INTRODUCTION TO POI

Program Oral Interpretation Starter Guide

What is POI?

Program Oral Interpretation (POI) is a 10-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) centered on one clear argument. Rather than simply telling a story, your goal is to convince the audience of an idea or perspective using literature.

A POI must:

• Use at least two genres of literature (prose, poetry, and/or drama). Most successful programs use all three.

• Include a manuscript throughout the performance.

• Weave multiple sources together so they feel like one cohesive conversation rather than separate performances.

Most competitive POIs use around 6–8 sources, but there is no required number. Use however many pieces best support your argument.

Step 1: Choose a Topic and Your Argument

Don't begin by searching for literature. Instead, start with a question or issue you genuinely care about. Ask yourself: 

• What bothers me?

• What do I wish people understood?

• What conversation needs to happen?

Once you've chosen a topic, decide what you want your audience to believe by the end of the program. This becomes your central claim.

Example:

Topic: Language loss

Argument: Losing a language is more than losing words; it can mean losing connections to culture, family, and identity.

Every decision you make throughout your POI should support this message!

Step 2: Research and Find Literature

Before cutting anything, research it.

Read:

• Books

• Plays

• Poetry

• Memoirs

• News articles

• Magazine articles

• Interviews

• Essays

• Speeches

• Documentaries

Start collecting pieces that speak to different parts of your argument.

A strong POI usually combines:

• Prose (novels, memoirs, essays)

• Drama (plays)

• Poetry

Don't worry about the script yet. Your goal is simply to gather material.

Step 3: Build Your Skeleton (The Argument Arc)

Before writing transitions, create the skeleton of your program. Think of your POI as an argument with a beginning, middle, and end. A common structure looks like this:

• Introduction

  • Introduce the issue.

  • Give the audience context.

  • Explain why they should care.

• Development

  • Explore different perspectives.

  • Introduce complications.

  • Build emotional and logical depth.

• Climax

  • Present the strongest emotional or argumentative moment.

• Resolution

  • Leave the audience with a clear takeaway.

  • Reinforce your message.

Many successful POIs place articles or informational sources near the beginning. Articles establish context, define the issue, and provide evidence, so the literature has a stronger foundation later in the program. As you organize your sources, avoid grouping them by title. Instead, weave them together.

For example:

• A news article introduces the issue.

• A poem captures the emotion.

• A dramatic scene shows the consequences.

• A memoir provides a personal perspective.

Everything should feel like one conversation supporting your central claim.

Step 4: Write Transitions

Transitions are much more than "moving" between pieces.

They should:

• Connect different sources.

• Explain why the next piece matters.

• Develop your argument.

• Keep the audience oriented.

A good test: If someone only listened to your transitions, they should still understand your overall message. Use transition words naturally ("however," "meanwhile," "because," "therefore," etc.), but don't rely on them alone. Every transition should advance the argument.

Step 5: Cutting

Now begin trimming your script. Ask yourself:

• Does this piece advance my argument?

• Is this information repetitive?

• Does another source communicate this idea better?

• Would removing this section hurt the program?

If the answer is no, cut it. Every piece should have a clear purpose.

Step 6: Develop Characters and Performance

Once your script feels complete, begin making performance choices. Focus on:

• Characterization

• Emotional progression

• Vocal variation

• Physicality

• Eye focus

• Pacing

Unlike Humorous Interpretation (HI), characterization in POI is generally more realistic than exaggerated. Characters should still be clearly distinct, but they should feel authentic rather than cartoonish. Remember that you are presenting an argument, not just acting.

Step 7: Practice!

The manuscript is part of the event. Practice:

• Smooth page turns.

• Intentional book opens and closes.

• Clean page flips without distracting pauses.

• Using the manuscript to emphasize literature changes.

Your manuscript should feel like a storytelling tool, not something you're fighting against.

Step 8: Remember Your Why

Throughout the entire writing process, keep asking yourself these three questions:

1. What is my program about?

2. What is my program trying to say?

3. Why does this message matter?

These questions shouldn't just be answered at the end. They should be reflected throughout your entire program. If every piece of literature, every transition, and every performance choice helps answer those questions, your POI will feel cohesive, purposeful, and compelling.

Good luck!