If you’re new to spoken word, it may surprise you. This direct, energetic form of poetry is highly relatable and growing in popularity.
In this introductory course, performance poet and arts organiser Don Shiau will give you the tools you need to start writing, performing, and connecting with audiences.
You will gain an appreciation for the difference between written and spoken poetry, and learn ways of creating safe spaces for unapologetic self-expression.
No background in poetry is needed. This course is for (i) individuals who are looking for new ways of self-expression (ii) educators looking for tools to build self-confidence in their students.
This course comprises 3 sessions, on the following dates & times:
Session 1: Why Speak Poetry? (18 Oct 2025, 10.30am - 1pm)
The first session makes a compelling case for spoken word as an art form. Live demonstrations and videos will give participants a flavour of the possibilities of spoken word, both in terms of the topics and their styles. They will be taken through brief histories of the genre, both local and global. Participants will identify a topic they want to write about, and begin building the content of their respective poems.
Session 2: Saying What You What with Style (18 Oct 2025, 2pm - 4.30pm)
Participants will be given tools to shape the ideas they identified in the first session. These include various forms of spoken word, literary / narrative devices, framing, and more. Partcipants will receive individualised attention from the instructor as they create their pieces. They will also be introduced to how spoken word events operate, and how they have a culture of fostering safe spaces for vulnerable self-expression.
Session 3: Showtime (18 Oct 2025, 2pm - 4.30pm)
In the final session, participants will get to try their hand at a poetry slam-style performance, and receive feedback as well as performance tips.
Before registering, please ensure that you are able to attend all the sessions. No refunds will be given if you miss one or more of the sessions after registering.
