Spoken Word

• Spoken word poetry is a word-based performance art where speakers engage in powerful self-expression by sharing their views on particular topics for a live audience, focusing on sound and presentation. Spoken word performances require memorization, performative body language (like gestures and facial expressions), enunciation, and eye contact with viewers.

• Spoken word poetry is a form of poetry that doesn’t have to rhyme, but certain parts can be rhymed to emphasize an image or give it a lyrical quality. Spoken word poems will sometimes contain elements of hip-hop, folk music, or jazz to enhance the rhythmic presentation.

On the next slide...

let's listen for literary elements of spoken word. Rhyme, rhythm, performance, repetition, sensory details, figurative language (metaphor/simile), symbolism, etc.

Repetition

• "Note from _________ to _______..."

• Adds emphasis to the meaning of the poem and helps people remember what it's about

• Repetition of "I know"

Rhythm and rhyme

• "Enough with these selfies/Hashtag don't tell me

• "Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana..."

• Gives the poem a melodic quality

Performance

• The way words are spoken

• Extra emphasis when they both speak at once

• Movements and pauses for added effect

​Childhood educator Maria Montessori once said, “what the hand does, the mind remembers.” With our hands, we feel our way through life and connect with our world. Every hand tells a story.

​What stories do your hands tell? What have you held, felt, treasured or done with them? Have a go at tracing around your hand and brainstorming what your hands have touched and held in their lifetime, or over the past few weeks.

As you are drafting your spoken word poem, think:

• How can you incorporate movement?

• Which techniques will you incorporate to add a sense of rhythm?

• Which literary elements will you use?

• What about repetition? What will you emphasize?