By Roy Kwon

Staff Writer

  Thematic Interpretation (TI) or also, at times, known as Program Oral Interpretation (POI), is a unique event that requires one to be flexible in their performance skills. The speakers incorporate certain elements such as humor and drama into their speeches. TI is also the only event that allows the use of a binder as a prop.

  Individuals will start with a brief introduction then dive into their three prepared pieces that are separated by transitions. Each piece can be a maximum of 10 minutes and incorporates a particular theme. Competitors will end the entire presentation with a quick conclusion.

  “It was an under-appreciated event I figured I could have a lot of fun with” stated freshman Melanie Hsiang. “It also posed the challenge of cutting, chunking, blocking, and memorizing various pieces to build one coherent piece that would hopefully leave the audience with something worth remembering.”

  Three participants of TI will be heading to State, while only one has qualified for Nationals.