How to Embody the Presence of a Spoken Word Artist
Within our generation, there are two forms of poets: the poet who creates and buries their words in between the pages of a journal, and the poet who creates and shares their words fearlessly with an audience.
Whether your voice is echoed over the sound waves of a microphone or hidden in private thought, both poets will embody the desire to manifest their being through poetry.
The poet with a willing spirit to passionately stand before people and share their experiences or perceptions is the one who transforms into a spoken-word artist. As a poet, you already have the talent in you to invent; however, placing these inventions on the stage before a crowd is an entirely different story.
Spoken word style
Spoken word is an art form that has evolved from a diverse array of passions; its innovative style burns deep in the minds of poets all over. Tracing back to the days of Maya Angelou and Sonia Sanchez, when silky smooth voices penetrated thought and the strength of their era, the modern-day poet has absorbed this very essence of past poets and has grown wings that spread beyond mere words written on a page.
Now we have the flavors of Gwendolyn Brooks turned up a notch and flowered into performance art. A spoken word artist is fashioned from the desire to express. The artist chooses to evoke emotions or feelings in the listener. It is all about that moment where the poet stands before a room full of people, pouring out their sentiments. There are no set rules or structure.
The spoken word today is written and performed in free verse. Modern-day poets are all about impulse, having a voice that reflects their perspective or even the perspective of another. The stage sets a platform for freedom; the freedom to mix words, tone, and rhythm until they are drenched with emotion. What does it take to live this sort of creative passion on stage? Here are four primary points to remember when bringing your poetry to the stage.
First, choose a subject.
With any style of writing, choosing a topic is necessary. As a poet, you can convey anything that you want to. Most spoken word artists choose something that comes from a personal place. It’s all a matter of angles and what you’re comfortable sharing.
Second, you will need to go to as many spoken word performances as possible.
The best way to learn about what spoken word artists experience is to attend performances and observe the details of the space and their stage presence.
Third, you should embrace your unique poetic style
Studying different spoken artists does not mean that you have to look, act, or sound like the other poets. Develop your own unique way of delivering your poem; begin genuinely and authentically to who you are. Realize that there is no specific technique when performing your piece.
Practice in a mirror if you are comfortable. Study your hand gestures and eye movements. Overall, make it something that you enjoy and that can represent you.
Last, but not least, develop confidence in your stage presence.e
Establish faith in your performance. Whatever fears or doubts you have will eventually fade; the more comfortable you become performing your pieces, the better your performance will be. Also, try giving yourself a challenge; embrace your anxiety and pick a venue to perform your work. Every spoken word poet must start by selecting a place of support and comfort if necessary; it is reassuring to be surrounded by people you know.
It’s all about you taking your words to the stage and making them explode in the audience. You have the power to captivate the minds of people who desire to hear your voice and story. Realize that poetry is something that is constantly evolving. The ideal of a poem being set on stage and out of the notebook is something larger than the earlier poets could have ever imagined. So brace yourself, take your private poems and cast them out for the world to hear!
