Workshop on Audiobook Performance Highlights at Riyadh International Book Fair 2025
As part of the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025, the cultural program hosted a workshop titled “Audiobook Literature: The Art of Expressive Reading,” presented by Dr. Zakia Al-Otaibi, Professor of Modern Literature and Criticism. The session drew a wide audience of literature enthusiasts and voice-over professionals interested in mastering performance techniques that bring written texts to life.
Dr. Al-Otaibi introduced the concept of audiobook literature as a modern literary art that fuses text with vocal expression. She explained that the voice acts as a bridge between the writer’s emotions and the listener’s perception, emphasizing that tone, rhythm, and pauses are key to transforming reading into an artistic experience.
She outlined three tonal zones used in voice performance — red for news reading, orange for documentaries, and green for literary texts — each carrying distinct expressive and emotional characteristics. Dr. Al-Otaibi noted that successful vocal delivery depends on awareness of sound elements and emotional authenticity, helping readers communicate meaning with clarity and depth.
The workshop also included practical exercises, where participants performed selected poetic and narrative texts. Dr. Al-Otaibi provided direct feedback on tone, pacing, and emotional delivery, illustrating how subtle changes in vocal performance can enhance audience engagement.
The session concluded with a reminder that expressive reading is more than recitation—it transforms written words into a shared emotional experience that resonates with listeners.
The workshop was held within the cultural activities of the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025, organized by the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, running until October 11 under the theme “Riyadh Reads.” The fair brings together more than 2,000 publishing houses, authors, and cultural institutions from around the world, reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing influence on the global cultural scene.
