SPDL_OI

Article B6 - Oral Interpretation of Literature

Section B6.1 The speaker shall prepare a programs of literature from manuscripts. Each program shall consist of a single piece, a cutting, or a series of short pieces united by author or theme. A program shall be published prose or published poetry. The intent of the SPDL is that all materials presented in interpretation events must be available to all members of the league. Each program shall contain an introduction for purposes of explication, setting, or selection transitions. Lines attributed to one character in the published source may not be attributed to another character in the performance. The author's words as published in the literature may not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Material being performed at the SPDL tournament must match the student’s original script.

Section B6.2 The literature chosen may include any form of prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction, except drama and strictly oratorical composition written to be delivered in real-life, such as monologues from a play.

Section B6.3 No props of any kind are permitted with the exception of the speaker’s manuscript.

Section B6.4 Speakers should keep eye contact between audience and manuscript in reasonable balance. Speakers who fail to maintain the illusion of reading from the manuscript may not be ranked first.

Section B6.5 Speakers should keep gesture and bodily movement to a minimum. The selection must be delivered from center stage. Movement and gestures, if used, should be appropriate to the selection. Walking is not permitted. They should emphasize vocal variety and facial expression to enhance the literary interpretation. Any singing must be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) seconds total within the presentation.

Section B6.6 The maximum time limit of the prepared reading, including the introduction, shall be ten minutes. This includes at most 1 minute of introductory and transition material other than the author's words. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period, that contestant may not be awarded first place. No minimum time.

Section B6.7 Important consideration should be given to the quality of the selection.

Section B6.7 The reader is not permitted to change the selection during a tournament The reader is not permitted to repeat material used in a previous year.