DRAMA

What’s humorous to you may or may not be funny to someone else. People sometimes feel differently about humor. Share what you think is funny with the class as part of a humorous reading.

• 1 Choose a Humorous Scene Choose a scene from the autobiography or the poem that you think is funny. You may also choose a funny scene from a selection you’ve already read.

• 2 Practice the Reading Practice reading the scene aloud. Part of the humor will come from how you interpret the words on the page. Here are some tips on how to engage your audience:

  • • Use your tone of voice to make descriptions clear and funny.

  • • Use facial expressions and gestures to make your reading more lively.

  • • Make eye contact with the audience so they feel you are speaking directly to them.

• 3 Perform Your Reading Think about everything you practiced as you perform your reading. Follow these steps:

  • 1. Introduce the title of the selection from which you are reading.

  • 2. Read your scene as if you are an actor. Make it funny and exciting for your audience.

  • 3. When you are finished reading, explain why you find the scene humorous.

  • 4. Ask your audience if they would interpret the scene in the same way.

• 4 Listen to Other Readings Listen carefully to other classmates’ readings. When they are finished, tell them whether their tone and gestures made the reading more humorous.

A student performs a humorous reading.