Voicing Verse: Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide competition where students memorize and perform poetry. The goal is not only to recite the poems correctly, but also to bring them to life with emotion and expression. The competition starts at the school level, with winners advancing to state and national levels. Along the way, students also attend workshops to improve their skills and meet other poets.
Senior Jared Peremans, is preparing for the state-level competition. Although he’s only competed at the school level so far, he’s already hard at work getting ready for the next stage. “I’m trying to find a selection of poems that speak to me and that I can resonate with,” Jared shared. He believes that connecting with the poem is key to a successful performance because it makes reciting it easier and more meaningful. “It’s more of a personal thing,” Jared explained. “If you choose a poem you connect with, I think you’ll enjoy it more and it will show in your performance.”
While Jared has already done the school-level recitation, he’s still deciding on his poems for the state level. “I have six poems in mind right now, and I’m practicing them to see which ones I feel the most connected to,” Jared said. He’s also focused on the technical side of his performance, like making sure he speaks clearly and uses the right volume. “I need to work on my articulation, my volume, and my stage presence,” he said. “It’s important to not just read the poem but to really show it.”
Jared’s preparation isn’t just about memorizing words; it’s about truly understanding the poem. In fact, he’s already experienced how much easier it is to perform when he connects with the poem. “The poem that helped me move past the school level was one by Emily Brontë,” he explained. “It wasn’t necessarily a poem that related directly to me, but I was able to really understand its meaning and bring that across in my recitation.” This experience taught him that even if the poem isn’t about something personal, understanding it deeply is essential for a good performance.
As he prepares for the upcoming state competition, Jared is focused on making sure his performance feels authentic and confident. “It’s about being more confident on stage, not being as timid, and making sure I’m not just reciting the words but showing the meaning behind them,” he said. He’s looking forward to the challenge and is committed to putting in the hard work needed to succeed.