Poetry traditionally has a strong performance aspect. It was originally written to be performed aloud. With few exceptions, the sound of a poem is more important than its visual aspect, and poets need to have a good sense of how their work sounds to a reader. Giving a reading, while it may seem daunting at first, is a good way to test work for awkward or dull prosody and bad usage habits. It's also a good way to gain exposure. But it does require some practice.
Before the Reading
Choose a piece that is not your favorite but has solid potential, rather than something with sentimental value that may need revision. It's easy to feel that no piece is ever finished, but it's easier judge (and tolerate criticism about) work that is not quite as personal. Use friends for a sounding board on the relative strengths of each poem if possible.
Next, practice reading the poems aloud, emphasizing a different word in each sentence or line each time. This is a technique that actors use to keep lines from sounding forced and monotonous. This experimentation will also bring out the hidden possibilities of expression in the language. Keep in mind that sometimes they work against the intention of the poem, and may need revision. Again, it might be better to read for a friend just to make sure rather than get caught up in endless revisions.
Becoming well acquainted with the rhythm of the poem, regardless of whether it is in a traditional metre, will keep a reading from becoming dull and monotonous. Memorize as much of the poem as possible to further internalize the metre and make the reading flow more naturally.
At the Reading
The best advice for giving a first reading is to let the work stand on its own. A short introduction of yourself and the work is all that is necessary before starting. Lengthy explanations and apologies tend only to reflect poorly on the person giving the reading. After all, the point of a live reading is to give an interpretational performance, and audiences tend to give the benefit of the doubt to a writer who acts in a professional manner.
Relax as much as possible and resist the temptation to read too fast just to get things over with. Sometimes the proper pace seems ridiculously slow and it's hard to find the right pace. When in doubt, concentrate on pronouncing each word as clearly and distinctly as possible. Present the work the way it was written without anticipating any reaction from the audience. Although this is not acting, it's important not to break character.
A few other considerations: bring water to the reading if possible, to keep from becoming hoarse. Try to arrive at the beginning of the session and stay until the end, and keep from moving to and from your seat while someone else is reading. Etiquette at readings can be as important as it is for theatre, so if it's not possible to stay for the entire reading, sneak out during applause or a break.
Finally, remember to enjoy the entire experience. Poets are not typically performers, but reading with relish and communicating your enjoyment of the process is the best way to get people interested in the material.
