The Dark Lorde and Ladyes Winter Invitational
2025 — Lewistown, MT/US
Spontaneous Oral Interpretation of Literature
Event Description:
When all speakers have assembled, send all but the first contestant out of the room. Give the first
speaker a copy of the text to be presented. Each speaker will set his/her timer for 5:01 for preparation
time. When the timer sounds off the contestant will reset the timer to 5:01 and begin speaking.
Contestants do not have to use their entire preparation time. When each speaker has concluded
his/her presentation, the next contestant will be admitted and will follow the same procedure. Do not
allow any contestant who has presented or student observers to leave the room before the end of the
round. Contestants must read the entire selection as presented. The selection may be presented with
an original, extemporized introduction. Competitors may not write presentation notes. The manuscript
must be held in hand. Binders may not be used as a prop. Hand and foot movements are allowed.
Singing is permitted. The mechanics of speech must be observed faithfully – poise, quality and use of
voice, reading fluidity, vocal emphasis, variety and enunciation. In addition, the contestant must strive
to interpret the full meaning of the text and be able to carry the interpretation over to the audience.