Tips for writing Spoken Word

Spoken word is a form of poetry that often uses alliterated prose or verse and occasionally uses metered verse to express social commentary. Traditionally it is in the first person, is from the poet’s point of view and is themed in current events. Spoken word poetry originated from the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance and blues music.

Since its inception, the spoken word has been an outlet for people to release their views outside the academic and institutional domains of the university and academic or small press. The spoken word and its most popular offshoot, slam poetry, evolved into the present day soap-box for people, especially younger ones, to express their views, emotions, life experiences or information to audiences. The views of spoken word artists encompass frank commentary on religion, politics, sex and gender, often taboo subjects in the world of contemporary academic poetry.

Spoken word is used to inform or make an audience conscious of some human aspect pertaining to life.*

Honestly, I cannot remember how I discovered spoken word but I do remember the first poem I listened to and fell in love with was Sarah Kay's "Private parts". I remember I couldn't stop watching her poems that day, and  I spent the following week indoors checking out as much spoken word as I could find on line. Eventually I found out about Russell Simmons Def Poetry and I also checked those series, which I found amazing. It was so amazing, def poetry a.k.a spoken word had so much meaning into it, it could go so deep and resonate with what's inside your mind or it could be carefree- make you smile, laugh. There's always that story behind someone's poem which I find amazing and genuine! 

At one point I heard about Sarah Kay's "Project Voice" and I also listened to this broadcast where she explained how she teaches spoken word. She gave a few tips on how to start writing spoken word and she kept on insisting it was so easy that I fell for it. I got to admit, it was a bit hard in the beginning but just because I was expecting too much from me. I was listening to poets that had years to improve their skills and  I was comparing my poems with theirs. Like everything else, poetry writing takes practice... and it improves in time.

Anyway, spoken word is a really great way to put your brain to work. It also brings out the genuine, creative person inside you, and I also find it to be a good way to get a load off your chest. Each spoken word poetry can become your world for five minutes, and you can invite anyone in to share your feelings. 

So here are some tips (some of them I learned from Sarah Kay and some of them are from my own personal experience) on how to write spoken word:

1. Start off with something easy.

Sarah Kay gave some suggestions on how you should start writing poetry by writing lists. For example, start writing a list of 5-10 things I know to be true, or I should've learned by now. Also try 10 things I love/want/had.

2. Don't try too hard. 
Don't try to write super complicated filled with emotions and metaphors poems from the beginning, you'll only end up waisting time and feeling disappointed. Your first poems should go naturally, easy, that way you'll be amazed to see how far you've come after a while. One of my first poems started like this: 
"I am a believer 
I believe in sunrise and sunset,
In stars and oceans, waves and summer breeze.
I believe in achievements and wisdom, love and fear..." 

Seriously guys, it was that lame. But, with patience and practice hopefully I evolved. Take your time being a caterpillar before you are ready to turn into a talented, unique butterfly and spread your wings to fly. 

3. Inspire yourself

Look around you for things to inspire you. For example you can listen to some poetry, maybe one word or one phrase someone recites triggers something inside your brain. Listening to music is also a great inspiration source -at least for me. When I listen to music I can picture the story behind the song (but mostly only when I listen to instrumentals). Also, try to look at the world from a different perspective. When you take a walk try to observe as many things as possible, a funny incident, a person you like, a beautiful view on the landscapes. Inspire yourself from everything around you.

4. Read/watch as many spoken word/poems as possible

Pay attention to what suits you better, which artists do you like most and why. Understand it and go in that direction. For example if you like an artists that always has funny poems you may be prone to write funny poems, it's likely they'll make you feel more comfortable. You can always experience other types of poems if you want to!

5. Read your poems out loud 

I know it sounds like no big deal but trust me it makes a difference.

6. Revise and rewrite your poems 

If it doesn't sound very good right after it's done that's alright, just give it some time. Focus on writing other poems and come back to revise this one after a while, you'll have a different perspective after you took a brake from it. It'll help you see the bigger picture.

7. Use your imagination.

That's what I love most about artists, they CREATE their world however they want it to be, and they can drag you into their stories faster than you can even realize it. So use your imagination, create whatever you wish and do your best to convince the audience (even if the audience is just you or a couple of friends of yours.) that world you're writing really exists. 

8. Spoken word doesn't have to rhyme

So don't struggle to find rhymes. But, if you have a good rhyme in mind. don't hesitate! Make it part of your poetry, find your flow.

9. Make a special notebook for poetry writing.

I bought my poetry notebook just because I liked the cover of it. Every time I pull it out of my bag it makes me smile. Also one more thing I did was to write quotes from my best poems on colored post it notes and stick them on the first page of the notebook. That way every time I open the notebook to write I can read pieces of my best creations and feel proud. It really boosts up your morale. 

10. Be honest with yourself

If something hurt you and it still does let it out, don't back from your thoughts and feelings. If you worry your poem will be too cheesy or too sad, stop worrying! just let it be. Acknowledge the fact that those thoughts were haunting your brain for some time now. Get to know them and set them free...and what better way is there to set thoughts free than by poetry?

11.  Write as often as possible

And this is, the most important thing of all. Write constantly, even if you have just one or two sentences in mind, just write them down. Also, carry the notebook with you all the time. You never know when something will trigger the inspiration in you.

Wishing you the best,
Rachel

(*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoken_word)