Body & Soul1 min ago
Any Advice Gratefully Received
18 Answers
This last 2 years I seem to have branched-out into poetry. I have never thought of myself as a poet, so already have 'impostor syndrome'.
A few months ago, someone 'recommended' me to the High Wolds Poetry Festival - and, not thinking anything of it, I sent off 3 poems, to keep everyone happy.
It appears that, not only am I to be included in their annual anthology, but that I have a 'performance slot' at the Festival in Mid-Sept. This has sent me 'all of a dooh-dah', to say the least. I'm terrified.
Has anyone done anything like this? Can anyone give me any advice, please? PLEASE?
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Well done! Sorry I can't offer any advice, but I would guess they want you to read out or perform the poems you sent in.
If you normally use contact lenses or glasses, leave them off so the audience is a blur. Recommended by Prince William.
Also have a (smallish) quick drink before you go on.
Most of all, have fun!
Well done!jourdain. The only advice that I can give is to believe in yourself and give it your best shot. If you have been selected then obviously the examiners think your poems are good. So just draw a deep breath, speak clearly and with passion. Just remember that no-one in the audience knows how you are feeling. Try to display some emotion depending on the subject matter of your poem . Above all ,go out and enjoy yourself. The only experience that I have had was having to write an essay on behavioural problems in children and read it out to the other students at College assembly many years ago. I was nervous,trembling and felt sick but once I got into my stride I started to enjoy myself. So Good luck,jourdain .
Performamce poetry is one of my hobbies. (Like you, I only took up writing the stuff fairly recently). My poems need to be 'performed', rather than simply 'read', so they'd never look good to anyone else on paper alone.
I suggest that you should think along the same lines as me and aim to make sure that your audience will get far more from hearing you delivering your poems to them than they could from simply reading them in a book.
Just putting pauses in exactly the right places or adding a smile (or frown) occasionally might be all that's needed to lift your poetry from 'an interesting read' to 'a fantastic delivery'.
As with any other 'performance' though, rehearsal is the key. Do plenty of it, preferably in front of a mirror.
Here's the wonderful George the Poet to show you how it's done:
you can read your poems out, but don't let your voice get too flat - allow for some emphasis, accentuate the rhymes if you have any, vary your voice as you would in conversation.
Or you can learn your poems and recite them from memory, which may allow you to be more dramatic if your poems suit this (see Buenchico's advice). I think the audience would be happy either way.
Advice from Perplexity AI. Embrace the Opportunity
First and foremost, your inclusion in the anthology and invitation to perform are testaments to the quality of your work. You should feel proud and excited about this recognition.
Preparation is Key
Practice Reading Aloud: Practice reading your poems aloud regularly. This will help you become more comfortable with the rhythm and flow of your words. Time Management: Find out how long your performance slot is and practice timing your readings accordingly. Familiarize yourself with the Venue: If possible, visit North Dalton Village Hall beforehand to get a feel for the space.
Performance Tips
Connect with the Audience: Make eye contact and speak clearly during your reading. Pace Yourself: Read slowly and deliberately, allowing pauses for emphasis and audience reaction. Be Authentic: Be yourself and let your passion for your work shine through.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Remember the Selection Process: Your work was chosen through a submission process, validating your talent. This performance is not just a showcase but a valuable learning opportunity. Focus on Growth: View this as a chance to learn and grow, both personally and artistically. Connect with Other Poets: Interact with other participants at the festival, which can help build confidence and a sense of belonging.
Final Thoughts
Even experienced poets have butterflies. The key is to channel that energy into your performance. Lastly, enjoy the experience – it's a celebration of poetry and your contribution to it.
Thanks, Helly - and to Psalmequipt.......that isreally helpful as well.
I was a teacher - originally English and Art, but added History because of further studies - so am used to speaking/reading in front of people. ................ But reading your own poems in front of other poets , who you don't know, and their established friends etc. is rather daunting.
I shall take all your advice into account and I am hugely grateful (and rather humbled) by the positivity and advice I have received.
THANK YOU ALL, SO VERY MUCH!
Thanks cashier. I am now more proud than scared - but I am 74! What are all these (doubtless bearded) chaps and positive females going to think when I stand up there? Should I dye my hair?
I do have an answer now (thanks to all the support I have received on here actually). I'm going to stand up and da**ed well do it!
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