There are many resources available on “spoken word,” a growing and powerful movement that often gives young poets their start. Places in New York City, such as the Bowery Poetry Club and the Nuyorican Cafe, have been instrumental in the rise of this exciting form that includes a bit of theater and drama. Poetry slams, a lively, competitive aspect of spoken word, give vitality to this movement.
This resource from glossary offered by the Poetry Foundation describes spoken word as:
Spoken word can encompass or contain elements of rap, hip-hop, storytelling, theater, and jazz, rock, blues, and folk music. Characterized by rhyme, repetition, improvisation, and word play, spoken word poems frequently refer to issues of social justice, politics, race, and community. Related to slam poetry, spoken word may draw on music, sound, dance, or other kinds of performance to connect with audiences.
Spoken Word, Poetry Foundation.
On our course site, there is also a link to performance poet Sarah Kay’s description of Spoken Word: Sarah Kay: “If I Should Have Daughter”
This Wikipedia entry on Spoken Word poetry puts the form into an international context and describes its emergence from music such as hip-hop and jazz.
For a longer exploration of Spoken Word, the Poetry Foundation also offers this article by music critic David Browne: “Pop Star Poetics.”