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Wake up the poem that you chose to recite

And walk onto that stage with a face that is bright.
     Throw out your voice with both passion and zeal -
      For an interesting voice is a voice that appeals.

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Learn the words of your poem - don't look at a page.

Your audience will watch you as you stand on that stage.

      They'll see you perform so please do your best

       To make your performance stand out from the rest.      

 

Arouse the emotions in those who will hear.
Your poem may bring them some laughter or fear.
     Don’t stir up your poems from their daily snooze
     And perform them to others, your voice in your shoes.

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Use your body, your arms and especially your face

To add drama, excitement, humour or grace.

      Give your audience time when they want to react.

      Your act should affect them - yes, that is a fact!

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Throw your voice to those people sat in the back row.

They'll want to hear what you're saying you know.

      Do a stunning performance to prove you're the best.
     Then after applause, take your much-needed rest.

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Copyright on all my poems

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I have to tell you that I often see young people performing their poems and, sometimes, I need to know the words myself in order to understand what they're saying.  I've been to poetry performances - yes, and with native English speakers - and not been able to understand them as they mumble into a piece of paper, head bent down.  I could weep.  Quite often those for whom English is a second language give a better performance.  However, the bad performances only happen occasionally, thankfully yet good clear spoken English is so important - and I was a teacher for many years where it was important that those at the back of the class heard every single word clearly.  Josie

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