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Writer's pictureMHHS Speech & Debate

Programmed Oral Interpretation (P.O.I.)

Updated: Aug 9, 2020

(Previously known as “Thematic Interp")

A ten- minute memorized acting exercise performed by a student who presents published selections tied thematically around an argument. Any song, poem, play, novel or literary excerpt may be used in the creation of such an event as this.


Rules:

  • Using a combination of Prose, Poetry, and Drama, students construct a program up to ten minutes in length using at least two out of the three genres

  • Competitors are expected to portray multiple characters

  • No props or costumes may be used except for the manuscript (except your manuscript, usually black binder)

  • Manuscript must have the cutting that you have done printed out and put into it

  • Make sure that all of the words from each section (or scene) of your cutting fit onto one page. In this way, each time you turn the page, the audience knows that you are transitioning between pieces of literature.

  • Performances also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the titles and authors used in the program.

  • set time limit of ten minutes, with a 30-second grace period

  • Each selection of literature should be distinct in your performance

Event Checklist:

  • Manuscript

  • Pencil and notebook for reflections during rounds

  • Try to know who you are competing against in your round

  • Figure out what room you will be performing in



Some Tips From People Who Have Excelled in this Event:

Go big or go home. Every little thing needs to be exggerated and to be made a point of. In terms of building your script, it gets frustrating at points when you can't find the right ones, so just give yourself some breathing room sometimes.

- Isaac Magpoc

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