Verse

Verse Speaking

 * Instructions for Verse Speaking** (Ms. Rein's modified instructions for the English Dept.)

Poems are to be between 14 and 79 lines, and should have been written by a recognized poet. Your version of the poem should be from a reliable Internet site or – holy cow! -from an authoritative poetry anthology, borrowed from –horrors! -The library.

To find poetry, try [|poetry.org] or [|poetry foundation]

1. to review and become aware of different poets and styles 2. to develop your ability to recite verse 3. to enjoy a different art form
 * The objective of this competition is several-fold:**

a. Extend yourself: read some poetry and choose poets with whom you are not so familiar. b. Avoid hoary (look it up!) old favorites like “The Road Not Taken” or “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Night” unless these are the only poems that speak to you. If you are a fan of Robert Frost, select a poem from among his huge body of work. c. When you practice your poem, consider the meaning of each line. Avoid stopping at the end of the line just because it is the end of the line. Consider the punctuation. Does it help to convey meaning?
 * Suggestions**:

Body Language/Eye Contact
-Students should appear at ease. Arms should be relaxed and the head should not bobble. Students must not use props nor should they indulge in histrionics.

Eye contact
Does the student make eye contact with members of the audience? Does she attempt to make contact?

Voice
The voice should be clear and should carry, and should be appropriate to the content.

Complexity
Determine whether the poem is challenging, complex or childish. The grade will reflect the complexity and challenge inherent in the poem.

Interpretation
Do you understand what the poem is about? Do you care? Do the pauses and starts convey meaning?

Memorization
Was the poem well memorized? Were there gaps, slips or painful pauses?

General Advice
• Look up words you are unfamiliar with so that you know how to pronounce them • Don’t stop automatically at the end of a line When there is no punctuation, the meaning of a line may carry to the next section or next line • Follow the punctuation • Use your voice to express important words • Do the same with pauses • Don’t let your voice drop at the end

Wednesday, February 11 (B1 Schedule): bring a photocopy or scanned copy of at least two poems you wish to submit for consideration. If your poem is late, you will lose 10% of your final grade.
 * Due Date:

We will begin the competition on Feb. 16th**