Performing Poetry Exercises Techniques Voice Emphasis Exercise Reading

Performing Poetry Exercises & Techniques

Voice Emphasis Exercise � Reading with emphasis means to read a word louder, slower, and more dramatically than the other words in a poem. � I need 13 volunteers to read a quick poem! � Does the meaning change with each emphasis? � Underline words to emphasize in your slam poem.

Pitch, Volume, and Pacing �I need 2 volunteers to read a quick poem! � One must read very slowly, much slower than you would in a presentation. � One must read as fast as possible. � Discuss the effectiveness of both readings. � Now, Ms. Reyes will read at a regular rate.

Characterization using different voices �I need 5 volunteers to read a quick poem! � You should over exaggerate and be as dramatic as possible.

Using Emotion �I need 1 volunteer to say the following using different emotions: � What’s so funny? › Happy › Sad › Angry › Afraid

Using Emotion �I need 8 volunteers to read one line while expressing emotion! � When each volunteer is done, the audience should guess what emotion the person is trying to convey.

Delivery Techniques Stance: Face the audience, feet shoulder width apart � Posture: stand up straight unless the poem calls for a change in emotion that requires a different posture (e. g. , slumping may show sadness) � Gestures: hands should remain at your sides until gestures are appropriate to support the content of the poem. � Movement: should always be purposeful and planned � Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with audience members (except for the ones that might make you laugh) �

Delivery Exercise � One volunteer needed to read a poem of their choice (or I can provide one for you). � Audience: Each time one of the following happens while the volunteer is reciting the poem, CLAP ONCE: › Person is not standing up straight. › Person is not making eye contact. › Person uses inappropriate gestures (e. g. , tugging at clothing) › Person is swaying or moving awkwardly