Poetry Interpretation

• Poetry Interpretation is one or more poems that are delivered around a common theme. The literature usually comes from more than one source and is spliced together to create one script. For example, you may find several different poems about the theme, “War,” then put them together. Poetry frequently uses a similar delivery style to slam poetry.
• The oral interper recreates and shares a selection of material from printed, published source(s) that have literary merit.
• There is no minimum time, but the speaker may not exceed 10 minutes. After a 15-second grace period and an audible STOP, the judge will rank the speaker last.
• The interper must be careful to avoid violating the author’s intent.
• Deletions of words from the original may be made, but words may be added only for transitional purposes.
• The interper must provide an introduction that adequately identifies the title and author of the material.
• During the introduction and throughout the performance, the interper may use vocal, facial, and bodily expression as long as he/she does not detract from the meaning of the material.
• Singing is allowed.
• No props or costumes are allowed.
• Scripts are optional.

Speak to your coaches about script ideas, script approvals or check out this page for script resources