1. PCHS Library’s Incredibly Helpful Guide on “How To Write a Booktalk”
in Six Simple Steps!

2. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Six Simple Steps:
Observe Golden Rules
Build a No-Fail Booktalk
Create the Structure
Write Your Booktalk
Practice Your Booktalk
Memorize, Memorize, Memorize

3. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Step 1:
Observe
Golden
Rules
Read the book.
Like the book.
Know your audience.
Do not reveal the entire plot of the book.
Do not tell the ending.
If you haven’t read the book, you cannot share the enthusiasm.
Exception: Book reviews, or for when librarians talk about award-winning books. In this assignment, I want you first to create a non-biased booktalk. At the very end of your booktalk, you will give the book a 1-5 star rating. Offer one reason someone might enjoy the book, give one reason someone might not enjoy the book.
Know the needs of your audience: are they reading for fun? For History project? To younger siblings?
Don’t take the joy of self-discovery out of the book!
That’s just plain mean!

4. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Step 2: Build a No-Fail Booktalk
After you’ve finished reading the book and it’s still fresh in your mind, write down a stream of consciousness about the book. Write down whatever is stuck in your mind about the plot, or a character, or the time period in which the story took place.
Find the hook!
Funny, scary? What time period, setting? What genre? Did it make you cry, angry, laugh? Were there any favorite or reviled characters? Language used (descriptive, poetic, simple)? Memorable quotes? These rambling notes will help you formulate the booktalk. Valuable!
Somewhere in all the parts of the book that appealed to you will be a scene, a circumstance, or plot device that will illustrate what you most like about the book. It gives flavor to the book, provides an impetus to read the book, but won’t give away the ending. One successful public speaker claims that the best hooks for any presentation - booktalk or otherwise - have to do with fire, water, sex, greed, or fear.

5. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Step 3: Create the Structure
The beginning.
The lead-in.
The hook.
The close.
This is the entry point into the book for your audience.
This is the background you need to give the audience before you lead up to the hook.
This is the critical scene that will entice them into the book to find out how it is resolved, to get to know those wacky characters, or to enjoy more beautiful language.
If your hook is strong enough you may not need more...always mention the title and author of the book at the end.
Note: It’s okay to characterize a book as suspenseful, thrilling, funny, etc., what’s not okay is to describe a book as good, wonderful, splendid, or any other meaningless acclaim - you’re not adding any information.

6. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Remember this?
Six Simple Steps:
Observe Golden Rules
Build a No-Fail Booktalk
Create the Structure
Write Your Booktalk
Practice Your Booktalk
Memorize, Memorize, Memorize

7. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Step 4: Write Your Booktalk
Write the rough draft.
The first sentence captures your audience, the last sentence drives them to the book.
At the very end, give your book a 1-5 star rating.
Time your booktalk, it should not exceed 3 minutes.
Craft a beginning, an introduction, lead up to your hook, deliver the hook, and close.
Add a personal touch. If you can identify with a character or shared similar circumstances in a plot - share as an introduction.
! = poor, 5 = excellent
After 3 minutes you lose your audience.

8. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Step 5: Practice Your Booktalk
Choose your voice.
Start speaking your booktalk out loud in an empty room.
Graduate to speaking your booktalk out loud to your mom, dad, sibling, or dog.
Are you using your voice and telling the audience about the characters? Or are you using voice of character. Remember to write your booktalk in the manner that you speak if you’re telling audience about the characters.
Practice will give you familiarity and ease of delivery. Limit booktalk to 3 minutes.
Practicing in front of somone will give them a chance to give you feedback on your booktalk.

9. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Almost done!
Six Simple Steps:
Observe Golden Rules
Build a No-Fail Booktalk
Create the Structure
Write Your Booktalk
Practice Your Booktalk
Memorize, Memorize, Memorize

10. PCHS Library’s “How to Write a Booktalk”
Step 6: Memorize, Memorize, and Memorize!
Never read a booktalk.
Whether standing or sitting, straighten your spine, lift your chin, relax your arms and shoulders, and breathe.
Have fun with this!!
There is nothing more distracting than having a booktalker read from a notecard taped to the back of a book. Memorizing and practicing your booktalk will increase your confidence in front of the camera.
Now, if you’ll refer to your handouts, we’ll quickly skim through “Booktalking Tips To Get You Started” and “Five Tips For Better Student Filming Projects”. I will answer any questions for you while we’re reviewing these handouts.