Oral Interpretation of Literature
Speaking from a Manuscript
What is O.I.L?
Preparing for a Reading
What will we Cover?
- Be familiar with the literature
- Stay engaged with audience
- Eye contact
- Facial Expressions
- The manuscript is the record you are the stereo
- Make sure manuscript is easy to hold
- “the art of communicating to an audience a work of literary art in its intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic entirety” – Charlotte Lee, Oral Interpretation; Houghton-Mifflin, 1997
- Should be spoken from a Manuscript
- Is different from the art of Acting, dancing, or singing.
- What is O.I.L?
- Why is O.I.L important?
- Speaking from a manuscript
- Preparing for a reading
- “Cut” literature to fit time constraints
- Write a short analysis
- Add speaker’s notes
- Tone, emotion
- Breath, movement
- Rate, volume
- Practice, practice, practice
Why is O.I.L Important?
Let's Try it out!
What should I take away from this?
- Many forms of literature were meant to be read aloud
- Poetry
- Drama
- Lends meaning to the audience
- Captures the essence of the literature
- Select a song
- Choose a verse (4-8) lines
- Make notes on the tone, author’s intent, mood, and meaning of the selection
- Recite the verse, making sure you convey all of these aspects
O.I.L allows us to lend meaning to works of written art, but a preperation is needed for an effective presentation