Spoken

Word
Poetry
 What is it?
– Spoken word poetry is poetry that is written on a page but performed
for an audience.

– 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.
 For Example
– Consider Marshall Soulful Jones’ “Touchscreen”
Notice the effect of:
- The rhythm
- The rhymes
- The rich poetic phrases
- Word play
- Slang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAx845QaOck

Why is this an effective spoken word poem?

What Should I Keep in Mind When
Writing a Spoken Word Poem?

– Use of Concrete Language

Vivid images, sounds, actions and other sensations. If your poem is rich
with imagery, your listeners will see, smell and taste what you’re telling
them.

Look at “Childhood” from HBO’s Brave New Voices.

How do they create vivid images of childhood?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2A7wD5Rew8
What Should I Keep in Mind When
Writing a Spoken Word Poem?

– Repetition
Repetition is a simple but powerful poetic device. Sometimes just the
repetition of a key phrase or image, with extensions of image and
thought for each repetition, can help a writer generate exciting poems.

Phil Kaye’s “Repetition” is a good example of this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EILQTDBqhPA
What Should I Keep in Mind When
Writing a Spoken Word Poem?

- Rhyme
Rhyming can enrich your poems and performance if used
with skill, surprise and moderation.

Check out Taylor Mali’s “On Girls Lending Pens”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44sXwJgqUyc
What Should I Keep in Mind When
Writing a Spoken Word Poem?

- Attitude
Feelings and opinions are the “stuff” poetry is made of. Each
poet has a unique perspective and view of the world that no
one else has. It is important that a spoken word poem
embodies the courage necessary to share one’s self with the
rest of the world.

“To This Day” by Shane Koyczan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltun92DfnPY
What Should I Keep in Mind When
Writing a Spoken Word Poem?

- Persona
Spoken word poetry allows you to be anyone you want to be. You can
write a poem in the “voice” of someone or something other than
yourself or with a personality trait that is different from your own.

See “Don’t Take my Air Jordans” performed by Lemon Andersen

http://blog.ted.com/2012/12/07/10-spoken-word-performances-folded
-like-lyrical-origami/
 What Should I Keep in Mind When
Writing a Spoken Word Poem?

Performance – Remember, spoken word poems are written to be

performed. After your poem is written, practice performing the
poem with the elements of good stage presence in mind…

– Posture – Stand up straight, shoulders back, chin up, head held

high.
– Eye Contact – Don’t stare at the floor, or hide behind whatever
it is that your reading from.
IMPOTANT MATTERS:

– Since we are talking about Ethnicity/Racial Inequalities, Minorities,

Stereotype, Discrimination, Prejudice, Bias and Racism, so, the best THEME
for this Spoken Word Poetry is “Unity in Diversity.” You can touch about those
topics above-mentioned but you need to connect it with the THEME provided.
– After you have written your spoken word poetry material try to make a video
while reciting your piece using FLIPGRID.
– The piece should be minimum of 3 minutes and maximum of 5 minutes
– This is a-100 % grade Activity/ Project.
– DUE Date: May 13, 2020, Wednesday, 8 AM