Spoken Word

Activity 1: What is spoken word?

(15 minutes)

Have you heard of, or seen, a type of performance called “spoken word”? The name is at once descriptive but vague—we are speaking words all the time, right? So what makes spoken word different? Watch this performance and see for yourself.

Spoken word is writing that is meant to be performed. Spoken word is often poetry but can include rap, comedy, and story monologues. The words are more than just read aloud. Their meaning and message is enhanced through speed and emphasis of speech, facial expressions, and gestures. How do you think the elements of performance affect your experience while you watch this example of spoken word?

If you’d like watch a few more powerful examples of spoken word from this collection of TED Talks.

Activity 2: Elements of Spoken Word

(10 minutes)

As you’ve seen from the examples, spoken word is diverse. But at the same time there are certain things that tie the performances together as a genera. The most important element is emotion--any emotion--ranging from anger to excitement to joy to despair. The emotion conveyed in a spoken word performance engages the audience. The more emotion, the more riveted the audience is. Conveying emotion while telling a story enhances the experience. It takes a story from meh to amazing.

But how does the writer show feeling and create it in the hearts and minds of the audience? By using elements such as descriptive language and repetition. Check out this tip sheet for writing and performing spoken word. Now watch this performance and try to spot some elements of spoken word that you just read about.

Activity 3: Brainstorm and Write

(20 minutes)

Time to try your hand at writing your own spoken word piece. The first place to start? With what is important to you. Don’t think too much about it. Just write down several things that are important to you.

Read over your list. Jot down any specific memories you have attached to some of the ideas. For example, if animals are important to you, maybe you have a specific related memory, like when you found a baby bird that had fallen from its nest.

Now read the blog How to Write Spoken Word and follow the author’s process for getting started as a beginner at spoken word. Try writing a few drafts but keep in mind to not take it too seriously. There isn’t one formula for writing spoken word. Remember to tell a good story. You will add the element of perfomence later.

http://www.powerpoetry.org/actions/5-tips-spoken-word

Activity 4: Practice

(30 minutes)

Once you have a piece of writing, read it out loud. Pay attention to how it sounds. Read it slowly and take pauses. You will probably find yourself making little (or big) edits and making notes about how to read it aloud. Add drama when you can by changing the volume of your voice, the speed of your speech, and pauses. The organization Power Poetry has 5 tips on spoken word.

Activity 5: Record

(5 minutes)

Record yourself by setting your camera on a tripod, or ask someone else to record you. Do a soundcheck before your performance by recording yourself saying a few words while standing where you plan to give the performance

Will you perform for an audience? Or just the camera? You may find that performing for a live audience enhances your experience as a performer.

Facilitator note: If several members complete this project, you can organize a spoken word performance night and invite family and community members. You could consider having an open mic portion of the event.

Still Interested? Take a look at these resources:

What You'll Need: