Key elements of a good public reading

So, you've got your copy of Outsiders Within hot off the presses
or right out of the box or delivered into your lap and you want
to share it with the world. What do you do?

If you think: "A reading!" Go for it. It's not that hard.

A typical reading is only about an hour or so.
Even less sometimes.

I've seen readings as short as 30 minutes.

I've seen readings go 4 hours, but let me tell you, the audience
secretly hates you afterwards. It reminds me of the old Shaw
anecdote at the end of one such marathon where he finally
announces: "Ladies and gentlemen! The conversation is not
yet exhuasted, but we are! Good night!"

Pick a night and a time that's convenient for people.

Remember: You CAN keep it simple, so in many ways, you
can plan for an elaborate reading if you want to, with slideshows,
choreography and surprise guests leaping to the stage all afire,
but there can be something deeply stirring about the humble
human voice well used.

But let's hear from some of the others who have some ideas of
what they like to see in a good reading regarding Outsiders Within.