Perform your second monologue
Practice and perform a second short monologue from memory, focusing on expression, gestures, and clear projection to build confident stage presence.
Step-by-step guide to perform your second monologue
Step 1
Clear a small open space so you can move without bumping into things.
Step 2
Place your script and mirror where you can easily see both at the same time.
Step 3
Read the entire monologue silently to understand the story and meaning.
Step 4
Read the monologue aloud slowly to hear the rhythm and punctuation.
Step 5
Mark the script by underlining words that show strong feelings or important beats.
Step 6
Pick one simple gesture for each feeling you underlined and write them in your notebook.
Step 7
Practice the first short chunk of lines until you can say them smoothly and clearly.
Step 8
Repeat practicing each chunk separately until you can say each chunk from memory.
Step 9
Do a deep-breath projection exercise and say a chunk loudly enough to reach the back of the room.
Step 10
Use the mirror to match your facial expressions and gestures to the words as you recite each chunk.
Step 11
Perform the whole monologue from memory with your gestures big and your voice clear as if an audience is watching.
Step 12
Share your finished performance on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a mirror to check facial expressions during practice?
Use a smartphone front camera, a tablet held upright, or a clear window reflection as your mirror so you can follow the instruction to 'Place your script and mirror where you can easily see both at the same time.'
I'm getting stuck between chunks and keep losing my place—what helps me perform each chunk smoothly?
If you keep losing your place, follow the step 'Practice the first short chunk...' and write the underlined feeling words on small cue cards from your script and notebook, then rehearse each chunk separately until you can say it from memory.
How should I change the steps for younger children or teens?
For younger kids shorten the monologue to one or two lines per chunk, have a parent model the 'Read the monologue aloud slowly' step and draw gestures in the notebook, while older children can expand chunks, add stage blocking during 'Perform the whole monologue,' and work more on projection and facial subtleties in the mirror.
How can we make the finished performance more impressive before sharing on DIY.org?
To enhance the final 'Perform the whole monologue' and the submission step, add a simple prop or costume, record the performance on video to check mirror-matched expressions, and experiment with lighting or a quiet background sound to highlight big gestures and clear voice.
Watch videos on how to perform your second monologue
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How To PERFORM A MONOLOGUE - 10 Top Tips
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Facts about acting skills and stage presence for kids
🎭 'To be, or not to be' from Hamlet is one of the most performed monologues in theatre history.
🗣️ Actors train with diaphragmatic breathing so they can project their voice clearly without shouting.
👀 Audiences notice gestures and facial expressions quickly — sometimes before they even hear the words.
🎓 Konstantin Stanislavski’s acting techniques inspired the 'method acting' many film actors use today.
🧠 Practicing a short monologue in many short sessions (spaced repetition) helps you memorize it faster than one long cram.
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