How To Write Slam Poetry

Slam poetry is one form of poetry that's very exciting. This is a spoken-word poem that is performed at "poetry Slam", a type competition in poetry that became popular in the United States during the 1980s. Poetry slam participants will present their work to five judges. These judges are often chosen from the audience. It's a fun and useful way to improve your poetry writing abilities.

This is the place to go if your goal is to create slam poetry. This article will give you some great tips on writing slam poems. These tips can help you create slam poets that will be enjoyed by both the judges as well as the audience.

1. Immerse yourself in slam poetry

You must have a solid understanding and appreciation of slam poetry to become a champion. This can be done by spending time reading a lot about slam poems. This will enable you to learn about the flow and structure of slam poetry as well as the common themes used. You can find local slam poems events or view videos online of slam poets.

2. It should be authentic

After you've immersed yourself into slam poetry you should think about how this art form can be used to express your true self to others. An authentic slam poetry writer will be more popular with the audience. They want to see you as a person on stage and not just a group of slam poets.

Consider how you can add your personal touch to your poetry. Are you a sarcastic person? Your sarcasm is your best friend. Are you a fan of corny jokes? That's where you should go. Are you shy? Or quiet? What is it you truly want others to hear? Being authentic will help you write better poems and make the audience more open to the idea.

3. Remember, the poem will still be performed

Remember that your poem will be read aloud in public. As you write your poem, read it aloud to ensure that you are paying attention to its flow and rhythm. Poetry that engages the audience is created by the best slam poets.

4. Poetry that works well in Slam poetry can be used with poetic devices

The best slam poems include rhyme and rhythm as well as alteration, simple metaphors and hyperbole. These techniques allow for a more powerful poem.

5. Simple language is best in poetry

Slam poetry should be easy for everyone to understand. This means that you should avoid using complex Shakespearean and Miltonesque language. Concrete language with a direct impact on the audience is better. For entertainment, the best slam poetry often uses clever metaphors or visceral language.

6. Select a topic people can relate with

It's also important to pick a theme that is relatable to the audience. You can use slam poetry to address topics such as dating, love, politics, life experiences, unusual dreams, self-exploration and daily issues. Share your personal experiences with the theme. This will allow you to avoid using clichГ©s and keep your audience engaged.

7. Before you begin to create the outline,

Once you have an idea for the theme of your poem, create an outline.

  • The outline should begin with the messages or feelings you want to communicate to the audience. Are you hoping to have the audience make a joke out of the poem? Does it need to inspire reflection on their relationships? A slam poem will be more effective if you know the goal before it is too late.
  • Next, consider the experiences, emotions, or ideas that can be used in order to reach these goals. Write about an experience you have had that challenges gender stereotypes. This will help you to get the audience thinking about them. Add your thoughts and feelings to the topic. When introducing emotions, experiences and ideas, think about how you order them. The poem should take you on a journey with the audience.
  • The final step is to decide on the tone or style of the poem. Some poets who slam poetry will incorporate rap into the poems, while others will emphasize one particular poetic device in order to create a distinctive tone.

8. Print it

Once you have the outline, start writing poetry.

This is your initial draft. Your first draft should be a summary of your ideas. Write quickly and use the poetic devices to keep your sentences concise.

9. Revise revise revise

The first draft of a great slam poem is rarely the best. It will take many revisions to get your poem right. You can ask your teachers, family members, and friends for feedback as you revise.

10. Pace your poem

Contestants will have three minutes each to complete their poem. It is important to read your poem slowly to ensure that it is not too long.

11. Dramatic performances are a great way to add drama

Slam poetry is poetry that combines poetry with drama. You aim to get an emotional response from your audience. Therefore, you should perform your poem with impact. You can speak louder if you are trying to convey anger, excitement, or both. You can also utter sections that are poignant or emotional. Your poem might need to be rehearsed dozens of time to get it right.

Author

  • emersonmckinney

    Emerson McKinney is a 31-year-old mother and blogger who focuses on education. Emerson has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and blogger who writes about her experiences as a mother and educator. Emerson is also a contributing writer for the Huffington Post.