Defining What is Spoken Word Poetry
Spoken word poetry often goes hand in hand with performance poetry, and is seen as a form of lyrical expression, typically involving intense emotions and soulful words. It is often accompanied by music and/or theater, but spoken word is essentially an artistic form of storytelling. It is a form of self-expression that uses words to evoke emotion and can include elements of music, comedy, theatre, and sometimes even dance.
Many spoken word poets view their work as an opportunity to speak their truth and tell a story, embrace change, talk about societal issues, or lend a voice to the beauty of everyday life. Poets use spoken word to express their emotions, thoughts, views, and opinions, or simply to express themselves in ways that can’t be put into words.
Picking a Style for Your Spoken Word Poetry
Spoken word poetry can be written in different styles and forms. Some common spoken word styles include abstract, narrative, epic sagas, confessionals and confessions, slam, performance poetry, and even improvisational.
Abstract spoken word poetry explores a feeling or experience with the use of descriptive language, imagery and metaphors. It’s often a great way to express strong emotions and to explain a deep thought or idea.
Narrative spoken word poetry tells a story. A narrative poem has a clear beginning, middle and end and is often composed of characters and a plot line.
Epic sagas involve complex stories, sometimes spanning generations and geographical locations over time. They may combine native stories and folklore with personal experiences.
Confessionals and confessions involve autobiography, intimacy, and self-reflection. These poems are often intensely personal and are a great way to get your feelings and thoughts out.
Slam poetry is often written in the classic spoken word style and is usually exceptional at eliciting emotion and getting the audience to take action.
Performance poetry is all about engaging the audience and entertaining them with poetry. It takes poetry to the stage and beyond and often intertwines compelling, funny and thought-provoking words with performance elements and music.
Improvisational poetry is performed without being planned or rehearsed, and involves all members of the audience in creating the poem together.
Getting Inspiration for Your Spoken Word Poetry
Spoken word poetry can stem from any source of inspiration – from personal life experiences to interpersonal relationships or the news. It can be about anything you feel passionate about and can be deeply personal or quite general.
Popular sources of inspiration for spoken word poetry can come from current events, music, books, movies, popular culture, and even conversations with family and friends.
Spoken word poetry also gives you the opportunity to explore ideas, topics, and perspectives that can’t be put into words. It allows you to have an honest look at yourself and contemplate your experiences in whatever way you choose.
Crafting Your Spoken Word Poem
When it comes to crafting your spoken word poem, there is no right or wrong way to do it. However, you should keep a few key things in mind when writing.
Start by writing down your ideas and inspirations. Get a feel for the poem before you start writing. You want to write something that resonates with people and that can be transformed into spoken word when performed.
When it comes to writing your poem, keep your words and phrases simple yet powerful. You want to use language that is easy for your audience to understand but still evokes emotion.
Strong visuals and similes can also be great for creating an impression and bringing your poem to life. Put yourself in your audience’s shoes and think about how your words will make them feel.
Keep your poem concise and make sure each line fits together to form the emotion and stories you want to portray.
Making Your Spoken Word Poem Stand Out
The key to making your spoken word poem stand out is to make sure you are conveying your message clearly. As mentioned, visuals and strong words are great ways to evoke strong emotions and make your poem memorable.
Another way to make your spoken word poem stand out is to give your performance a memorable ending. It is the last impression your audience will have of the poem and can be a great way to make sure they remember it.
You should also think about your delivery. Body language and facial expressions can be powerful tools for driving your message home.
Additionally, you should consider engaging the audience throughout your performance by asking questions or creating opportunities for them to respond.
Finally, practice your poem over and over, so that you can deliver it with confidence and clarity.
Experimenting with Different Rhymes and Metaphors
When crafting your spoken word poem, it is important to consider different rhymes and metaphors to make it unique.
Rhyme can be great for helping to make a poem memorable, and is a great way to create a rhythm and flow to your poem.
Metaphors are a great tool for helping to explain a concept or idea in an imaginative and evocative way.
Using both metaphors and rhyme can add a musical quality to your spoken word poem, making it more impactful and memorable.
Making Your Poem Powerful
Making your spoken word poem powerful is key in getting the message across. To do this, you should look for ways to build momentum throughout the poem and to make sure each line builds on the previous one.
You should also consider adding pauses and emphasizing key words to really drive home your message.
Finally, you should use words that clearly convey the emotion and feeling you want to convey in the poem.
Putting Your Spoken Word Poem into Practice
The best way to perfect your spoken word poem is to practice it. Out loud. Look for ways you can improve the flow of your poem and add things like pauses, pauses, metaphors and rhymes.
You should also practice performing the poem to get more familiar with it and to get a feel for the timing of it.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different things such as props, music, and theatre elements to really bring your poem to life.
Networking and Building a Following
To get your spoken word poem out there, it is important to network and build a following.
Share your work online or attend open mic nights in your community to get your name out there. Doing so can open doors to further opportunities and give you a chance to connect with other spoken word poetry lovers and professionals.
It can also be helpful to look for organizations and groups that promote spoken word poetry and join them in their efforts.
By networking and building a following, you can get your poem in front of the right people and increase your chances of gaining exposure and making an impact.
Collaborating with Other Poets
Collaborating with other poets can be a great way to hone your skills and get creative inspiration.
It can also be helpful to collaborate with like-minded people who have different experiences and perspectives, as this can help you to create richer and more nuanced work.
Additionally, collaborating can be a great way to have a support system and access resources to better equip yourself for success.
Developing Your Originality
The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to spoken word poetry is to develop your originality.
Make sure you are expressing your unique voice and perspective and that your poem says something that is solely yours.
Spoken word poetry is all about self-expression, so make sure you stay true to yourself and don’t compromise your beliefs and goals.
