How to Read Aloud at Home

(The Laughton System)

Don't Sit Down. You can read more easily and with less strain if your torso is erect. Put a bench or chair on a table and use it as a breast-high lectern. Lean on it all you want.

Speak Naturally. Your normal voice is your best reading voice--use it.

Don't Go Highbrow. Pick a book that you know and enjoy. Since it will be more fun for you, it will be more fun for your listeners.

Never Make It a Chore. Quit reading when you're tired or your attention begins to wander. If a story bores you, stop it and start another. There's no harm done if you skip a few evenings.

Let Your Listeners Alone. They can sew or knit or repair fishing tackle. Don't make them feel that listening is a duty.

When You Stop Reading, Start Talking. Mental stimulation is the goal. You've shared the reading, now share the ideas that come from it.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.