Overview:

Students competing in this event are performing a woven collection of poetry, prose, drama or other genres. Students are encouraged to explore socially relevant and emotionally powerful content and many pieces have mature themes. They will have rehearsed for weeks or months to deliver a polished and emotional performance. They typically use a small black binder and close it during an introduction that states their theme and properly cites the source of their content.  As a judge, you will rank them from first to last. 

• Selection: Is the selection appropriate for the speaker?  Does it show interest, intelligibility, and literary value?

• Introduction: Are the title and the author clearly stated?  Is interest in the selection created? Is the mood set? Is the information relevant to and sufficient for the scene?

• Programming: Were at least two of the three genres of literature (Poetry/Prose/Drama) used in the program? Did all of the literature contribute to the theme or argument?  Did the flow of the performance make sense? Was there a balance among genres in the performance?

• Characterizations: Does the speaker clearly distinguish each of the characters in the selection? Are the character(s) and their attitudes clear and vivid? Are the body responses and attitudes appropriate?

• Voice and Diction: Is pronunciation acceptable? Is enunciation distinct without being pedantic? Are pitch, rate, and volume appropriate? Is the speaker's voice responsive and pleasant? Is the use of vocal variety appropriate and sufficient?

• Blocking: Can you tell what the performer was doing in each scene? Was it clear what selection the performer was using in each section? Did the performer maintain control of the manuscript at all times? Was the movement motivated in the performance?

• General Effectiveness: Does the speaker clearly communicate the selection? Does the speaker maintain the listener's interest? Is the performance consistent?  Is the total effect pleasing?