Don’t tell me you never stood in front of a mirror as a child and made funny faces at yourself. If like me you had a private penchant for acting, you probably had conversations with yourself too. Some people say it’s the first sign of madness. In my case they’d probably be right. But you know what, when you’re in the business of reading to children, talking to yourself in the mirror has tremendous advantages. For instance, you can see what sort of expressions you’re wearing. You’d be amazed at how many people think they have a smile on their face when actually it’s a blank look, or at most a smirk. Check it out for yourself. No prizes for guessing that reading stories to kids with that kind of expression won’t win a lot of rave reviews.
I never used to think of myself as a professional story reader when I read to my kids, but I read digital picture books for a living now, and there’s no doubt in my mind that those 14 years were a perfect training ground for my current career. And guess what, my moments in front of the mirror before brushing my teeth were almost as helpful! A common problem for anyone, especially these days when we all seem to be trying to deliver information more quickly, is to abbreviate and slur our words in conversation. Inevitably this malaise has spread to reading out loud as well. But for kids listening to a story being read, clarity is of vital importance. They are hanging on every word you speak as the illusion of the story coming alive unfolds in their heads. One missed word is like a movie suddenly stopping in the middle.
Watching yourself speak, as well as listening to your diction as you view yourself in the mirror can help these issues tremendously. Grabs one of your kid’s most exciting picture books, and when no one else is around, station yourself in front the bathroom mirror. Read the first couple of pages. Then stop and ask yourself: “Was I having fun?” Read it again, this time with a bit of a smile on your face – check in the mirror to make sure it’s there! Good. Now, read it again and this time I want you become an actor. Use your free arm to gesticulate a bit. Imagine you’re giving directions in Italian. Don’t forget the smile. Excellent. We’re almost there. Next time add some funny facial expressions and read in a more animated fashion. You are the story’s ringmaster and you must also become each of the characters. And then finally, be sure you’re having at least as much fun as your child. Play out those two pages without looking at the book, just glancing at yourself in the mirror. The transformation is complete!
Read on Storyteller! Watch the excitement on your kids’ faces as you bring their favorite stories to life. You’ve done it – you’ve successfully made their bedtime experience one you will all want to repeat night after night. Happy reading!
Christopher Kennedy - ckennedy@stillmotionmedia.com – Operations Director, Recording engineer, Voice over artist, Composer, Music editor.
26 years in the Motion Picture Film Industry with over 60 Screen credits including his nomination for three Golden Reel Sound Awards for "Unfaithful," "De-Lovely" and "Rameses." Collaborated on the Academy Award winning score for "Finding Neverland."
Director for MobiStories Virtual Books for Kids: www.mobistories.com
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