Booktalking: Don’t tell; sell.
10 points
A booktalk is a presentation designed to motivate the listener to check out the book
being promoted. A booktalk is NOT a read-aloud, a review, or a literary criticism of a
book. It isn’t a plot summary either. Instead, it is a performance—sometimes written, but
most often ad-libbed – to excite the listener into reading the book. It is NOT a summary;
it is a sales pitch.
Objective:
Choose one of the books from the ten that your group chose as part of your group book
display concept project. Plan, practice then perform a 1-1 ½ minute booktalk.
Your audience for your booktalk:
Ms. Rider and your class.
Procedures:
1. Become familiar with what a booktalk is and how to create a booktalk by visiting
these websites:
http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/default.htm
http://www.albany.edu/~dj2930/aboutbt.html
http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2008/08/what-booktalks-can-do-for-your.html
2. Plan out and practice, practice, practice your booktalk. Practice in front of other
students and/or your family and get feedback.
3. Check that you meet the criteria on the checklist assessment.
Checklist Assessment:
Criteria Yes No
1. Is your booktalk 1-1½ minutes?
2. Do you deliver your booktalk smoothly because you have
practiced several times?
3. Do you have an interesting hook as part of your booktalk?
4. Do you interestingly describe some aspect of the book: the
setting, or the main character(s), or the plot?
5. Do you retell an exciting part of the story without revealing the
ending?
6. Do you state and restate the title and author at both the
beginning and end of your booktalk?
7. Do you leave your listeners with a compelling reason to check
out the book you are recommending?
8. Is your book selection one that high schoolers would be
interested in checking out?
9. Do you make frequent eye contact with your audience?
10. Do you speak clearly and loudly so that everyone can hear
you?