Introduction to the Discipline of Rhetorical Oral Interpretation

These authors offer a text that is a vast improvement over the other available alternatives for both classroom instruction and for active coaches and competitors in speech and debate activities. This text should be required reading for all new coaches at both high school and college levels. —Dr. Amorette Hinderaker, Texas Christian University

An essential textbook for students, coaches, and instructors, this unique book breaks down the fundamentals of oral interpretation, making the discipline accessible to all competitors who want to compete at the national level. Providing step-by-step instructions, simple explanations, and real-life examples – from creating a topnotch manuscript to producing a final, polished performance – this book also establishes a developmental foundation and defines the discipline’s unique origins, history, theories, and framework.

Part one outlines a theoretical and historically-rooted perspective to teaching the art of oral interpretation. The book then directs readers’ thinking and analysis to the goal of persuasion through argument. Part 2 focuses on the performance, working through preparation and analysis to rehearsals and warm-ups. Thus, this book comprehensively brings performative and competitive activities back into partnership with the theoretical origins of the discipline.

Gary Harmon coached and taught debate and speech in high school for 30 years and taught at college level for 23 years. He was Director of Forensics at Kansas Wesleyan University for 19 years. He is a NSDA Hall of Fame coach, PKD Nichols and Shields awards winner, and has coached multiple national champions and PKD All-Americans.

Connie McKee taught and coached high school students for 14 years and was Director of Forensic at West Texas A&M for 17 years. She coached multiple national and international finalists.

Autumn Zimmerman is a high school history teacher and a Professor of History at Odessa College and the University of Texas, Permian Basin. She was a PKD All-American, and national finalist multiple times.