Oral Oral InterpretationInterpretationBringing Literature to Life

What is Oral What is Oral Interpretation?Interpretation?• Oral interpretation is the

performing of literature aloud for an audience to communicate meaning.

So what is literature?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 LiteratureTypes of Literature• Prose Prose 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 More Types of LiteratureLiterature• 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 Oral Interpretation is not Public Speaking or ActingPublic 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 Choose the right material!material!

• Do you like it?• Will the audience

like it?• Is it appropriate?

Figurative LanguageFigurative 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 MoodCreate a Mood• You must

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

CharacterizationCharacterization• 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 LimitationsTime Limitations• To cutcut 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 Introduce your performanceperformance• 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 introductio

n is memorized!

ConnectionsConnections• If you are going to

present more than one poem, you must provide a transition.

• A transitiontransition is a bridge between the poems which helps to connect the ideas.

Body MovementsBody Movements• You are NOT actingEye contact and

focusFacial expressionsLimited gesturesMovement is limited

to one step in either direction

Handling your Handling your manuscriptmanuscript• 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.