Every speech and debate season brings excitement, anticipation, and one big question:
“What event should I do this year?”
For many students, Interpretation Events can feel intimidating at first. Multiple characters. Cutting literature. Blocking. Voices. Emotions. Scripts. Where does one begin?? It can seem overwhelming. But for those willing to dive in, Interpretation events often become some of the most rewarding and transformative experiences in all of speech and debate.
Interp isn’t simply about acting… It’s about storytelling! And do you know who can benefit from being a better STORYTELLER?? EVERYONE!! Speech Students AND DEBATERS! Read on to learn more about the power of Interps and Storytelling OR SIGN UP for our FREE July 14 Webinars… contact Heather@lastingimpact.info to get on the list (more info about them below).
Everyone can learn how to about take words on a page and bring them to life in a way that allows an audience to laugh, cry, think, and see the world differently. However, great interpretive competitors don’t merely perform a piece- they feel it, they breathe it… they invite judges and audiences into a story.
So Where Do You Begin?
The key to successful interpretation begins long before memorization or blocking. It begins NOW in the EXPLORATORY Phase! (Read the article to learn more about Heather’s Exploratory Phase concept.)
It begins with asking the right questions:
- Does this piece move me?
- Is there a clear message or theme?
- Are the characters distinct and compelling?
- Will this piece allow me to showcase a range of emotions and skills?
- Most importantly: Why does this story matter?
The strongest interpretations are not necessarily the funniest or the most dramatic. They’re the ones that CONNECT.
Building an Interp from the Ground Up
Successful interp preparation involves several important steps:
- Finding quality source material.
- Identifying the central message.
- Creating clear character choices.
- Developing meaningful transitions.
- Using movement intentionally.
- Building emotional variety and pacing.
- Crafting an ending that leaves an impact.
The process can feel overwhelming when you’re starting out, which is exactly why we created the Ultimate Guide to Interpretive Speech. Inside this amazing Guide, students (and Coaches) will find practical tools for every stage of the process—from selecting material and cutting literature to character development, blocking, introductions, transitions, and performance techniques. Whether you’re tackling Interpretation for the very first time or looking to take your performances to the next level, the guide was designed to give students a roadmap for success.
New Events? Or New to You… We’ve Got You Covered.
As new seasons begin and organizations introduce new events and new rules, many competitors find themselves stepping into unfamiliar territory. That’s where community and coaching make all the difference.
We’re excited to be hosting a New Events Workshop and Club Coaching Call on July 14 to help students and coaches navigate new opportunities, understand event expectations, and begin the season with confidence. We’ll discuss strategy, answer questions, and help students identify where they can best use their gifts and talents this season. Sign up by emailing Heather@lastingimpact.info
If you’ve ever considered trying Interpretation—or if you’re simply wondering where to start—this is a great opportunity to jump in. Stories change people… And perhaps this year, you’ll be the one telling the story that changes someone else.
Did you know Lasting Impact! also has Competitive Scripts, One Acts, and Full Length Plays? These have been tested! Not AI generated! Hand crafted… ready for you to edit and make it your own. Check out our Script Link – https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/scripts/ Schedule a Coaching Call or Mental Prep Call NOW. Summer is a perfect time to start thinking about the upcoming season!!
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Heather Neumann is the Director of Lasting Impact! and has spent more than a decade equipping thousands of students to communicate with confidence, purpose, and excellence through speech and debate coaching. She is the author of numerous original plays and educational resources, including Speech Grab and Go and The Ultimate Interp Handbook, which have helped students and coaches navigate the world of competitive speaking and interpretation.
Heather has a particular passion for Interpretation events and believes they offer students a unique opportunity not only to develop communication skills, but also to cultivate empathy, understanding, and insight into the human experience. Through stories, characters, and performance, students learn to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world through a different perspective.
Whether working with beginners discovering their voice or seasoned competitors striving for excellence, Heather is passionate about helping all students grow as communicators, storytellers, thinkers, and leaders who can make a lasting impact on the world around them.