Whenever someone mentions poetry, we are prone to think about poetry-writing as the skill involved.
Writing poetry is the only skill that is associated and appreciated when it comes to poetry. Still, we don't realize that effectively reciting poetry is as much artistic skill as is writing poetry.
If a good poem isn't recited in an impactful manner, it might get lost and fade away. While if appropriate techniques are used, even an average poem can leave the people with stirred hearts.
Here are 5 ideas to help you improve your child's poetry recitation skills-
- Voice modulation - Proceed at a natural pace, do not sing the poem. Be patient, take pauses, do not be in a rush. Speak clearly and slowly to avoid eating words. Make sure you are loud enough to reach the whole audience. Do not whisper, murmur or shout. Pronounce each word in the poem correctly. Put stress on the words in the poem where ever required. Ensure rise and low of voice with the poem as it enhances the meaning of the poem. This also helps to build a child's phonemic awareness.
- Physical Appearance - Maintain eye contact with the audience throughout the poem with a warm smile. Avoid looking at the ceiling. Without being artificial, stand straight in good posture. After your introduction, switch confidently to the reciting position. Enjoy the poem while reciting. Presenting the poem confidently gauges the audience towards you.
- Gestures and Facial Expressions - A little hand gestures are impactful. Gestures should align with the rhyme. Understand and feel the poem, don't overdo it. Happy, sad, or surprised, these interpretations will be different for each line and are a crucial element of performance. A poem is the creativity of words and emotions; let those emotions convey a message to the audience. Do not use props or costumes. Keep the gestures minimum during the first few moments.
- Visualize - Visualising the rhyme can help the child remember a poem by heart. Give the poem enough readings before presenting it in front of the audience. This way, one can avoid long pauses while reciting. Your ability to visually communicate your ideas through gestures and other forms of body expressions will enhance your presentation.
- Performance - Pick a poem of your style. Change your style of interpretation according to the poem. Understand the theme and poet's message. Choose the poem's complexity according to your skills; a long poem is not necessarily a more difficult one. If you can connect with the rhyme, that internalization will ripple positively through your attitude while reciting.
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