Spoken Word Poem
You have already experienced some spoken word poetry in class. Now is your turn to give it a shot. Of
course a big question is always where to begin. So here are a few guidelines:
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6.
Choose a topic that really matters to you.
a. As we mentioned in class, it is really hard to write well about something you do not
care about. A good place to start is the list you created in class.
Consider your audience.
a. What is your hook?
b. What can they identify with? Think about the intersections that Sarah Kay
explained.
c. What do you want them to get out of this?
Develop your idea- 2 minutes in length
a. Do you want to tell them about something very personal?
b. Can you find a better way to make yourself clear?
c. How do you connect? Transition?
Movement- Choreography
a. Do you have a clear plan for meaningful movements?
b. Will your movements attract or detract from your meaning?
Language
a. Have you thought about the way you say it?
b. Did you use the very best words to convey your purpose?
c. Imagery/ Symbolism/ Figurative Language
Delivery
a. Consider pacing- when should you speed up/ slow down.
b. Enunciation- can we understand the words or do you have marbles in your mouth?
c. Volume- Can we hear you? Do you vary volume in particular places on purpose?
d. Have you practiced enough?
Nonexistent
0
No controlling
idea is present.
Is not
comprehensible
to the
audience.
Unacceptable
5
General idea
may be
present, but is
hard or
impossible to
follow.
Confusing.
Poorly Done
10
A general topic
is existent, but
does not
promote
thought or
contemplation.
Basic in nature.
Development
and Length
No poem is
orated.
Poem is
orated. Little
or no
development
of ideas.
Poem is at
least one
minute in
length. Ideas
exist but are
largely underdeveloped.
Choreography
No movements
Some
movements
exist but do
not connect to
the meaning
of the poem.
Movements
exist but seem
unrehearsed
and off the
cuff.
Movements
are purposeful
and connect to
the piece.
Language
Poem is
incomeprehensible.
Vocabulary is
muddled and
confusing.
Wording
detracts from
the ideas. No
attempt for
style or
figurative
language.
Vocabulary is
basic. Ideas
are conveyed
but either is
flat or overly
wordy ways.
No attempt to
use figurative
language.
Delivery
Poem is
incomeprehensible or
not delivered.
No practice is
evident.
Delivery is
very difficult
to understand.
Confusing.
Little practice
is evident.
May be
difficult to
understand or
hear.
Boring.
Good
vocabulary
which helps
understanding.
Figurative
language is
attempted but
does not
greatly
enhance
meaning.
Some practice
is evident.
Timing,
enunciation,
and volume
have been
considered.
Interesting
Controlling
Idea and
Connection
Acceptable
15
Ideas exist &
can be
followed
easily. May
only have one
idea or unclear
transitions.
Interesting.
Poem is at
least 1:45
minutes in
length. Ideas
are developed
clearly.
Exemplary
20
Clear ideas
that easily can
be followed by
the audience.
Meaningful
transitions.
Enlightening.
Poem is at
least two
minutes in
length. Ideas
are justified.
Order
promotes deep
thought.
Movements
are purposeful
and greatly
enhance
meaning and
memorability
of the piece.
Piece contains
excellent
vocabulary
which greatly
enhances
understanding.
Figurative
language is
used creatively
and
purposefully
Piece has been
obviously
practiced.
Careful pacing,
enunciation,
and volume
control greatly
enhance
meaning.
Memorable