The answer is to sign up for one of SJA's yearly readers' workshops. These workshops, coordinated by Anna Mae Vagle and Peter Rothstein, started a couple of years ago to provide readers with general feedback and helpful instruction on various aspects of liturgy reading. Readers are now required to have taken a workshop before being scheduled to read at Mass.

The interest in this year's workshops surpassed expectations. Over 50 people signed up to be part of two workshops offered in mid-November…about four times the normal response. The Sunday afternoon workshop drew about 35 attendees. There were several young people in the group—teens will be regularly scheduled to read during upcoming liturgies on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

Aspiring readers attending workshops have the great benefit of the talent and expertise of Peter Rothstein, SJA parishioner and artistic director of Theater Latte Da. He leads the workshops in an educational, informative and non-intimidating manner. Those who practice readings before the workshop group get support, encouragement, and valuable balanced feedback from Peter and the other attendees.

One thing you learn quickly is that being a liturgy reader isn't quite as easy as it may seem from the audience view. Also, some of the conventions used in other formal speaking settings are less important when you are giving a reading.

Certain techniques, when developed, make readings more effective. Among those Peter shared in Sunday's workshop were:

• Unlike giving a speech to a group, eye contact is much less important in the course of a reading. The primary focus is on the text and the language; thus, it is less about the speaker and more about the meaning of the text. Excessive emotion, or "character voices", should not be a focus of the reading.
• Peter pointed out that we speak in ideas and not in words. Putting greater emphasis on key operative words and their meaning will make the text make greater sense to the listener.
• Pacing is also important in how spoken language is perceived by the listener. Poetry, for example, is denser with greater emphasis on operative words and demanding of a slower pace.

Writer, speaker, consultant, administrative professional, Wendy Vickers, has been an active supporter and encourager of local musicians in the Twin Cities music community for several years. Her online newsletter on local coffeehouse performers and other music-related activities can be found on her website at www.wendyv.com .

JoAnn Potts is a retired teacher, music/English/choir director and 35 year member of St. Joan's. She enjoys volunteering to assist Anna Vagle with music tasks one day each week; singing in the choir; writing her memoirs, poetry and SJA web articles; keeping up with family and friends. JoAnn and Jim, husband and wife team of 54 years, are proud of their family of five children and nine grandchildren. Wanna see pictures?  JoAnn can be reached at jpotts@mn.rr.com.