Lectors

 

Reading Scripture Aloud – Some things to consider:

Getting started… (from lector’s workshop with Markus Schwabe, Oct. 29, 2011)

Make a photocopy of the scripture reading you have been asked to prepare and grab a pencil. Read through the text aloud, underlining words that you think are most important. Also note places where you might pause and circle any words that you don’t understand. The Church Office can easily provide you with a copy. See Gwen.

Don’t simply bark at the print. We’ve all heard text being read in school, churches or presentations as if the person was reading an instruction manual for the installation of a car stereo. If scripture reading is to be beneficial, it must enhance the audience’s understanding and interest. Prepared, confident reading can lead to deeper understanding for you and for the congregation…and that’s our task as readers!

Read for understanding. There may well be things you don’t comprehend in the scripture. You may not know how to pronounce a name or a geographical area. Ask questions of your family members, your rector and your friends about the scripture you’ve been asked to read. Educate yourself by finding out more about the bits you don’t understand. Look up place-names and check out maps. Do some digging so that you have a clearer understanding of what it is you are reading.

A large part of scripture reading involves an element of drama. See if you can find out answers to these questions: Who is speaking? What does this person look like? What age is the speaker? Where are they? Outside on a hillside? Inside a temple? At a table? Speaking to a child? A group of adults? What are they talking about? When is this message being spoken? Who might be listening to the message? Why is someone delivering this message? How is the message received?

During the week, take it upon yourself to read over the scripture you’ve been asked to prepare–at least 5 times. You will find that this will give you a feel for the pronunciation and rhythm of the language.

Avoid letting your voice drop in volume and tone at the end of sentences. Look for the most exciting and important part of the passage you’re preparing and breathe some life into it with an expressive voice.

Try reading the scripture as if it’s headline news from the paper this morning. Highlight the most important bits and put brackets around the parts that aren’t as critical to the overall story.

Allow for silence as you read. Mark in pauses and practice reading with the pause in place.

Once you’re at a point where you are able to read the passages smoothly, stand in front of a mirror and speak it aloud. Think about eye contact, voice tone and clarity. Try standing at one end of a room and projecting to a listening friend or cat. Ask them to stop you whenever they are unable to hear a final consonant or word clearly.

Don’t read with the idea of what the scripture is saying to others only. Ask, “What is this scripture saying to me?”

Tell the story in the scripture. Think about effective storytellers you know. The first rule of effective storytelling is that the teller loves the story. Get to know your scripture story so that you sound, look and tell it with delight and eloquence.

Focus on the important task you are about to do as you wait in church for your turn to read. Consider the incredible honour in reading aloud from the scripture—and do it with dignity and confidence. Walk with intention, acknowledge the altar with intention, deliver your text with intention.

Stand with both feet confidently in place and wear clothing that does not distract from the beauty of the text. (That means avoiding running shoes and “literate” clothing please.)

Do not use your photocopied sheet of paper to read from… (it looks incredibly tacky.) If you wish to use your “rehearsal” copy, place it on the lectern before the service begins. It will be there when you arrive. Leave it there when you finish your reading.

At the beginning of the reading, say: A reading from (Luke, Thessalonians, etc.) Please do not announce chapter, verse, book of, etc….that’s already noted in the bulletin. Short and simple.

At the end of reading the scripture say: The Word of the Lord (nothing else!) The congregation will likely respond with: Thanks be to God. (These two ‘bolded’ points only change on BCP Sundays, when the text in the BCP is followed exactly.)

It is really important to practice in the church space with the microphone before you read. The space may change what you have rehearsed at home. I am more than happy to listen and comment on your reading preparation at any time…I’ll stay after church on any Sunday or meet you at a time that works for both of us. Do give me a call or send me an email at if I can help in any way.

Thanks for your hard work! -Jan Buley

(Thanks to Lois Laverty, Diction & Voice Teacher at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, Colin Bernhardt (my drama teacher!) and to the Rev. Peter Malton, Nova Scotia, for sharing their thoughts on text delivery.)

 Posted by at 11:14 PM