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Monday, April 27, 2009

How to Give a Booktalk

Your task is to create an exciting booktalk, one which will get your classmates interested in the book you recommend. A booktalk is a 3-5 minute talk about a book you want to motivate others to read.

1) Think about what gets you excited about reading. Is it the characters? Or, is it the setting, an exciting plot, interesting themes, or a personal connection you have with the story?

2) Find a great book to share.

3) Take notes as you analyze the book's characters, setting, and plot to determine the theme

4) Prepare an exciting script for your booktalk by:
Including an interesting hook
Thoroughly and vividly describing the setting and main characters
Explaining how the themes address problems that your listeners are facing
Alluding to an exciting part of the story without revealing the ending
Using props where appropriate to build interest
Restating the title and author at the end of your booktalk
Leaving your listeners with a compelling reason for checking out the book you recommended
Rehearse it by yourself and in front of others

5) Deliver your booktalk to your audience. Remember to:
Speak loudly and clearly.
Make frequent eye contact with your audience.
Speak with enthusiasm. Remember it's your job to hook your reader.