Home

How to Read a Poem Aloud

|
|  Updated:  
2016-03-26 21:44:49
|   From The Book:  
The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies
Explore Book
Buy On Amazon

Poems are designed to be read aloud — you'll get a better experience and understanding of the whole poem. Try these tips for reading poetry out loud:

  • Read silently first.

  • Note surprises and unfamiliar words.

  • Establish a positive, conversational tone.

  • Follow the music.

  • Don't rush.

  • Pause for emphasis.

  • Treat line endings with care, pausing briefly or raising your tone of voice.

  • Repeat for best results.

About This Article

This article is from the book: 

About the book author:

The Poetry Center in San Francisco sponsors readings and awards, and houses a renowned poetry archive.

John Timpane, Ph.D., is the author of It Could Be Verse: Anybody's Guide to Poetry.