Spoken word is a form of poetry that is performed out loud, often with passion and emotion. It can be a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to express yourself, connect with others, and explore various topics and issues. To get started, you can write your own poems, watch videos of spoken word performances, join online or local poetry communities, and attend or participate in poetry events.
Spoken Word
as a hobby
AKA: Performance Poetry • Slam Poetry
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Spoken word is a weapon of mass creation. It can tear down walls, build bridges, and ignite sparks. It can make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. It can challenge you, change you, and inspire you.
Jennifer L. Smith
Helpful content to get started
We curated content to familiarize you with spoken word as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.
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Spoken word is truth from broken pieces of our hearts that bleed from our pen to paper.
Amina Gautier
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Open mic. This is a non-competitive event where anyone can sign up and perform their poems or other forms of spoken word, without any judging or scoring. It is usually a friendly and supportive environment for beginners and experienced poets alike.
- Slam. This is a competitive event where poets perform their poems in front of judges and audiences, who score them based on various criteria. The poet with the highest score wins the slam.
Term Videos
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- Watch spoken word and poetry slam YouTube videos to get inspired.
- Find spoken word and poetry slam events near you for more inspiration.
- Buy a blank notebook.
- Let the words flow…
- If they don’t, try following a how-to guide or taking a course.
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Spoken word poems frequently refer to issues of social justice, politics, race, and community.
Essentials to have.
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Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
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Spoken word is a way of saying things that need to be said. Things that need to be said to inspire, to heal, to change, to motivate, to uplift, to educate.
David Kirkland
Get a clue.
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Spoken word can also be a form of empowerment, activism, and healing for marginalized and oppressed groups.
Additional advice for beginners.
- Read and listen to a lot of spoken word poems. This can help you learn from other poets, discover different styles and techniques, and find inspiration and motivation. You can find spoken word poems online, in books, or at live events.
- Write about what matters to you. This can help you express yourself authentically, connect with your audience, and create a unique voice. You can write about anything that interests you, such as your personal experiences, opinions, feelings, or dreams.
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Spoken word can be delivered in a variety of styles and can even involve collaboration and experimentation with other art forms, such as music, theatre, and dance.
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