Criteria – What’s important in a great slam poem?

The Written part:

– meaningful topic

– great hook to catch the audience’s attention

– powerful word choice

– words flow smoothly

– can rhyme (optional)

– use some repetition of important phrases

– use some poetic devices such as simile, metaphor, alliteration, personification, onomatopoeia

– creates a feeling in the listener

– conventions followed

– strong conclusion

The Presenting/Performing part:

– minimum 1 1/2 minutes  (3 to 3 1/2 mins is max)

– use a lot of expression in voice

– use some hand gestures

– clear voice – enunciate your words

– memorize it

– effective pace

– be lively/have energy

– record performance in video format