Big 8 Forensics Conference Tournament

2021 — Online, WI/US

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Poetry

Event Description:

Purpose of the Category

To develop skill in conveying an understanding of poetry through use of body and voice.

Definition of the Category

The student should select a poem or a group of poems centering on a specific theme or emotion.

Rules

1. Contestants may use either published or original material for Interpretation of Poetry. Published material is considered any material publically or commercially available in print, online, audio, or video form. Adaptations should be for the purpose of continuity only, and lines attributed to one character may not be attributed to another. Original material is allowed. The coach must bring a photocopy of the student’s original source of materials to provide to the Tournament Practices and Procedures Committee, should the validity be questioned. Multiple sources may be combined and creatively woven together to create a cohesive thematic performance.

2. An introduction, which includes titles, authors, tone and theme is required, and along with any necessary transitions, is to be presented without the use of notes. The introduction must be the original work of the speaker. The presentation may begin with a read portion of the selected material prior to the presenter’s personal introduction.

3. The participant must use a manuscript. The material is to be interpreted, however, participant will not be penalized whether or not the selection is memorized.

4. Platform movement should be minimal and non-intrusive. Costumes and props may not be used, with the exception of the manuscript. The manuscript and /or binder containing the manuscript may be used as a prop or in other creative ways. Use of the manuscript is subject to critique.

5. Vocal music, if used, should be incidental and not overwhelm the presentation.

6. Maximum time limit: 8 minutes, with an allowable 15-second grace period. There is no minimum time requirement. Any entry exceeding the grace period may not be ranked first in the round. If all entries in a round exceed the grace period, no first rank shall be given in that round.

Criteria for Evaluation

1. The extent to which the introduction and optional transitions, if used, established the theme and contributed to an understanding of the poetry.

2. The extent to which intended intellectual content (what is happening) was recreated. Individual judges may lower the rank due to use of profanity or vulgarity.

3. The extent to which the emotional comprehension (how it feels) of the poetry was revealed through control of vocal quality, inflection, force and timing.

4. The extent to which the appropriate vocal techniques, including such items as rhythm, cadence, phrasing, articulation and pronunciation, were used.

5. The extent to which the physical presence was appropriate to the poetry, including such items as eye contact, facial expression, gestures and bodily movement.