Oral Interpretation involves the oral presenter reading aloud the actual words as created by the author.

 Because  expressive writings work best for reading aloud, the full name of this presentation style is actually "Oral Interpretation of Literature."  For our purposes this semester, will be stretching the definition a little so you can choose from a wider range of written material.

Sometimes people misunderstand the title, Oral Interpretation, to  mean that  the presenter's role is to talk ABOUT the literature selection. 

Actually the "interpretation" is the vocal & physical coloring the presenter gives to the author's exact, original words while reading them aloud.

Oral Interpretation of Literature puts the emphasis on several of the presenter's "external" skills. The presenter doesn't have to spend as much time researching and structuring  & then creating a full speech, most of the preparation time will be devoted to rehearsing the selection aloud--using the voice & body to make the words "come alive" to a listener.

The course in Oral Interpretation goes into more detail about the art of language & the structure of literature genres;  for our purposes  in this class, the focus is on VOCAL Competence (via Chap 16 & slide show & class activities), PHYSICAL Competence (via Chap 16 & class activities), and LANGUAGE Awareness ((via Chap  3 & class activities)

 In this presentation, you will get to use Vocal Variety , Physical  Gestures/Movement  &  Overall Animation in order to make the written  selections "come alive" for your listeners . [i.e. by bringing out the emotion, meaning, and theme of the selection(s)].  This is great practice & a  foundation for being more meaningful with all of the words that come out of your mouth-- no matter what type of communication you are engaged in.

 This presentation is one of the few times this semester that   you will be assigned to use "Manuscript" delivery style  [i.e. you will be reading your "literature"  selection(s) aloud:   word-for-word,  but you  ALSO need to maintain frequent eye contact.]  You'll make use of your vocal and physical skills to make the words "come alive" for your listeners.

PREPARATION: Here's the sequence at a glance:   

   1. Select your Readings. (the "literature" selections)

   2. Analyze Your Selections

   3. Submit a Preliminary Analysis Paper

   4. Devise an Introduction, a Conclusion, and any  transitions that may be appropriate.

   5.  Practice  the Presentation [including orally reading the selections aloud with feeling, vocal & physical skill]

   6. Revise the emailed Analysis paper as directed. Have a hard copy ready to be submitted BEFORE you give presentation. Do NOT wait until the last minute to print it out!

   7 Keep Practicing.

PREPARATION:  Details one by one :

     for ALL Sections: 

Next, complete a careful  Analysis  of your selection(s).  This is necessary because  you really need to understand and appreciate the inner workings of the selection(s), in order to  present them effectively.   This step also will help you develop your preliminary & final analysis papers as assigned below.

For your analysis, take note of such things as:  language style ,  word choice ,  the overall writing style , the structure of the selection , the author's underlying message ,  your own thoughts/reactions which were sparked by the  selection.

Structuring the Presentation:  In addition to reading the actual selection(s) [verbatim] out loud to your audience, there are other components to the presentation. You also will need to:

     A. Devise an INTRODUCTION (30 sec - 1 minute in length)

     B. If needed, devise TRANSITIONS (to use between selections / 1-2 sentences each) 

    C. If appropriate, devise a CONCLUSION (30 sec - 1minute in length )

Delivery : Be sure to read what your text has to say about  the "Manuscript" method of speech delivery. AND, don't forget the importance of  eye contact, vocal variety, & natural gestures-- even when you are reading from a "manuscript."

Have a hard copy  of your revision ready to be submitted BEFORE you give presentation. Do NOT wait until the last minute to print it out!

OPTIONAL -- In order to provide you with an additional  opportunity for moral & task support, this presentation can be  done as a collaboration between 2 people.  However, if you  select  this alternative, please note  that: 

TIMING:  The whole presentation should total only  3 - 4 min.  This includes the introduction +  the actual selection(s) + any transitions that you think are appropriate  ,+  and the conclusion. 

FOR SUBMISSION:  Each speaker is required to prepare &  submit an "ANALYSIS PAPER"  before the presentation  begins.  This submission  includeS the following  4 items for each selection that is being read orally:

 Contents of the "ANALYSIS PAPER"  =

In Fall 2004, Presentations begin on BBF: Mon 9/29 | LS:  Weds 10/6.  See your  class's specific Presentation schedule in order to find out the specific date you are scheduled to speak & the date you are scheduled to serve as a written evaluator.  This  Presentation Schedule <listing Speakers &  Evaluators>  will be accessible via the course calendar & via the Presentation Schedule shortcut button on Dr. Plummer's main web page.

 You are  always free to volunteer for a particular presentation date, but once the schedule is published/posted (generally 2-3 days before the presentations begin), no changes can be made unless YOU make arrangements to switch slots with someone. Then let me know of the switch.