## Slam poetry

American poet Marc Smith, believing the poetry scene at the time was "too structured and stuffy", began experimenting by attending open-microphone poetry readings, and then turning them into slams by introducing the element of competition in which poets perform spoken word poetry before a live audience and a panel of judges.
While formats can vary, slams are often loud and lively, with audience participation, cheering and dramatic delivery. Hip-hop music and urban culture are strong influences, and backgrounds of participants tend to be diverse.

Whereas most poems are meant to be read / experienced on paper, a slam poem is meant to be heard. There are many examples to be found online, and the videos of the winners of the grand slam are uploaded on youtube every year. Below you find just one example of many.

Lesson 5 - Slam Poetry