Slam Poetry 101

August 8, 9:53 PMSan Diego Poetry ExaminerLauren Yates

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Poetry slam founder Marc Kelly Smith

 Slam poetry is a specific genre of writing that has become extremely popular in the last few years. While a lot of people may associate poetry with famous literary figures known for antiquated language and topics that were controversial in the 15th and 16th centuries, there is a new wave of poetry that is far more accessible to the average person.

Chicago's own Marc Kelly Smith is often credited with creating slam poetry. He began "slamming" his poetry at the Green Mill Tavern in 1987, frustrated at the stuffiness of academic poetry written for the page. His solution? To be the opposite.

This desire to be different helped to give slam its current characteristics. Established poetic forms are not required, slang is encouraged, and topics may be controversial or mundane. The fact that slam poetry is performed gives it a source of life. Even if a poem isn't perfect, it's much more engaging to see a performer who alternates between yells and whispers, waves his or her arms around, carries the emotional weight of the poem from head to toe.

Slam was meant to be freer than academic poetry. Unfortunately, many people have begun pigeon-holing slam poetry based on what they see most often and how competitive poets place in slams. Instead of writing from the heart, people imitate the poems that get the highest scores.

In light of this fact, this is my guide on how to write slam poetry.

1. Topic. Choose a topic you are passionate about. The poem seems more genuine if written about something you actually care about.

2. Approach. Your tone and attitude toward the topic makes a difference. Are you angry? Conversational? Nostalgic?

3. Free-write. If you have any idea at all, write it down. It may not make it to the final poem, but it could lead you to other ideas.

4. Description. Feel free to use literary devices such as metaphor and simile. One of the most effective tools is an image. If you can get the reader/audience to picture what you are talking about, they'll be with you even more.

5. Be yourself. The most important one. People aren't stupid; they can see through you if you are being fake. Just take the time to write a 2- or 3-minute poem that means something to you. If it means something to you, it will most likely touch someone else.

6. Find examples. It's important for a poet to be aware of what other people are doing. While you shouldn't plagiarize them, you can listen to their rhythm and their words and create your own version. Some excellent slam poets are: Saul Williams, Beau Sia, Joshua Bennett, Rudy Francisco, Rachel McKibbens, Shi-han, and Georgia Me. Shows such as Lyric Cafe, Brave New Voices, and Def Poetry Jam are also a great start.

For more information, check out Take the Mic: The Art of Performance Poetry, Slam, and the Spoken Word by Marc Kelly Smith.

Watch "I Wanna Hear a Poem" by Steve Coleman