• Thematic Interpretation: In this event, the student attempts to communicate a certain theme, such as “war is
hell,” by using at least three literary selections that illustrate and develop that theme.
Suggested Judging Criteria for Thematic Interpretation:
Did the presentation help to evoke or clarify an understanding of and appreciation for a single
unified theme?
Did each selection clearly reflect, analyze, shape or relate to the single unified theme?
Was each selection effectively edited and easy to follow with transitions in time, character, mood
and emotion clearly evident?
Did the speaker use effective oral presentation skills (volume, diction, speed of delivery)?
Did the speaker demonstrate mastery of performance details (voice, facial expression, body
language, and movement) to achieve clarity, force, and aesthetic effect in recreating character(s)
and/or the situations?
Did the speaker convey an understanding of the mood and emotion of the selections?