Booktalking+101+Tips


 * __ Booktalking “Dos” and “Donts” __**

** Do ** inflect your voice while doing the booktalk. ** Do ** always have a few extra books just in case you have more time or the books you have aren’t working with the audience. ** Do ** read teen periodicals that give you an idea of what kids are into now and the people they like, and then use this information to help you pick titles to booktalk. ** Do ** read a lot of new and old titles. ** Do ** have titles from different reading levels to cater to a wide range of audiences. ** Do ** use poetry, photo books, biographies, etc. ** Do ** act excited about the books. ** Do ** use new books: teens want whatever is new and exciting. ** Do ** read from books if the passage is particularly good or illustrates the plot and / or characters really well. ** Do ** learn your booktalk: know how it flows from beginning, to middle, to end. ** Do ** tape a copy of your booktalk—or important facts such as names, places, etc.—to the back of the book in case you need a quick reminder. ** Don’t ** be overly dramatic: it distracts from the task at hand, which is to convey information about the book. ** Don’t ** use a monotone voice or too many pauses. ** Don’t ** give too much away and show too much of the book. ** Don’t ** give a straight summary of the book. ** Don’t ** give your opinion of the book, except perhaps to say it is a favorite. ** Don’t ** say “this is a really good book because....” ** Don’t ** read a long passage: there is a greater chance for the audience to get bored. ** Don’t ** use old books unless they have relevance or a great hook. __Source:__ //Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens//, H. Jack Martin and James Murdock (New York: Neal Schuman, 2007).