What Is a Poetry Slam?

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? Initially, we believed it was National Poultry Month. We were planning to explore a Wonder about chickens dancing — a real “fowl ball” — but then a friend informed us that we should focus on POETRY, not POULTRY.

So here it is! Do you enjoy reading poetry? When many children hear the word “poetry,” they envision old-fashioned poems that are difficult to read and comprehend.

However, poetry has so much more to offer! From haiku and acrostic poems to limericks and sonnets, poetry can touch the heart and mind in powerful ways.

If you believe you don’t like poetry, consider these questions. Do you enjoy music? What about the catchy rhymes of hip-hop and rap, in particular? Do you sometimes hear the lyrics of a song and feel connected to them in a way that makes you want to remember them forever? Many songs are essentially heartfelt poems set to music.

And if you think poetry is an outdated art form that has no relevance in today’s world, think again! People who believe that poetry is not a cutting-edge art form have never experienced a poetry slam.

A poetry slam is a competition in which individuals or teams perform their own personal poetry before an audience, who then judge the poems and the artists’ performances. Poetry slams are often held on college campuses or at coffee houses.

The poetry slam was created by construction worker and poet Marc Smith. In 1984, he began organizing poetry readings at a Chicago jazz club in an attempt to revive the art of live poetry performances.

Over time, his readings evolved into a regular competition on Sunday nights called the Uptown Poetry Slam. In addition to selecting members of the audience to judge the competition, Smith also offered cash prizes to the winners. The Uptown Poetry Slam continues to take place every Sunday night.

Although the rules of poetry slams can vary from one location to another, the basic rules remain consistent across competitions: poets have three minutes to perform an original poem they have written.

They are not allowed to use props, costumes, or musical instruments. Five judges assign scores from 0-10. The highest and lowest scores are discarded, and the middle three scores are added together to give poets a possible score range of 0-30.

At a poetry slam, the audience is encouraged to actively participate by reacting to all aspects of the show. This may include cheering for their favorite poets, booing judges who give low scores, and laughing at the host’s jokes.

Depending on the type of poetry slam you attend, you never know what kind of poetry you will hear. A typical poetry slam might feature various types of poetry, including love poems, critical social commentary, hilarious comic poems, and heartfelt personal confessions.

Try It Out

Wonderopolis would like to express gratitude to Wonder Friend Amy Ludwig VanDerwater for suggesting the following WONDERful poetry activities for today’s Wonder of the Day. Take a look! You probably never realized there were so many ways to have fun with poetry.

• Explore poetry! Regardless of your mood or personality, there are poems waiting for you to discover and appreciate. Sometimes a poem will bring laughter, and sometimes a poem will remind you that you are not alone. Ask your librarian to guide you to the poetry section of your library and immerse yourself in these brief moments of beauty and strength. You can also read numerous poems online. One website to visit is The Poem Farm, where you can search for poems based on topic or technique.
• Memorize a poem! If you adore a poem, you may choose to commit it to memory. By doing so, the poem will reside within you forever. Inquire with some adults you know if they have any poems memorized. If they do, request them to recite it for you. Listen and savor. If you require assistance with memorizing a poem, read tips on How to Memorize a Poem online.
• Create poems! Poems can take any form, any size, and evoke any emotion. To begin, all you need is to trust your mind and heart…and let your pencil guide you. There are numerous fantastic books available on writing poetry. Consult your librarian for recommendations on books about writing poetry.
• Record yourself reciting poetry! At No Water River, you can watch videos of writers reading their own poems. After watching and gaining inspiration, you may want to collaborate with a friend and record yourselves reciting favorite poems written by others or by yourselves. You can either videotape yourselves or simply record your voices. Either way is wonderful, as poetry is meant to be heard, with the words floating through the air.
• Submit your poems! Explore the various magazines and websites that publish writing by young individuals by visiting Spilling Ink online.
• Give a poem as a gift! A poem speaks directly to the heart, always fits, and lasts forever.

FAQ

1. What is a poetry slam?

A poetry slam is a competitive event where poets perform their original work in front of an audience. It is a unique form of spoken word poetry that focuses on the performance aspect. Poets are given a limited amount of time, usually three minutes, to present their poems. The performances are then judged by a panel of judges or the audience, and the poet with the highest score wins. Poetry slams often have a lively and energetic atmosphere, with poets using various techniques such as rhythm, rhyme, and gestures to engage the audience.

2. How did poetry slams originate?

Poetry slams originated in the 1980s in Chicago, Illinois. They were created as a way to bring poetry back to the masses and make it more accessible to a wider audience. The first poetry slam was organized by a construction worker named Marc Smith at the Green Mill jazz club. It quickly gained popularity and spread to other cities across the United States and eventually around the world. Today, poetry slams are held in various venues, including cafes, bars, and theaters, and attract poets of all ages and backgrounds.

3. What are the rules of a poetry slam?

While the rules of a poetry slam may vary slightly from event to event, there are some common guidelines that are followed. Poets are usually required to perform original work and are not allowed to use any props or costumes. They must also adhere to a time limit, typically three minutes, and may be penalized if they exceed it. The performances are judged based on various criteria, such as content, delivery, and audience reaction. It is important to note that poetry slams prioritize the spoken word aspect of poetry, so poets must focus on their performance skills in addition to their writing.

4. What is the purpose of a poetry slam?

The purpose of a poetry slam is to provide a platform for poets to share their work and engage with an audience. It is a space where poets can express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through the power of spoken word. Poetry slams also foster a sense of community and connection among poets and audience members. They encourage creativity, self-expression, and the exploration of different poetic styles and themes. Additionally, poetry slams serve as a form of entertainment and offer a unique and dynamic way to experience poetry. They can inspire and challenge both the performers and the audience, creating a vibrant and memorable experience.