Guidelines for Spoken Word

GUIDELINES FOR SPOKEN WORD POEM    

DUE May 13 (EFH) May 14 (C)

SPOKEN WORD poetry is poetry that is written on a page but performed for an audience. Because it is performed, this poetry tends to demonstrate a 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.

Solo or with 2 or 3 partners

2-4 minutes

Must have an overall theme - cannot be random

Must come from a place of angst, a place in your heart, - passion is the driving force

Minimum 6 stanza w/6 lines in each stanza

Must memorize

USE exciting words - refrain from the mundane

CUT out the fat

USE poetic tools that help you create rhythm

            Alliteration, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, similes, personification, repetition, line

          Length, etc

READ aloud and make changes

PRACTICE with your group - be dramatic and passionate