales, so advertise its physical presence and don't hide it in your notebook when reading. Don't be ashamed of it. Show it off!
4. If you are not using a mic, you will need to use your big voice, even in a small space. Learn to project and make sure everyone can hear you. The last thing you want is your reading interrupted by someone asking you to speak up.
5. If you are using a mic, do a sound check before hand so you know how far away to be from it. Not all mics are the same and you need to practice using them.
6. Be very familiar with your set list and reading order. Know where the poems are in your book. Use numbered sticky tags. There's nothing worse than watching the poet fiddle about flicking through pages trying to find the next poem. It disrupts the flow of the reading and breaks people's concentration.
7. Don't waffle too much about sources, influences and the background to the poems. Less is more and don't let this chat get in the way of the audience hearing your poems. If in doubt, just read.
8. Overcome your shyness and practice until your are confident. This includes practicing your remarks between poems. Yes, even ad libs need rehearsing.
9. Try to catch the eyes of different parts of the audience during your reading. Don't just look in one direction or fix your gaze on a spot at the back of the room. This can be tricky, but do try to make it look like you are reading to people not floors or ceilings or walls.
10. Don't expect applause after every poem or try to elicit it by saying thank you. Do this at the end of your reading to signal you have finished, or if unexpected applause burst out during your reading.
11. Never ask what time it is as this looks unrehearsed and uncontrolled. Time your reading and remarks so you know how long it lasts and how many poems you can read in the allotted time.
12. Never over-read. This is a cardinal sin for which there are no excuses.
13. Don't read another poet's work, especially a well known one. The audience is there to hear you and your book. This will only attract the inevitable comparison to your work.
14. Don't read new work that's not in the book. You are promoting this book. This is especially true if you go on to say the new work is unfinished. If you're not happy with it, don't read it.
These are suggestions for launches and book promotion readings specifically and I hope they are helpful. I look forward to hearing you read from your new book soon!
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