Reading is a learned skill, but many folks -- including teachers, who should know better -- have not mastered the knack of reading aloud without sounding like you're reading aloud. As a result, they pass on to young students the same monotone or sing-song style used by those who do not switch to the speaking mode of reading aloud.
Broadcasters read like speakers. Actors do it. Politicians do it. Those on the lecture circuit do it.
It's not that hard. All it takes is a little focus on the idea that you're speaking to someone, and not mumbling through text you have never seen before.
Children and others learning to read do so in a monotone because their focus is on reading, not on speaking. Once the first has been mastered, it's time to change the focus to speaking, with the same animation used in conversation.
RANDOM THOUGHTS -- Speaking of focus, consider this: A trend is seldom visible at first look. Sometimes we see a trend only when we look off-center.
"Most government problems are economic." -- Harry Dexter White.
With all the warnings about distracted driving, texting, cellphone use and other technologies, some of us remember signs on buses decades ago that read: "Do not talk to driver while vehicle is in motion."
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