Tip for poets about Slamming…

At A Slam:

1. Arrive early.

2. Get yourself a glass of room-temp water, or bring a water bottle (in a non-bar venue).

3. Introduce yourself to the MC. Ask them if there is anything you should know for the show. Get on their good side if possible. They can unconsciously help in many ways.

4. Test the mic, learn how to adjust it.

5. Go onstage and find the "Sweet Spot." Where the spotlight will hit your face, where the audience can best see you. Whereyou want to be when you perform. Where the acoustics are best, especially if there is no sound system. If you are reading off the page, make sure you have enough light.

6. Familiarize yourself with the rules, how many rounds, ect.

7. Know when you will perform.

8. Plan your route up to the stage, especially if the room is packed and difficult to move through. Often, the judges have made up their mind before you've even started your poem, so be conscious of your non-verbal behavior.

9. Know who the judges are, perhaps their biases.

10. Get a feeling for the audience, what they want. What you want to say to them.

11. Take a walk, stretch, get your blood pumping. Rehearse your piece. Don't perform "cold."

12. Be ready near the stage when your name is called.

13. Adjust the mic to suit your height.

14. Pause and breathe before beginning.

15. Make eye contact, stand up straight.

16. Don't pander to the judges, but don't ignore them, either.

17. Be energetic, even if your energy is directed toward calm or blues.

18. Be prepared for interruptions.

19. Be PRESENT. Often, the greatest challenge of a performance is making a well-rehearsed poem fresh all over again.

20. Vary the intensity of delivery.

21. Leave stage quickly and smoothly.

22. Do not be overly concerned with scores, especially in the first round.

TIPS: GENERAL :: VOCALIZATION :: AT A SLAM :: BASIC STRATEGY