Creative Interpretive Techniques
These resources demonstrate creative techniques that interpreters can use to relate to and inspire their audience members. Click here to return to the chapter menu.
Video: Kevin Poe—Using props
Ranger Kevin Poe uses props, humor, visual aids, and multiple perspectives to interpret geology and global climate change at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Video: David Stokes—Using humor
Naturalist and educator David Stokes demonstrates his humorous interpretation style through the use of songs, live animals, costumes, puppets, props, and movement.
Video: Susan Strauss—Storytelling
Professional storyteller Susan Strauss shares a variety of stories with audiences.
Video: Ron Brown—Storytelling
Grand Canyon National Park Ranger Ron Brown tells engaging stories about early explorers of the Colorado River.
Video: Demonstration of musket firing at Fort Niagara
Costumed interpreter soldiers at Old Fort Niagara in New York interpret and demonstrate musket firing.
Video: Shelton Johnson—Buffalo Soldier character interpretation
Yosemite National Park Ranger Shelton Johnson portrays his Buffalo Soldier character, Elizy Boman, and describes how he developed it. Produced by PBS.
Video: Leslie Goddard—Creating historically authentic characters
Historical interpreter Leslie Goddard describes tips for researching and developing authentic characters.
Video: Fanciful character interpretation
Student interpreters at Schmeeckle Reserve, Wisconsin, bring fanciful characters to life at the “Web of Life” and “Storm Stories” campfire programs.
Video: Live animal program example
An educator at the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) in Wisconsin presents a program with live owls.
Video: Minnesota Zoo Zoomobile programs
Discover how the Minnesota Zoomobile program offers outreach to schools and other organizations using live animals.
Video: Tom Pease—Music, sound, and movement
Children’s performer and educator Tom Pease performs several of his fun, humorous, and engaging songs.