What are slams?

A slam poem is a poem written by someone who will say it in front of an audience!

Poetry slams are contests (competitions) in which poets and rappers exchange their works with inspired verbal presentations. 

The verb "slam" first means to inject drugs very quickly in your body.

Slam poetry is a blend of literature and oral performance that culminates in live competitions organised everywhere in the world to offer teenagers the possibility to express themselves – through poetry, prose, or art ... 

This form of expression matters more now than ever!

In the US,  kids spend weeks furiously writing, revising, and coaching each other.

When they are done, they stand alone in front of their peers and recite poetry, using voice and gesture to bring their words to life.

In poor neighborhoods where drugs and violence are present everywhere, it's very important for schools to create a place where kids have an outlet for their feelings. Everything comes out in their poetry.

A Bronx School principal says, "Even the most resistant of writers wants to put something on paper about themselves. It may not be the most poetic work, but it has gotten them to pick up a pen and write. That alone is movement."

If you want to see more examples of Slam poetry, 

I wanna hear a poem             I want to be            3 Harry Baker slams 

Now it's your turn!

Here are tips to help you create your own slam poem!

HOW TO WRITE SLAM POETRY

1. Find your topic,

a topic you care about, and know well enough to write about.

Think about a wide enough and deep enough topic that you have something important to say about it.

2. Get some good music.

Listening to some good, emotional music can do a lot to get you in the writing mood.

Or if you don't like music at all, try looking up artwork or cool photography online for something to inspire you.

3. Brainstorm

Write down any phrases that come to mind when thinking about your topic, or any morals you hope your poem will convey. 

Think of metaphors for your main point, or a simile to help bring some imagery to your poem. 

4. Write a rough draft.

It's only a first draft. 

Write sentences to get to your point.

You should include poetic devices and imagery.

5. Edit your draft.

This is the stage where you can focus on making the words flow better, making the poem longer, and bring more "poetry" to your writing.

6. Time it.

In English speaking countries, the basic length of a slam poem is three minutes, but as you are English learners, do your best!

Your slam poem could be as short as 30-second long to 3 minutes if you really enjoy it!

Read your poem out loud to yourself, trying to approximate the speed you will read it at the slam. 

Don't just read it in your head, practise saying it out loud!

7. If you feel comfortable with it, give your poem to someone else to read.

You may not want to do this, but remember, you will be sharing this poem with an audience full of people soon: a dress rehearsal of a single person isn't a bad idea. 

Plus, they can give you feedback, or critique your readings when you practice those.

8. Rehearse your readings.

When performing a poem its good to move around a bit  - don't fidget  or shift on your feet, but make some nice, strong hand gestures that add to your piece. 

For most slams, memorization is necessary, so make sure you learn your slam by heart!

9. Don't freak out.

Right before your slam, you're probably going to be extremely nervous - don't be. 

Everything will be fine. 

Be confident when you go up to perform - shoulders back, chin up. 

Speak in a loud but slow voice, skimming the room and making eye contact with as many people as possible.

If you are not confident at all, you can have a paper with your slam written on it!

Now, ask someone to listen to your slam or record yourself.

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