Re:Rediscovering the lost power of reading aloud
by undershirt on Thursday January 23, 2020 @12:59PM
(#22129916)
A girl i always chatted with at chipotle finally sat down with me the other day during her break. I told her I was a writer, and was elated when she handed me her phone to let me read a dark poem she had written. I asked if I could read it back to her out loud and she let me. It was nice.
I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't been reading to myself out loud recently, and also at workshops where we have the opportunity to recite after doing writing prompts. I always like hearing people nervously sharing meaningful experiences.
In Houston we have something called Gentle Hour, where people gather in a rather cozy circle, taking turns to read something they wrote. Storytime is alive and well, and not just the “Grown-up Storytime” you find at open-mic bars!
This is one of those things we do not practice or really do for better or worse. For some the aspect of reading to others is terror inducing even among close friends. For some there's terror from being still and simply listening to another because it's so different from our normal lives of fast consumption and noise. Next time you're out in nature bring a short poem or story, take a pause and read it aloud to your group. It will probably be uncomfortable as it's strange to most but give it a try.