PHILLIT Session 3: Poetry Reading

The key to reading poetry is in finding the rhythm. This can be a bit difficult for free verse but makes the whole thing easier once you've mastered it. Most of the students who read yesterday had some trouble finding the pauses.

Once you have the rhythm right, it's time to put some emotion into it. Which requires you understand the poem first. Avoid being hammy (think William Shatner) but try to act sad when the poem is sad or pensive if the tone calls for it.

I mentioned slam poetry in the discussion. It's a modern take on poetry reading that sometimes involves performance art. Check this video of Jack McCarthy at a poetry reading session. While it sounds impromptu (there are probably improvised parts), it is generally prepared beforehand.

For something more youthful, here's some hip-hop influenced stuff from Poetic Asylum and Jaylene. Roxy Azari on the other hand, does it smooth, like a song. Finally, here's Lara Stoll, who is performing in German. (Nah, we can't understand any of it, but she's hot.)

Reminders:

• The five guys who haven't read yet will perform on Tuesday
• Be ready for a lecture on poetry
• Start thinking about your song choices
• 1 good song lyric
• 1 bad song lyric