Everyone was at the edge of their seats as the words of the poem danced around the room. This wasn’t just simply a competition of who could read a poem the best, it was a gathering of feelings, and the deep sense of understanding that listening and reading poems can provide.
The annual Poetry Out Loud competition may be familiar to some, only through an English teacher mentioning it in passing, or a flier glimpsed around the halls, or maybe even as an assignment. In reality, it’s so much more, a unique opportunity for students to not only express themselves but gain confidence in public speaking.
Pick a poem.
Record your recitation of the poem.
Submit the poem.
Three simple steps will get you into the contest, but getting into the winner’s circle will certainly take more effort than simply reciting a poem. Relating to your poem is integral to showing that emotion the judges look for. You don’t just need to know the words to the poem, you need to truly understand what they mean to you and feel connected to it.
As for the recording of the poem, it is important to express that connection you feel to the poem. Practice makes perfect and taking your time is integral to getting past that first step.
The process really starts after picking a poem when recording yourself reciting the poem, submitting a video via Google Classroom by Dec. 8. From there, the judges review the submissions and pick their favorites to participate in the schools competition held in the library Jan 10 during B1.
“You can’t do it [reciting poetry] badly or wrong. Just the fact that you are standing up there reciting a poem, you did it right,” French teacher and organizer Rebecca Miller said.
Reciting poetry is not an exact science, which makes the contest less competition and more community.
In reality, everyone is just as nervous as you are, and the judges, composed of at least two ELHS teachers and one local poet, keep that in mind. You are allowed as much time as needed and can ask for a line if really stuck. In all it creates the perfect opportunity for students to express themselves in a unique way in a judgment-free environment.
“There’s something about poetry that makes simple things mean something. Sometimes we don’t even know what it is but we had a feeling. That feeling reminds us that we are alive, there’s joy in the world, and there’s human connections. Poetry really helps us understand that in a special way,” Mme. Miller said.
Participating in the competition not only gives you something to add to a student’s resume or an artifact for Viking Voyage, but it helps give a chance to practice public speaking in a unique way. In an environment that can often feel confined and dull, the competition is freeing and a good break in the day.
“We are all here together for each other and supporting each other. It’s just lovely and such a nice vibe to be a part of. It just drums up this sense of good, peace, and love,” Mme. Miller said.
