PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION (POI)
Time limit: 10 Minutes. Program Oral Interpretation incorporates selections from prose, poetry, and drama to create a performance around a central theme. Program Oral Interpretation competitors must select cuttings from at least two different genres: prose, poetry, and/or drama (plays). Prose expresses thought through language recorded in sentences and paragraphs: fiction (short stories, novels) and non-fiction (articles, essays, journals, biographies). Poetry is writing which expresses ideas, experience, or emotion though the creative arrangement of words according to their sound, their rhythm, their meaning. Poetry may rely on verse and stanza form. Program Oral Interpretation was designed to test a student’s ability to incorporate multiple types of literature into a single cohesive performance. Unlike the other interpretation events, Program Oral Interpretation may use multiple sources for the program. All selections must be verbally identified by title and author. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author of each selection. An introduction should set the stage, enhancing the interpretation of the literature to the audience, providing information and analysis to the chosen theme. All selections must be verbally identified by title and author. However, where, when, and how these are accomplished are the speaker’s decisions.
This is a contest in oral interpretation. A manuscript is required and may be used as a prop within the performance if the performer maintains control of the manuscript at all times. Competitors are encouraged to devote approximately equal times to each of the genres used in the program.
The contestant should be evaluated on poise, quality, and use of voice, inflection, pronunciation, and the ability to interpret characters consistently. The contestant should also be evaluated on how effective their argument/theme is projected in the total program. In developing a creative, thematic program, attention should be given to the design and organization of a cohesive and carefully conceived whole by linking authors and ideas inherent in the literature.
Program Oral Interpretation Ballot
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