COURSE SYNOPSIS
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:
Session 1: Why Speak Poetry?
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 Want with Style
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
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.
This course is SkillsFuture Credit-eligible. All Singaporeans aged 25 and above can use their SkillsFuture Credits from the government to pay for a wide range of approved skills-related courses. You may visit the course listing on the MySkillsFuture website here to find out more.
For enquiries, please email bookawriter@singlitstation.com.
COURSE RUNS
Venue: Sing Lit Station, 22 Dickson Road #02-01, Singapore 209506
First Run
Session 1: 11 Oct 2025, 10.30am - 1pm
Session 2: 11 Oct 2025, 2pm - 4.30pm
Session 3: 18 Oct 2025, 2pm - 4.30pm
Second Run
Session 1: 22 Nov 2025, 10am - 12.30pm
Session 2: 29 Nov 2025, 10am - 12.30pm
Session 3: 6 Dec 2025, 10am - 12.30pm
COURSE FEES
Full Course Fee: $250
Student Concession: $150
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Don Shiau is a writer, performance poet, and musician. He has been featured in numerous editions of Poetry Festival Singapore, Singapore Night Festival, and Singapore Writers Festival. He co-organises Outspoken, a competitive spoken word event.
REGISTRATION [USING SKILLSFUTURE CREDITS]
If you would like to register for this course and intend to use your SkillsFuture Credits, please click on the button below and fill out the registration form:
Upon completing the registration form, you will be contacted by Sing Lit Station with further instructions on payment and submitting a claim on the MySkillsFuture portal. Please note that credits under "SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career)" are not eligible to be used for this course.
REGISTRATION [WITHOUT USING SKILLSFUTURE CREDITS]
If you would like to register for this course WITHOUT using your SkillsFuture Credits, please purchase a ticket via Peatix by clicking on the buttons corresponding to your desired course run below:
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Registration will only be confirmed when:
[For participants using SkillsFuture Credits] Payment has been made to Sing Lit Station for the remaining course fee if the course fee is partially offset by SkillsFuture credits, and once you have submitted a claim on the MySkillsFuture portal.
[For participants not using SkillsFuture Credits] A ticket has been purchased via Peatix.
Please ensure that you are able to attend all the sessions within a course run. Refunds will not be given once a course run has commenced.