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.
Humorous Interpretation (HI) is more than just being funny; it’s about storytelling, timing, and connection. Choosing the right comedic piece is the first step toward a strong performance, and selecting a piece that fits your voice, style, and personality can make a major difference in clarity, confidence, and overall impact.
Start by considering your own strengths. Some performers excel at fast-paced humor, while others shine with dry wit, irony, or exaggerated characters. Choose a piece that naturally matches your comedic style so your delivery feels authentic rather than forced. A piece that fits your voice will also be easier to memorize and perform with confidence.
Next, look at the characters and narrative. Strong HI pieces often involve multiple characters with distinct personalities or perspectives. Make sure you can clearly differentiate these roles through voice, posture, and focus. Avoid pieces where the characters feel too similar or where switching between them is overly complicated for your current skill level.
Consider the tone and substance of the piece. While humor is central, the best HI selections also have meaningful moments, whether that’s social commentary, a lesson about relationships, or a subtle theme woven into the comedy. Pieces that balance humor with depth tend to resonate more with judges and audiences alike.
Length and pacing are also important. Most competitions have time limits, so pick a piece that can be trimmed without losing its humor or narrative flow. Make sure the pacing allows for comedic timing, pauses, and audience engagement. A rushed piece can undermine even the funniest material.
Finally, test the piece out loud. Read it to yourself, practice in front of friends, or record a rehearsal. If the humor feels natural and you can connect with the characters, it’s likely a good fit. If it feels awkward, forced, or uncomfortable, keep looking until you find a piece that aligns with your style.
Choosing the right comedy is about more than laughs; it’s about finding a piece that highlights your strengths, allows clear storytelling, and engages the audience. When you select a piece that fits, your performance becomes not only funnier but also more confident, polished, and memorable.