Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I: Basic principles. A beginning and an end -- Analyzing the selection -- Voice development for oral interpretation -- Use of the body in oral interpretation -- Part II: Interpretation of prose. Prose: style, types, nonfiction -- Prose: narration -- Part III: Interpretation of drama. Drama: structure and performing -- Technique and solo performance of drama -- Part IV: Interpretation of poetry. Language of poetry -- Structure of poetry -- Part V: Group performance. Group performance of literature -- Appendix A: Building and presenting a program -- Appendix B: A brief history of theories of interpretation

In its 13th Edition, the iconic Oral Interpretation continues to prepare students to analyze and perform literature through an accessible, step-by-step process. New selections join classic favorites, and chapters devoted to specific genres--narrative, poetry, group performance, and more--explore the unique challenges of each form. Now tighter and more focused than its predecessors, this edition highlights movements in contemporary culture--especially the contributions of social media to current communication. New writings offer advice and strategies for maximizing body and voice in performance, and enhanced devices guide novices in performance preparation.