What is Slam Poetry?
Slam poetry, also known simply as ‘slam,’ is a form of competitive spoken word poetry that has gained popularity in recent years. It combines the art of poetry with performance, as poets recite their work in front of an audience and are judged on their delivery, content, and overall performance.
How does Slam Work?
In a typical slam competition, poets have a limited amount of time (usually three minutes) to perform their piece. They are scored by a panel of judges, often selected from the audience, based on various criteria such as content, delivery, and originality. The highest and lowest scores are usually dropped, and the remaining scores are added up to determine the winner.
Examples of Slam Poetry
One of the most famous examples of slam poetry is ‘B by Sarah Kay,’ a powerful and emotional piece about a young girl’s journey to self-acceptance. Another notable example is ‘Knock Knock’ by Daniel Beaty, which explores themes of race, identity, and family.
Case Studies
A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, found that participating in slam poetry can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. The study showed that poets who regularly engage in slam reported lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-poets.
Statistics
According to a survey conducted by Poetry Slam, Inc., there are over 500 registered slam poetry venues worldwide, with thousands of poets participating in competitions each year. The organization also reported that attendance at slam events has been steadily increasing, with more people flocking to venues to experience the thrill of live poetry performances.
