Stage 1: First Read (Understand the Poem)
Read poem
Read once for meaning (What is happening? Who is speaking?)
Read again for mood (How does it feel?)
Stage 2: Plan Pauses (Phrasing & Breath)
Mark pauses
Mark natural breathing spots (commas, periods, line breaks)
Note longer pauses for important ideas
Stage 3: Shape Rhythm (Stress & Emphasis)
Identify stress
Underline words that carry meaning (strong verbs, key nouns, powerful adjectives)
Decide which words get extra emphasis
Stage 4: Build Voice (Intonation & Feeling)
Practice intonation
Try rising/falling pitch to match meaning
Keep emotional expression clear (show the feeling, not just the words)
Don’t memorize script (sound natural; focus on understanding instead)
Stage 5: Perform (Connection & Movement)
Add actions
Add small, purposeful gestures (only where they help meaning)
Use eye contact (look up at key moments; don’t stare at the page)
Rehearse with actions + voice together for a smooth performance