You asked for it, you got it! WCYR is offering this special members-only workshop in real life at Taylor’s in Newmarket facilitated by WCYR’s own, Erika MacNeil. This interactive workshop is designed for writers who wish to develop their public speaking and oratory skills in order to bring dynamic and expressive value to their writing when reading it aloud.

Writers will bring a short selection of 3-5 pieces of writing (flash fiction, poetry, excerpts of longer work) they would like to prepare to be read aloud. We will examine diction and inflection in spoken word and experiment with intonation and phrasing using given passages. Participants will work in partners and record each other reading aloud, while applying concepts practiced as a group. We will address stage presence, posture, gesture, eye contact and facial expression, using examples of video clips from YouTube. Finally, we will record each other on camera to analyze our stage presence, pace, and volume when reading our writing.

Bio: Erika MacNeil

Erika MacNeil has been with the YRDSB since 1995, teaching primarily in the intermediate division. She has served as Youth Coordinator for WCYR, offering writing prompts and public speaking opportunities to students in grades 7-12. Erika tutors students from grade 1-university level, and also does copy editing for writers in both narrative and expository styles.

Please RSVP for this event as there is limited capacity. 

Members of WCYR and WCDR only. 

Refreshments will not be served at this event. Feel free to lug your travel mug with your favourite beverage.