Prose Interpretation

1. Prose Interpretation It’s not just about reading a cute story!

2. An Overview • Prose allows us to grasp the great world beyond our front door. • The LITERATURE should be the focus, not the performer. • An Oral Interpreter of Prose brings LITERATURE TO LIFE in the minds (not eyes) of the audience. • The Interpreter serves as a liaison between the literature and the audience.

3. An Overview • The Interpreter takes on the role of the storyteller in the absence of the Author, but has the responsibility to bring out the underlying meanings behind the words, as well. • The Interpreter makes decisions about how the literature is brought to life, but should still allow the audience to utilize their own imaginations.

4. Prose Guidelines • The NFL Manual (TN-8) gives us the following guidelines: • Prose expresses thought through language recorded in sentences and paragraphs. • Prose includes fiction (short stories, novels) and non-fiction (articles, essays, journals, biographies). • Selections must be published and no plays or other dramatic material may be used. • The time limit is not more than five minutes including the introduction (for Nationals). SEVEN minutes for UIL. • Presentations must be from a manuscript (which may be in a folder). Reading from a book or magazine is not permitted.

5. Choice of Literature • A good choice for Prose should be: • Universal in theme • Memorable beyond the immediate moment • Tailor-matched to the contestant

6. Your Role as the Interpreter • The purpose is to stimulate the student to find the meaning of printed prose and to communicate the meaning orally to his/her listeners. • Participation in this contest should also assist a student to develop critical techniques in the evaluation of prose. • Oral interpretation of prose is to convey subtleties of meaning of prose and feeling through vocal control.

7. The Interp Book • The book in hand acts as a symbol of the literature. • It reminds us that the literature, not the performance, reigns supreme at all times. • The true beauty of orally reading literature is that each audience member is allowed the creativity and freedom to relate, identify and react to it on their own.

8. Performance Techniques • Do not allow physical action to overshadow the spoken word. • Allow the voice, face, eyes, and gestures to work in unison with the literature. • Avoid technical tricks for the sole purpose of achieving audience reactions.

9. Performance Techniques • Realize that as the Oral Interpreter of the Literature, you have a proxemic intimacy with the audience that cannot be matched by a performer on stage. The Interpreter receives immediate feedback and should not cross the audience's comfort level between suggesting personae and becoming personae in literature.

10. The Four “I”s of Prose Interp Imagery: Choose a selection that will allow you to vocally create word pictures. It is the interpreter's job to create a memorable, positive performance. Finding and selecting the right prose interp is as every bit as difficult as finding the right humor or drama script! • Intelligence: Use your intelligence to choose a selection of good literature that suits you and will interest your audience. • A good prose selection should make the audience want more and give them something to mentally digest.

11. The Four “I”s of Prose Interp Imagination: deals with your creativity. What can you do with this piece without distorting the author's intent? Experiment and be brave. Remember that your overall goal is to make the author's work come alive for the listener. • Intensity: involves establishing the correct tone and mood. Essentially, this refers back to the fact of, "Where are you coming from?" • Please keep in mind that a good prose does not have to be about death, dying, and depression. There are many excellent selections out there that deserve your attention. When I am asked which will do better, a serious or humorous prose, I simply answer, the one that is carefully chosen, carefully analyzed, and artistically performed.

12. Final Prose Tips A. Avoid over exaggeration. B. Know your commitment to the piece of literature. C. How will you use silence? Let the pause work for you. D. Decide which vocal traits -- tempo, rhythm, range, and quality (practice using many types) will most accurately convey your meaning to the judge/audience. E. Muscle memory – often referred to as the "theory of remembered action." It aids in suggesting hurry or leisure, activity or passivity, tension or relaxation. F. Use your script to your advantage. You are not a robot. Gestures are still allowed and of great importance in establishing overall impact. G. Maintain eye contact with your script. It is your tool. I would suggest a 50% eye contact with the audience and a 50% eye contact with your script. This is not a memorized event. H. Suggestion becomes paramount -- in prose interp, all is not told to the audience. There must be room for the reader's imagination to work.

13. Where to Find Material • Search your Literature book for short stories or suggested novels • Ask your English teacher to recommend good books or short stories • Ask your Librarian for suggestions • Think of a role model, hero, or favorite performer of yours, and read their autobiographies. • Get a coffee and hang out at Barnes & Noble… read some best-selling books and essays • Ask the clerks for their recommendations • Don’t forget about the COMEDY section! It’s ok to make people laugh in a Prose room. Browse through some popular comedian’s books!

14. Have a Blast! If you don’t love your Prose, neither will your audience!