Spoken word or performance poetry has been around for a long time, but is currently making waves with the younger generation. But what is it, and what makes it very special?
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Spoken word is a kind of poetry that is meant to be performed in front of a live audience. It can be related to hip-hop and rap, modern storytelling and performance, monologue theater, and music.
Spoken word performers and artists usually write and perform pieces that contain socially relevant themes, so they can connect instantly with their audience.
How does one make or choose a piece? It is important to work with something that is true in one’s life (i.e., If a person is going through or has experienced heartbreak, it can be a good piece). Without the personal attitude, the piece may just feel like a declamation or an oratorical performance.
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For those who want to see if their pieces will be a hit, open mics are a good option for a debut performance. These events can be a stepping stone for one’s performance poetry career. Many open mics do not require advance booking, and anyone can join as a performer or an audience.
Just like theater acting, memorization and character personification are important elements in spoken word performance. When a performer is confident about his lines, his can act out and send his message across in a better way. Only after memorizing the piece can a performer tweak the performance with theme-appropriate gestures and other non-verbal expressions.
Are you an aspiring actor who wants to learn more about spoken word poetry and other stage performances? Follow me, Louis P. Habash, on Twitter for more tips.
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