You may also take a topic that feels broad or general and focus on a particular opinion or perspective you have on it. For example, you may look at a topic like “love” and focus on your love for your big sister. Or you may look at a topic like “family” and focus on how you made your own family with close friends and mentors.
For example, you may choose to write about the moment you realized you loved your partner or the moment you met your best friend. You can also write about a childhood experience in a new place or an experience you shared with your mother or father.
For example, you may try responding to a question like “What are you afraid of?” “What bothers you about the world?” or “Who do you value the most in your life?”
“The Type” by Sarah Kay. [3] X Research source “When a Boy Tells You He Loves You” by Edwin Bodney. [4] X Research source “Lost Voices” by Darius Simpson and Scout Bostley. [5] X Research source “The Drug Dealer’s Daughter” by Sierra Freeman. [6] X Research source
For example, you may come up with a gateway line like, “The first time I saw her, I was alone, but I did not feel alone. ” This will then let the reader know you are going to be talking about a female person, a “her,” and about how she made you feel less lonely.
For example, you may repeat the phrase “The first time I saw her” in the piece and then add on different endings or details to the phrase.
For example, you may use a phrase like “Bad dad” or “Sad dad” to add rhyme. Or you may try rhyming every second sentence with the gateway line, such as rhyming “The first time I saw him” with “I wanted to dive in and swim. " Avoid using rhyme too often in the piece, as this can make it sound too much like a nursery rhyme. Instead only use rhyme when you feel it will add an extra layer of meaning or flow to the piece.
For example, you may describe the smell of someone’s hair as “light and floral” or the color of someone’s outfit as “as red as blood. " You can also describe a setting through what it sounded like, such as “the walls vibrated with bass and shouting,” or an object through what it tasted like, such as “her mouth tasted like fresh cherries in summer. "
For example, you may describe losing your best friend at school, leaving the listener with the image of your pain and loss.
For example, you may take an original gateway line like, “The first time I saw her” and change it to “The last time I saw her” to end the poem with a twist.
You may need to revise the piece several times to find the right flow and meaning. Be patient and edit as much as you need until the piece feels finished.
You may find it helpful to ask a friend or family member to test you when you have memorized the piece to ensure you can repeat every word by heart.
A good rule of thumb is to say the gateway line or a key phrase louder than other words every time you repeat it. This can help you find a sense of rhythm and flow.
You can also use your hands to help you express yourself. Make hand gestures to the audience to keep them engaged. Keep in mind the audience will not really be paying attention your lower body or your legs, so you have to rely on your face, arms, and upper body in your performance.
Once you feel comfortable performing to the mirror, you may decide to perform for friends or family. You can also perform the spoken word piece at a poetry slam or an open mic night once you feel it is ready to share with others.
