Performing poetry

[desertlizard]

so, any of you here guys ve had tried to perform his her own poetry in front of strangers? if so what do you think about it? its an extraordinary experience? i ve been thinking about it, i mean i really admire people who can just stand up in front of an audience and recitate his her work, i really respect and enjoy at the same time just to be there and watch, observe, meditate what the performer is trying to transmit to the crowd.
I myself would like to give it a try someday. So what do you guys think? ve u done it before? i would love to read experiences. :)

[tsu-bastet]

hi desertlizard..i havent performed ..but like you admire greatly those who do so..i think it must be both nerve racking and exhilarating!
i have a friend who has done it..he is very good at it too..but although he has read to me, i havent yet been to a performance...i would love that.
there is also the option to record poetry and put it on youtube or other sites which cater for such posts..ben may be able to help with advice for that :)
hope if you do decide to go for it that you have a wonderful time :)
good luck :)

[Ian The Poet]

I had to read my poppy poem in front of a group of school kids, when they applauded afterwards was when I realised I hadn't stuttered once. I've got to read it again in November, this there will be some local dignateries.

[BenJohnson]

Many years ago when I was young and foolish I read some of my poem in front of a large audience in Brighton. At the time I had no nerves. More recently I have read to very small audiences but found it much more nerve racking. Not that I write 'performance poetry' which is quite a different animal and much more interesting to the average audience.

[rantingpete]

I recited one my poems 'New Year' at a Performance Poetry evening in a pub in Greenwich about 13 years ago. I was extremely nervous but got through it fine. I haven't done anything since but I've never seen anything advertised in my area. I would always say 'go for it', it won't kill you, and it's all experience.

[Salaam]

I can't imagine I'd ever do it. I rap[ped], so if I ever felt the urge to perform I'd perform as a rapper. But I enjoy poetry that's read selfishly more, and I find it more appealing plus I'm able to understand it better. When it comes to performance poetry, I'm not too keen on the way the poets use their voices and body movements. It all looks a little too over-the-top for me. It seems to be more about the act than the poem itself. Saying that however, there are some I admire, and when it's done to a musical backdrop... it works better for me.

[Nature's heartbeat]

Haven't done any performance poetry but who knows, I might try it some day (not really sure of what performance poetry is though). People have told me not so few times that I have a good and nice reading voice, and apparently am good at reading some stuff with conviction and emotion so that it affects people, so I might try it out some time. Did record myself reading some of my poetry and saying random things even sing stuff on my mp3 player just to get an idea of what I actually sound like outside my head, and it was kind of soothing (lol!) and felt like I actually listened to myself...;)

[desertlizard]

hi bastet :)
and thank you all for sharing and give advice!