{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T21:44:49+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T21:44:49+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:10:26+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Literature","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33709"},"slug":"literature","categoryId":33709}],"title":"How to Read a Poem Aloud","strippedTitle":"how to read a poem aloud","slug":"how-to-read-a-poem-aloud","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Poems are designed to be read aloud — you'll get a better experience and understanding of the whole poem. 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How to Read a Poem Aloud

By: The Poetry Center and John Timpane and

Updated: 03-26-2016

From The Book: Poetry For Dummies

Poetry For Dummies

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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:

Poetry For Dummies ,

About the book authors:

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. Maureen Watts is a writer and longtime poetry activist who serves on the board of the National Poetry Association

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