A study examined the question of what sequence patterns, if any, of covering oral interpretation topics emerge from forensic coaching sessions. To answer the question it was first necessary to analyze the process used by the coaches. Process was defined as the action of passing through continuing development from a beginning to a contemplated end. Coaches were observed in order to determine the topics experts consider essential when preparing for oral interpretation of poetry. A list of 68 topics was compiled from leading textbooks, and the topics were grouped into 5 categories: (1) focus on literary analysis; (2) focus on delivery; (3) focus on audience; (4) focus on manuscript; and (5) focus on forensics. Topic coverage in 35 coaching sessions was examined. Of the 68 topics, only repetition, tension, audience context, and tournament functioning were not addressed in coaching sessions. Among topics most often addressed by coaches were storyline, theme, persona, and mood. In general, as the focus on literary analysis declined over the sessions, focus on delivery rose. Literary analysis topics tended to be covered early in coaching sessions. The fact that three of four topics found in all stages of coaching dealt with literary analysis is a strong indication that coaches emphasize the poems as literature study. (Four tables of data are included.) (SG)