Had A Go At Performing At A Spoken Word Open Mic Night
28th March 2024 - New Experience Number 11.
If you like playing with words, perhaps you like writing poetry? Have you ever shared your creative musings with a wider audience?
As part of the York Literature Festival, two organisations teamed up,
To create a night where you could read poetry and have a drink to sup.
I decided I’d go along and try something I’d never done before
Performing at the spoken word open mic – held in York, at The Blue Boar.
I enjoyed creating my poem, playing with rhythm, rhymes and words
But would the audience like it, what if they were poetry nerds?
Would I be a good speaker, there was only one way to know,
As I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave this new thing a go!
What Is A Spoken Word Open Mic Night?
A spoken word open mic night is an event where anybody can take a turn to perform poetry or stories in front of a microphone to an audience.
My Experience Of Attending A Spoken Word Open Mic Night
Held in the front room of the Blue Boar pub in York, it was a busy night with an enthusiastic audience and a whole host of other performers.
The event I attended was part of York Literature Festival. It saw York Howlers and Say Owt share the hosting duties, with members of each group performing some of their own poetry, and a guest poet delivering some of their work alongside anyone else who wanted to share their words on the night.
It was lively, it was varied and it was really good fun.
Signing Up - Performing At A Spoken Word Open Mic Night
There was no pre-registration. It was simply a case of turning up on the night, and putting my name down on the list to perform.
Following the interval, there was an opportunity for anyone to perform for a second time. Whilst some people read another poem, I didn’t have anything else with me to share on this occasion.
The Other Performers
I loved hearing from the other performers, it was such an eclectic mix of topics, ranging from the serious to the fun, from a whole host of ages and backgrounds.
There were poems that rhymed; poems that didn’t rhyme; poems that told a story; poems that were suggestive; deeply personal poems written from life experiences, and fantastical poems from imaginative minds. Some poems packed a punch and made you think, and others invoked surprised.
There was even a poem that was in the style of a battle rap about a cheesemonger!
The creativity of the other performers was infectious! It’s almost like a fuse that sparks further creativity within me!
My Poem - Performing At A Spoken Word Open Mic Night
I’d written a poem which had been inspired by my Other Half.
I’m not a particularly soppy person and there were no declarations of love in my words. Instead I’d focused on the reality of relationships, and how those everyday ‘charming’ moments make him a keeper.
It wasn’t deep and meaningful, it wasn’t crafted in a clever way with well chosen words, and it definitely wasn’t high brow.
In addition, my poem was structured in a simple rhythm with simple rhymes.
I really hoped the audience would be amused by my childish musings!
Performing At A Spoken Word Open Mic Night
Adrenaline coursed through me as I was both nervous and excited when the host introduced me.
As I stood behind the microphone, I took a deep breath, gave the shortest introduction as to what my poem was about, and began. Words tumbled out of my mouth as I quickly rattled through the first line. I’m aware of my tendency to speak quickly when I’m nervous, and as I recognised it was happening here, I tried to slow it down.
Following the first stanza, the crowd responded as I hoped they would. Their chuckles being the encouragement I needed to slow down and try to enjoy sharing the words I had taken such pleasure in putting together.
The audience were incredibly generous with their applause as I uttered thank you and returned to my seat.
It was that fantastic combination of adrenalin with a smidgen of pride and a dash of relief that delivered a healthy boost of confidence too. I had done it!
Later, chatting with people at the interval, I was able to share my appreciation to other performers for their words, and I also received some really lovely feedback on my poem.
Why You Should Try Performing At A Spoken Word Open Mic Night
- Whilst you could read a poem from someone else, most people read their own work. This could render some people paralysed with fear at the thought of public speaking AND sharing some of their own work. If you feel like that’s you, let me reassure you that the open mic night I went to was extremely welcoming, encouraging and supportive of everyone. Your words will be welcomed and your words will be valued.
- It’s a safe space, whatever your poem is about, however you are feeling, you’ll be welcomed.
- If you’re nervous about public speaking, finding opportunities to practice in front of an audience are an ideal way to help you build the skill and feel more confident in the future.
- It’s a platform where you can share your thoughts and ideas with others in a creative way.
- Everybody read their poem from a piece of paper, so you don’t need to worry about memorising it.
- It’s fun! Honestly!
- You’ll get a great boost of creativity as you hear from other creative minds!
- An added bonus at some events, is that performers may get a discount on drinks!
Spoken Word Open Mic in York
There are regular spoken word open mic nights in York, including;
Say Owt, who describe themselves as “a collective of gobby northern poets” and regularly run poetry events from slams and workshops to open mics and more.
York Howlers who host poetry nights twice a month in the city centre for spoken word, prose, poetry, slam, screams and howls.
The Spoken Word, who are a group of poets, authors and lovers of poetry who host a monthly event where anyone can share their own words or a favourite piece in 5 minute slots.
Want To Try It Yourself?
- The spoken word open mic night I went to was part of York Literature Festival and hosted by York Howlers and Say Owt.
- Take a look on line for any events happening near you.
- I’ve written up over 25 resources and places where you can find new things to try, why not have a look and see if there are any spoken word open mic nights in your area.
Cost Of Experience
- The event was free, so even if you want to attend as an audience member to find out what it’s like, you won’t have to pay.
- Some events may have a small fee, but it should only be nominal.
- You may find the only cost is any drinks you order.
Recommendations
- It’s easy to say, but don’t overthink it!
- Any poem goes, although you may want to double check if there is a theme at the event you attend, or if there are any particular guidelines you should follow.
- Make sure your poem is written or printed so that it’s easy for you to read.
- If you’ve got a particular poem that you like, maybe you could use that as inspiration to create something similar?
- You could always go to a spoken word open mic night before you perform to find out what it is like.
- Have fun! Let me know how you get on if you give it a go!
The thought of doing this fills me with dread, haha, not my kind of experience at all! But good for you, congratulations and that’s great you had such a good time. 🙂
Thank you so much! Oh there were definitely nerves before I did it, but such a sense of achievement to do it! :o)
How amazing to perform at a spoken word event, that is so cool! I would love to share some of my poetry in that way, I would be so nervous but find it very empowering!
Oh you should definitely give it a go Molly! That would be brilliant to share your poetry. I was very nervous about doing it, but I survived and even enjoyed the experience! Good luck if you give it a try, and please do let me know if you do. Thank you so much for reading. :o)
What an amazing achievement. You must be so proud of yourself. It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of people and try this. It sounds like you had a great experience.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
Thank you so much! It was definitely a mixture of relief and feeling really chuffed I’d done it! It was such a welcoming group, which made it a little easier too! :o)
I have so much respect for spoken word. I’m so happy they responded well to your amusing poem!
Oh me too, it’s amazing how some people do it and how powerful it can be. It was definitely a relief that they laughed! Thank you for reading :o)
Goodness, how brave are you? The level of nerves required. I sincerely salute you
I think I just about managed to control the nerves! It was definitely a step out of the comfort zone! Thank you for reading, and for the comment too! :o)
I love Say owt! The guys, Stu, Henry & Hannah that run it are so lovely & encouraging. I performed at my first ever poetry slam with them and came 2nd ☺️ I’ve started going to howlers recently too, and the hosts chloe & Steph are so wonderful, they really create the best atmosphere to share poetry. York spoken word was good too. but definitely more for page poetry than performance poetry. The scene for poetry in York & Leeds is electric. I wish you so much luck with you reading! 💜
This is brilliant!!! I had no idea there was so much going on with poetry in York and I think it’s just fantastic! Huge well done on coming 2nd in your first ever poetry slam too! That’s good to know about York Spoken Word. I’m hoping to get back to a Howlers night, it was so good!! Thank you so much for reading, and leaving a comment, I really appreciate it. Maybe see you at an event some time! :o)