Apples of Gold — Performing

Performing is the culmination of all your hard work! First of all, don't be scared of the judges! We won't bite. We like to hear you!

As you perform your dramatic pieces:

Keep up with current trends in interpretation. At times we see techniques that go back to the days of elocution.
Be in control. Interpretation is not acting. Some material is so overdone (raging and screaming) that we step out of the realm of suggestion. A performer is always in control of the material rather than the material controlling the performer.
Use simple communication. When a competitor wants to be "dramatic" and tries to force strong emotions on a piece that does not demand it, the student will probably not do well in competition. Be simple and honest and stay with the intent of the author.
Remember, today many of the traditional parts can be played by women—the police officer, the servant, etc. We do no violence to the text and create more parts for our female performers.

Be yourself. You aren't putting on a persona here like you do in Dramatic Reading. You're you. Use words that you would use and deliver them in a natural, conversational manner.
Keep delivery conversational but powerful. Often contestants use a "contest tone" in their voice, which doesn't really communicate their message. The best speeches communicate directly to the minds and hearts of the audience while meeting the external specifics of the competition.
Avoid unmotivated and unnatural movement. Nearly anything that's externally motivated (i.e., movement to left side of the stage for your first point, across to the right side for your second, and coming in to the center for your final point) is merely a distraction.
Be sure you don't preach a sermon or give a devotional. That's a different competition.