This presentation traces a study that began with a simple question: can we train AI to write better interpretive themes? Instead, a deeper question quickly emerged, what actually makes a strong theme, regardless of who writes it? With help from 15 international interpretation experts, the study examined theme quality directly. The results illuminated not only theme quality, but the broader question of whether we can create interpretation standards at all. The presentation begins with an audience quiz using the same themes and format presented to the expert panel. Afterward, Jon compares the audience’s results with those of the experts themselves.

In the 1990s while working as an interpreter at the Costa Rican national zoo, Jon Kohl began to leverage his background in writing with an emerging interest in interpretive themes. Through mentorship with Sam Ham, Jon eventually published the first edition of the Interpretive Theme Writer´s Field Guide: How to Write a Strong Theme from Big Idea to Presentation (NAI 2018). In 2026 NAI and Bloomsbury published the second edition with standards for interpretive theme writing designed to be upload to an AI chatbot. Consequently Jon, a Journal of Interpretation Research associate editor, joined Dr. Marc Stern, co-editor of the same journal, to test if trained AI could write stronger themes. They instead explored larger questions about theme quality and interpretation in general.  If you wish to take part in the session, please register here at least one hour before the webinar begins.  ***Please register using the same email address associated with your IE membership.***