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.
Interpretation in speech and debate blends performance with effective public speaking. This main focus of these categories, Dramatic Interpretation (DI), Humorous Interpretation (HI), Duo Interpretation (DUO), and Program Oral Interpretation (POI), focus on the delivering of pre-published works of media in a way that an audience can resonate with emotionally. Interpretation differs largely from traditional debate, which centers on argumentation. Instead, this side of Speech and Debate emphasizes storytelling, creativity, technique, and emotional impact.
Performers select pieces from poetry, prose, drama, or other literary works to craft a performance that delivers insight on controversial issues, character dynamics, and themes. Though Interpretation is divided into different categories with different requirements, competitors are judged based on the same elements. These elements include vocal variety, ability to convey emotion, and even physicality.Â
Each category within Interpretation offers its own challenges and opportunities for creativity. Dramatic Interpretation (DI) focuses on serious and thought-provoking works, often requiring competitors to portray intense emotions and complex characters. Humorous Interpretation (HI), on the other hand, highlights comedic timing, clever delivery, and a knack for entertaining an audience through humor. Duo Interpretation (DUO) involves two performers working in harmony to bring a piece to life without physical interaction, making precise blocking and strong chemistry essential. Program Oral Interpretation (POI) allows competitors to blend multiple genres, such as poetry and prose, into a cohesive performance that often tackles socially significant themes.
These distinct categories not only allow performers to play to their strengths but also encourage versatility. A competitor skilled in Dramatic Interpretation may explore HI to refine their comedic instincts, while a DUO performer might try POI to experiment with structure and narrative. The variety ensures that Interpretation remains dynamic, challenging students to continually grow their skills across different formats.
The most notable part of Interpretation is the heavy reliance and emphasis on a personal connection to the audience. Performers immerse themselves in their pieces in order to find meaningful interpretations, commonly focusing on larger issues or personal trials. Interpretation not only develops a student's ability to speak publicly, but also enforces empathy, creativity, and the ability to storytell effectively.