Polish & share · Tip 72 of 82 · 4 min read
Sharing Your Story With an Audience
Reading your story out loud is exciting! Here's how to do it with confidence.
Stories are meant to be shared! Reading your work to your family, class or friends is a brilliant feeling, even if it makes your tummy flutter a bit at first.
Practise first
Read your story out loud a few times before you share it. Practise in front of a mirror, a pet or a teddy bear. The more you practise, the calmer you'll feel.
Read like a storyteller
- Go slowly. When we're nervous, we rush. Take your time!
- Change your voice for different characters: deep and growly, high and squeaky.
- Pause before something exciting or surprising happens.
- Look up at your audience now and then.
- Get louder or quieter to match the mood. Whisper the spooky bits!
Some readers draw little symbols on their page: ⏸ for a pause, 🔊 for louder, 🤫 for a whisper. Like this: "She opened the box ⏸ and inside was... 🤫 nothing at all."
Listening to feedback
After you read, people might tell you what they liked or ask questions. Questions are a gift! They show you which parts people want to know more about.
Being a great audience
When someone else shares their story, listen carefully and tell them one thing you really enjoyed. Kind words help every writer be brave.