Summary of tips •    You are proclaiming to the assembly not the microphone.   •    As in all things – Practice makes perfect. •    Look sharp / proclaim sharp •    The only thing that should stand out is our PROCLAIMING! •    REMEMBER that you are proclaiming the mystery of salvation. •    The goal of all your practice and prep work is to get out of the way of the Spirit blowing through you during proclamation. •    Trust that your prep and the Spirit will carry you so don’t focus on the individual elements of your prep. •    Voice o    Read slowly, especially when new •    Rule of thumb: if you think you are too slow you are probably just right. o    Rhythm helps your proclaiming to be understood o    Uses pauses to convey meaning o    Project your vocal energy to connect to the back of the church o    Vary volume o    Use inflection as appropriate •    Your physical presence o    Eye contact frequently as experience and comfort level permit o    Include the whole church not just the front o    Stand relaxed, with hands on the ambo o    Let you face show JOY •    Contain nervousness o    Preparation helps most o    Relaxation is not low energy but focused energy o    Don’t make a big deal out of mistakes – if necessary correct them and move on •    Techniques to consider in preparation Preparing the text •    Key words - each phrase is dominated by a key word whose emphasis carries the primary meaning of the phrase. These words should be emphasized vocally through pitch, pause, duration or the sound of the word. •    Rhythm - Each selection and each part of the selection has its own rate and rhythm. Be careful to note these differences in the selection and be ready to speak them accordingly-Avoid sounding "sing-song." •    Painting verbal "pictures" - be conscious that words put together can provide us with ideas and images. When you prepare a reading, form physical details of the situation in your mind and in your heart. This will make the event you are reading more intelligible to you. Additional preparation: •    If you have access to the Internet, you may wish to check out www.lectorprep.org. o    This is a U.S. site, which means it utilizes a different translation; however it has an excellent section called Lector Notes containing theological and historical backgrounds to the readings, as well as a pronunciation guide.