Sight-Reading Practice Evening.

Hello members of Belfast Speakers' Circle and any potential new members out there.   This week, members appreciated the opportunity to practise the very useful skill of sight-reading, very ably adjudicated by Ann.  I'm sure most of you remember how boring it can be when someone reads to you in a dull monotonous tone with a deadpan expression and their face buried in a book .   So this evening, the challenge was to have a brief sight of a text, and then launch in, remembering the skills of voice pitch, pace, intonation etc. in order to bring the piece vividly to life.  Another skill which produces a more memorable delivery is to memorize phrases, look up from the book, and make eye contact with your audience.  This needs calmness and focus of course.  The reading passages chosen for this activity were varied, thought-provoking, and entertaining and included:  advice on cultivating passion to excel in an activity,  not to talk about oneself but of others, the positive aspects of breaking a mirror,  the art of stage rage and many more.   At the end of this activity, Ann complimented members on their skills and pointed out some minor yet common faults, like speaking too quickly, over or under emphasis etc.

The Secretary, Maureen, then reminded everyone that next week , 28th October, was the Hallow'een Party night,  and there was some discussion around food, and entertainment activities.  So if you wish to come along and enjoy this event, you will be made very welcome.  Directions to our event, near the centre of Belfast are on this website.  Looking forward to next week, and hope to see you there!