Book report presentation template
A book report presentation for primary and middle school: title, author, setting, main characters, plot without spoilers, favourite part, themes and a recommendation.
Speech8 cardsAbout 2 min to speakBeginnerSchool
Poem recital introduction
Cue cards to introduce a poem before you recite it, plus delivery notes: title and poet, context, what to listen for, breathing marks, and a short closing reflection.
Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.
The cards
- 1
Introduce yourself and the poem
Good [morning/afternoon]. My name is [name], and I will be reciting [poem title] by [poet].
If it is your own poem: I wrote this poem about [subject].
- 2
Context
This poem was written in [year or period] when [brief context: place, event or the poet's situation].
Keep this to one or two sentences; the poem is the main event.
- 3
What to listen for
As you listen, notice [one thing: a repeated line, a change in mood, an image of ...].
It tells the story of / describes [subject] and moves from [feeling] to [feeling].
- 4
Before you begin
- Pause. Breathe in slowly.
- Feet planted, hands still or holding the cards at waist height.
- Look up and find a friendly face before the first line.
- 5
Delivery notes for the poem
Write your own marks on the copy you practise with:
- / = short pause, // = long pause
- Underline words to stress
- Arrow up or down for rising or falling voice
- Mark where each breath goes, usually at punctuation, not at every line end
- 6
Voice and pace
- Speed: [slow for reflective lines, quicker for action]
- Volume: [where to soften, where to build]
- Tone: [tender, angry, playful, sombre] in stanza [number]
Remember: the last line is usually the slowest.
- 7
Stanza reminders
If you are reciting from memory, list the first words of each stanza as a safety net:
- [First words of stanza one]
- [First words of stanza two]
- [First words of stanza three]
- 8
After the last line
Hold the silence for two seconds before you move or speak.
Optional reflection: I chose this poem because [what it means to you]. Thank you.
How to use this template
Use this template when you need to recite a poem at school, in a speech and drama exam, at a poetry recitation competition or at an eisteddfod. Many recitals start with a short spoken introduction, and judges notice whether it is calm and confident. The first three cards give a brief introduction: the title and poet, a sentence of context and one thing the audience should listen for. The next cards are delivery notes: how to settle before the first line, how to mark pauses, stress and breaths, and a list of first words for each stanza in case your memory slips. The last card reminds you to hold the silence at the end. The cards do not include any poem text, so print your chosen poem separately.
Tips
- Check whether your competition or exam allows cue cards during the recital itself. Many expect the poem from memory, so use the stanza card only in rehearsal if needed.
- Slow down. Nerves make most people recite too fast, and poetry needs space for images to land.
- Pause at punctuation, not automatically at the end of each line. When a sentence runs over a line break, keep the sense flowing.
- Practise in short chunks, one stanza at a time, adding the next only when the previous one is secure.
- Record yourself on a phone and listen back for words you swallow or rush.
- Choose expressions and gestures sparingly. One deliberate movement is stronger than constant hand waving.
- Hold the poem's tone in your face and posture before you start; a sad poem and a comic poem need a different first impression.
Make it fit
- For a class recital with no introduction required, use only the before you begin, delivery and stanza cards.
- For your own poem, replace the context card with a sentence on what inspired it.
- For a choral or group recital, add a card listing who speaks each stanza or line.
- For a poem in another language, add a sentence summarising its meaning in the language of your audience.
- For a recorded or online entry, frame yourself from the waist up and treat the camera as one listener.
- For a speech and drama exam, check the syllabus for how much introduction is allowed and whether you must state the poet's dates.
Updated October 28, 2026