(See sample speech here)
Introduction
Poetry can be one of the most challenging forms of literature to interpret. Poetry is highly imaginative and highly charged with emotion - much more so than prose. A poet doesn't give a complete and detailed description of a scene or incident as the writer of prose does. Poets feel that a lot of words weaken a poem. Instead the poet takes some detail and by suggestion causes us to fill in the other details with our imagination. The poet uses images to pack as much as possible into a few words. Sometimes, too, the poet ignores logic and factual truth and uses symbolism instead of realism. All of this can make interpretation more difficult.
Executive Summary
Poetry can be difficult to interpret because a poet often relies on symbolism, imagery and suggestion to convey its message instead of clear description. Identify the poem's general purpose, then break down the poem into stanzas or sentences and determine the thoughts expressed in each. Poetry makes greater use of rhythm, meter, cadence and rhyme than prose, so be careful to avoid delivering it in a sing-song manner.
Objectives
- To understand the differences between poetry and prose
- To recognize how poets use imagery, rhythm, meter, cadence, and rhyme to convey the meanings and emotions of their poetry
- To apply vocal techniques that will aid in the effectiveness of the reading.
Your Assignment
Select, analyze, plan, rehearse, and present a poem that you feel would be of interest to your audience. (You may find the poems of Emily Dickinson, Willa Cather, Rudyard Kipling, and Robert Frost appealing.) Prepare an appropriate introduction of no more than 45 seconds. Use your voice to convey the mood, meaning, and emotions of the poem. Since many people are not familiar with interpretive reading and its purpose, you may want to have the Toastmaster briefly explain the mature of interpretive reading before introducing you.
This information is provided as a service to our members. For full details on this speech project, refer to the Interpretive Reading manual. All materials in the Toastmasters Educational Program are copyright Toastmasters International. All rights reserved.
The Interpretive Reading Manual
Post a Comment