Poets who mumble when reading their work are not communicating anything to the listeners except irritation. With a microphone, mumbling can be bad; without a mike words can be almost impossible to follow.

I always feel badly for the reader who may have a very good poem (who knows!). First time readers might be shy, understood. But regular contributors who continue to mumble unchallenged simply 'lose their audience' every time. The listeners clap only because it's obvious the reader has finished, and they don't want to be rude, or discouraging.

How does a person help these readers to speak up and out? Without being a 'nasty'? I'm tired of being outspoken, and I'm equally tired of mumbling. What to do? (Other than not going any more to these functions - not an option - it's not fair!)

Sometimes people are simply unaware that they ARE mumbling. My older brother is in his 50s now, yet still mumbles like a teenager, and I get proper angry with him about it. Can't understand a bloody word he says!

I'm afraid you'll just have to keep on being you Cynth, and telling folk the truth. You've told ME off twice! ?

that there woman above me can be credited with the tips that stopped me being a nervy mumbler!

Laura girl, I've NEVER 'told you off'! I've alerted you, because you are so good, and read so often in many diverse venues. Oh, I'm crushed.

One thing is for sure, with all the mumblers. They become so enchanted by their own lovely words they enter their own private worlds, forgetting entirely that they are 'performing' for listeners. In many cases, even standing closer to the audience would often be helpful.

? Cynth!

Errrr... This poem is about.................Errrrrrrrrrr....the death of.......................Errrrrr.....mi cat.............and errrrrrrrrrrrr..... (Drops papers).....Oh sorry......errrrrrrrrr.....

Mumbling is cool sometimes!

https://youtu.be/IPeHO1r8paU

I was recently at a poetry event (well two in fact) where the poets (I assume they are poets as that's why they were there but it was hard to judge) were so enraptured by their silky words that nobody could hear them - I used to be a preacher of the wild enthusiastic kind so everybody can hear me - as for Laura, she is a fine firm speaker (and her stuff is great too). ?
I never use a mic either - I permit no mechanical barrier between my stuff and the suffering hearers :)

Hello peeps!

There is an actor/poet named John Wheeler who I was fortunate to hear and enjoy - hearing his advice about live readings is like plunging an arm into the fire of pure knowledge. I tried to emulate his approach , which is basically to know how to use a mike without popping and feedback - let your face be seen - make the end of your poem obvious not a hiatus. He is an actor so we can't all be that, but at least present the poem with awareness and don't rush the words unless the poem demands it. To be self absorbed I think might be a danger too. Above all, enjoy being there and being yourself. I like to try to entertain but some are more serious but be wary of pomposity. boom boom!

I'll get my coat.

A fellow poet once advised me to use a mirror and delete everything I did not like of my reflection. This has helped me a lot to polish my reciting abilities.

A fellow poet once advised me to use the mirror and delete every thing I did not find appealing to my performance. This has helped me a lot in polishing my reciting abilities.