How to Speak Poetically

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve ever heard someone like Maya Angelou or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak, you may have noticed how beautiful and lyrical their words sound. That’s because they’re masters of speaking poetically. If you want to speak in a more poetic way, you don’t have to be a famous poet or orator to do it. You can actually work to improve your own speaking so it sounds more poetic. To help you out, we’ve answered a few common questions about how you can do it.

Question 1 of 6:

What does it mean to speak poetically?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Speak-Poetically-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Speak-Poetically-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Speak-Poetically-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Speak-Poetically-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Poetry uses lots of expressive and vivid language to create an image in the reader’s head. Speaking poetically refers to speaking in a way that is like poetry or like a poet would speak, such as using clever turns of phrase and metaphors. [1]
    • If someone uses metaphors and flowery descriptions, such as, “Her eyes were like chains that held me captive” you could say they were speaking poetically.
    • Speaking poetically can also mean you’re describing something really beautifully. For instance, you could say something like, “I need his love like I need the very air I breathe.”
    2. Advertisement
Question 2 of 6:

How do you use poetic language?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Speak-Poetically-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Speak-Poetically-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Speak-Poetically-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Speak-Poetically-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Poetic language uses “figurative” language as opposed to “literal” language. Figurative language uses poetic devices like metaphors to convey more than the words themselves mean. To use poetic language, choose words and phrases that add more meaning and emotion into what you’re saying. [2]
    • For instance, when Martin Luther King Jr. said, “I have a dream,” he didn’t mean he actually had a dream, but a hopeful vision for the future.
    • If you’ve ever heard someone say something like, “I love you to the moon and back,” or “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get,” they’re using poetic language.
Question 3 of 6:

What makes prose beautiful?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Speak-Poetically-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Speak-Poetically-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Speak-Poetically-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Speak-Poetically-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Prose is a form of writing that uses a standard form and structure (think of a regular paragraph of text). By incorporating poetic elements such as metaphor, simile, rhyme, alliteration, and striking imagery, you can make your prose even more beautiful.
    • For instance, you could take an ordinary sentence like, “Jane went to the park and had lunch” and turn it into something like, “Jane sauntered over to a rusty park bench and munched on a juicy roast beef sandwich.”
    2. Advertisement
Question 4 of 6:

How do you sound out a poem?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Speak-Poetically-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Speak-Poetically-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Speak-Poetically-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Speak-Poetically-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Poems use line breaks, rhyme, and other devices to help you read it the way it’s intended. Line breaks are designed for you to read the poem in a specific tempo and cadence. Rhyme schemes also help you read the poem in a specific way and put emphasis on the rhyming words. Read the poem using the structure and devices the poet used to write it.
    • Some poetry, such as prose poetry, may be designed to be read just like you would a normal paragraph. Other poetry, such as spoken word, is designed to be interpreted by the speaker.
Question 5 of 6:

How do I make my poems sound better when I read them?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Speak-Poetically-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Speak-Poetically-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Speak-Poetically-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Speak-Poetically-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you’ve written your poem, read it out loud to hear how it sounds so you can make changes to tighten it up. When you feel confident and good about it, try reading it out loud to someone else such as a friend or a teacher. Ask them what they thought of it and if they have any thoughts about what you can do to make it sound better. [3]
    • It can take lots of time and multiple revisions to create a great poem. Be patient and keep at it!
    2. Advertisement
Question 6 of 6:

How can I improve my spoken word poetry?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Speak-Poetically-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Speak-Poetically-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Speak-Poetically-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Speak-Poetically-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spoken word poetry is meant to be really emotive and powerful. One way to make your poetry stronger is to focus on things that you personally feel very strongly about. Use topics, events, and stories that you have a strong emotional connection to, which will make your poetry feel more genuine and expressive. [4]
    • For instance, if you’re passionate about the environment or equal rights, use them in your poetry!
    • You can also choose something from your personal life, such as someone you love or something emotionally powerful that you experienced.
  2. 2
    Use repetition and wordplay to create a flow. Poetic devices like rhyme and meter can play a big role in spoken word poetry, but you can really kick yours up to the next level with some high-quality wordplay. Additionally, use repetition to drive home specific points and infuse your poetry with even more emotion. In spoken word poetry, the way the poem sounds is just as important as the words you use. [5]
    • Include a clever mix of imagery, emotions, and interesting sounds.
    • For instance, you could use rhyme, repetitive sounds, and metaphors and say something like, “I use similar similes as a way to get you to like me.”
  3. 3
    Watch other spoken word poets perform. Visit poetry open mics and scheduled events to watch other poets perform their work. Listen to the way they deliver their poems and how they use language, imagery, and wordplay to craft a compelling and engaging piece. Use their work to help inspire and inform your own poetry and performances. [6]
    • You can also lookup performances online so you can watch them over and over.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Talk With a Deeper Voice
      How to Talk to a Girl if You’re Shy
      How to
      Permanently Lower Your Voice
      Expert-Backed Ways to Improve Your Speech Clarity
      How to
      Stop Speaking So Loudly
      How to
      Speak Well and Confidently
      How to
      Develop a Perfect Speaking Voice
      How to
      Speak Clearly
      How to
      Speak Less
      What Does the Phrase "Chivalry is Dead" Mean?
      How to
      Make a Water Drop Sound With Your Mouth
      How to
      Stop Mumbling and Speak Clearly
      Stop Stammering: Easy-to-Follow Tips and Tricks to Smooth Your Speech
      How to
      Talk Loudly
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about pronunciation, check out our in-depth interview with Stephanie Jeret .

      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/poetically
      2. ↑ https://introtopoetry2019.pressbooks.com/chapter/chapter-four-poetic-language/
      3. ↑ https://writersrelief.com/2013/12/04/8-signs-youve-written-good-poem/
      4. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-spoken-word-poetry#quiz-0
      5. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-spoken-word-poetry#quiz-0
      6. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-spoken-word-poetry#quiz-0

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 18,568 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement