The art of reading aloud
Literary scholars Moniek Kuijpers and Tina Ternes investigate how Shared Reading affects people’s well-being. On the occasion of the Schweizer Vorlesetag on 27 May, they offer insights into their research and share personal experiences.
26 May 2026 | Noëmi Kern
Ms. Kuijpers, do you prefer reading alone or together with others?
Moniek Kuijpers: It depends on the situation. Normally, I read alone, and I really enjoy that. But through our research, I got to know Shared Reading, and I feel that something almost magical happens when you read together with other people. I also really enjoy reading aloud to my nieces and nephews.
What exactly is meant by Shared Reading?
Moniek Kuijpers: In this form of reading aloud, small groups read literature together – usually a short story and a poem. Specially trained so-called Reader Leaders act as facilitators and moderators. They choose the texts, read aloud and pause so that participants can exchange thoughts about how the text resonates with them. Anyone in the group is welcome to read aloud if they would like to. People experience the text together in the moment and discuss different interpretations without the expectation of literary criticism or academic analysis. The practice was developed by The Reader, a charity organization based in Liverpool. The format is very accessible and inclusive. You do not even need to be able to read to participate – you can simply listen. Shared Reading usually creates a very supportive atmosphere. Everything is voluntary. Nobody has to read aloud or partake in the discussion if they do not feel comfortable doing so. In Basel, the association Sharing Stories offers Shared Reading sessions.
Ms. Ternes, your doctoral research focuses on this form of reading aloud. What are your most important findings so far?
Tina Ternes: About half of our study participants said that they would actually enjoy reading, but that school ruined it for them. In Shared Reading, however, they experience that there is not just one correct interpretation and that it is perfectly acceptable to say that you do not like a text. This feeling of not being judged seems very liberating for many people. I find it especially wonderful that many participants rediscover the joy of reading.
So it is important to allow and equally value different interpretations.
Moniek Kuijpers: Yes. One of the most important findings for me is how enriching the multiple interpretations of one and the same text can be. Many participants say that they gain new perspectives on a text because other people understand it differently. At the same time, they realize that they are not alone with their feelings and thoughts, because others have similar experiences or uncertainties. That creates connection. I also find it especially interesting that many participants now pick up poetry, even though they previously considered it difficult or intimidating.
Who benefits most from Shared Reading?
Moniek Kuijpers: I think that everyone can benefit from it. So far, most of the research with Shared Reading has been done with vulnerable populations – for example people suffering from depression, chronic pain, dementia, or with prisoners. There, positive effects on mental well-being are often observed. But young adults also struggle with all kinds of challenges. We wanted to find out whether they would benefit too, and we are working with 18- to 25-year-olds. The measurable changes were not as strong as in previous research because their levels of well-being were already relatively high at the beginning. But the feedback was still very positive.
Tina Ternes: Many participants were surprised by how quickly they shared very personal things with people they had not known before. I think stories make it easier to talk about difficult topics. They create a safe space in which you do not have to speak directly about yourself at first, but can begin by talking about the story. That makes it easier to open up and talk about loneliness, loss, or trauma. That is also why, for example, there are children’s books on almost every difficult topic or problem.
The theme of the Schweizer Vorlesetag (Swiss Reading Aloud Day) 2026 is “Reading aloud builds bridges.” Does that resonate with you?
Moniek Kuijpers: This motto fits our research findings very well. I find it remarkable that some Shared Reading groups have existed for many years and that real friendships have grown out of them – even between people from completely different cultures. Shared Reading also builds bridges to people who struggle with reading or who even cannot read at all. They can still experience literature and be part of a community. The text provides a shared starting point and conversations emerge about topics that people might otherwise never speak about.
Does it matter who is doing the reading aloud?
Tina Ternes: I think reading aloud is an art form in itself. Some people do it incredibly well. You can really tell how important the voice is, even with audiobooks. Sometimes a particular way of speaking can even distract from the content.
Moniek Kuijpers: In Shared Reading, it matters in the sense that the Reader Leaders are trained. At the same time, though, I believe that reading together can generally have positive effects regardless of who is reading aloud.
What makes a good read-aloud experience?
Moniek Kuijpers: When Reader Leaders choose texts they genuinely enjoy, that enthusiasm often carries over to the group. It also helps that they know where to place emphasis and where it makes sense to pause for a moment. Another important difference compared to silent reading is that Shared Reading is done deliberately slowly. Some people find this soothing, while others need time to get used to it. Over time, I myself came to understand why slow reading is important. It helps you to really stay present in the moment and remain with the text.
Tina Ternes: Especially with poetry, it makes a huge difference how someone reads a text aloud. It can happen that three different people read the same poem and the effect is completely different each time depending on the voice and emphasis. This makes it tangible that literature and poetry do not have only one correct interpretation. Even for the same person, the meaning can keep changing – and that is what is beautiful about it.
Has your research changed the way you read or listen to stories yourself?
Tina Ternes: I now often find myself thinking about whether a text would work well for Shared Reading or which passages I would like to share and discuss with others.
Moniek Kuijpers: I notice the same thing in myself. Because of that, I no longer become quite as deeply absorbed in a story as I used to. I also read far more poetry and short stories than before. When I read aloud to my nieces and nephews, I notice that something like Shared Reading is happening. I ask more questions about the text instead of simply reading exactly what is written there. We discuss what has happened or what might happen next. That creates a conversation around the story.
