How to Write Slam/Performance Poetry

[notmike]

I don't write slam/performance poetry. Now this isn't because I don't like slam poetry, but rather because I have always had trouble getting it to flow, and sound good. And because we have this great source of writing knowledge (and I know we have a few good slam/performance poets here), I decided to create this thread. I figured it would most likely go in this section.

So this post is for other people to give their pointers and tips on how to write good performance/slam poetry, so that we less fortunate, may benefit from your knowledge.

[notdan]

Listening to slam poetry is probably the biggest factor. Usually before I work on a poem that I plan to perform I listen to poets I like: Buddy Wakefield, Anis Mojgani, Taylor Mali, etc (there's a thread with some links somewhere). It gets me in the zone, if you want to call it that. Other than that, it's all about envisioning what you're going to sound like, look like, and feel like when you read it.

Also, read it out loud, a lot, and exactly as you plan to perform it. A huge part of the piece is how it sounds--what kind of emotion and feeling you can get across from the sound of your voice. Everything's got to fit and feel right.

[enkindledpulsar]

You can't create/ channel the energy and words for a slam piece without passion. If you write half of it and you're no longer feeling it, put it away for a few days. Become someone else if you don't know where to start. What story did your friend recently tell you that really got you angry or too happy to explain? Write it from his/her point of view. Persona poems are great. Check out Patricia Smith's Skinhead. Youtube has great evidence of her performing power.