Topic outline

  • Syllabus and Calendar

    public speaking image
    • Students will be able to foster an appreciation of literature and develop creative skills in public speaking and performance. Students will analyze various literary forms (poetry, novels, plays, letters, diaries, etc.) as texts for oral presentation. Students will explore oral traditions and other nonliterary sources and events as oral presentation material. Class exercises introduce vocal, physical and other speaking techniques to effectively communicate a point of view. Recommended: College-level reading and writing skills are highly recommended for success in this course.


  • Strategies and Preparation

    Although the term oral interpretation may be new to you, the experience of interpreting literature is part of everyday life. Lawyers read evidence to a jury. Pastors read prayers. Parents and teachers read to their children.

    Overview of Course Learning Objectives:

    • Identify and use language cues and text structure for an effective oral reading.

    • Interpret and communicate text to an audience.

    • Deliver a unique performance that stands apart from the original text.

    • Compose an enriching expression of the human experience which allows the practitioner and the viewers to engage more fully in local and global issues.

    • Demonstrate a variety of vocal and physical interpretations of literature through critical analysis of the range of values and ethics in the human experience.

  • Effective Speaking

  • Poetry Interpretation



    Overview Objective
    Content Support
    Deliverable Evaluation Process
    Explore presentation techniques in Poetry.  There are 3 types of poetry: narrative, dramatic and lyrical. It can be difficult at times to make a distinction -  an epic poem can contain lyrical passages, or lyrical poem can contain narrative parts.

    Students will be responsible for preparing an Analysis Form (found below) and presenting a Poetry piece.  Below are specifics regarding guidelines and grading.

    Guidelines identifying every aspect of analysis and performance expectations provided online under 'Poetry'.  Lecture and class exercises support course assignment.
    Students will execute Poetry material as a formal class presentation and complete supporting Analysis for Poetry project.
    Rubric provided for both Analysis and Presentation; providing student with details regarding specific grading criteria.

  • Prose Interpretation



    • The grading of the Analysis and Presentation will be determined by the attached Rubric.

  • Dramatic (Monologue) Reading


  • Reader's Theater


    • To be completed and turned in on the day of the final