DSDL 1 Pinecrest

2023 — Southern Pines, NC/US

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Program Oral Interp

Event Description:

Program Oral Interpretation
A. Purpose
1. POI is a program of oral interpretation of 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.
2. Unlike the other interpretation events, Program Oral Interpretation may use
multiple sources for the program. The title or author of all selections must be
verbally identified in either the introduction and/or transitional phrases. The
title may identify the primary source (e.g. a poem, a play, a short story, a
journal/magazine article, a newspaper article, etc.). If more than one author is
attributed to the source, at a minimum, the primary author should be verbally
cited. A Works Cited of all sources must be available to tournament officials
upon request.
3. Competitors are encouraged to devote approximately equal times to each of the
genres used in the program. This distinction pertains to these two or three
genres as a whole, not types of literature within a genre (such as
fiction/nonfiction).
4. Prose expresses thought through language recorded in sentences and
paragraphs: fiction (short stories, novels) and non-fiction (articles, essays,
journals, biographies). Poetry is writing which expresses ideas, experience, or
emotion through the creative arrangement of words according to their sound,
their rhythm, their meaning. Poetry may rely on verse and stanza form.
B. Contest
1. 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.
2. The intact manuscript may be used by the contestant as a prop, so long as it is in
the contestant’s control by remaining in contact with the body at all times.
3. No costumes or props other than the manuscript are permitted.
4. Pictures, graphics, and/or illustrations are considered a visual aid, even if
included in the original manuscript, and may not displayed.
5. The contestant must address the script; however, introduction and transitional
material may be memorized.
C. Length
1. The time limit is 10 minutes with a 30-second “grace period.”
2. If there are multiple judges in the round, all must agree that the student has
gone beyond the grace period. Should a student go beyond the grace period,
the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for
going over the grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s
discretion.
3. Judges who choose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing
devices.
Updated 8/25/2023
4. No minimum time is mandated.
D. Publication Rules
1. All literature performed must meet the publication rules of the Association.
2. All online material must first be vetted and approved through the NSDA national
office.
3. Approved material and/or sites will be listed on the NSDA website.
4. Song lyrics may be used if the performer has an original, hard copy of the lyrics
such as sheet music or a CD jacket. Lyrics may only be used from online sources
that appear on the approved websites list.
E. Adaptations
1. May be used only for the purpose of transition. Any word changes (to eliminate
profane language) and/or additions (for transition) must be indicated clearly in
ink.
2. Failure to clearly indicate the addition of words will be subjected to
disqualification.
3. Changes to the script may only be used for the purposed of transition or to
eliminate profane language.
4. Transitions may be used to clarify the logical sequence of ideas. They are not be
used for the purpose of embellishing the humorous or dramatic effect of the
literature.