How many times has it happened with you that you poured your heart and soul into a poem, used all the right words to evoke feelings in the minds and hearts of your audience but failed miserably?
Fret not! We are here to help. More often than not, poets find themselves baffled and confused about how to captivate their audience. Even when the poem is good, the response isn’t as desired or expected. So today, let’s explore the art of performance in poetry.
Spoken word as the name suggests is written to be spoken aloud rather than read on a paper. To write poetry is one thing but to recite it in a way that it evokes desired responses from the audience is a different ball game altogether.
To be able to efficiently and effectively recite a literary piece, few things should be kept in mind. One of the most imperative things to take care of is articulation. How you speak and convey your messages is quite important. Writing good poetry is essential but presenting it well will make all the difference. Pronunciation, pauses, pitch, choice and usage of words, should be given serious consideration.
Keep the content raw and relatable. People often look for relatable references in different art forms. They turn to poets to weave into words the emotions that they feel but can’t express. Hence, keeping the poem raw and relatable will not only help you hold the attention of listeners but also help them connect to your piece easily and quickly.
A perfect mix and balance of writing and performance will help you keep your audience hooked. Read the room, set the atmosphere and start with the first line. Try to keep the first line as crisp and as relatable as possible.
No matter what performance style you prefer, these tips will help you hone your skills.
Good luck to the poet and performer in you. Happy writing and performing!
These tips are shared by poetry artists of FNP Media. Their deep understanding of spoken
word poetry stems from years of experience and interactions.
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