P RINCIPLES OF ORAL INTERPRETATION

O RAL I NTERPRETATION One of the most practical, usable forms of drama. Includes: storytelling, dramatic interpretation,humerous interpretation, choral readings, and reader’s theatre.

I. C HARACTERIZATION Narration- the part of your selection which tells the story. Narrator- most important character The narrator is mainly characterized by the use of your voice, eye to eye contact and character placement, and physical movements, such as facial expressions, posture and gestures.

A. Voice Use a confidential tone, or a sotto voice which is done in an undertone, or as an aside. Remember from Vocal Preparation unit: use voice variety by changing pitch, volume, speed, pause for effect

B. Eye to Eye Contact and Character Placement Remember to maintain eye contact! Character Placement – Where do your eyes move when you are “looking” for other characters in your scene? Keep that in mind.

C. Physical Characterization Physical characterization is the way you portray your character with physical movements, such as facial expressions, posture and gestures. Gesture- a movement of your hand or arm which conveys feeling or emphasis.

II. S ETTING THE M OOD Mood: the state of mind or feeling you’re trying to create with your scene. Poise: refers to an attitude of composure, confidence and self-possession. Involvement: Be mentally, and emotionally involved when presenting your selection.

Imagery: Imagine and feel what your selection causes the audience to imagine and feel. Two Types: Physical imagery: images created by using the 5 senses. Emotional imagery: is sensing the emotions the characters need to feel.

III. F INDING G OOD M ATERIAL Look for a short, strong incident or story. Sources: Print Media Your own creative writing Cutting your Material Cutting may mean some rewriting

IV. T YPES OF O RAL I NTERPRETATION Storytelling Children’s Stories Holiday Stories Dramatic interpretation – includes all serious, non-humorous, interpretation. Must be memorized

T YPES OF O RAL I NTERPRETATION ( CONT.) Humorous interpretation – takes a lighter, simpler look at the world Often has an upbeat ending Must be memorized Poetry Must be memorized Ad-lib – making up something on the spot