• 1. READ THE SELECTION
     • Read as a listener
     • Read it aloud
     • Read it in other translations
  2. PRAY WITH THE READING
     • Open your heart to the message so you may share it with others
     • Use it as morning or evening meditation
  3. UNDERSTAND THE SELECTION
     • Pronunciation
     • Paraphrasing exercise
     • Determine the literary form
     • Put the passage in context -- read entire chapter or more
     • Capture the intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic
     • Research other translations
     1. 1. Commentaries
        2. Dictionary of the Bible
        3. Preaching the New Lectionary: The Word of God for the Church Today
  4. PRACTICE THE SELECTION
     • Read aloud -- on tape or to another person. (It's good to practice regularly with a friend.)
     • Combat nervousness
     1. 1. Concentration
        2. Relaxation exercises
     • Learn how to use the microphone
     • Work on voice quality. A good speaking voice consists of:
     1. 1. Activity in the mouth
        2. Relaxation in the throat
        3. Power in the diaphragm
     • Use proper volume spaces -- acoustical
     • Diction
     • Pace (rhythm -- use of silence)