ENG 157:
Speech and Theater Arts
Prepared by: Aldrin C. Laddran
ENG 157:
Speech and Theater Arts
Prepared by: Aldrin C. Laddran
ENG 157:
Speech and Theater Arts
Prepared by: Aldrin C. Laddran
ENG 157:
Speech and Theater Arts
Prepared by: Aldrin C. Laddran
ENG 157:
Speech and Theater Arts
Prepared by: Aldrin C. Laddran
DELIVER ME!
“NATATAE AKO!”
Scared
Angry
Sad
Happy
MODULE 5:
Differentiating Oral Interpretation
(Solo)
QUESTION:
Why is interpretation important?
Types of Solo Interpretation
1. STORYTELLING
• Storytelling is the interactive art of using words and actions
to reveal the elements and images of a story while
encouraging the listener’s imagination.
• This is an oral sharing of a personal or traditional story to
an audience for the purpose of entertaining or educating
them. It may be:
- Illustrative - one that uses illustrations or drawing
in presenting a story.
- Creative/Dramatic - one that makes use of subtle
dramatization, gestures, and creative moments
in presenting a story.
Characteristics of Storytelling
1. Storytelling is interactive - Storytelling involves a two-
way interaction between a storyteller and one or more
listeners. The responses of the listeners influence the
telling of the story. Storytelling emerges from the
interaction and cooperative, coordinated efforts of the teller
and audience.
2. Storytelling uses words - Storytelling uses language,
whether it be a spoken language or a manual language
such as American Sign Language. The use of language
distinguishes storytelling from most forms of dance and
mime.
3. Storytelling uses actions such as vocalization,
physical movement, and/or gesture - These actions are
the parts of spoken or manual language other than words.
Their use distinguishes storytelling from writing and text-
based computer interactions.
Characteristics of Storytelling
4. Storytelling presents a story - Storytelling always
involves the presentation of a story—a narrative. Much
other art forms also the present story, but storytelling
presents it with the other four components. Every culture
has its definition of a story. What is recognized as a story in
one situation may not be accepted as one in another.
5. Storytelling encourages the active imagination of the
listeners. - In storytelling, the listener imagines the story.
In most traditional theatre or a typical dramatic film, on the
other hand, the listener enjoys the illusion that the listener
is witnessing the character or events described in the story.
2. INTERPRETIVE READING
• This is also called dramatic reading, oral reading, or reading
aloud, is the process of reading orally for an audience using
the elements of voice and diction to convey the meaning
and the mood of the literary piece.
• The purpose is to develop skills in conveying the meaning
and emotions of a prose or poetry selection. Interpretive
reading is the effective communication of thoughts and or
feelings of an author to the listener.
• The reader should draw meaning from the selection to
share with the audience.
• All the skills of reading aloud, including vocal flexibility,
clear articulation, correct pronunciation, as well as the use
of pause and rate variation, can be used in interpretive
reading.
Rules of Interpretive Reading
• All presentations must include an introduction which includes:
- General subject area of your literature.
- States the title and author of the selection.
- Reason for selection of this piece or any additional
information needed by the listeners to make sense of
your piece.
• The selection is to be read from the printed page by using a
typed manuscript. Mount your script on black construction
paper or put your reading into a small black binder to make you
look more professional.
• The selection is not to be presented as a memorized piece.
• The participant should not walk (taking more than one
consecutive step) during the presentation.
• Taking one step for emphasis is acceptable throughout the
presentation.
• Costumes, makeup, or props may not be used.
3. DECLAMATION
• This is a recitation of a poem from memory
in which the delivery is marked by strong
feelings but free from histrionics. Materials
used for declamation are poems that carry
strong emotional appeal.
• A declamation speech is a term used to
describe the re-giving of an important or
famous speech. It could be a political,
graduation, or commencement speech, a
eulogy, or a sermon. The speaker re-
interprets the original, reproducing its
power afresh.
3. DECLAMATION
• Often this exercise will be set as part of
studying public speaking skills. The
purpose is to have the student directly
experience the power of masterfully crafted
language. Through their interpretation, the
techniques and skills of the original orator
are learned.
THINGS TO CONSIDER IN DECLAMATION
• Style of language: Elevated, inspirational,
elegant, poetic, and masterful - the speech
should be an example of 'beautiful'
language and construction.
• Structure: Look for the unity of purpose.
The piece needs to be structurally
coherent - have a beginning, development,
and close. It is not a loose ramble or
collection of impressions without form.
THINGS TO CONSIDER IN DECLAMATION
• Theme: The message or theme running through it
should be worthy of its oratorical treatment, ie. the
style of the language specified above. It must be
important and applicable beyond the time it was
first delivered. For example, Martin Luther King's 'I
Had a Dream' speech has carried its theme down
the years without any loss of potency or relevance.
• Impact: The speech must have reached and
grabbed the hearts and minds of its listeners. It will
have persuasively challenged and changed the
way people thought and acted, uniting and
inspiring them toward a common goal or course of
action.
4. MONOLOGUE
• In theatre, a monologue is a speech presented by a
single character, most often to express their thoughts
aloud, though sometimes also to directly address
another character or the audience. Monologues are
common across the range of dramatic media, as well
as in non-dramatic media such as poetry.
• A monologue is an interpretative oral performance of
prose or of poetry in which the interpreter plays the
role of someone who addresses an imaginary listener,
revealing his innermost thoughts and feelings.
• It may be an "exterior monologue" where the
performer speaks to another person who is not in the
performance space or the audience or an "interior
monologue" where the performer speaks as if to
he/her.
QUIZ
1. In what way is declamation unique compared to other
forms of solo interpretation?
A. It allows for improvisation.
B. It requires props and costumes.
C. It is focused on recreating famous speeches.
D. It involves presenting original, personal ideas.
2. Analyze the main distinction between storytelling and declamation.
A. Storytelling requires a written script, whereas declamation does not.
B. Storytelling is a group activity, while declamation is for solo performers.
C. Storytelling emphasizes imagination, while declamation recreates
powerful speeches.
D. Storytelling involves only traditional tales, while declamation is for
fictional narratives.
3. A teacher criticizes a student’s declamation
performance, saying it lacked emotional depth.
Which aspect of declamation needs improvement?
A. Impact and delivery style
B. Structure of the speech
C. Use of props
D. None of the above
4. A student is tasked with preparing a monologue and is
unsure how to begin. Which of the following would be the
most appropriate first step?
A. Memorize a lengthy dialogue from a movie.
B. Write a script about their personal experiences.
C. Prepare an interactive segment for audience participation.
D. Select a piece with strong emotional depth and relatable
themes.
5. Which action would make a storytelling performance more
creative and dramatic?
A. Adding costumes and props to the presentation
B. Using vocal changes, gestures, and subtle dramatization
C. Making multiple vocal impressions of the characters in the
story
D. Memorizing the story word-for-word and avoiding audience
interaction
