Speak Easy Pt. 6 - The Open Mic!

     Open mic venues can be very exciting to attend, and even more exciting when you are slated to perform. There are many different places where open mics are held, and as with the online shows, it's always best to do your research to find out exactly what type of event you will be attending. Each show has a different following and will draw certain types of performers and audiences. Venues range from family-friendly to adults-only themes, with everything in between. Many shows are for general audiences before a certain time, with no restrictions afterwards. If you have never attended an open mic before, it's best to go and watch the show, to find out if you would like to participate. You can always bring a poem or two with you even if you didn't sign up on the list, just in case you are invited to share something with the audience, which often happens in smaller venues.

     When going to perform at an open mic, find out what time the list is posted, so you can be sure to sign up early. The number of spots on the list can vary from 10 to 30, and many times those numbers can change at the discretion of the hosts. Performances may include music, rap, dance, and comedy, as well as poetry, and performers may be called onstage in the order that they sign up on the list, or randomly...so be ready! Please be aware that occasionally at some of the more popular venues, performers who are signed up may not be called on, either because the list was cut off after a certain number, or in some instances, performers who are unknown are "bumped" from the list in favor of others who are known to the hosts. Sometimes what is advertised as an "open mic" is actually closed prior to the start of the show.  It's an unfair reality in the poetry community, but it happens. If you ever encounter this, you can choose to sign up again if it's at a venue where you really would like to perform, or to choose another venue altogether.

      Please observe and respect all restrictions of the house, such as time limits and content. To allow everyone on the list the opportunity to perform, most venues limit performers to 3 - 5 minutes unless they are a featured guest. If anyone exceeds their time limit, it can be very embarrassing! Hosts will always announce the rules of the venue when the show starts. If you have a piece that is longer that you want to present, be sure to cut it to fit the time frame. There can be some very embarrassing consequences for performers who exceed their time limits!  If the host specifically states that only family friendly material is allowed, please take it seriously. Some venues post their restrictions, such as: No profanity, no explicit material, no depictions of violence. Again, observe their rules, because it's their show.

     During the show, the host will usually perform some of his or her own material to set the tone for the evening, but feel free to share whatever you do best. Performers are called onstage individually or at larger venues in "sets" of three at a time, to move the show along quickly. In this case, you must be ready to go up right after the preceding performer. Sometimes the host will use the term "on deck", which is a stage cue to let you know that it's getting close to your time to go up. As soon as the person ahead of you leaves the stage, go up right away. Never leave an empty stage, because it slows down the pace of the show and causes the audience to lose interest in the performers. It's extremely difficult to regain the interest of a lost audience, and you want their full attention!

     When you reach the stage, you can adjust the mic to suit your needs, or someone will assist you. Take a few seconds to center yourself. Relax...breathe...and share your piece. People want to hear what you have to say, so don't give them an excuse not to listen to you by saying any of the following:

• I'm nervous...(most people are)
• I wasn't expecting to perform...(then why go onstage?)
• Bear with me...(why should they?)

     Unless you are a great cold-reader, you should always practice your piece at home before reading it in public. It's great to have your poetry memorized, but if there is the slightest chance of you going blank onstage, there is nothing wrong with having your book, paper, or phone with you. Yes...some poets read from their phones. If you do read your piece, make sure to connect with your audience by making eye contact with them from time to time. Don't get locked in to your paper. When you really know your material, it won't be hard to do. Stay focused on the message you want to convey, so you won't get distracted by things that go on in the audience such as people talking, moving around and ambient or background noises. If you make a mistake, keep going! Don't stop, or apologize in the middle of your piece for any reason. Remember that other than yourself, no one knows what you have written. Make sure that you really believe in your work, and command the attention of the audience. It's your message that you're  choosing to share with the world, and someone needs to hear it, so pay attention to all of the dynamics of what you have written. Reach your audience with all of the emotion that you have put into your piece so that they can feel it also, because one of the quickest ways to lose the attention of an audience is to read a poem like you are reading the newspaper. A great Christian spoken word artist, Janett...icz says it best: "Don't be the poet that people leave to go to the bathroom on".

     These are a few pointers to help you get started in poetry and spoken word. If you really want to grow in the art of poetry and spoken word presentation, it takes practice, patience, and time...just like any other genre of performance. It's impossible to put everything in just a few paragraphs of a blog. Start where you are, and keep going. Watch videos of other artists, go to workshops, and do everything that you can to become the best that you can be!

    Enjoy this dynamic presentation by Janett...icz:
    

Speak Easy! Pt. 5 - Live on the Air!

    

    Before you read your poem at a poetry venue or radio program, remember that there are two types of people who participate in open mics: Those who just want to share their words with others; and those want to seriously pursue poetry and spoken word as a profession or a ministry. Regardless of your motivation for stepping up to the mic, it's always best to be fully prepared if you want to get and maintain your audience's attention.

     If you are calling in to read poetry on an Internet radio program, be sure that you know ahead of time the exact time zone of the start of the program if it's different to yours, and type of show you are participating in. It may also be a good idea to just listen in to the show at first, to hear the content. A caveat: Remember that each poetry show has its own set of rules ...and caters to different audiences! If you decide to read a poem on a particular show, make sure to follow the voice prompts that will put you in the line-up to go on the air, otherwise the host will not know that you want to read. Callers go on in the order that their hands "go up", meaning, that if you call in at 8 PM, but don't decide to notify the host that you want to read (by pressing a number on your phone's keypad) until 9:00 PM, everyone who put their hands up between 8:00 and 9:00 will read ahead of you. Some shows will have automated systems that will inform you that you are in line to read, "in queue"; others will not. Most shows have online chatrooms where callers can communicate with one another and also see where they are in the line-up, so you can watch the chatroom activity while listening to the show, or you can turn the volume down on your computer while watching and listening by speakerphone.

     When your turn comes up, the host will call out your prefix and say something like: "Area code 347 is on the air," or if there is more than one person on the call with the same area code, they will say the area code and first 3 digits of the number you are calling from.  Be ready with your paper, phone or document screen open and ready to go when you are called on.When the line is opened for you, don't be shy! Turn the volume down on your computer if it's up to prevent interference, speak out, introduce yourself, and tell the host the title of your poem. If they want to share small talk, feel free to communicate with them, and let them know it's your first time calling in. That helps them to gauge where their audiences are from. The rules for a radio show are a little more relaxed than for a poetry venue, and hosts are very friendly towards newcomers. Read your poem clearly, take your time and don't rush through it.The most important thing to do is to choose a poem that you feel comfortable reading to others, and read it with confidence and feeling. Make sure it's no longer than 2 to 2 1/2 minutes in length, although shorter poems are OK, too. Remember that you are sharing your truth with the world, and people need to hear what you have to say, so command their attention! Don't try to sound like other poets or spoken word artists you have heard or admire, find your own style and do what feels and sounds most natural to you. If you make a mistake, keep on going. It's always a good idea to read your poem over a few times by yourself before going on the air, just in case you get anxious, but don't  ever apologize for being nervous, or for making a mistake. Relax and have fun! remember, that the hosts want and need people to call in, so that they will have a show.  When you are finished, it's good to take a short pause and say: "End poem", some poets say: "That's that piece" to let the host know that they are done.  The host will usually ask you where people can find more of your work. Again, don't say much more than that, or break the flow of your poem in any way that will distract the listeners. If you have a blog or social media page and would like for others to find you, that's the time to let them know. 

     If you register for a free account on the website where the radio show is being hosted, you can also drop a link to your website where others in the chatroom can see it. Most shows are recorded and archived, so you can always go back and listen to them later.

    In Part 6 we will talk about live open mics and poetry venues...so until then, keep writing and sharing your truth!

    *Note: If you're not sure of where to start looking for online poetry shows, there are several that you can choose from on: www.blogtalkradio.com, and www.talkshoe.com.

 

Speak Easy! Pt. 2 - Styles of Poetry

Poetry...A medium for telling the truth with utmost precision in the use of words incorporating distilled language and high speech with minimal word use and maximum impact.

~Anansi Workshop

 

     In continuing our discussion in learning about different types and styles of poetry, let's begin by stating that there are over 50 classifications of poems with new ones always being created! Some of the most popular types include:

· Acrostic poetry -poetry in which certain letters, usually the first in each line form a word or message when read in a sequence. Many of the Psalms and Proverbs are acrostic Hebrew poems.

· Haiku - Japanese poetry composed of three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables, usually containing a season word. Americanized Haiku can be about any subject, but still has the same structure as Japanese Haiku.

· Lyric Poetry - Poetry that expresses the thoughts and feelings of the poet. Many songs are written using this type of writing.

· Rhyme Poetry - Poetry that has the repetition of the same or similar sounds of two or more words, often at the end of the line.

· Narrative Poetry - Poetry that tells a story.

· Free Verse Poetry – Poetry that does not rhyme, but flows freely. Spoken Word Poetry is usually done in Lyrical, Narrative, or Free Verse styles.

     Of all the above styles, Lyric, Rhyme, Narrative and Free Verse poems are the types that are most often written, read or spoken in poetry venues and churches because they are the among easiest to understand. Also, within these styles of poetry, there are several variations among them all!

     So, what if you feel that God is leading you to write poetry? How do you get started? One way to start writing poetry is to keep a journal and "free write" for five minutes about whatever you are feeling at that moment. Even if it doesn't make sense, you may get the beginnings of a poem from what you have written. Another way of getting started is to write what is called an "I Am" poem, which is a series of statements and declarations about yourself to get in touch with what inspires or motivates you to write. Remember to write out complete thoughts, and remember not to judge anything that you write, especially while you are in the midst of writing! It's best to write and put your journal away, and read it later from an objective standpoint. Never discard anything that you write, because several weeks, months or years from the time you wrote, you may find something of value that you didn't see at first!

     Now that you know how to get started, what are you waiting for? Set aside a time when you can concentrate, and write from your heart. In our next blog, we will learn more about how and where to present your poems.

   Please enjoy this narrative poem by Jackie Hill of P4CM Poets...

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References:    1.http://www.poemofquotes.com/articles/poetry_forms.php

               
                       2 http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/iampoem.htm
               
             

Speak Easy! Pt. 1 - Poetry

 

 

 

Poetry and Spoken Word are gaining increased popularity in churches, as did the resugence of dance in the 80's and 90's. But, what exactly, is poetry, and why is it being done in church?

Poetry is:

·           An art form that uses words in rhythm and verse to show emotions or tell a story

·        Poetry is a way of telling about life through words

·        Poetry can be about any subject

·        Poetry does not have to rhyme

·        Poetry puts things into words that are hard to say

·        Poetry expresses thoughts, feelings, opinions and dreams

·        Poetry can come from anywhere

·        Poetry is something everyone can create

·        Poetry makes the reader or hearer visualize something or feel a certain way

Poetry is a wonderful way of conveying thoughts and observations about life, using minimal words. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't have to rhyme. In fact, some of the most interesting poems are written in free verse, meaning that the words just flow naturally, without rhyming. Poetry can explore opinions and alternative views of subjects that may be controversial, because the poetic form allows the writer to creatively express his or her message with a variety of words and dynamics that couldn't be accomplished in a regular speech or editorial. One of the reasons that Poetry and Spoken Word are becoming more popular in churches, is that it allows the Good News to be shared in a way that grabs the attention of those who might not otherwise hear what is being said in a traditional sermon, but that same content expressed poetically will probably not be hard to forget. 

 

 In our next blog, we will talk about some of the different styles of poetry, and share some tips on how to get started with writing and presenting your poems. In the meantime, please enjoy this poem by Poetri the Poet:

 

 

 



"Presence..."

     I recently attended a stage production for a Christian theatre company. All of the presentations were unique and fun to watch, but there were a couple of dancers in the company who had every one's attention, not because of their skill alone, but because of their ability to engage the audience in what they were doing onstage, better known as stage presence. Somehow in the sacred arts community, stage presence is something that is frequently overlooked, or even seen as being prideful. But...the truth is, without it, no one will pay attention to what you have to offer, no matter how anointed or it may be, how much time you put into your presentation, or how beautiful your garments are.

     Stage presence is the ability to command an audience with an impressive style or manner. It has very little to do with skill or knowledge, and everything to do with how you feel about yourself and what you are doing. It's not about trying to impress or entertain, but is about presenting the message that you have with confidence, believing that what God has given you to say through your ministry is good enough to offer.

     How many times have your heard someone say any of these things before they sing, speak, dance or read in front of an audience:

• "Please pray for me as I attempt to sing this song"
• "I'm really not prepared...so pray my strength"
• "I'm really nervous"
• "I didn't know I was going to be called on so I don't know how this will go"

...And the list goes on. Sometimes people make these statements because they don't want to appear prideful, but in reality there is either a false humility that is behind what they are saying, or they may actually be unprepared. BUT---in either case it's never appropriate to say anything that will cause people to not want to hear or see what you are doing before you even get started. If your song or dance is so bad, why are you doing it? When you say these things, you are giving people permission to walk out on your performance/ministry because it's not worth their time.  And what about dancers who have absolutely no facial expression at all when they dance? There is an erroneous teaching going around the dance ministry community stating that you should never smile when you dance unless you are in the spirit, but we could take that a step further and say, that since ministry starts long before you step in front of a group. If you are prepared to minister, you will have a full emotional range that will show on your face. Jocelyn Richard, Director and Owner of Visual Praise Dance Studio in Augusta, GA, says this about facial expressions in dance ministry:

"When you dance, your face must say the same thing as your movement and music. Your face should express the glory of God. It is important that the face reflect what the choreography is saying. God’s presence should be shown on your face. Facial expressions can show reverence for God and adoration inviting others to join in worshiping and praising the King of Kings." *

     Sometimes dancers lack expression because of self-consciousness, shyness, insecurity or stage fright. There are many ways to solve this, such as relaxing, practicing facial expressions in the mirror, feeling comfortable enough with the dance or drama to enjoy doing it as if no one is watching, and just be a worshiper! In theatre, it's always taught that the way to overcome nervousness on stage is to focus on the task at hand and not the action of doing the task, becoming so at-one with the character that all people see is the character. We can turn this around and say: Become so Christ-focused that you are so completely absorbed in Him that His glory radiates from your face! When you focus on Christ, there is no room for nervousness, insecurity, or excuses. You have a message to deliver to someone who needs it, and it needs to be clear.

     Other tips for powerful stage presence include:

• Commanding your space in the room, entering and exiting with confidence
• Project your performance beyond the room that you are in. Make your presentation mentally extend past the four walls of the building. Don't just "sell it to the front row".
• Practice "over the top", in other words, practice your dance/drama to the fullest, even to the extreme. When you get in front of a group, it will be exactly where it needs to be because performances always lose a small amount of drive when they get onstage.
• Keep your eyes up, focus on a spot just above the heads of the people. It will look like you are looking straight ahead. People will look where you are looking and if you look down, they will, too.
• Be aware of habits like lip-folding or fidgeting while you are waiting for the music to start. Relax...inhale through your nose and out through your mouth. Don't withdraw! You have something to offer.

     Find time to invest in dance or acting classes to work on these areas. If God has called you to present His Word through dance or drama, then it's worth investing in your ministry to present the best that you can offer at your highest level of excellence. He gave His Best for us, shouldn't we do the same for Him?

     Enjoy this video by Jocelyn Richard:



* The Praise Dance Life by Jocelyn Richard - http://www.thepraisedancelife.com/2009/07/exodus-3429-30---------29and-it-came-to-pass-when-moses-came-down-from--mount-sinai-with-the-two-tables-of-t.html

Let's Do it...Well!

I recently had the opportunity to attend a Spoken Word presentation at Da' Poetry Lounge and one of the artists did a performance that I will never forget. I didn't agree with his content, what he stood for or believed, but I had the greatest respect for his boldness. He made no apologies for who he was, and how he saw the world, and he had everyone's attention. There was complete silence in the room because of his uncomprising stance and strong presence that shook the theatre. We could have all gone home after that! Even when he left the stage, he left in so much power that the next performer had to admit that he was a hard act to follow, and had to collect himself before he started his poem.

     We should never make excuses when we present a piece of work to an audience, whether it is in song, dance, music or words. Making statements like "Please bear with me while I attempt this song", or describing the challenges you had before coming onstage gives people an excuse not to listen to you. Think of this:  If you went to someone's home for dinner, and they told you that the dish they prepared really wasn't that good, would you really want to eat it? You might try it just to be polite, but in the back of your mind you would probably be wondering exactly what happened in the kitchen before you arrived and wouldn't want to eat much of it.

      In Poetri Smith's Spoken Funk Workshop, he always says: "No excuses,  no red flags, and no holding back". A red flag is calling attention to a mistake. If you are a soloist and forget a line, a step or part of a song, make something up! If you are really prepared and something goes wrong (with the music, the sound system or something completely out of your control) the audience will never know. Holding back deprives you and your audience of whatever experience you were supposed to have together when you went before them. As ministers of God, we are to present our best (just as He did), and not just do something for form or fashion. So, now that we know what to do, let's do it...well!