Oral interpretation is the process of reading a passage aloud with emphasis on vocal delivery and emotion. It can be applied to any type of writing and is used to bring the text to life. It differs from acting in that it relies solely on vocal delivery and subtle movement. It can also be useful for deciphering difficult texts and is beneficial for interpretation and discussion in classrooms.
Reading a passage from a book or poem aloud allows a speaker to make it as dramatic or banal as they like. The excerpt can take on new life depending on how the speaker interprets its meaning, nuances and speech patterns. This reading – and the process of assigning one’s vocal performance to the piece – is called oral interpretation.
An oral interpretation can apply to any type of writing, from poetry to prose, fiction to non-fiction, humorous to dramatic. The performer will interpret the lines of text to infer what key emotion he wants to convey and give his vocal delivery based on that emotion. The idea stems from the desire to give the texts more character and emotion beyond a dry, flat or monotonous delivery.
The style depends less on the actual text and more on the reader’s performance, which allows the reader to transform the words into any mood they wish to achieve. It is not uncommon for a reader to take a dramatic passage and read it humorously to reproduce the subtle melodrama in the subtext, or vice versa. While the actual text of the passage is certainly important, the way in which the interpreter delivers the text can enhance or detract from what is written by emphasizing ideas or emotions chosen by the reader, rather than those of the author.
Oral interpretation differs significantly from the general category of agency in some respects. While both forms emphasize vocal delivery, acting relies more on movement and visual presentation. For example, actors often wear costumes and makeup and take full advantage of a large stage or setting. Oral performers, however, do not employ the use of props, makeup or costumes, instead relying on vocal delivery and subtle movement to bring their piece to life. Indeed, props and costumes are generally banned from shows and competitions.
Beyond the simple performance value, this type of reading can be useful for deciphering particularly difficult texts. Reading a passage aloud often allows the listener to hear ideas or concepts that have been missed, and assigning emotions to words often allows readers to hear the passage in a different way. This can be especially beneficial for high school and college classrooms where the idea of interpretation and discussion is vital.
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