SPEAKout Poetry

April24th

25 Comments

A year after its first event, SPEAKout comes back to Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum with a collective of some of the best poets in the region. Its past winners, along with more talent will all be in competition for $800 in top prize, $400 in second place, and $200 in third place.

With poets from all across the nation, SPEAKout’s Summer Slam is only the beginning of much greater events and local initiatives.

SPEAKout came to realize that spoken word is the new hip-hop. It’s inspiring and it’s moving and young (and old), loud, positive and energetic – people love it. At SPEAKout what we want to do is channel that energy and passion into something that benefits everyone. All that begins with you this summer. Our poets flood minds with thoughts of several local, national, and international issues, personified into a character or group; our crowd spreads energy into every corner and inch of the venue. With this level of power and inspiration, one cannot but SPEAKout!

If you would like to participate at Summer Slam 2010, you can do so here.

25 Comments

  • Comment by Yasmin — May 13, 2010 @ 8:27 PM

    Salam. I was wondering, is there a specific topic the poems have to be about? Or can we write about anything we wanted?

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — May 14, 2010 @ 12:26 AM

    There is no theme, you can about anything as long as it meets the rules

  • Comment by pausleal — May 20, 2010 @ 1:05 AM

    Keep posting stuff like this. I really like it!

  • Comment by Krysta Williams — May 20, 2010 @ 2:10 PM

    What about group performances? Can these be submitted in the application, even if the slam is to be done individually?

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — May 20, 2010 @ 5:42 PM

    If you are planning on performing as a group, then you only to submit one application. Just indicate that it is a group performance and include the names and contact info of all those involved

  • Comment by Eman — May 28, 2010 @ 4:17 PM

    I don’t have a video of a past performance, can I just take a normal video of me performing one of my poems?

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — May 28, 2010 @ 9:27 PM

    That’s not a problem. We will happily accept any video of you performing! Just make sure your voice and the video are clear.

  • Comment by Alex — June 10, 2010 @ 11:30 PM

    What if I want to perform, but the three pieces I am preparing are not completed to submit by the application period?

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — June 16, 2010 @ 12:25 AM

    Hi Alex :) Hope you received our email regarding that question. Please email back with any further questions

  • Comment by Elka — June 20, 2010 @ 7:08 AM

    I am confused. Is this competition for the ‘best poet’ or for the best ‘performance’? Promo material seems to alternate between the two, but they are not the same thing (although the same person could be ranked first in both categories).

  • Comment by Samah — June 20, 2010 @ 11:22 AM

    Salam. I have the same question Alex asked earlier.

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — June 20, 2010 @ 4:05 PM

    Alex and Samah
    SPEAKout is a spoken word competition, which is encompasses both the poetry and the performance
    Hope that clarifies things :)

  • Comment by Hamaad — June 21, 2010 @ 11:16 PM

    Assalamualaikum! I was wondering if i could please have an extension for 2-3 days because i am caught up with school stuff. If so that would be GREAT!!!!!! Jazakallah!

  • Comment by Isra — July 9, 2010 @ 7:11 PM

    Assalamualaikum, where can i find the rules, Jazakallah

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — July 9, 2010 @ 7:30 PM

    The rules are under the poets’ application. Here is the direct link http://www.speakoutpoetry.com/poetry-guidelines/
    Deadline for applications, however, has passed. Please check our website frequently if you would like to join in the future

  • Comment by Freddy — August 5, 2010 @ 6:18 PM

    What time does this event start? and is there a contact number?

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — August 5, 2010 @ 11:24 PM

    7pm doors will be open

  • Comment by Freddy — August 6, 2010 @ 11:26 AM

    Thank you I’ll be there.

  • Comment by Hamaad — August 28, 2010 @ 4:19 PM

    ssssssssssooooooooooooooooooooo…………. who won????????

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — August 29, 2010 @ 9:41 AM

    Mustafa Ahmed came in 3rd place, Loh El/Graeme O’Farrell in 2nd, and PrufRock in 1st place!

  • Comment by Ma'moun — October 22, 2010 @ 9:43 PM

    Asalaam-u-Alaiykum!

    Just wondering how do I sign up?! and what is the main theme of the event? ….. do I have to pay when I register? As you can tell I am pretty new to this …. I write but I haven’t been to a slam event …. if someone can let me know that would be awesome!

    Jezak’Allah Kheir!

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — October 30, 2010 @ 12:43 PM

    Alaikom al Salam Ma’moun
    Our next event is actually a workshop and not a slam competition. We will add your email to our mailing list to let you know when our next slam would be. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to email voice@speakoutpoetry.com

  • Comment by Asiyah Ayaan — November 14, 2010 @ 11:05 PM

    Asalamu Alaikum

    I was wondering when the competition for the next slam will take place, and where? I actually live in Regina right now :(, and I would like to go for the competition. How do you select who goes for the competition, and yeah, the basics. Also, is there a age limit????? Any info will be greatly appreacitated :). Thanks

  • Comment by Besma Soltan — November 29, 2010 @ 10:01 PM

    Hey Asiyah
    If you can email us and we’ll add your email to our mailing list to let u know of any upcoming events
    No age limit :) hope to hear from u soon on voice@speakoutpoetry.com

  • Pingback by In the spotlight – a special interview with Prufrock | SPEAKout Poetry — July 6, 2011 @ 1:35 AM

    [...] Ottawa poets came down and had a blast. The next encounter with SPEAKout was last August for the Summer Slam at the ROM. That was a wonderful show and I was blown away with the poets and the venue. SPEAKout is great; it [...]

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