Charlotte Raketich is a senior at Jackson High School, a 4-year member of the speech and debate team in Dramatic Interpretation, a 3x State Qualifier, and the Director of Interpretation for Speech Resources.
Dramatic Interpretation (DI) is a performance-based category in Speech and Debate that blends public speaking with acting. Unlike debate, which focuses on constructing and presenting arguments, DI emphasizes storytelling, character development, and emotional connection. In this category, competitors select pre-written pieces from prose, poetry, or drama and perform them in a way that allows the audience to experience the story, the characters, and the themes on a deeper level. Many pieces explore complex topics such as personal identity, social issues, relationships, or moral dilemmas, making the performance both meaningful and impactful.
A DI performance requires students to portray multiple characters, often shifting between voices, postures, and emotions. Judges evaluate competitors on elements such as vocal variety, emotional authenticity, pacing, physicality, and clarity. While competitors perform alone, their ability to fully inhabit each character and communicate tension, conflict, or transformation is essential. Even small gestures, changes in tone, or pauses can greatly affect how the audience experiences the story.
One of the most important aspects of DI is the personal connection to the material. Students must understand the characters’ motivations, the context of the piece, and the underlying themes in order to deliver a performance that resonates with others. This not only strengthens public speaking skills but also encourages empathy, critical thinking, and creative expression.
DI also allows students to explore their own strengths as performers. A competitor with a powerful voice may emphasize dramatic monologues, while a more expressive student might focus on physical storytelling or nuanced emotional shifts. The variety in techniques ensures that DI challenges students to continually refine their skills and discover new ways to engage an audience.
Overall, Dramatic Interpretation is more than just performing a script—it is about bringing words to life, conveying deep emotions, and connecting meaningfully with an audience. For students, it is a chance to grow as both performers and communicators while exploring stories that inspire reflection and understanding.
Here is the winning Dramatic Interpretation speech from the 2023 National Speech and Debate Tournament: