Dramatic reading is the oral interpretation of literature using an expressive voice and gestures. It involves reading a story aloud in a dramatic style. To perform dramatic reading, one must select and analyze a story, act out each part with expression in their voice, build to a climax, rehearse, and then perform the reading for an audience. Some tips for a good dramatic reading are to speak clearly, practice beforehand, keep an appropriate distance from any microphones, know the material well, and give context about the story and author before beginning the performance.

2. What is Dramatic Reading?
a public reading or recitation of a work of
literature (as a poem or play) with an
interpretative or dramatic use of the voice and
often of gestures
Paul Campbell in 1967 defined dramatic reading
as an oral interpretation commonly used in
reader’s theater, where a reader would read a
story in a dramatic voice

3. Naturally,
performed with manuscripts in hand
or, more traditionally, using stools and
music stands
An art of oral interpretation

4. How to perform dramatic
reading?
1. Select a story.
2. Analyze the story.
3. Act each part.
4. Build towards the climax.
5. Rehearse.
6. Perform the reading.

5. Tips for Dramatic Reading
Speak clearly.
No funny accents!
Practice.
Rule of thumb: If this is a handheld
microphone, keep the microphone an average
distance from your mouth equal to the length
of a thumb resting on your chin.
Wear glasses if you need them.
Assure privacy.

6. Print the material in a big, clear font.
Keep a glass of water handy.
Know the material!
Don't dress in a distracting manner.
Don't be afraid to correct the text.
Be sure to pause.
Mark your time.
Hecklers.
Choose your material wisely.
Goofs.
Encore!

7. Give a short introduction to the story and
the author before beginning to read.
If you elect to hold the book while
reading, cradle it in one hand and use the
other to gesture.
The bigger the audience is, the bigger your
gestures will need to be. You will also
need to read more slowly.