A Poetry Reading is typically given on a small stage in a café or bookstore, although reading by prominent poets frequently are booked into larger venues such as amphitheaters and college auditoriums, 'to make poetry public'. Poetry readings almost always involve poets reading their own written work or reciting it from memory but readings often involve several readers (often called "featured poets" or "featureds"), although normally one poet is chosen as a "headliner".
A Poetry Slam is a competitive format that has become increasingly popular, especially in the United States, since its inception in the 1980s. A "slam" is the art of poetry presented in public as is the "open mic" event variant. “Slam poetry" is not really a form of poetry. A poetry slam is an event-format, where poets perform (within certain rules and restrictions) and a randomly-picked set of judges choose the winners. "Slam poetry" is simply a term used to refer poems performed at slams. Basically, a poetry slam is a poetry reading on steroids...it's a poetry reading with a competitive twist...poets take turns reciting their work within a certain time constraint, usually about 3 minutes. Judges are picked at random from volunteers among the audience who judge each poet based on the material and delivery. There is usually a preliminary round to narrow down the poets and then quite often a second and even a third round whereby the remaining poets recite different works from their initial one. There is therefore often varying strategies that slam poets will use as to what pieces they choose to do during each round. Obviously, all the pieces must be strong, but some slam poets might choose a humorous poem to start off with to get the judges' attention, then they may throw in something a bit more serious in the second round to show some range, and then they finish off with a show stopper to really have a dramatic impact in the final round. Last poet standing wins the poetry slam.
There are, of course, many different variations on this general theme, but the idea is always the same - slam poetry is as much about performance as it is the words. Successful slam poets have an energetic presence on stage and engage the audience and judges in a dynamic way through their poems. One of the mottos in slam poetry is that the best poem doesn't always win, because it so often depends on the personal tastes of the judges and how influenced they are by the crowd who can often get rambunctious and rowdy when their favorite poet takes the stage.
Obviously, there is a very distinct style of spoken word poetry that makes a good slam poem and certainly not all poetry translates very well to the slam format or performance in general. The best thing to do if you are interested in trying your hand at poetry slams is to attend a few before deciding to enter, just to be sure you feel you have what it takes to be a part of it. You may be an incredibly accomplished and published poet, but you might fall on your face in the slam format.
Spoken Word Poetry (or performance poetry) is simply poetry that’s written to be performed. What differentiates it from page poetry is that it’s an amalgamation of 2 art-forms - the literary art, and the performance art. Both go hand-in-hand in a spoken word poem. Hence, one must not judge a spoken word poem simply by reading it, because the performance is 50% of the experience. A spoken word refers to a poem written and has to be performed. It refers to poetry that is written for performance on stage. It can be performed anywhere the poet chooses to or wherever he has a platform to perform.
However, they’re both performance poetry. That involves reading the poem aloud, using body language, gestures, and facial expressions to pass the message well. Also, you’ll require a similar kind of preparation to write and perform them. Therefore, they have the same elements, procedures, and steps for writing and performance.
Some poems are meant to be written and read silently, but most are not! Poetry used to be entirely spoken; writing them down is only a modern necessity for publishing purposes, and even then, many poets are returning to speaking their poems since technology has improved audio recording. Spoken word poetry and performance poetry are terms for any poetry that is intentionally written with the goal of being read aloud. Slam poetry is performance poetry that is specifically performed in a competition.
At a typical slam, poets read their original work one at a time; the readings are very dramatic on purpose, and poets use their bodies and facial expressions to enhance their vocals. Sometimes poets are scored by a judge, who uses a point system; other times, the winner is decided based only on the audience’s reactions (snapping, cheering, shouting, “Mmhmm,” etc.). Unlike formal readings of other literature, which are quiet, in most poetry slams, the audience is not just allowed, but encouraged to make noise to show their approval.
There’s no formula for slam poetry. It can include rhyming and unrhyming verse in any meter or scheme. Though most slam poetry is modern, sometimes people will perform past and present poems written by others, too. Slam poems range from vulnerable, heartbreaking stories of pain and injustice to humorous near-comedy. Be careful not to generalize or stereotype what “is” or “isn’t” slam poetry. The performance is what makes it a slam, not the words themselves.
Elements Of Spoken Word And Slam Poetry
Concrete language: Spoken word poetry makes use of concrete language. It includes words and phrases that give your audience a clear understanding of the topic. It also makes the poem clear and vivid. Also, it uses a language that appeals to the senses.
Attitude: It consists of how you perform your spoken word. You should perform it in a way that gives off the opinions and feelings behind it. You should be able to play out your poem. It’s the attitude you deliver that makes it really spoken word poetry and not just a recitation.
Repetition: It involves repeating some phrases or words to create emphasis. Such words or phrases easily stick to the minds of your audience. Also, it contributes to making the poem exciting.
Literary devices: Spoken word contains literary devices. They help to make the spoken word enjoyable and not more than just simple sentences. So, they show the audience what you mean and express emotions. They include simile, metaphor, personification, etc.
Rhythm: This refers to a pattern of sound that comes with stressing different syllables. It gives a kind of flow to the poem. Also, it uses sound to reinforce meaning. You can use some sound devices like onomatopoeia, alliteration, and consonance to create rhythm.
Rhyme: It involves the use of the same sounds at the end of a line. However, you can choose not to use rhymes. It’s according to your style. But use it moderately.
Conclusion
In essence, the main difference between slam poetry and spoken word is in the events that they’re performed. Apart from that, you prepare for both performances in the same way. Therefore, they have the same elements and framework when writing them. So, you can use the poem you performed as a spoken word to compete at a poetry slam. Now, you can easily write your piece, memorize, practice, and finally, perform it as a spoken word or slam poetry.
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