SPOKEN WORD

Poetry
THIS IS REALLY OLD…
Homer 800 BC

Old English poetry 400 AD

Native American 8000 BC to present

The Beats 1950s

Slam Poetry 1980s to present

 INTRODUCTION
Slams were started by construction worker and poet
Marc Smith in 1986 at a Chicago jazz club.
 WHAT IS SPOKEN
WORD
Spoken word poetry is poetry that is written on a
page but performed for an audience. Because it is
performed, this poetry tends to demonstrate a heavy
use of rhythm, improvisation, free association,
rhymes, rich poetic phrases, word play and
slang. It is more aggressive and “in your face” than
more traditional forms of poetry.
 WHAT IS SLAM
POETRY?

“Simply put, slam poetry is the

competitive art of performance poetry.
It puts a dual emphasis on writing and
performance, encouraging poets to
focus on what they're saying and how
they're saying it.” - PSI
 USE OF CONCRETE LANGUGAGE

Use words, phrases that give the listeners a vivid

images, sounds, actions, and other sensations
A poem rich with imagery will appeal to the
listeners sense of sight, smell, and taste. Think of
the 5 senses
 REPETITION &
RHYME
Simple, but powerful poetic device.

The repetition of a key phrase or image

Rhyme enriches the performance if used with skill,

surprise and moderation
 AT TITUDE &
PERSONA
Feelings and opinions are what a spoken word
excel.
Your unique perspecticve and view is what needs
to come across
Spoken word allows you to be anyone you want to
be. You can use your “voice” or that of another.
 PERFORMANCE
Posture-stand up straight, chin up, head held high, shoulders
back.
Eye contact-don’t stare at the floor, make eye contact with various
audience members. This will engage the audience.
Projection-Speak loudly and clearly so that your voice travels.

Enunciation-Don’t mumble. Speak clearly and distinctly so the

audience hears every word.
Facial Expressions-Smile if your poem is happy. Don’t if its not
happy. Your expression should match the content.
G E S T U R E S & M E M O R I Z AT I O N

Use body language and movements to emphasize

different elements of your performance, but make sure
movements aren’t distracting and without purpose.
Committing a poem to memory will allow you to focus
more on the performance.
Memorization allows you to own it and expresses the
emotional content, while allowing for some freestyle
improvisation, which is essential in spoken word poetry.
EXAMPLES