Open Mic Poetry Top 10 List

Many working poets take it upon themselves to make a grass roots effort to get out there and work those poems… make them sing. Sell some books. Yet it’s not always easy to translate from the desk to the stage. I’d like to write a bit about this…

The other night I read at a house party. As a published poet…. I am selling my book Constellation Road, as well as the newest Wheelsong Poetry Anthology Three. I thought this was the best way to get some practice in before some coffee houses and library gigs, as well as full fledge street poet style, which is not out of the question. I’d leave that blog to Steve Wheeler for street poets!

The poetry reading was a great success, and I learned some valuable lessons other than lightening the load of my book box.

Stepping out in front of people takes guts. It’s not easy to avoid tripping over your own tongue. Here’s a top ten list to consider before hitting the open mic poetry stage…

                                        —

#1 Be Prepared. 

Know which poems you are going to read and be able to get to them instantly.

#2 Know Where To Place Inflections. 

Performance poetry has its ups and downs in volume, has succinct pronunciations, and intentional breaks…. Know where these are when you read for maximum effect.

#3 Make Eye Contact.

Keeping engaged with your audience keeps them engaged with you.

#4 Be Passionate

Just as you can tell musicians are really into the song and their joy is infectious, tap into this as well. Use your hands! Use your body! Move! Have facial expressions! Express!

#5 Get To The Skinny

Remember you are there to read poems not talk. Maybe a little something something to mention… but stick to the poetry, thank you, and outta there.

#6 No Distractions

Stay focused. Anybody on stage has to react to audience… or not. If you do… keep it short and polite.

#7 Stay Professional

Off color comments can lead you down wrong turn roads real fast…. Stay professional always and you can’t go wrong.

#8 Put Your Books Right In Front Of You

I am very shy about selling things. This was my BIGGEST TAKEAWAY. I didn’t mention I had books for sale. I sold a number of them… near the end of the night! Oops! So… set them out and mention them! 

#9 Pick Your Best

Some poems don’t translate so well as performance pieces while others are fantastic! Choose which ones work for you best.

#10 Have Fun!

Most important… people can tell if you are nervous, yet folks are also moved by confidence. Be proud of yourself, step up there, and have fun with it!

                                       —

Reading your own work can be incredible! I love what I do, and I think it shows best when I am up there in front of folks reading my poetry! It makes all the hard work worth it.

I’d love to hear from you if you’ve done this before and may have something to add , or even just share. Thank you for reading!

Matt Elmore

The healing power of poetry

As both a poet and psychologist, I'm fascinated by the healing power of poetry.

 
Reading and writing poetry can make all the difference, particularly in the context of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. 

Don't take my word for it. There are several psychological research studies that show clear evidence for the healing power of the written and spoken word. 

In 2021 a study conducted by Delamerced, Panicker, Monteiro and Chung used poetry as an intervention in the care of hospitalised children. The study showed that the poetry was therapeutic, and eased the children's anxiety and stress.  

Research in 2013 studied poetry that was used as therapy for abused and traumatised adolescents. Conducted by Grace Brillantes-Evangelista, the study revealed that poetry was significantly effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression. Reading or listening to poetry helped the adolescents to address and manage their symptoms. 

Finally, there have been several studies that have highlighted the positive effects of poetry in the care of adults who have been counsellors of domestic violence victims and their consequent post traumatic stress. A 2008 study by Boone and Castillo showed that people who are exposed to traumatic experiences and develop PTSD can read poetry to reduce their symptoms and destress their minds.

Poetry really is good for your mental health and well-being!

Steve Wheeler

Image from Pickpic using a Creative Commons licence

References

Boone and Castillo (2008) The use of poetry therapy with domestic violence counselors experiencing secondary post traumatic stress disorder symptoms, Journal of Poetry Therapy, 21 (1) 3-14.

Brillantes-Evalngelista (2013) An evaluation of visual arts and poetry as therapeutic interventions with abused adolescents, The Arts in Psychotherapy, 40 (1), 71-84.

Delamerced et al (2021) Effects of poetry intervention on emotional wellbeing in hospitalized pediatric patients, Hospital Pediatrics, 11 (3), 263-269.