Performing poetry

Let’s explore a video in which Mahlikah performs a poem.

Access the video “The Space – Mahlikah Awe:ri”:

Verbal and non-verbal cues

Think about moments that have made you happy or excited. How did you experience the feeling in that moment? How does being happy or excited feel to you? How do you share that feeling?

There are different verbal and non-verbal cues we can use to show emotion. Our bodies and voices may change during times when we experience emotions.

In a poetry performance, the audience can use these verbal and non-verbal cues to identify how the performer or presenter is feeling just by observing their voice and the ways their body moves.

Communication and presentation strategies

Let’s review our communication and presentation strategies from a previous learning activity.

For each strategy, select the examples of how you could use that strategy in a presentation or performance.

Identifying verbal and non-verbal cues

Let’s review Mahlikah’s poetry performance from our Minds On video. During her performance, think about what kind of verbal and non-verbal cues she uses.

Access the video “The Space – Mahlikah Awe:ri”:

When you are finished reviewing the video, answer the following question:

• What verbal and non-verbal cues did Mahlikah use during her poetry performance?

Discuss you answer with a partner if possible, or complete the Mahlikah’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues Table in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. You can also use a method of your choice.

Exploring poetry

Explore the following audio clip and text of a poem:

When you are finished exploring the poem, respond to the following question:

• How can you use verbal or non-verbal cues to create an engaging performance?

Discuss your response with a partner if possible, or record your response using a method of your choice.

Performing poetry

It’s time to perform a poem!

Choose one half of “Hummingbirds Hover,” then choose two or three verbal and non-verbal cues from the following table:

Practice your performance using the verbal and non-verbal cues that you chose. Once you feel like you are ready, perform your poem.

Perform to a partner if possible, or record your performance using video or audio. You can also record a detailed description of your performance using a method of your choice.

When you are finished performing your poem, respond to the following questions:

1. What did you notice about performing poetry?
2. Was performing poetry similar or different from other kinds of presentations that you have given?
3. Is there anything you would change about your performance? Why?

Record your responses using a method of your choice.

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.