Stand up, speak up, sit down

Photo: morguefile.com

I went to a Corby Collective Poets session recently, where poet Spike gave us some pointers on how to move from reading aloud to performing. Here are the notes I took.

• Props: use them if you feel comfortable, but don't let them become a distraction for either you or the audience. Ask yourself if you are hiding behind your props; can the audience see your eyes?
• A hand-held mic is better than a fixed one, because you have more freedom; hold it close to your chin to avoid popping your Ps. 
• An obvious point, but tailor your material to your audience; be prepared to adjust your programme if you think you're losing them.
• Don't be afraid to mix things up a bit - a fast-paced piece followed by something a bit more thoughtful, sad followed by happy, and so on.
• Link your pieces with a bit of explanation, as though you were in conversation with your audience.
• Ignore people who aren't listening and perform for those who are.
• It's OK to read rather than work from memory; even if you think you can learn the whole thing, having the script on a stand nearby can be a comfort, just in case you need it.
• If you do read, use the layout to help your performance - for instance, use bold or colour to highlight words you want to emphasise or leave bigger gaps between some words to remind yourself to breathe or pause for effect.
• Read more slowly than you think you need to.
• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

Do you have any tips to share?