As an actor, I think it’s very easy to get caught up in the way you look, since so much importance is placed on this in today’s society. Visual type is the way the initial process of casting is handled (agent submissions, auditions), but if there are lines and you can’t read them, you’re hooped!
Script reading should be a daily exercise for actors – especially if you’re just starting out. You should be able to read anything out loud and deliver it like a pro! Try using different voices and/or deliver the varying characters with a personality.
Focus on your diction, pronouncing words clearly and precisely. Mumbling is not acceptable. Make sure what you’re saying can be clearly understood.
Practice utilizing even tempo in the delivery of your lines. Pay attention to all the punctuation to help you phrase correctly.
Your goal should be to get to the point of being able to read a script flawlessly without ever having seen it before. This could happen in an audition and you need to read the script without effort in case coaching is involved. You will need to have all of your focus on the coaching/direction and not need it to read the script.