1. What is Spoken Word Poetry?
Spoken word poetry is poetry that is written on a page but performed for an audience. Because it is performed, this poetry tends to demonstrate a heavy use of rhythm, improvisation, free association, rhymes, rich poetic phrases, word play and slang. It is more aggressive and “in your face” than more traditional forms of poetry.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

2. What is slam poetry?
“Simply put, slam poetry is the competitive art of performance poetry. It puts a dual emphasis on writing and performance, encouraging poets to focus on what they're saying and how they're saying it.” - PSI
So…you’ll notice that his performance is quite a different experience from simply reading it on paper. (read slide)
Taylor Mali was an example of a professional spoken word artist. Here are some examples of how this translates to the high school level…

3. What is slam poetry?
“Slam poetry is a spoken word carnival, a performance university, a town hall meeting, a play plot, a sports arena, a sacred word temple, a burlesque show, a revelation, a belly laugh, holy ground, and possibly all of these at once. Slam poetry is performance poetry, the marriage of poetry text and the professional presentation to an audience who is encouraged to offer feedback.” - PSI

4. The points are not the point; the point is poetry.
What is a poetry slam?
A poetry slam is an event in which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience. Typically, five judges are selected from the audience and are instructed to give numerical scores (on a zero to 10 or one to 10 scale) based on the poet's content and performance.
The points are not the point; the point is poetry.

5. Open Mike vs. Poetry Slam
Slam is engineered to provide the best possible show for the audience, whereas most open mike readings are engineered as a support network for poets. At a Slam, the audience is encouraged to react vocally and openly to all aspects of the show, including the poet's performance, the judges' scores, and the host's banter.
Some performances are still like a poetry reading. That’s OKAY. With professional examples and workshops, students up their game.
We’re still working on the audience participation. You tell kids to be quiet while others are talking then expect them to be interactive at a slam.

6. Things to keep in mind when writing a spoken word poem:
Use of concrete Language
Repetition
Rhyme
Attitude
Persona
Performance
Concrete Language: Use words and phrases that project on the minds of the listeners vivid images sounds, actions and other sensations. If your poem is rich with imagery, your listeners will see, smell and taste what you’re telling them.
Repetition:
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

7. WRITING A POEM FOR PERFORMANCE
While memorization is not mandatory, it is encouraged. If you have some notes or a script, be well-rehearsed enough that you barely have to glance at it. Since this is PERFORMANCE poetry, you will need to use gestures in order to connect with the audience. Don’t let your script get in the way.

8. Partner and Group Performances are not only allowed but are ENCOURAGED!

9. Examples Sarah Kay discusses the art of spoken word (start at 3:46)
“Knock Knock”
“On Girls Lending Pens”
“Money is Not Happiness”

10. More Examples “Cats & Dogs”
“Why I Hate School But Love Education”
“When Love Arrives”
“Speaking with Conviction”