Spoken Word

In-PersonIndividual

View Official PDF (Page 59)

If you’re more of the performer type of poet, then spoken word is for you! Here’s your chance to convey your passion and originality, all while inspiring those around you.

Format

In-Person

On-Site Submission Requirements

• Three (3) copies of the Spoken Word piece must be submitted to judges on-site at the time of the competition.

Registration Guidelines

1. A limit of two (2) students from each team may register for this competition.
2. Each student competes individually — collaboration is not permitted.

Procedure

1. Competitors must come prepared with copies of their Spoken Word Pieces.

   • MIST will NOT photocopy any spoken word pieces.
   • Competitor must compete with the piece submitted at that time.

2. Pieces must be labeled with MIST ID ONLY. Competitor’s name must not appear anywhere on the work.

3. All competitors report to the competition room at the same time (designated in competition schedule).

4. No AI permitted — usage is grounds for point loss and/or disqualification.

5. Spoken Word pieces will be judged on: writing, performance, originality, sincerity, and inspiration.

6. The piece must be relevant to the annual theme to receive full marks in Section D.

7. Performance should not exceed 6 minutes.

   • Violation results in being ranked last when visible time signals have been given.
   • Judges/moderators are required to give time signals per competitor’s request.

8. No instruments can be used for the performance.

Interactive Scoring Ballot

Important

If the Spoken Word piece contains inappropriate content (profanity, sexual innuendo, etc.), score 0/35 for Content.

Interactive Ballot

Enter scores to calculate the total automatically.

Criteria	Score
Section A: Technical (10 points)
Technical Did the piece last less than 6 minutes? No identifiers aside from MIST ID Participant looks credible and dressed for an interview Three (3) copies of the spoken word piece provided
Section Subtotal	0 / 10
Section B: Written (35 points)
Content (Written) Is the structure of the piece easy to follow? Is the Spoken Word well written (rhyme, metaphors, figurative language)? Does the Spoken Word show originality and creativity?
Section Subtotal	0 / 35
Section C: Performance (45 points)
Stage Presence Is there connection with the audience, energy, and excitement? Does the competitor make use of stage space (movement, body language)? Are bodily movements used effectively? Does the performance grab attention and convey sincerity and inspiration?
Familiarity Are the words clear and easy to understand? Is pronunciation acceptable? Are rate, pitch, and volume appropriate? Is vocal variety adequate? Does the competitor set an adequate mood relating to the piece? Was the piece memorized?
Section Subtotal	0 / 45
Section D: Overall Experience (10 points)
Overall Experience Rate 1-10: 1 = Very poor, 4-6 = Average, 10 = Exceptional
Section Subtotal	0 / 10
Total Score	0 / 100