What is a Poetry Slam?

A poetry slam is a spoken-word poetry competition, where poets stand up in from of chosen judges picked randomly from the audience. They recite their poem for which they are then awarded points.

Slamming as it is referred to, is said to have started in America with Marc Smith being labelled the founder in 1984. He originally started at the Get Me High lounge in Chicago. In 1986 it moved to its permanent home, The Green Mill jazz club.

Bonacia LTD have a Poetry Slam each year. You can be put forward for the slam by entering into our Poetry Rivals competition. There are two categories – under 18s and over 18s. The top 50 of each category then get put forward for the slam.

Why don't you try writing a poem and enter it into one of our Poetry Rivals competitions. To be considered into the slam.

For information on poetry types other than shape poems visit our poetry glossary – poetry terms.