Slammin

that
Poetry
Poetry and Performance

Welcome.
Thanks for coming! Writing is important and
poetry is challenging.

What makes you really,

really angry?

Who am I?
24601

Our workshop today!

1 PM - 2:30 PM: learn about poetry

poetry first / look at examples

start brainstorming some ideas
what makes it slam poetry
watch Youtube videos

2:30 PM to 2:45 PM: break

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM: writing time
3:30 - 4:00 PM: sharing/workshop
time
4:00 PM: go home (and write more?)

Rules for the workshop!

There are no rules in writing.
Everything is a suggestion.
Poetry can get personal but
gossipping is for LOSERS.
Its okay if you dont want to share
something too personal.
No mocking others work, either.
Use discretion, but otherwise
censorship is gross.
If you need to leave early, be polite n
cool.

1.
Whats Up with Poetry?

Poetry can be defined by:

verses / line breaks / stanzas
choosing your words carefully
so each one has maximum
impact
thats it
thats literally it

Some Poetry Formats

form poetry (sonnets, rondeaus,
haikus, etc.)
free verse
prose poetry
lists
open letters
found poetry
spoken word

EXAMPLES.

goo.gl/F3JG1b

Circle Brainstorm:

If everyone in the world was listening,

what would you tell them?

Circle Brainstorm:

Whats an experience youve had that you

want everyone to know about?

Circle Brainstorm:

If someone you loved listened, what

would you say to them?

Circle Brainstorm:

Whats something you think people dont

really understand?

POETRY
uses imagery and careful
language
makes use of sensory details /
concrete scenes that ground
reader
doesnt need to over-explain metaphors!

LETS WRITE, KIDS!

1. pick a topic

a. an issue you really care about

b. a how-to on something you
understand very well
c. an open letter to someone or
to the whole world
d. an experience youve had

LETS WRITE, KIDS!

2. brainstorm
a. images/sensory details you
associate with that topic?
b. experiences youve had that
relate?
c. overall message you want to
convey?

2.

But What Makes Poetry

Slammin?

Slam Poetry
is written to be performed and
understood out loud
reading poetry out loud but
BETTER
often has motivation / purpose /
point
sometimes angry and righteous,
but doesnt have to be

Slam Example #1
https://goo.gl/h16msV
3:33
https://goo.gl/Uoi8Xe
3:30

What did you notice?

What was effective for you?

Slam Example #2
https://goo.gl/dJwkbc
3:25

Slam Example #3
https://www.youtube.
com/watch?
v=sTRdBWeBlJs
2:41

Slam Example #4
https://goo.gl/xKrMIr
2:18

Slam Poetry Techniques

break

LETS WRITE, KIDS!

3. writing the first draft

a. start with a captivating image craft the scene
b. start with a compelling statement:
dialogue, confession, title?
c. there doesnt need to be overt
lesson- it can be implied

Round 2:
Workshopping/
Peer Critique

Reading Tips
Balance on two feet / stand
straight
Dont hide!
Really look at audience
Taste every consonant; let
vowels go free!
Dont laundry list.
End on a strong note.

As youre listening to someones work:

CONSIDER THE OVERALL PICTURE:
CRAFT
confusing ideas / flow?
Is there a strong opening / ending?
What images / phrases really worked for you?
What is your interpretation of this piece?
Should some parts be cut / the interesting parts
be expanded upon?
DELIVERY
speed up / slow down?
emphasis on certain parts?
suggested tone / acting?

Thanks!
https://goo.gl/rvStfX
Upcoming workshops:
Flash Fiction?
Research-Based /
Commentary??

Credits
Special thanks to all the people who made and
released these awesome resources for free:
Presentation template by SlidesCarnival
Photographs by Unsplash

SlidesCarnival icons are editable shapes.

This means that you can:

Resize them without losing quality.

Change fill color and opacity.

Isnt that nice? :)