Slam Poetry: What Is It?
Most people assume poetry must be created with a certain pattern or structure that usually involves rhyming, but that is not always the case. Slam poetry is a combination of passionate expression and a rhythmic beat, similar to hip hop. Contrary to many other forms of poetry, slam can never be fully understood unless the speaker is observed visually. Body language and wordplay are the two most important elements in slam poetry, neither being complete without the other. On this webpage you will find information regarding the creation of slam poetry and the important factors that contribute to the genre. Along with an overview of slam poetry, this webpage will help you understand the importance of visually observing slam poetry by breaking down the poem 'Touchscreen' by Marshall Davis Jones into a written, audio, and visual form. Additionally, this page will provide other poems in visual form to allow you to see how these common strategies create the genre of slam poetry. We hope that after exploring this page you will have a better understanding of each element that contributes to slam poetry.