Poetry: Performing Poetry

Poetry: May 27, 2026 Issue [#13764]


 


Performing Poetry
       Editor: mesonali
                   More Newsletters By This Editor  


Table of Contents
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions


About This Newsletter
I recently performed a short poem during a poetry event at a local bookshop. The event manager liked my poem and asked if I'd do a five-minute talk about performing poetry during the next event.

I agreed - and I share with you the poem I am going to use as my 'talk'.

Letter from the editor
Dear Reader,

Are you going to perform a poem for an audience? Here's what I'd like to share with you about that. And it might help even if you're not going to perform for an audience, but just for yourself - in front of the mirror!
Performing Poetry

So, right at the start
Learn your poem off by heart.
So that, when you are on stage
You're looking at audience, not screen or page.
Don't moan, don't groan
The poem is, after all, your own!

All right, then, if you think that rule
Isn't very cool, is old school
And if you want a read instead of a recitation
Then save yourself some hesitation
Make sure you are prepared
With the content to be shared.
So - respect your audience as you ought
And please do mark the spot.

Then - once you've composed your verse
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
During that while
Baby, baby develop your own style.
Be it quiet, be it a riot
Be your unique self, just try it!

Remember, poems are for interpretation
So decide on your introduction
Do you want your explanation
To be pre, or post- production?

And if you're up here, reciting
We're all ears, listening.
Don't diminish your poem in our eyes
In short - do not apologise

And when your poem is through
Pause a second, look around
Then
Say
---
Thank you!
 
As a writer of poetry, some takeaways from this might be:
1. Learn by heart - if the poem flows naturally, it's easy to learn by heart.
2. Rehearse - would mean read aloud to ensure it doesn't trip up anywhere
3. Your own style! Well of course! Even in form poetry with strict rules, one can have a definite style!
4. Preamble - how much do you give away in the brief description or introduction, and how much do you leave to the reader? Should some 'poet's notes' come before the poem, and some after?
5. Don't apologise - This happens during poetry events - people try to humble themselves by saying 'bear with me as I read my poem'. While I'm not advocating being arrogant, I definitely think that one should be sufficiently proud of the work one is sharing with others!

Thanks for listening!
Write On!
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Editor's Picks
Some haikus!
 Hour Glass  (E)
Haiku of life
#2156779 by arnielenziniMail Icon
 Youth  (E)
Haiku and Senryu Contest: entry #22
#2019384 by susanjwelkerMail Icon
 
STATIC
Lotus Steel  (E)
April 13th Entry. NaPoWriMo/GloPoWriMo 2019
#2188074 by laurie-razorMail Icon
 waiting for spring  (E)
waiting for spring
#1842025 by abouthumbertMail Icon
 Church  (E)
Haiku on Church
#1436141 by murphyss918Mail Icon
 Rose  (E)
Brief Description? It's a haiku. Anything I write here is longer then the piece! :p
#1066348 by jojoharterMail Icon
 Lowering The Bar  (E)
its a haiku I don't need to describe it
#1943349 by calvindarrenMail Icon
All-time favourites!
GROUP
The Power Reviewers Group  (E)
The Power Crew inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by mhicksMail Icon
GROUP
The Snail Mail Group  (E)
WDC's first letter writing club
#1982168 by annetteMail Icon
Three Word Mayhem!  (13+)
Mayhem is afoot!
FORUM
The Writer's Cramp  (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by sophieMail Icon
GROUP
The WDC Angel Army  (ASR)
Dedicated to promoting positivity, encouragement, and support to the WDC community.
 
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Word from Writing.Com
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer
My last Poetry Newsletter was a while ago, so instead of showcasing feedback, I'll ask a question.

Which comes more naturally to you - counting words, or counting syllables?

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