Spoken-word poetry is a cross-genre form of literature in which performance and the spoken word is combined to maximize the literary and emotional elements of the work. As with all forms of poetry, the poet’s chosen words and the context in which they are spoken are of utmost importance.
According to renowned spoken-words experts such as Imani Cezanne, “When performed well, spoken-word poetry is lyrical and conversational. It uses the cadence and the rhythm of day-to-day speech, with subject matter that’s not just personal, but highly experiential. It feels like the speaker is in the middle of speaking and you’re a part of it.” Cezanne furthers that, “Spoken-word poetry is oral storytelling with emotional resonance to move the listener.”
The phrase “performance poetry” is often used interchangeably with spoken word poetry; however, experiences poets and academics distinguish the two. While performance poetry encompasses a wide range of styles and includes improvised dance, spoken word poetry typically refers to poetic styles which use personal stories, freestyle rhyme and puns, and longer narrative pieces, written for the sole purpose of being performed.
Spoken-word poetry has grown in popularity over the years, thanks to its modern day appeal. It lends itself to the digital age of poetry and social media, and provides the space for the poet to create their work at the same time as performing their creation live. It’s particularly powerful in showcases and slam poetry competitions, when poets are pitted against each other and have a limited time to perform.
At its core, spoken-word poetry is an art form that allows the poet a greater freedom of expression than other forms of lyrics or poetry, as well as allowing them to connect more deeply with their audience. A good poem is the result of the poet’s originality, imagination and storytelling ability – all of which are heightened by the use of their own bodies, movements and facial expressions.
What Makes A Great Spoken-Word Poem?
A good spoken-word poem must be powerful, engaging and have an emotional impact. Every spoken-word poet needs to understand why they are creating the poem and what it is meant to communicate to the audience. Every spoken-word poem should be written for and performed for an audience. The poet should consider the emotions and experiences of those who hear their work, as this is a large part of what makes the poem stand out from the crowd.
A great spoken-word poem must be impactful, creative, honest and unique. The poet should choose words which are visually and emotionally powerful. They should use sound effects and visuals which enhance their message and make the audience feel something. Most important of all, the poem must be infused with thought-provoking ideas in order to really make an impression on the listener.
How To Become A Great Spoken-Word Poet?
Learning how to become a great spoken-word poet takes a lot of practice. The first step is to find your writing style, whether it’s confessional, political, humorous or something else. When writing a spoken-word poem, focus on creating something that listeners can relate to.
As a spoken-word poet, fluency is essential – both fluency of words and fluency of delivery. Practice writing and saying your poem aloud to help your words flow more fluently. Work on your delivery by speaking to an audience at an open mic night or performing for friends.
Spoken-word poetry is not just about pretty words on a page – it’s about using your physical presence to communicate with an audience and make a lasting impression. Experiment with different types of movement to underpin your words, and experiment with different tones and inflections of your voice.
Types Of Spoken-Word Poetry
Spoken-word poetry can take many forms and styles, and as with any form of poetry there are no hard and fast rules. It can be political, personal, humorous or simply informative. Some of the most popular forms of spoken-word poetry are:
Beat Poetry: Characterized by its use of long spoken sections, often with a hip-hop or rap-like feel, this is a popular form of spoken-word poetry that often focuses on political or social issues.
Epic Poetry: A traditional form of long-form poetry often used to tell a story, often with a strong narrative structure and characterized by elaborate language.
Sonnet Poetry: A traditional form of poetry which consists of 14 lines and usually follows a specific rhyme scheme. It is often used to express passionate emotion and is often characterized by a strong sense of rhythm and alliteration.
Haiku Poetry: A traditional form of Japanese poetry which typically consists of three lines and 17 syllables. These poems often provide an insightful and thoughtful look into the natural world and everyday life.
Using Spoken-Word Poetry To Engage An Audience
Spoken-word poetry is an effective way to engage an audience. Through its hypnotic rhythms and captivating performance, spoken-word poetry can capture an audience’s attention and draw in even the most reluctant listener. To really engage an audience, spoken-word poetry must be personalized and accessible. Speak to the audience directly, tell stories that they can relate to, and use humor and wit to keep them entertained.
The impact and influence of spoken-word poetry has been growing in recent years, and with this popularity comes an increasing number of opportunities to perform. As spoken-word poetry evolves and forms, it presents a growing opportunity for artists to be creative, express themselves and make a lasting impact on their listeners.
Being A Spoken-Word Poet As A Career
In recent years, spoken-word poetry has become a viable career option for many poets. Spoken-word performance has been embraced by a variety of platforms, from stage performances to internet videos and digital media. Spoken-word poets often find success through platforms such as YouTube, where they can share their work with a wide audience. Some poets even choose to travel, delivering their work at spoken-word events around the world.
Spoken-word poets are increasingly finding financial success. They are now able to make a living through performances, book deals, audio recordings, workshops, teaching and masterclasses. As the popularity of spoken-word poetry continues to grow, more and more opportunities are becoming available for those looking to make a career out of their art.
Benefits Of Spoken-Word Poetry
Spoken-word poetry has many benefits for both the poet and the listener. For the poet, it is an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings in a creative, meaningful way. It is also a powerful tool for increasing confidence, inspiring others and tackling difficult topics. For the listener, spoken-word poetry provides a unique insight into the poet’s world, allowing them to form a connection with the poet and the poem. The audience can experience a powerful, emotional connection that can be truly transformative.
Spoken-word poetry is also an excellent way to increase literacy and creativity, both of which are essential skills in the modern world. Listening to spoken-word poetry can inspire children and young people to use language creatively, and can provide a platform to showcase oral and written skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spoken-word poetry is a powerful, impactful form of literature. Its popularity is growing rapidly, and it provides poets with an opportunity to express themselves and their ideas in an original and creative way. With practice and dedication, a spoken-word poet can become a success and make a living out of their work. Ultimately, spoken-word poetry is an art form that should be embraced by poets and listeners alike.
