What is Interpretation? 

Interpretation events (often called interp) are a category of speech events in speech and debate that focus on the performance and analysis of literature. Unlike debate, interpretation isn't only arguing a position, and unlike public address, the material isn't written by the student. Instead, competitors select published works, such as short stories, plays, novels, poetry, or scripts, and perform them to demonstrate understanding of character, tone, theme, and authorial intent. Most interp events are individual events (except Duo Interpretation) and are judged on both acting choices and literary analysis. Most interpretation events at high school tournaments operate under rules established by the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA). 

Interpretation events are considered among the most artistically expressive in speech and debate. They reward creativity, emotional intelligence, and storytelling ability while still maintaining a clear competitive structure. For beginners, interp is an approachable entry point into speech because it combines acting with public speaking, allows for personal connection to literature, and builds confidence through performance. Skills developed in interpretation—such as vocal control, character analysis, and audience awareness—transfer easily to other speech events and beyond.

Across all interpretation events, rounds usually consist of a single judge (or a panel of judges in out rounds) who ranks competitors. Judges compare performances based on interpretation, delivery, control, and adherence to event rules. While interpretation is highly subjective, strong competitors succeed by making clear, intentional performance choices and selecting material that suits their strengths. Preparation involves not only memorization but also close reading of the text, character analysis, and repeated rehearsal.

This guide will serve as a manual for beginners, briefly reviewing the various events in Interpretation and the different techniques and methods for bringing your literature to life.

Interpretation Vocabulary 

Often, novices in interpretation can be easily overwhelmed by the jargon in interpretation. To clear up any confusion from this point forward, reference this glossary: 

• Piece - The selection that you perform 

• Cutting - An edited selection from a longer, published work

• Blocking - Planned movement during a performance

• Focal point - A fixed point performers look at to represent another character

• Transition - Movement or vocal shift between characters/scenes

• Beat - A pause or emotional shift

• Intro - Original introduction at the beginning of the piece, written by the performer 

• Binder - Manuscript used in POI/OI

• Characterization - Creating distinct characters through voice and physicality 

How Judging Works

An interpretation round, like all speech rounds, usually has 4–6 competitors, depending on the tournament and the size of the competition. Judges rank competitors, from 1 representing the strongest performance and 6 (or however many competitors are in the round) representing the weakest. You want to aim for lower ranks, because the competitors with the lowest ranks advance/place higher. Feedback is written on ballots, which are accessible through Tabroom/Speechwire. Different judges prefer different styles, as there is a level of subjectivity throughout interpretation, and all speech and debate events, that can be difficult to combat. However, this guide will do its best to assist you in creating a piece that appeals to the majority. 

What is Humorous Interpretation? 

Humorous Interpretation (HI) is one of the most popular and accessible interpretation events. In HI, the performer presents a single selection or a cutting from a published work of humorous literature, including, but not limited to, movies, plays, books, and short stories. The goal of the event is not just to be funny but to tell a complete story through comedic timing, distinct characters, and a clear narrative structure. Under NSDA rules, the performance must be memorized and may not exceed 10 minutes with a 30-second grace period. If you exceed the grace period,, you are no longer eligible to receive first place in the round. No props, costumes, or furniture are allowed. Physicality and vocal variation are encouraged. Judges rank competitors based on clarity, character work, comedic effectiveness, and overall performance quality.

Example Performances 

• NSDA 2019 National Champion: "Kicking and Screaming" – https://youtu.be/WuxjKYP5k3A?si=gjgPEm1Qk-GbJPwN 

• NSDA 2024 National Champion: "Flamin' Hot" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c69HKiIswDs 

• NIETOC 2025 National Champion: “Workin’ 9 to 5” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6jQflaDudk&t=4s 

What is Dramatic Interpretation? 

Dramatic Interpretation (DI) is similar in structure to HI, but with a serious tone and material rather than comedy, and it often features monologues. DI selections often explore themes such as trauma, conflict, relationships, or moral dilemmas. Similar to HI, Dramatic Interpretation is a memorized, 10-minute event governed by NSDA rules. Performers may portray multiple characters, but must do so without costumes or props, relying instead on voice, posture, and subtle physical choices to differentiate characters. Strong DI performances emphasize emotional authenticity, narrative coherence, and intentional performance choices rather than exaggerated acting. DI often explores emotionally difficult themes. Competitors should select material thoughtfully and approach sensitive topics with maturity and respect.

Example Performances

• NSDA 2023 National Champion: "Miseducated" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3UwjiIyK9c&t=220s 

• NSDA 2024 National Champion: "Fenix" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KZ8-GmLHvs 

• NSDA 2025 National Champion: "Legitimate Kid" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLWakePeRtY 

What is DUO Interpretation? 

DUO Interpretation is a partnered interpretation event in which two performers present a cutting from a published work. DUO material may be humorous or dramatic, but it must be narrative in nature and involve multiple characters. Under NSDA rules, DUO performances are memorized, limited to 10 minutes with a 30-second grace period, and performed without props, costumes, or furniture. A defining rule of DUO Interpretation is that performers may not touch or make eye contact with each other during the performance. Instead, performers use focal points to signify eye contact. Judges evaluate DUO based on teamwork, character clarity, pacing, and the effectiveness of the partners' collaboration in telling a cohesive story.

Example Performances

• NSDA 2019 National Finalists: "Fifty Shades of Chicken" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjCHE40cZvU 

• NSDA 2024 National Champions: "The Forty Year Old Version" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IoNTHo5gxo 

• NSDA 2026 National Runners-Up: "Theater Camp" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZnfVxr-G2I  

What is Program Oral Interpretation? 

Program of Oral Interpretation (POI) allows performers to compile multiple literary sources into a single, thematically unified program. A POI may include prose, poetry, drama, song lyrics, or other published texts, as long as all material is cited and connected by a central theme or argument. Unlike HI and DI, POI performers use a manuscript (traditionally a small black binder) during the performance. Under NSDA rules, POI is limited to 10 minutes, with a 30-second grace period, including an original introduction written by the student. The introduction explains the theme and frames how the pieces connect. Judges evaluate POI based on thematic cohesion, literature selection, transitions, and the performer's ability to balance reading from the script with strong eye contact and performance engagement. Like DI, POI often explores emotionally difficult themes. Competitors should select material thoughtfully and approach sensitive topics with maturity and respect.

Example Performances 

• NSDA 2019 National Champion: "Debate Like A Girl" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii5HtExwEDc&list=PLYy4R8rVyxilqURlmAaMCMLlYbQCKFHIW 

• NSDA 2023 National Champion: "Can You Hear The Screams Now" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEzc3xAE-ag&list=PLYy4R8rVyxilqURlmAaMCMLlYbQCKFHIW&index=4 

• NSDA 2025 National Finalist: "War Against All Puerto Ricans" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2BqEggya4 

What is Oral Interpretation? 

Oral Interpretation (OI), sometimes called "Oratory Interpretation" or "Oral Reading," is more commonly governed by NCFL (National Catholic Forensic League) rules, as the NSDA does not consistently offer it as a national event. In Oral Interpretation, the performer presents a single piece of literature, prose, poetry, or drama using a manuscript. The focus of the event is on interpretive reading rather than full theatrical performance. Under NCFL rules, performances typically range from 8 to 10 minutes, including an introduction. Movement is limited, and performers generally remain stationary, using vocal expression, pacing, and subtle gestures to convey meaning. Judges prioritize textual understanding, vocal clarity, and the performer's ability to communicate the author's intent rather than character embodiment. Because NCFL rarely publishes final round recordings publicly, example performances are difficult to access.

It is worth noting that most states, sanctioned by the NSDA, do not have OI, but instead split it into different categories i.e. prose, poetry, and playreading. The events provided, as well as the rules, vary depending on the state. 

What is Storytelling?

In Storytelling, a competitor takes a children's book, a fable, a folk tale, a legend, or a myth, cuts it, and performs it. The featured stories are generally geared toward children and have simpler storylines. Unlike other events, which tend to focus on persuasive or thematic advocacy, Storytelling emphasizes entertainment and bringing childhood stories to life. In terms of tech and style, it is most similar to Humorous Interpretation (i.e., various characters, physical and vocal variation, etc.), with the key differences being that performers in this event are allowed to use a chair and performances are only 5 minutes long with a 30-second grace period, including an intro written by the performer. NSDA does not consistently offer this event at local tournaments, but the event does appear as a supplemental event at the NSDA national tournament. Judges look for passion, humor, creativity, compelling characters, blocking, and a complete storyline.

Good luck!

Example Performances

• NSDA 2024 National Champion: “Sofia Valdez Future Prez” – https://youtu.be/zyTZAQ63szQ?si=W2ikqGo4S-N0o2vI 

• NSDA 2022 National Champion: “Gustav the Goldfish” – https://youtu.be/ZW6DSH0JlTQ?si=PIMhzn2ZfpSbjtpD