Oral Interpretation Bringing Literature to Life

What is Oral Interpretation? Oral interpretation is the performing of literature aloud for an audience to communicate meaning.

So what is literature? Literature is written material of lasting and widespread interest. For Oral Interpretation, you should choose a poem that has been published in a book.

Types of Literature ProseProse is ordinary language people use when speaking. FictionFiction is material created in the imagination. Non-fictionNon-fiction is literature about real people and events.

More Types of Literature PoetryPoetry creates an emotional response through language. Narrative poetryNarrative poetry tells a story. Lyric poetryLyric poetry expresses feelings, thought, and emotions.

Oral Interpretation is not Public Speaking or Acting Rarely are you the author of the literature you perform. You do not assume the role of the character. You do not memorize the literature. You do use vocal expression and limited body movement to interpret the literature.

Choose the right material! Do you like it? Will the audience like it? Is it appropriate?

Figurative Language SimileSimile is a comparison using like or as. MetaphorMetaphor is a comparison that does not use like or as. PersonificationPersonification give human traits to non human things. OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia uses words that imitate natural sounds.

Create a Mood You must understand the plot, climax, setting, and emotional feeling of the story in order to interpret it for your audience.

Characterization In order to interpret the characters in the story, you must understand them. You will suggest the character’s appearance, attitudes, vocal qualities, and actions.

Time Limitations cutTo cut a selection is to take out parts to make it fit the time limit. You may also combine selections with a common theme to meet the time limit.

Introduce your performance Get the audience’s attention Prepare them for listening Provide background information State the title and author Introduce the characters Refer to the theme The introduction is memorized!

Connections If you are going to present more than one poem, you must provide a transition. transitionA transition is a bridge between the poems which helps to connect the ideas.

Body Movements You are NOT acting Eye contact and focus Facial expressions Limited gestures Movement is limited to one step in either direction

Handling your manuscript You should have your script in a plain folder The script should be typed double spaced or neatly hand written Pages should turn like a book Hold the folder with one hand while gesturing with the other.