Reading Your Poems in Front of an Audience for Beginners

I've been writing for a long time, since I was a kid.  I've been writing poetry not as long, but for many years.  Yet this year, 2018, was the first time I really got in front of people to read my poems.  I had read a few here or there when I won an award or had a poem published in a Lit Mag or two and I was invited to a reception.  Other than that, I had never really read my poems in front of an audience.

For my first reading as a featured poet, I read in front of a group of about 45 people.  Since then, I've taught poetry in schools, at Arts events, and have given a few more readings from my poetry books and one of my fiction books.

Everyone has their own personality and style as well as types of work from which they'd want to read.  The first thing I'd highly recommend you doing if you are wanting to read at an open mic or even give a reading is to read your own works (words) out loud!  Yes, simple advice, but it will make you more confident about what you are reading.

Next, you may want to rehearse in front of family members or the mirror.  Third, you may want to plan what you are going to read (poems or sections from your book) and also plan what you are going to say. 

Fourth, practice!  Just like a musician practices, you as a poet should practice reading!  It will give you confidence and also give you a chance to make sure that you know how to pronounce everything! 

Fifth, be yourself!  Don't try to make yourself into an extroverted performer if you are not. 

Good luck out there and happy reading!