FAQ’s

How many poets will be in each slam heat?
Each slam heat will have 12 competitors 

How are the slam heats structured?

Each heat will be divided into three rounds. 

• Round 1: All 12 poets will perform
• Round 2: The 6 highest scoring poets from round 1 perform again. 
• Round 3: The 3 highest scoring poets from round 2 perform in the final round.

A winner will be announced and that poet, alongside the first runner-up, will qualify for our Grand Slam Final in London. Each of the 12 poets qualifying for the Grand Slam Final will have their travel and accommodation expenses covered.

What are the Grand Slam prizes?

• 1st place: £1000
• 2nd place: £500
• 3rd place: £300

How long do I have to perform?

Every poet will have a maximum of 3 minutes at the mic to perform a single poem of their own creation.

What happens if I go over 3 minutes?

Poets are given a ten-second grace period. If the poet goes over time, points will be deducted from the total score by the scorekeeper. The poem/performance will lose .5 (point 5) off of their score for each 10 seconds they go over.

What are the rules on props?

Poets may not use props, costumes, pre-recorded music, or musical instruments while performing. It’s just the poet and their poem on stage. BUT poets are allowed to sing, beat box, or make any other sounds with their body in their performance.

Do poems need to be on specific topics?

Poets are free to write on any topic they wish, however, the poem may NOT include sexist, racist, homophobic, or transphobic comments. Basically, poets are expected to use their common sense and leave any hate at the gate. However, anger, upset and frustration are totally legitimate emotions to express. 

How do I enter the slam?

Participant applications will open 4 weeks before each heat. To sign up, simply fill out the Google Form that will be provided on our website. Please see full schedule here. All entrants must be 18 or over due to licensing rules in venues. Details on the deadlines for entry and when you’ll be informed if your name has been drawn are available in each of the Google Forms.

When will applications open for each slam?

One month before the slam takes place. Sign up to the MoS mailing list to be kept in the loop. 

Can I enter more than one heat?

Poets can sign up for as many slam heats as they wish, however they will only be able to perform in one.

Do I have to memorise my poem?

Memorisation is not required or necessary, poets are welcome to read.

Who will judge the slams?

Each slam will have five judges.

How will the slam be judged?

Each poet will receive scores out of 10. The highest and lowest scores will be removed and the middle three scores added up, giving the poet a score out of 30. These scores will be shared directly with the scorekeeper, and not the audience, or the poets. The point is not the points, the point is the poetry!

What is the judging criteria?

1. Poetic Language 
2. Idea and theme
3. Tone and mood
4. Performance
5. Vocal strength and emotion
6. Fluency

Will performances be photographed and filmed?

Yes. When applying to take part in a slam, artists will be required to consent to their performance being filmed and photographed, and a high quality video uploaded to our youtube channel as part of the whole show, and clips used for promotional purposes on our social media channels, website and mailing list.

Will there be any mental health support for slam participants?

We appreciate that competition of any kind, or the discussion of potentially sensitive topics at events, may trigger anxiety or other pre-existing mental health concerns. As a result of this, we are offering slam participants an optional, free 45 minute online aftercare session with our resident psychotherapist Anna Sinski. Anna will also be available at the event if participants need any care. 

Any further questions, please email: mindovermatterdigital@gmail.com