The student presents a memorized selection from a published play, novel, short story, or non-fiction piece, interpreting all of the characters vocally and physically. These selections must be primarily serious in tone. Unlike humorous interpretation speeches, dramatic speeches tend to be monologues with minimal characters (usually just one). This means the student does not have to worry about being as diverse and unique with characters. Instead they can just focus on internalizing the one main character, making that character as real and relatable as possible.

     The overall goal of this category is to connect with your audience, pass on the emotions that your character is going through, and making the audience feel those emotions as well. Often, people will walk away from a drama round emotionally touched if the performer successfully achieved those tasks.