Monologue Expectations
E4/5 Expectations
Organization
1. Introduce yourself, the title of monologue, and state one sentence
explaining your character and who your character is speaking to.
Example: “Good afternoon, my name is Ms. Miller. I will be performing
Cabrillo, a Man with a Mission. In this monologue, Juan Rodriguez
Cabrillo stands on a dock in New Spain, which is modern day Mexico. He
tries to convince a group of sailors to sail with him into the dangerous
country north of New Spain.”
2. Make it clear at the beginning of your monologue who you are talking
to.
Example: “Padre Crespi, my friend…” “People of Navidad, listen to me!”
“Sailors, give me your attention!”
3. Transitions between internal dialogue and when speaking to a
character: Make it clear with a step to the side that you are now
speaking to yourself rather than to another character.
I recommend only one or two internal dialogues during a speech to
another character.
4. Transitions between internal monologue and to a crowd: Doing a brief
turn works.
Memorization
The monologue should be memorized completely.
If you forget a line, though, don’t let the audience know. Just keep in
character.
Subject
Knowledge
Full knowledge of your character is shown in the content. Can you add
details to show how your explorer is unique among the others?
Eye Contact
If your monologue is to a character, really look at that imaginary person.
If your monologue is to a crowd, focus on two or three imaginary people
in the crowd.
If your monologue is to yourself, you can use a prop to help focus your
gaze (Mia can think aloud as she looks at the golden necklace…)
Voice
1. The voice is projected.
2. Pronunciation is clear so that the audience can understand (no
mumbling).
3. The pace is steady, and pauses are used at important points.
4. Formal language is used for these rich explorers. Remember, some are
ship captains, and some are priests.
Stance and
Gestures
The speaker’s movements and gestures add to the presentation and are
not distracting.