Rogue Valley Invitational
2022 — Medford, OR/US
Program Oral Interpretation
Event Description:
13.16. Programed Oral Interpretation 13.16.1. Communication among the judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters. 13.16.2. Theme. Each student delivers a program of thematically‐linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two or more genres of literature and writing (most common will be readings from Prose, Poetry, and Drama). A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of genres used in the program. 13.16.3. Length. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes, including an original introduction and/ortransitions. There is a 30‐second grace period, after which the student must be dropped in rank/rating. No performance violating the grace period may receive “1” in the round. 13.16.4. Nature. Different genre means that material must appear in separate pieces of literature and/or writing (e.g., A poem included in a short story that appears only in the short story does not constitute a poetry genre). The introduction (and transitions when used)should provide adequate background for the reading as a whole and for the individual selections as needed in order to relate them to the whole. Genres should be understood fairly broadly. Non‐fiction, advertising copy, and other sources are valid and legitimate – how they are used will determine the effectiveness of the Program. The Program as a whole should have a unifying theme or message. Pieces within the Program may be cut into smaller passages interspersed with passages from other sections. 13.16.5. Presentation. The use of a manuscript during the performance is required. Common practices include the use of a binder or folder. Reading from a book or magazine is not permitted. The intact manuscript may be used by the contestant as a prop, so long as it remains in the contestant's control at all times. No costumes or props other than the manuscript are permitted. Pictures, graphics, and/or illustrations are considered a visual aid, even if included in the original manuscript, and may not be displayed. The contestant must address the script; however, introduction and transitional material may be memorized.13.16.6. Introduction. The introduction (and transition when used) should provide adequate background for the reading as a whole and for the individual selections as needed in order to relate them to the whole. 13.16.7. Materials. This contest must include thematically‐linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, drama (plays). At least two pieces of literature that represent at least two separate genres must be used. Unlike the other interpretation events, Program Oral Interpretation may use multiple sources for the program, appropriate sources described below. (a) Print Publications. Includes novels, short stories, plays or poetry, published in print. (b) Digital (Online) Publications. Material is only allowed from pre‐approved online publishing sourcesfor the current school year per the official publication of National Speech and Debate Association rules. (c) Prohibited Material. Not published in print or allowable online material per above, including – (1) Recorded material (videotape, DVDs, audio tape, CDs, MP3s or phonograph recordings). (2) Original material published in a high school publication such as a newspaper, literary magazine or yearbook. 13.16.8. Instruction to Judges. The introduction should prepare the listener for the selection(s). In multiple selections, a relationship should be obvious between the literature chosen to develop the program and the theme of the program. The suitability of the material to the maturity level of the performer should be considered. The contestant must use a manuscript and must refer to it. Projection, diction, and flexibility of voice are important to the student’s interpretation. Multiple character voices may be used but should be distinct from each other. 13.16.9. Manuscript Submission. Interpretation events must bring an original, electronic or photocopied version of their script(s) and original source material to State.