How to Publicly Read Scripture Well

Many churches read a passage of scripture during their services. That could be the psalm on which a song was based, the passage the message will focus on, or a benediction to conclude the service. 

Regardless of when scripture is read, or who is doing the reading, it should always be done well. Below are 10 practices and 8 performance tips to help a drama team member, worship leader, or teaching pastor present scripture in a compelling manner. 

Also, if you’re looking for coaching on this topic beyond this article then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you determine the obstacles you're facing and if I’m the best person to help you overcome them. 

10 Practice Tips for Publicy Reading Scripture

1. Same Version

If you have pew/chair bibles, make sure to practice with that version. You don’t want to cause confusion by reading from the ESV when everyone is looking at the NIV.

2. Out Loud

Practice out loud to help you catch potential problems. You won’t know what words you will stumble upon until you try to say them out loud.

3. Enunciate

By the time you present the passage, you will have read it over many times. And you will become very familiar with it. So you will naturally be tempted to speed it up during the performance. But remember, it will be the first time the audience hears it. So go slow enough to enunciate each word for them.

4. Use Everything

Most readers only use their voices to express the passage. But you have more tools in the toolbox than that. So make sure to use your voice, face, body, and movement to express the passage and bring it to life.

5. Chest Level

Hold the bible or device you are reading from at a 45 degree angle at chest level. If you hold it at your waist, your voice will become unnaturally low and muffled. If you hold the bible or device at your face, the audience will not see any of your expressions. So split the difference by holding it at your chest.

6. Range Of Dynamics

Have a range of dynamics in your reading. You don’t want it to be melodramatic but you also don’t want it to be monotone. Play with the speed, emotion, volume, and pitch to bring the passage to life. A range of dynamics will also keep the audience on their toes. The only exception to this rule is if you are doing a corporate reading in which the congregation is joining you. If that is the case then you need to aim for consistency so they can read along with you at the same pace.

7. Mark It Up

There will be particular words that you want to emphasize. So practice with a copy that allows you to mark up the text with cues and directions. Underlining a couple of words on your paper helps you highlight them with your voice.

8. Say It The Same Way

If the passage is tied to the teaching, touch base with the teacher about any difficult-sounding names or places. Verify that both teacher and reader say them the same way. Most Bible apps like ESV.org allow you to listen to someone else reading the passage to help with pronunciation. 

9. Say It With Confidence

Even if you aren’t 100% confident about the pronunciation of some obscure Old Testament king, just say it with confidence. Cause odds are, no one else in the congregation knows how to say the dude's name either.

10. Understand It

To read a passage well, you first need to understand it. So take time to meditate on the words and meaning throughout the week. This will give the passage depth that you can draw upon when communicating it.

8 Performance Tips for Publicy Reading Scripture

1. What To Emphasize

If you are reading a passage that pairs with the message then make sure to check with the teaching pastor about what to emphasize. You don’t want to be playing up a minor theme while missing the major point.

2. Warm Up

Warm up your voice before you go up onto stage. This will prevent a frog from being the first thing out of your mouth. You also might want to take a couple of sips of water to prevent cotton mouth. 

3. Say It Louder For The People In The Back

Speak to the back of the room. This will make sure you don’t come off as small and insignificant from the last row. It will also make sure you’re heard well even if the sound engineer is struggling with the PA system.

4. Eye Contact

Make as much eye contact as possible to help engage the crowd. That being said, be careful not to lose your place in the text while attempting to make eye contact. A helpful technique to avoid this is using your finger to mark the place as you go. Then when you look down, you’re roughly where you left off.

5. Dress Code

Every church has a different dress code for those who are on stage. Know what your code is and dress accordingly. If you don’t have a code then two quick guidelines are to dress comfortably and avoid distracting clothing. If you aren’t comfortable in your clothes then that will be reflected in your reading. And if your clothing, and not the text, is the main attraction then you have missed your mark.

6. Bookmark

Bookmark the page in your bible or app so you can turn to it quickly. Please want to listen to you read. Not funnel around through the Old Testament looking for Haggai.

7. Speed

The Goldilocks principle applies here. Not too fast. And not too slow. Read quickly enough to communicate the movement of a narrative sequence, but slow down at key points.

8. Distinction

If the passage is a narrative then make a clear vocal distinction between the narrator and the characters. But don’t become a caricature. You aren’t auditioning for a part in the next Pixar movie.

Let me know what best practices I missed. I would love to hear from you and learn from you. And if you want additional help in this area then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you win. Have an awesome day.How to Publicly Read Scripture Well