Part A:What should you consider when selecting the poem? Once you have chosen the poem you want to perform, write down its title and author.
Part B:Does your poem have a rhyme scheme? If so, what is it? Remember, mark the rhyme scheme of a poem by using letters of the alphabet. Begin with a for the first line and then move on to b. Mark end rhymes with the same letter in a stanza. If the last word of the first stanza doesn’t rhyme with any word in the next stanza, mark out the rhymes with new letters such as c, d, and so on. Using this technique, identify the rhyme scheme of the poem you chose.

Part c:As you read, think about these questions that may help you explain your poem’s meaning and message. Include responses for at least four of the following questions:

Who is the speaker and what is his or her mood throughout the poem?
What situation does the poem describe?
Who is the intended audience?
What is the tone of the poem?
How does the poem use imagery?
In what ways does the poem use sound effects?
When was the poem written and how does that detail affect its meaning?
What is your interpretation of the poem?

Part D:As you prepare to practice for your poetry performance, review these tips:

Make eye contact with the audience.
Stand straight while facing the audience.
Pronounce the words in the poem clearly.
Research unknown words to understand their meaning before the performance.
Don’t recite the poem quickly.
Don’t use props or make exaggerated hand gestures.
Don’t speak too softly. Make your voice heard.
Now it’s time to practice. Begin by memorizing your poem. Recite it several times until you feel you know it well. Then find one, or a few, people to watch you practice. Ask your audience for feedback, both what you’re doing well and how you can improve.

Who is your practice audience? What kind of feedback did your audience give to help you improve your performance? Explain what you are working on after receiving that feedback.

(Edmentum)