This is a very important aspect and one that many of us rarely discuss. I serve as a lector in my parish. We ask for Father's blessing before proceeding with the reading. The parish administrator also provides us with a copy of the reading well in advance so we have time to read it through several times at home, out loud. Father insists that we take our time, adjust the microphone and enunciate the text. He often speaks about a personal experience of hearing a lector deliver their reading in a manner that truly reflected the text. In the Maronite Tradition, the priest blesses the lector with the words: "May Almighty God bless you as you read the (Letter, Epistle of St. Whoever and open the minds and hearts of the listeners". It is an awesome responsibility.
The lectors in our parish are also responsible for providing that week's Liturgy Intentions. Personally, I invest a good amount of time in researching that Sunday's Gospel and my reading, and try to reflect it in the Intentions. This past Sunday, I tossed in a prayer for our pastor and "all who have devoted their lives in love to God". To my great surprise, I later learned that a visiting family was accompanied by their son who will be entering Seminary in the Fall.
Do any of you serve as lectors? What has been your experience? How do you approach this responsibility?