I found the TED commandments on-line recently and what struck me was how they could apply to readings too. So as I gear up to some poetry readings for You Do Not Need Another Self-help Book, I’ve printed them out and will keep reminding myself.

1. Be personal
2. Be vulnerable
3. Make people laugh/cry
4. Do something the audience will remember forever
5. Say something you’ve never said before
6. Share an idea that could change the world
7. Do not pitch for your company or organization
8. Do not go over your allotted time
9. Do not read…. (well OK, this one might not work!!)
10. Rehearse and be spontaneous

And here’s the fabulous Sarah Kay, who does all TEN and then some more…