An Introduction to Spoken Word Poetry

Spoken word poetry is the new rock and roll – from performances at Glastonbury to spoken word nights in every town in the UK.

The spoken word scene is friendly, inclusive and allows new and emerging voices to share their work without the limitations of being published.

This 10-week course is a combination of both guided listening and critical appreciation of some of the best known spoken word performers currently working in the UK, and a creative writing class.

Each week we will deep dive into the work of a spoken word icon and use our reading and discussion as a starting prompt to create our own spoken word pieces.

Week 1 – Understanding the UK spoken word scene – a little bit of history. This session focus on why spoken word poetry is so popular, allow students to share any experiences of attending or performing and we will listen to poems from Joelle Taylor and use these poems as our writing prompt.

Week 2 – what do spoken word poets write about – exploring the most popular themes in spoken word poetry.

Week 3 – on the page or on the stage – what are the key differences between poetry written for performance and poetry primarily written to be read on the page.

Week 4 – does it need to rhyme – rhyme and rhythm in spoken word poetry.

Week 5 – authenticity and truth in spoken word poetry – using poetry to share our lived experience.

Week 6 – does it have to be funny – how humour is used in the spoken word scene.

Week 7 – spoken word performance techniques – how to perform your work well.

Week 8 – dealing with performance anxiety and stage fright.

Week 9 – editing your work for performance.

Week 10 – this will either be a visit to a spoken word evening or an opportunity for students to perform their work to class members and friends and family

Each session will include a supporting PowerPoint presentation, video performances from some of the most influential current spoken word performers in the UK, discussion and small group work and at least one writing prompt based on the poems we will be discussing.

The course will also include guidance on performance skills and ways of accessing Leicester’s vibrant spoken word scene. There may also be an opportunity to visit one of the many local spoken word nights, and possibly perform your own work in an open mic slot (but this will not be obligatory, additional costs may apply).

No previous experience of writing or reading poetry is required but the course would also be of value to more experienced writers who are interested in taking their work to live audiences.

Tutor Cathi Rae is a widely published poet, spoken word artist, multiple poetry slam winner and workshop facilitator. Her work has appeared in journals, online magazines, poetry anthologies and art exhibitions. Cathi has performed throughout the UK at poetry events, festivals and arts events, and has been described as a spoken word icon! She has an MA in Creative Writing and PhD in Poetry from the University of Leicester.

Participants must be aged 18+.

This 10-week course runs on Thursday evenings, 6pm – 8pm, starting on 8 May and ending on 10 July 2025.

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you'd like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us (near De Montfort Hall).