An Approach to - PDF document

1 1 An Approach to ThematicInterpretation
1 An Approach to ThematicInterpretation Based on the TORE™ model Sam H HamUniversity of IdahoUSA When we’re done, you’ll be able to …explain the TORE™ model of interpretive TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham explain the importance of a thematic approach in developing interpretive programs and productsexpress stronger themes Aimed at revealing meanings and TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. HamIt is not instruction in the academic senseAimed at provoking audiences to think 1. Interpretation is ifl TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Hammean ng l 3. Interpretation is Based on two centuries of research When all four qualities are in place, “fl”itii TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham “ commun i ca “Success” means that visitors TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham 2 Examples of Topics sforests History of Estes Park Peoplewholive inEstes TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham • Colorados forests WildlifeRocky Mountains People who Colorado winesWine makingBehavioral quirks of toads Examples of Themes for the Topic “Birds”1. Birds are a fascinating group of animals because of their special adaptations for flight.2. Native birds everywhere are in a fight for their lives. 3Shorebirdshavesol

2 vedproblemsthatotherbirdswerenever TORE™
vedproblemsthatotherbirdswerenever TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham 3 Shore solved problems that other were faced with.4. Eagles and falcons help humans.5. The vulture fulfils the role of “garbage collector,“ which is an extremely important, though under appreciated, ecological function.6. Studying how birds fly led to the invention of early airplanes.7. Because they’re rarely seen, nocturnal birds are the subject of many superstitions and potentially threatening misconceptions. Themes can provoke people to think, even if the y for g et isolated TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham Having a theme helps YOU Themes are beliefs; beliefs are the building blocks of attitudes andbehavior TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham behavior Having a strong and compelling theme almost guarantees an So Why Is it Important If you want to make a difference in what people think and feel with respect to a place.People will forget isolated facts, but they’ll remember aspects of a strong theme. TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. HamIt makes your preparation easier / more focused.It makes your audience’s job easier.By communicating strong themes, you’re planting seeds (beliefs) that can

3 ultimately influence how people think, f
ultimately influence how people think, feel and behave with respect to the things you’re interpreting for them. It is the moral to the story.It is the “big picture.” • Itanswersthequestion TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham It answers the question 3 They are expressed in complete declarative sentences.Complete sentences have a subject TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Hamand verb.A complete declarative sentence ends with a period or exclamation Write STRONG themes—Complete the following sentence in as many ways as you can: TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham“When it comes to my topic, I think it is really, important for this audience to understand that _ ______________.” Using the “Big Deal” model, write two or more themesfor a to p ic of y our TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham choice. Analyzing Strong TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. HamFrom the list provided, find the themes you like most and explain why they resonate for you. *Build in the personal word “you”*Link to things your audience TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham b “Six different kinds of snakes live here.”“Six different kinds of snakes live here, and knowing which is which could save your life.” Connect with thi

4 ngs of intangiblesymbolic NativeAmerican
ngs of intangiblesymbolic NativeAmericanhistoryisinteresting ” TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham Native “Native American history tells a story of a people who are still struggling to avert the loss of their ancient culture and language upon which much of their identity depends.” 4 “The plumbing system of an active ltibthhtd TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham cano con t a i h an d gas “To understand what goes on in an active volcano’s plumbing system, you need only think of a pressure cooker and an agitated bottle of champagne.” Edit Your Theme Until It’s Strong!•Incorporate a metaphor did a lot to advance rock TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham “Chuck Berry was the Try to build the active voiceinto verbs TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham“This landscape by harsh winds and torrential rain.”“Harsh winds and torrential rain avoidthe verb “to be Thisbuilding hundredsofyearsold ” TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham years “This building a story hundreds of years long.” Edit the draft themes provided so that TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Hameach of them is stronger. Ways to Make Think full-sentences, not parts of Think “big deal” –what message you really wantyourvisitor

5 stotakehome TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ha
stotakehome TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham want your visitors Apply E & R to make your themes more powerful.make them personalconnect them things of symbolic importanceuse an analogy or metaphoruse verbs in active voice & avoid “to be” 5 Applying the EROT ModelYour theme it4fb TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham N ow t ewer su b Now make it your audience I hope you’ve seen that…Interpretation is simply an approach to Itisaimedatprovokingpeopletohave TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham provoking have ownthoughts, not just “teaching” them our facts.Thematic interpretation lies at the heart of what you are trying to accomplish. At its best, interpretation is enjoyable, relevant, organized and thematic TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham Always start with a It’s easy to write a boring theme. But writing a strong theme takes time and practice. Still, the impact is well worth And finally that…EROT is applied as TORE™(themes and organization always come first!).Once you have a strong theme, you’re readytoapplytheORandE TORE™ Model © 2008 Sam H. Ham O E In interpretation, TORE practically guarantees success, as long as your theme is loaded with Vitami