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Loosely defined, slam poetry is the act of performing poetry orally. While its style is more vocal than other literary genres, slam poetry offers rewarding experiences. It can strengthen your public speaking skills and even transform your writing style.
Understanding poetry slams' writing and submission process will help you deeply engage with audiences. Here are eight steps to nail your performance!
Approval and Registration
Many poetry slams require sign-ups, permission slips, and loads of preparation. Others are "casual" and impromptu, occurring in public spaces and writing workshops. Make sure you have a clear plan for your performance (location, time, etc).
Review any guidelines or rules. You don't want to give the judges any reason to disqualify you for something that's preventable!
If you have to apply for a slam, ask others to review your application and submissions. This only applies to special cases since your registration process varies according to your performance outlet.
Brainstorming
When you write a slam poem, make sure that you feel connected to your topics. At its core, slam poetry is recited to incite meaningful reflection on a subject. If you are entering a competition, plan in accordance with guidelines and selected prompts.
Writing an outline of your ideas and lines is especially significant in the brainstorming process. Keep track of your ideas, no matter how petty they seem. You may incorporate them into your performance later, or they can inspire future poems.
The Writing Process
Write your lines to support your word flow and showcase creativity. To achieve this, say your lines aloud while you write them. Depending on how long you plan to perform, it may take you days to a full week to complete the script.
Writing poetry, especially for oral performances, can be challenging. What makes your poem unique, and how does your message connect with your audience? These essential questions can guide you while writing your poem.
Revisions and Editing
Your first few drafts of your slam poem will not be perfect. It could be missing rhetorical elements and clarity. This is perfectly normal! It's recommended to have another writer review your poem before finalizing it.
Revise beyond simple grammatical corrections and punctuation. Make sure that your word flow is steady and your ideas are connected. If necessary, consider joining writing workshops.
Continue revising until your lines are concise and impactful. Stay true to your poetic forms and interests!
Rehearsal and Practice
Once you finish your poem, prepare far before your performance date. Whether the poem is memorized or not, being familiar with your lines is crucial. Consider how you shape the tone and volume of specific phrases. Add emotion and meaningful pauses if necessary.
Also, avoid cramming or rushing at the last minute. Procrastinating will impact your stress levels on stage. If you have a tight schedule, prioritize this commitment over trivial ones.
Rehearse and perfect your poem in a place that is free of distractions. For example, you can practice in your room or even in an empty parking lot. Remember, practicing is about improvement, not perfection.
Collaborating with Other Poets
Often, slam poems are performed in groups or duos. If you are working with another poet, consider splitting the writing process. This way, both of you can add personalized elements to your draft and have a successful performance without accidental overlapping, mispronunciations, and more.
Try to distribute the lines evenly unless assigning them adds meaning to your poem. Teamwork always requires fairness and respect toward one another, including other teams.
Performing On Stage
Here comes the challenging part! Remember that feeling nervous is a valid response when performing in front of an audience. The people listening to your performance are understanding, and a few mistakes aren't critical. Take a deep breath and think positively.
Raise your voice so the back of the room can hear you. Avoid speaking too fast or too slow. Pause only to incite reflection or emphasize the significance of your lines. Experiences with slam poetry vary for everyone, so reflect on which strengths your performance showcased and any necessary improvements.
Consider the Next Steps
After your performance, reflect on your strengths and areas for growth. Did you struggle to project your voice and shape your tone? The writing process is initially challenging for many poets.
After identifying your weaknesses, set goals to improve. Consider how your future poems can benefit from previous performances.
Then, search for upcoming poetry slams and performance opportunities. Each poem you write is another step closer to enhancing your speaking skills. Over time, you will have more experience and a prominent profile as a poet. An open mindset is significant when honing your craft.
The combination of writing and performance gives slam poetry a special place in the literary world. With time and diligence, you can master it. Good luck!
