Overview of Spoken Word Poetry Sarah Kay
Sarah Kay is a renowned poet who has developed her own hybrid form of spoken word poetry. Her pieces fuse rap, spoken word, and hip hop to create an intimate dialogue between the performer and the audience. In this style of poetry, Sarah Kay’s performance often includes body movement and direct eye contact with audience members. This impacts the emotion of the performance and conveys meaning beyond the words themselves. Through her work, Sarah Kay encourages audiences to share the joy and sorrow of life, the power and fragility of relationships, and the beauty of ordinary moments.
Understand the Intention Behind Your Poetry
The first step to understanding how to write spoken word poetry Sarah Kay is to identify the purpose of your poem. Do you want to communicate your thoughts and emotions? Engage an audience? Tell a story? Make people laugh? Make people cry? Make a statement? Know yourself and your intentions—they will help guide you as you write and perform.
Choose Your Words Carefully
The next step is to pick words that are direct and have a punch. “No-brainer” words should be avoided, as they tend to be overused and carry little emotional weight. Instead, utilize light and colorful language and counter it with strong staccato words that will make your poem hit hard. In this way, you will be able to create a poem that moves and enlightens the audience.
Unleash Your Creativity
Another tip on writing spoken word poetry Sarah Kay is to think outside the box. A poem doesn’t have to stick to traditional structures such as a rhyme scheme. Allow yourself to be creative and stretch the limits. Think of words and images that will grab your audience’s attention, whether it be an unexpected metaphor or hyperbole. Experiment and feel free to express yourself.
Choose Your Flow
Sarah Kay’s poems all contain a distinct flow, which is especially important since the content of the poem is predominantly formed through the performer’s delivery, rather than the words alone. There are a few ways you can achieve flow in spoken word and different poets use different approaches. One way is to recite your poem with a consistent rhythm throughout, which can hypnotize your audience. Another way is to contrast rhythms and vary your pace to emphasize the emotional or comedic moments of your poem.
Set the Mood
Sarah Kay’s spoken word pieces almost always have an underlying tone or mood. To create and maintain atmosphere, think of a mood you want to set. Is it a dreamy atmosphere? A powerful outburst? A scared whisper? How will you build it? What images and sounds will be used? To bring the mood to life, think of props, scent, other performers, etc. if they apply to your piece.
Incorporate Visual Art
Visual art often pairs well with spoken word. When used together, it can create different layers of meaning in your piece. Visual art can come in the form of drawings, animations, or soundwaves. It can be used for educational purposes, to deepen understanding and create a unique connection between the lyricism and the imagery. It can also be used to entertain. Use visuals to connect your poem to the audience in unexpected ways.
Practice Makes Perfect
The most important step to perfecting spoken word poetry is practice. We suggest that you continually go back and revise your piece. Make sure you practice in front of others and observe the reactions they have to your work. If you are brave enough, ask for specific feedback and take constructive criticism. Have your audience highlight moments they felt disconnected and create opportunities for them to provide feedback. Rehearse your poems until you become confident in your delivery.
How to Structure Your Poem
A great tip on writing spoken word poetry is to keep your structure simple. Begin by brainstorming a few relevant topics, then narrow them down to one key idea that you are passionate about. Then, use imagery and vivid language to convey your message in a powerful way. Using metaphors and similes can help articulate your feelings and passions. Utilize a structure in which each stanza builds on the last so the momentum of your poem continues to increase. Additionally, be mindful of how the words sound. You want your spoken word poem to sound beautiful when it is spoken so be sure to pay attention to its overall flow.
Write in the Moment
The last step to writing spoken word poetry Sarah Kay is to write in the moment. Let your words pour out and don’t worry too much about grammatical rules. Spoken word has a certain rhythm and flow to it, so it’s important to capture that energy in your writing. The more you write like you speak, the easier it will be to perform your poem in front of an audience. Don’t worry about going off track or making mistakes—it’s all part of the artistic process.
Write With Emotion
When writing spoken word poetry Sarah Kay, it’s important to write with emotion. Your words should convey how you’re feeling and move the audience. Use sensory descriptions to evoke emotion in your audience. Describe the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds with direct, colorful language. Try to express your feelings in the most vivid way possible, as it will make your poem come alive.
Make Use of Movement
Movement is another important element of spoken word poetry. Your body and gestures help to bring the words to life. When sitting down to do a spoken word piece, use movement to convey the meaning of the words. Move with the rhythm of the words and use hand movements to emphasize important parts of the poem. Movement can help the audience to connect with your words, as they watch you move and feel what you feel.
Pick the Best Delivery Style
The delivery of the spoken word is just as important as the words themselves. Sarah Kay is a master of delivering her work in an authentic and powerful way. When preparing for a performance, figure out how you want to deliver your piece. Will it be slow or fast paced? Soft or punchy? Will you use pauses, vocal intonations, or facial expressions? Will you be loud or soft? How will you move on stage? Knowing your delivery style will help you to bring your words to life.
