Spoken word facts for kids

Spoken word is a cool type of poetry. It's all about saying words out loud. You don't need music with it. It's like telling a story or sharing feelings. People often perform spoken word. They use their voice to make the words powerful.

What is Spoken Word?

Spoken word is a form of poetry. It focuses on how words sound when spoken. It's different from written poetry. You might hear it at live shows. Artists often share their own experiences. They talk about memories or ideas. Sometimes, spoken word is used in music albums. An artist might speak about writing the album. They share thoughts or feelings about their music.

History of Spoken Word

Spoken word has a long history. It comes from many traditions. These include storytelling and poetry readings. In the 20th century, it became more popular. It grew from movements like the Harlem Renaissance. This was a time when Black artists created amazing work. Poets like Langston Hughes were important. They performed their poems out loud.

Later, in the 1950s and 1960s, the Beat Generation used spoken word. Poets like Allen Ginsberg read their work. They often performed in coffee houses. Their readings were very energetic. They wanted to connect with their audience.

In the 1980s, poetry slams started. These are competitions where poets perform. Judges score their work. This made spoken word even more popular. It gave new poets a stage.

Where Can You Find Spoken Word?

You can find spoken word in many places.

• Live performances: Many artists perform live. They might be at open mic nights. You can also find them at poetry slams. These events are exciting.
• Online: Lots of spoken word artists share their work online. You can watch videos of performances. Many poets have their own channels.
• Music: Sometimes, spoken word appears in music. Artists might speak over a beat. This adds a different feel to the song. It's a way to share a message.
• Albums: Some artists release spoken word albums. These albums feature only spoken performances. They are like audio books of poetry.

Why is Spoken Word Important?

Spoken word is important for many reasons.

• Expression: It gives people a way to express themselves. Artists can share their thoughts. They can talk about feelings and experiences.
• Connection: It helps people connect. When an artist performs, they share a story. The audience can relate to it. This creates a strong bond.
• Social change: Many spoken word artists talk about important issues. They might speak about fairness or equality. Their words can inspire change.
• Creativity: It encourages creativity. Artists can play with words. They use their voice, tone, and body language. This makes each performance unique.

Spoken word is a powerful art form. It brings poetry to life. It lets voices be heard.

Images for kids

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  Spoken-word poet Omar Musa reading his work at the Jaipur Literature Festival

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  Kenyan spoken word poet Mumbi Macharia.

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  Megborna performing at the First Kvngs Edition of the Megborna Concert, 2019

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  Judges from a poetry slam listen to the contestants.