Long before the inception of pen and paper, societies were using spoken histories and stories as a way to share culture and beliefs. From the ancient Greeks to the East African Kikuyu to the Māori of New Zealand—and many other cultures in between—oral traditions have allowed for expression and connection since the beginning of language. Contemporary spoken word is no different: it is poetry spoken to create a connection between speaker and listener. As poet laureate Robert Pinsky once said, “The medium of poetry is not words, the medium of poetry is not lines—it is the motion of air inside the human body, coming out through the chest and the voice box and through the mouth to shape sounds that have meaning. It’s bodily.” Spoken word poetry gives life to this notion, in that poetry only becomes truly alive when it is spoken.
Spoken word is performance poetry. In essence, the poet reads a piece of poetry aloud, paying attention to word selection and word interplay, inflection, intonation, and the expression of meaning and emotion through voice. Spoken word poems are written just like any other poem. However, the poet must carefully consider how words will flow together and how they will sound when heard, rather than just being read. Understanding poetic devices like rhyme and meter is important, as they are often used in spoken word, and can enhance or sink a performance.
Unlike poems that are bound to a page, spoken word poems are often accompanied by music. They also have an element of acting in their delivery and spoken word poets need to consider the tone of their voice, the look on their faces, and the use of action and gestures to create a connection between the listener and the poem.
What makes contemporary spoken word more exciting is that it has roots in the social action movements of the 1960s and 1970s. It is believed that spoken word originated from the coffee house–dwelling beat poets of the 1960s. The form evolved during the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights movement and it is widely understood that notable speeches, such as “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., have influenced spoken word culture. Contemporary spoken word saw its own renaissance with the rise of the poetry slam in the 1990s, drawing on hip-hop and rap as sources of inspiration.
The form truly became mainstream when Russell Simmons created the TV series Def Poetry Jam, which aired 2002–2007. This spoken word television series featured poetry performances by both well-known and up-and-coming poets.
The tradition of activism through spoken word is still carrying on today and has become a global phenomenon.
Spoken word is commonly used as a vehicle to talk to the disenfranchised and the bullied, to the struggles of women and people of color, and to protest against political views and war. Spoken word performances are now commonplace in the United States, France, the United Kingdom, many parts of Africa, and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.
Today, this unique form of expression is helping poets like you breathe life into their words with energetic performances that can be watched and enjoyed online at the click of a button. There are literally thousands of spoken word performances available on YouTube, covering diverse topics from identity politics to everyday and extraordinary emotional experiences. The ease of being able to record spoken word poetry in the comfort of our own homes also means that stage fright is no longer a barrier to sharing, and platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and, of course, YouTube, have given poets everywhere the chance to be seen and heard without leaving their bedrooms.
The growing popularity of this form also means that enjoying and participating in spoken word events, or slams, is becoming much easier. In cities all over the world, spoken word nights and clubs that focus on spoken word performances are more and more common. You can find a place to check out performances and showcase your own spoken word poetry on national poetry society websites, such as WellVersedInk.org. Spoken word clubs are also becoming commonplace at high schools and universities. You can learn more by contacting a school representative. Attending slams or group workshops gives you the chance to see spoken word in real life, and to practice the art in a safe and inclusive environment—no matter your experience level.
Love the idea of becoming a spoken word poet? If this form has spoken to you it’s likely that performing is one element of your creative identity. Even if spoken word poetry doesn’t sound like your calling, take note of what does speak to you as you progress through this book, and remember to explore and nurture those passions as part of your poetic voice. Fortunately, we are going to help you find your voice in the next chapter!