1. Prose

2. Prose Interpretation
(also known as prose reading) is a non-memorized event in which competitors choose a published piece of work that is not poetry or drama. The piece should be cut to no more than 10 minutes (with an additional 30 second grace period, the use of which incurs no penalty). Going over the time limit of 10 and a half minutes will deny a competitor from gaining first place. In each round of competition the competitors will read their pieces (along with a brief introduction that should be memorized and is also counted for time).

3. Prose Interpretation
They read their pieces in the order specified by the schematic, or they will draw for order. After each person is finished reading, the Judge puts notes on the ballots. After all competitors are finished reading, the Judge ranks the speakers and takes the ballots to the Tab Room. The competitor should be familiar enough with the piece so as to be able to read it without stumbling or misspeaking. However, the competitor must at the least give the impression of looking at the book (usually a small binder with a hard copy of the piece); if the competitor fails to do so, then they will usually not be ranked well.

4. Prose – How it should look
1. Smooth and well rehearsed impression.
2. Facial expression of the competitors.
3. Looking at the book.
4. Eye Contact.
5. Use of intonation, different voices for characters, and consistency of characters.
6. Gestures that enhance the performance.
7. Limited to no (depending on state regulations) lower body movements.
8. How well the competitor makes the piece come alive.
9. How well the piece suits the competitor.
10. Overall effect of the piece.

5. Prose – What works best
Contemporary pieces which use humor or action to address important social or political issues from a first-person perspective usually do best.
You may choose to begin your prose with your introduction, but preferably, you will begin with a teaser (a short section of the prose piece - less than one minute). Book is open and manuscript is used to deliver teaser.

6. Prose - Introduction
You will follow your teaser with a brief memorized introduction. Book is closed to deliver the introduction.  This introduction should explain the more important message of the prose - why it's important to your audience, how the story relates to the theme of your message, and you must state the author and title of your piece.
You will then open your book and continue with the interpretation of the prose.
When you have finished, you will carefully close your book and return it to the appropriate position to indicate that you have concluded.

7. Prose
Material chosen for either category of prose interpretation shall meet the following restrictions: (A) all selections shall be published, printed material; Internet material must be published concurrently in hard copy; (B) selections from plays or screenplays shall not be used: (C) speeches shall not be used; (D) no contestant shall use an individual writer in more than one category in the contest; (E) no contestant shall use selections from the same literary work more than one year at UIL State Meet; (F) selections shall be read in the English translation; however, incidental use of foreign language words and phrases in any selection may be used as in the original.

8. Where to find information
Library of Congress site
UIL resource site

9. Ballot ?’s – How they are judged
Selections
Was this an effective cutting?
Was this appropriate to the event and the performer?
Did the introduction heighten understanding and appreciation of the selection?
Did the script allow for vocal and non-vocal variety?
Was the piece adequately challenging?

10. Ballot Non-Verbal Presentation
Did the performer make good eye contact?
Did the performer control their posture and body tension?
Were gestures varied, purposeful and appropriate?
Were the performer's facial expressions vivid in reacting to what they said and what others said to them?

11. Ballot Vocal Qualities
Does the performer use meaningful vocal variety? (Vocal variety can include dialect, quality, rate, pitch, intonation, and volume).
Was there the use of meaningful pauses when appropriate?
Was articulation clear?

12. Ballot
Presentation
Was this believable -- was the performer committed to each character?
Did the performer utilize a variety of emotion types and intensities?
Did the performer have an understanding of the complexity of the characters?

13. Ballot Overall Effect Was the script handled well?
Did the performer look at each page at least once before a page turn?
Were the openings and closings smooth?
Were the page turns smooth?
Did the performer turn pages to show transitions?
Was the writer's purpose accomplished?
Was there a feeling of completeness?
Did the performance move you emotionally?

14. Things to consider Blocking – what movements will be made
Facial Expressions – Emotions of the piece
Voices – specific for characters