Coraopolis Branch 26AB-B
SPOKEN WORD fka “POETRY – PERFORMANCE”
Craft an original poem or prose and bring it to life through a compelling monologue or dialogue that is performed.
Overview
Your performance can incorporate various styles, including reading, singing, or acting. Spoken word is an art form designed to captivate and engage, so feel free to integrate elements like music, dance, or visual arts to elevate your presentation. Remember to infuse your performance with a sense of spontaneity through extemporaneous speaking, creating an experience that is both dynamic and unforgettable for your audience.
Notes for Judges ● Each contestant will have 3 minutes to present their performance and then the judging co-hort will have 7-10 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 10 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Submission: Submit one notarized copy of your original poem or prose.
Email your poem to coraopolisnaacp@gmail.com by the March 20 Deadline
a. Formatting:
i Each page must include your name, page number, and unit name and number (Coraopolis NAACP #26AB-B).
ii Your work should be original, typed in 12 point Calibri or Times New Roman font.
iii Retain the original form of your piece (free verse, rhymed metrical poetry, etc.)
iv Do not exceed 3 pages
b. Performance:
i Perform your work from memory before a panel of judges.
ii Your performance must not exceed 3 minutes. Exceeding this limit may result in point deductions or disqualification.
2. Do not exceed 3 pages.
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
Emotional/Physical Presence (20)
Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are presenting?
Is the poet demonstrating eye contact, body language and poise?
Original Thought (20)
Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.
Voice and Articulation (20)
Does the poet exhibit appropriate volume, pace, rhythm, intonation and proper pronunciation?
Structure or Form, and Overall Presentation (20)
How is the poem constructed?
Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks?
Does the poem have a strong title?
Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?
Evidence of Understanding/Accuracy (20)
Does the poet comprehend the material they're presenting and makes the audience understand?
Does the poet miss written words or mispronounce words during their recitation?
Point Deduction
-1 to -5
In the event the student performance exceeds 5 mins one point will be deducted for every minute over up to five points.
Tips for Poetry Performance Contestants:
Choose a Topic You're Passionate About: Your enthusiasm will shine through in your performance.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your piece multiple times to perfect your delivery.
Connect with Your Audience: Use eye contact to engage your listeners and create a personal connection.
Embrace Extemporization: Be prepared to think on your feet and adapt to unexpected situations.
Pay Attention to Detail: Proofread your work carefully and ensure your performance is polished.
Be Yourself: Let your unique personality shine through in your performance.
Enjoy the Process: Have fun and express yourself creatively!