The first and most important element to a good Booktalk is to read the book thoroughly and critically. Feel free to highlight, underline or make separate page references on note cards.
A Booktalk is a response, not a report. It’s:
- Personal
- Emotional
- Descriptive
- Reflects your likes and dislikes as a person and as a reader
- Focuses on one or two elements of the book
Think about what you want to say. A good Booktalk makes one strong point, a “takeaway” that listeners can remember.
- Keep it short! A good Booktalk is never much longer than 2 minutes. It absolutely cannot exceed 3 minutes.
- Describe the plot in one or two sentences. Don’t explain everything and don’t give away the best parts of the story – make your audience want to read the book!
- Is there an image or passage that captures why you loved the book?” Describe or paraphrase.
- Have a strong opening; set the stage. This can be done with a question, or a strong statement. For example, “It’s not easy being short.” (Booktalk for Summerball) Or, “Are you a patriot? Would you do almost anything your country asked of you?” (Booktalk for The Boy Who Dared).
- Plan a strong ending; leave your audience begging for more. “This edge of your seat mystery-adventure will keep you guessing until the very last page.” (Closing for I.Q. Independence Hall). Or how about, “Will this terror ever stop? Is it the real Ronny talking to him? And why is he going to Bayou Malpierre?” (Closing for The Haunting of Derek Stone). Avoid, “If you really want to know what happens…,” and “I really like (love) this book.”
- If using a prop is appropriate, it will engage the audience immediately.
- Make eye contact with various members of the audience,
- Rehearse out loud with someone or in front of a mirror at least twice before presenting to a group.
- Have fun and smile!
Escrito por Cristina 
Escrito por Cristina 