Poetry Slam in Göttingen

A poetry slam is a competitive art event where poets perform spoken word poetry before a live audience and a panel of judges. Performances are judged on both content and delivery, with the audience encouraged to react verbally or by clapping, snapping, and stomping to influence the scores.

Poetry slams began in Chicago in the 1980s, pioneered by Marc Smith who sought to move poetry recitals from academia to a popular audience. The first slam competition was held at the Get Me High Lounge in November 1984, later moving to the Green Mill Jazz Club in 1986. Today, slams are held worldwide, with various formats and themes.

Attendees can expect a lively, interactive atmosphere where poets compete in multiple rounds, with scores typically ranging from zero to ten. The event is open to all who wish to compete, with sign-up usually starting a half hour before the slam.