Many of the voices listeners hear on WKAR Radio Talking Book are the voices of mid-Michigan volunteers reading aloud from the WKAR radio studios. WKAR RTB volunteers read more than 21 hours of local news and information each week.

Reading aloud can be a gratifying experience, bringing a world of printed material to those who are visually impaired or otherwise unable to read print.

Volunteering for WKAR Radio Talking Book requires a commitment of only a one hour per week. WKAR provides equipment and assignments. Volunteers are assigned depending on our needs and your preferences and schedule.

WKAR Radio Talking Book readers must be able to read aloud with a high degree of accuracy and clarity. WKAR RTB administers a 5-minute oral reading audition to determine whether readers have the necessary reading characteristics. Readers are evaluated based on these criteria:

• Diction must be clear, distinct, and readily understandable.
• Reading should demonstrate an awareness of the manner in which words fit together for good, verbal expression in reading aloud, especially with regard to meaning.
• Reading should communicate accurately the thoughts and ideas set forth in the printed matter without editorializing.
• Reading should demonstrate a command of fluency and ease with the spoken language.
• Reading should contain a pace which is appropriate to the material being read.
• Reading should avoid being patterned or monotonous.

If you would like to audition to become a WKAR Radio Talking Book volunteer, please contact:
Brad Walker, BradW@wkar.org 517 432-3120 ext 346