Step 1: Plan to memorize and recite a poem.
a) Choose a poem that appeals to you.
b) Read the poem all the way through.
c) Determine the meaning and pronunciation of each word used in the poem. Consult a dictionary or ask your teacher for help finding additional resources.
d) Summarize the the central ideas of the poem and determine the poem’s mood. Your understanding of the poem will affect your speaking style.
Step 2: Memorize a poem.
a) Choose the strategy you will use to memorize the poem. Common methods including, reading aloud, writing it out, breaking it into small chunks, or listening to an audio recording.
b) Use your chosen strategy to practice until you learn the entire poem.
c) Analyze the structure of the poem to help you decide where to include pauses and how to pace yourself. Punctuation and the placement of lines and stanzas are also important to include in your memorization so you know when to speed up, slow down and when to stop to breathe.
d) Make sure you have memorized both the words and the pacing of the poem and can recite the whole poem from memory.
Step 3: Recite a poem in front of a group.
a) Speak clearly, articulate each word using an appropriate volume, rate of speech, and tone of
voice. Use a tone that helps the audience understand the meaning of the poem.
b) Keep a steady pace that matches the intended rhythm of the poem.
c) Keep natural eye contact as you speak.
d) Stand up straight.
e) Use appropriate body language. An occasional gesture is fine, but you don’t want to draw
attention away from the poem.
f) Stay relaxed. The more you enjoy yourself, the more your audience will enjoy your recitation.
Step 4: Reflect on the performance by preparing a written response that evaluates your performance.
a) Using a word-processing program, write two to three paragraphs that evaluate your
performance.
b) Include responses to these questions in your evaluation:
 What did you do to prepare in advance for reciting the poem? How well prepared were
you?
 How well did you memorize the poem? What strategies did you use for memorizing? Did
you forget any of the words? How accurate was your recitation?
 Did you speak at a pace and volume appropriate to the poem and audience?
 How successful were you at communicating the meaning of the poem by using your tone
of voice, structure and rhythm?
 Did you present yourself well, using good posture and confident appearance?
 How did you use eye contact, the volume of your voice, or other means to connect with
others during the poem?
 How did the audience respond to the poem and your recitation?
 Did you enjoy your performance?
Step 5: Revise and submit your written response.
a) Read over your response to make sure that you’ve answered each question completely.
b) Revise, edit, and save your written response.
c) Submit your response. Congratulations on completing your poetry recitation and evaluation!