A Poetry Reading Workshop hosted by SBVC's Writers' Block. This was the powerpoint shown during the workshop, for those who couldn't go or who want to keep the notes for reference. Keep in mind these are suggestions! Ultimately the way to present yourself is up to you in the end, no matter what.

1. Writers' Block Workshop
Poetry Presentation
Workshop
hosted by: Nadia Solis

2. 1. Preparation
 Poem Legibility
 Pre-Reading
 Cues and Notes
Why is prep important?
It gives you confidence!
Prevents tripping over
of words!
Helps you fix any errors
or improve the
phrasing of the poem.

3. 1A. Poem Legibility
Arguably the most important preparation is for you to be able
to EASILY read your poem.
This might mean:
1)Printing it out from your cell phone
2)Using a bigger text for less squinting
3)Rewriting it neatly in something bigger than a little
notebook.

4. 1B. Pre-Reading
Your poems are a message, make sure that you deliver
that message to your audience the way YOU want it to!
Read outloud a couple of times or so to not be surprised
by phrases or to make sure to emphasize certain parts.
1)In front of the mirror
2)In front of your friends
3)In front of your pets
4)In front of the Writers' Block

5. Checklist
 Preparation (Format poems, pre-read, mark
down cues)
 Present yourself as best as possible (posture,
movements, eye contact)
 Poetry reading etiquette (voice projection,
dealing with mistakes, interruptions and crying)

6. 1C. Cues and Notes
This can be from a simple “Emphasize this!” to
“Slow down here and pause for effect”, most
easily done while reading aloud.
1)You could do simple markings “!”/”*” or words,
whichever distracts you less.
2)Like most things these markings are easier to
follow with practice. You'd be surprised how
quickly your brain picks it up and skips over it
with enough repetitions.

7. 2. Stage Behavior
 How to present yourself
 Eye contact with audience
 Stance and movement
 Voice projection
 Mistakes, interruptions, crying

8. 2A. How to Present Yourself
Things not to say:
 Derogatory “disclaimers”
 How long it took you to make the piece
 Anything to make the audience think less of you.
You might think it will lower people's expectations
of you, and it will. Just not in the good way. Treat
yourself like you would others work, with awe
and many compliments.

9. 2B. Eye contact with Audience
You are reading the poem to the audience, not to
your paper!
1)Important form of emphasis.
2)Try to look up every couple of minutes or so,
focusing on people from around the audience.
3)It makes the audience feel more connected with
you, makes them feel that they are being
acknowledged and seen as fellow human
beings. That you are not simply talking to the
floor.

10. 2C. Stance and Movement
Movement can draw an audiences attention, and can
help emphasize your readings.
KEEP IN MIND:
 Too much movement is distracting at times when you
want them to focus on the words.
 If you don't wish to move around, keep your posture
professional: Hands out of pockets, feet planted firmly
and confidently.
 If you don't feel confident, your posture is able to show
otherwise

11. 2D. Mistakes, interruptions, crying
 Stumbles are inevitable and no one can really
predict what will happen during your reading.
 Often, the best thing is to continue on from a
mistake, repeat the line calmly and without
causing a fuss. The thing most people are likely
to remember is your breaking the flow of the
poem by apologizing and making a big deal out
of it.

12. 2D. Mistakes, interruptions, crying
 Crying. Everyone does it, although it can be
mortifying to do it in front of a crowd.
Don't be, this crowd understands the emotional
place poetry can come from. They won't think
any less of you for it, and might tear up with you
as well.
 Breath deeply and continue on, no matter how
long it takes: We'd love to hear a poem that has
touched you so deeply.