BEGINNING INTERPDebbie Mitchell Cross Plains ISD

NEW JOB TITLE: SUPER NANA

JUST WHAT IS ORAL INTERP?• The oral interpreter is a public speaker reciting introductions and transitions. • He is a performer playing many roles, both male and female, as well as an

occasional inanimate object. • He is a critic, examining every word of the text and sub-text, sharing his own

interpretation, always in search of the perfect performance.• He is a narrator supplying the author’s thoughts, images, moods, and tones.• He is the whole technical crew, providing settings, stage directions, and

sound effects. • He is the audience, observing, analyzing, while still maintaining his own

identity. Jana RigginsUIL State Speech Director

THE INTERP PERFORMANCE• Unlike actors on stage, the interpreter is creating a believable performance

through suggestion using only voice, focus, and posture to distinguish characters. Work to create a believable performance interpreting the author’s message with heart.

• You must use a physical manuscript to keep the focus on the literature. Do NOT hold the manuscript and never use it. Look down “in character” and at “appropriate times”.

• Find the right use of “body and movement” in your performance. There is no imaginary box you must stay in but make sure your choices in gesture, posture, and place-to-place movement add to the literature in a natural, believable way. Judges disagree on this so three judge panel helps. Make your literature come to life with the words you are speaking.

WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST?

• Coaches please download or order a hard copy of the Prose and Poetry Handbook•Make sure you remain eligible under UIL requirements• Become familiar with the Academic Conflict Pattern—Is

prose or poetry a conflict with any other competition I am thinking about doing? • UIL Homepage• UIL Conflict Pattern

INTERP RULES 101• 7 minute time limit: I like my kids to cut pieces to around 6:30. If you go

over 7 minutes you are disqualified. Find your timer in the round and understand the countdown they will be using. Most use cards.

• You have to prepare two performances: Category A and Category B (next session with Jana Riggins will focus on categories)

• Introduction is required-NOT an option like junior high.• Must use a binder manuscript. 9x6 (www.blackbookdepot.com)• Dress in tournament performance attire. This has evolved some over

the years but I tend to encourage the dark suit, hose, and closed-toed shoes with 1 to 2 inch heel. Classic and Conservative!!!

• Judges Ballot: Be sure you understand the judging criteria.• Documentation Requirements-Jana will cover with categories.

WHAT TO EXPECT CONTEST DAY• Holding room where you will draw for categories. Perform one for prelims and one if

you make it to finals. Know your school and student code number. • Documentation Check-Be sure you have both online forms filled out and proof your

Category A piece is published in hard copy. • Will draw for speaker order in contest room. Be prepared to give your online form to

each judge. (may have single judge or panel of 3)• In high school you will be a part of the audience before and after you speak.• 15 minute Verification Period-coaches will be allowed to view the unofficial rankings

and verify tabulations. This is NOT a time to question judge decisions.• Speakers that make it to the final round will perform for places and points. (opposite

category from prelims) Go watch even if you did not make it!!• Be 15 minutes early to the contest room-stay in touch with your coach as sometimes

room numbers and contest times change. • Don’t haul your entire bedroom to the contest or tournament!

WHAT ARE JUDGES LOOKING FOR?• You may have a single judge or a panel of 3. • Prose Judging Ballot—blue at contest• Poetry Judging Ballot—pink at contest• Attend Invitational Meets in your area to help practice for contest day and get

judges feedback.• Invitational Meets • Remember that interp is a subjective event—the judge gives his or her opinion of

your performance. Learn to want constructive criticism!• Hopefully you will survive the judgement and grow as an individual because of your

encounter with oral interp as an art, not simply as a contest-Jana Riggins.• But it is really fun to win!! Always strive to win!—Debbie Mitchell• Walk, talk, and think like a Champion! Ann Shofner

HOW DO I PICK LITERATURE?• Pick something that fits you! You have to like it and be personally interested

in the topic! Get busy reading! Don’t wait for your coach to hand you something! Get online to see what everybody is reading. Amazon.com

• Pick something that shows your talent! Don’t do dialects if you stink at dialects! Can you make the characters believable?

• Select material that the ear can follow easily and allows your voice to create vivid imagery—some judges never look up!

• Pick something that your audience will relate to and can create an emotional response.

• I love pieces that cause the audience to question their own choices and beliefs. Important this year with category B.

• Does it fit the spirit of the category?• For category A—can you secure published documentation?

REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES• Take risks during rehearsal and at your invitational meets-don’t wait until the

District Meet to try something different.• Mark your manuscript-highlight character dialogue, mark pauses, etc.• Videotape practice performance—UIL prohibits this at contest. • Only listen to video—diction, enunciation, vocal variety, levels• Get in front of an audience. Also have them listen with lights off.• Practice in noisy surroundings—helps you FOCUS!• Be prepared to adjust volume to the contest room.• Practice introductions over and over. Remember these are memorized but

very conversational. This takes practice!• Will you use a teaser? • My kids get in front of long mirrors. Always be willing to change to improve!

ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

Category A• Original Published Source• Online printout from Library of

Congress• Photocopy of table of contents and

first page poem or piece begins• Printout from online source proving

it is included in a published form include URL in header or footer

• NO Facebook or Twitter• Must have online form also

Category B• No proof of publication required• Must prepare and provide for

contest director and each judge a hard copy of the UIL Prose/Poetry Category B Documentation online form for the purpose of insuring that no theme/subject matter or poet/author is being used in both categories.

INTRODUCTIONS• Required for both categories and very important-your own voice.• Prepare the audience—steer them in the right direction.• Allow the audience to meet you—although memorized and done with

manuscript closed, try to keep it conversational and natural. Perhaps share why you chose the piece and its connection with you. Why is this social issue relevant to you and/or the author?

• Provide essential information—include author(s) and title(s) and any background material to help audience to understand cutting.

• Establish a mood—better frame of mind to understand literature.• Fulfill category requirements—study the categories. Each has specific

requirements. Category A is informative while category B is persuasive.• Watch delivery styles of other performers.

WHAT’S A TRANSITION?• Can be verbal or nonverbal (physical)• These are used to bridge and connect thoughts in the piece and helps

the audience follow you and “get it”. • Verbal transition can simply be another introduction between pieces.

Manuscript is closed and gives a clear line between pieces. These can also stop the momentum of the piece so do not overuse these.

• Some judges prefer nonverbal transitions—simply bring your manuscript closer to your waist as you change your body language or posture.

• A timely page turn can also help as time passes or you change characters or mood in the piece.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT• Who is talking? Prose=Narrator, Poetry=speaker First person,

monologues • Where and when is the person talking? Scene-influences what is

happening• To whom is person talking? Audience-group, another individual,

themselves• What is happening? Act or Actions-physical, mental, emotional,

combination• How does this person speak? Agency-definite rhythm and rhyme,

dialect, indication of ethnic or geographic traits, economic status• Why is this person saying this? Author’s Purpose-persuade or inform,

entertain, inspire

ENJOY THE JOURNEY AND HAVE FUN!