Program Oral Interpretation

With a spotlight on argumentation and performative range, Program Oral Interpretation focuses on a student’s ability to combine multiple genres of literature centered around a single theme. Using a combination of Prose, Poetry, and Drama, students construct a program using at least two out of the three genres. Good POIs will include longer narratives for the audience to relate to, short snippets packed with information and literature that lets the audience laugh. Finding a diverse set of literature enables a more dynamic performance. What makes POI unique is the performer’s freedom to choose what kinds of stories they want to tell and the way those stories are told.

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DefinitionProgram Oral Interpretation, known as POI, is a program of thematically-linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, and drama (plays). 

Prose expresses thought through language recorded in sentences and paragraphs: fiction (short stories, novels) and non-fiction (articles, essays, journals, biographies). Poetry is writing which expresses ideas, experience, or emotion through the creative arrangement of words according to their sound, their rhythm, their meaning. Poetry may rely on verse and stanza form. Drama is a composition of dialogue involving one or more characters that tells a story usually involving conflict and emotion. Drama can also contain humor.At least two pieces of literature that represent at least two separate genres must be used. This makes the event unique, as other Interp events may only use one piece of literature.

The primary focus is the development of an argument or theme through a story or narrative with a performative aspect.

Burke (1984) writes that a POI is subtly encouraged to set up the problem your program seeks to interrogate, address the problem from multiple perspectives, and perhaps call the audience to some sort of action or, in a Burkean sense, question their existing assumptions, all in a seamless manner (Abraham, Moss, 2019)

POI is a fairly new event. It was experimental until 1991 when it was approved on the college scene. It was approved as an NSDA main event in the fall of 2016.

Rules ManuscriptThe use of a manuscript during the performance is required. Common practices include the use of a binder or folder. Reading from a book or magazine is not permitted. The intact manuscript may be used by the contestant as a prop, so long as it is in the contestant’s control by remaining in contact with the body at all times. No costumes or props other than the manuscript are permitted. Pictures, graphics, and/or illustrations are considered a visual aid, even if included in the original manuscript, and may not be displayed. The contestant must address the script; however, introduction and transitional material may be memorized.Time LimitA POI is ten minutes with a 30-second grace period (including the introduction). In that period, students are not penalized for going over time. These are the two most basic (most important!) rules in POI. See the High School Unified Manual for additional rules, beginning on page 45. 

https://www.speechanddebate.org/learn/topic/poi-overview-rules-and-jargon/