1. Prosody:
* Pitch: Varying the pitch of your voice to reflect the tone of the text (e.g., higher pitch for excitement, lower pitch for sadness).
* Pace: Adjusting the speed of your reading based on the content (e.g., faster for action, slower for description).
* Volume: Changing the loudness of your voice to emphasize certain words or phrases.
* Stress: Placing emphasis on specific words to highlight their importance.
* Pausing: Using pauses to create drama and give the audience time to process information.
2. Voice Quality:
* Articulation: Speaking clearly and distinctly.
* Enunciation: Pronouncing each word correctly and with precision.
* Resonance: Using your voice to create a rich, full sound.
3. Body Language:
* Facial expressions: Using facial expressions to convey emotions and create a connection with the audience.
* Gestures: Using hand gestures to emphasize certain points or illustrate ideas.
* Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact with the audience to engage them in the story.
4. Understanding the Text:
* Interpreting the author's intent: Understanding the author's purpose and message.
* Comprehending the story's theme: Recognizing the overarching message or lesson.
* Identifying the characters' emotions: Understanding how the characters feel and why.
Why is expressive reading important?
* Engaging and entertaining: Expressive reading makes the text more enjoyable and captivating for listeners.
* Enhancing comprehension: Understanding the text's meaning and emotion allows for deeper comprehension.
* Developing fluency: Regular practice of expressive reading improves fluency and reading skills.
* Building confidence: It boosts confidence in reading aloud and in public speaking.
Examples:
* A storyteller reading a bedtime story with a captivating voice and engaging gestures.
* A student giving a presentation using expressive reading to convey their message clearly and effectively.
* A drama student performing a play with dynamic voice and body language.
Overall, expressive reading involves bringing the text to life through voice, body language, and a deep understanding of the content. It's a powerful skill that can be used in various settings, from storytelling to public speaking.