In my last article I mentioned how nervous I was about participating in this poetry slam and that I wasn’t sure if I was going to go through with it, but I did! What made me nervous was the way participants presented their texts. I watched some videos on YouTube and saw so much feeling in those presentations. Although my poem came from my soul and was written with only feeling and nothing else, it is a whole different matter to expose your soul on stage. It’s one thing to read it, which is already a big part of me, but it’s quite another thing to SAY it and let those emotions come out.
My poem had a sad undertone, and that is how I presented it. I envisioned the person who had inspired me to write it and my heart filled with sadness. Then I started reading.
Here’s the video 🙂 If you like it, leave me a “thumbs up” on YouTube and/or a comment. Remember, don’t be too harsh, it’s my first time, OK 😉 I will definitely do it again and, hopefully, when I gain more experience, I’ll perform my future poetry with more raw emotion.
But, hey, wait a minute, I nearly forgot to tell you that I got second place in this poetry slam! So, that’s pretty good for my first time, right? Anyway, I didn’t really participate to win. I did it to overcome my fear of exposing my most inner self on stage and to share the message of my poem. But achieving second place is still awesome! I’m rather proud of myself 🙂
The text is in my previous post La Ultima Vez, if you’d like to have a look at it. I wrote it in Spanish and English. The video has Spanish and English subtitles.
OK, here I go 🙂
I haven’t been able to do anything like that poetry slam in public. I get up there in front of people whether it be in public or for a presentation and I just well really don’t do so hot. Get nervous, mind races, forget my plan of action and usually just meander my way through it. I do want to get better though. Congrats on a successful poetry slam. Do you have any tips for me? Thanks.
Hi, Since it was my first time, the one tip I can give you is just to be yourself and immerse yourself in what you have to say. It worked for me 🙂 Forget about being nervous, you’re the one doing it on stage, that in itself already deserves a round of applause. Not everyone has the courage to do that. 🙂
I am so very pleased that you plucked up enough courage to do it. Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Catherine!
I can relate to your story, as i am a speaker myself in insurance line, often i have to give speech and presentation in front of audience, i also participate at toastmaster.. Great one!
Thank you, Jonathan!
Getting second place on your first attempt is beyond amazing, seriously! I know how difficult it can be to do new things, and also how hard it is to present anything in front of people, let alone something personal. I have to say I give you such credit for this accomplishment, and I hope you feel it, too. Wow – congratulations!
Hi Babsie! Yes, I’m so happy I got second place and I felt proud of myself for having presented something so personal in front of an audience. I’m ready to do it again 🙂
What a wonderful way to take on your fears Lila.
I learned in recent events fear is simply False Evidence Appearing Real, you did a wonderful job. I couldn’t get the video to display English subtitle’s but I watched all the way:) your expression is a+.
I like poetry but had the same fear! I actually did the exact same thing and published it to youtube also. Although it hasn’t gone viral people do seem to like it:)
Best wishes as you grow:)
Regards Ropata
Hi!
Thank you! The video has Spanish and English subtitles in settings, but it is not clear, because I saved those subtitles under Spanish (Latin America). Sorry, it was the first time I edited a video on Youtube 😉 I’ll do better next time 🙂
Thank you for watching my video! I’m really glad I got over my fear and I know that I can do it again. Conquering fears is a wonderful thing, because once you have conquered them, they won’t come back 🙂 What’s the nane of your video?
Hello Lila,
Congratulations on gett second place in poetry slam. Exposing our soul on a stag must be very nerve-racking. I have done some presentations on the stage. And the moment I got up to stage all my fears went away and I was able to explain my theories without any hesitation. I cannot describe the feeling but it was like suddenly a strange calmness took over my body and mind. All nervousness went away. I know the experience is very different from presenting an emotional poem. So I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you considering it’s your first time. But you must have expressed your feelings exceptionally well Lila. So believe in yourself. I wish you much success in the future. 🙂
Hi Anjali!
It was similar for me. I was very nervous at first, but when I got on stage I felt calm, and my fears also went away. Once I started reading, I was fine :-
Thank you for watching my video 🙂