Spoken word is a powerful form of communication that can be used to express oneself in a creative and expressive way.
However, it can be difficult to know where to start when writing a spoken word piece.
One of the biggest challenges is coming up with a good prompt.
This blog post will provide you with a list of the best spoken word prompts to help you get started.
Spoken word poetry also called slam poetry prompts are statements,titles, Questions etc that are broad enough to give you plenty of room to explore your creativity, but they are also specific enough to give you a starting point for your poem.
Benefits of Spoken Word Prompts
Using spoken word prompts can help you to:
- Get your creative juices flowing
- Explore your thoughts and feelings in a deeper way
- Develop your writing skills
- Connect with your audience on a more personal level
- Develop your performance skills.
- Find your voice as a spoken word artist.
So what are you waiting for?
Start using these spoken word prompts today and see where they take you!
1.”When a ___ tells you ___
1. When a River tells you Secrets
2. When a Mountain tells you Stories
3. When a Rainbow tells you Hope
4. When a Star tells you Dreams
5. When a Tree tells you Wisdom
6. When a Tear tells you Strength
7. When a Whisper tells you Courage
8. When a Flame tells you Passion
9. When a Cloud tells you Freedom
10. When a Bird tells you Liberation
11. When a Shadow tells you Truth
12. When a Wave tells you Resilience
13. When a Flower tells you Love
14. When a Sunbeam tells you Resurrection
15. When a Pebble tells you Patience
16. When a Breeze tells you Serenity
17. When a Lightning tells you Power
18. When a Seedling tells you Growth
19. When a Echo tells you Echo
20. When a Door tells you Opportunity
These prompts invite imaginative and expressive spoken word poems, exploring the wisdom and messages nature and various elements can impart to us.
2. “If I should have a ____”:
1. If I should have a Voice
2. If I should have a Dream
3. If I should have a Second Chance
4. If I should have a Moment
5. If I should have a Choice
6. If I should have a Heartbeat
7. If I should have a Memory
8. If I should have a Map
9. If I should have a Song
10. If I should have a Mirror
11. If I should have a Story
12. If I should have a Road
13. If I should have a Whisper
14. If I should have a Canvas
15. If I should have a Time Machine
16. If I should have a Thunderstorm
17. If I should have a Rebellion
18. If I should have a Key
19. If I should have a Sunset
20. If I should have a Revolution
These prompts offer a variety of possibilities for thought-provoking and creative spoken word poems.
3.”Toxic ____”
1. Toxic Relationships
2. Toxic Positivity
3. Toxic Masculinity
4. Toxic Social Media
5. Toxic Self-Doubt
6. Toxic Work Environment
7. Toxic Comparison
8. Toxic Beauty Standards
9. Toxic Habits
10. Toxic Ego
11. Toxic Gossip
12. Toxic Silence
13. Toxic Expectations
14. Toxic Competition
15. Toxic Judgments
16. Toxic Fears
17. Toxic Patterns
18. Toxic Influences
19. Toxic Regrets
20. Toxic Mindsets
These prompts delve into the darker aspects of life, providing opportunities for impactful spoken word poems that raise awareness and offer introspection
4.”Fake ____”
1. Fake Smiles
2. Fake Love
3. Fake Friends
4. Fake Promises
5. Fake Confidence
6. Fake Laughter
7. Fake Identity
8. Fake Happiness
9. Fake Perfection
10. Fake Apologies
11. Fake Empathy
12. Fake Reality
13. Fake Courage
14. Fake Strength
15. Fake Beauty
16. Fake Loyalty
17. Fake Success
18. Fake Morality
19. Fake Dreams
20. Fake Freedom
These prompts provide a starting point for powerful spoken word poems, exploring the various aspects of falsehood and its impact on our lives.
5. “This is what it feels like to be ____”
1. This is what it feels like to be Brave
2. This is what it feels like to be Free
3. This is what it feels like to be Unseen
4. This is what it feels like to be Alive
5. This is what it feels like to be Lost
6. This is what it feels like to be Loved
7. This is what it feels like to be Broken
8. This is what it feels like to be Hopeful
9. This is what it feels like to be Empowered
10. This is what it feels like to be Resilient
11. This is what it feels like to be Vulnerable
12. This is what it feels like to be Dreaming
13. This is what it feels like to be Confident
14. This is what it feels like to be Fierce
15. This is what it feels like to be Misunderstood
16. This is what it feels like to be Complete
17. This is what it feels like to be Adrift
18. This is what it feels like to be Hopeless
19. This is what it feels like to be Found
20. This is what it feels like to be Limitless
These prompts can lead to expressive and introspective spoken word poems, delving into various emotions and experiences.
6. “The ____ after I ____”
1. The Blossom after I Weathered
2. The Silence after I Spoke
3. The Sun after I Wept
4. The Strength after I Stumbled
5. The Resilience after I Broke
6. The Harmony after I Struggled
7. The Clarity after I Questioned
8. The Courage after I Hesitated
9. The Liberation after I Surrendered
10. The Hope after I Faded
11. The Smile after I Cried
12. The Victory after I Fought
13. The Growth after I Grieved
14. The Dance after I Walked
15. The Spark after I Doubt
16. The Love after I Hurt
17. The Embrace after I Pushed Away
18. The Dreams after I Doubted
19. The Freedom after I Confined
20. The Whispers after I Roared
These prompts can evoke powerful spoken word poetry, exploring the transformations and revelations that come after facing challenges and emotions.
7. “Why I am not ____”
1. Why I am not Broken
2. Why I am not Defeated
3. Why I am not Ordinary
4. Why I am not Invisible
5. Why I am not Afraid
6. Why I am not Settling
7. Why I am not Silent
8. Why I am not Alone
9. Why I am not Lost
10. Why I am not Defined
11. Why I am not Conforming
12. Why I am not Giving Up
13. Why I am not Conquered
14. Why I am not Regretful
15. Why I am not Judging
16. Why I am not Hiding
17. Why I am not Brokenhearted
18. Why I am not Shying Away
19. Why I am not Powerless
20. Why I am not Forgetting
These prompts can serve as a foundation for empowering spoken word poetry, exploring self-affirmation and the strength to defy limiting beliefs.
8.”Why I hate ____ but love ____”
1. Why I hate Rainy Days but love the Freshness
2. Why I hate Goodbyes but love New Beginnings
3. Why I hate Silence but love the Unspoken
4. Why I hate Chaos but love Creativity
5. Why I hate Darkness but love the Stars
6. Why I hate Fear but love Bravery
7. Why I hate Regrets but love Second Chances
8. Why I hate the Unknown but love the Journey
9. Why I hate Masks but love Vulnerability
10. Why I hate Time but love Memories
11. Why I hate Winter but love Snowflakes
12. Why I hate Judgement but love Acceptance
13. Why I hate Loneliness but love Solitude
14. Why I hate Failure but love Resilience
15. Why I hate Boundaries but love Freedom
16. Why I hate Ignorance but love Curiosity
17. Why I hate Closed Doors but love Opportunities
18. Why I hate Loss but love Healing
19. Why I hate Routine but love Spontaneity
20. Why I hate Goodbyes but love Hello Again
These prompts can spark poetic reflections on contrasting emotions and experiences, encouraging exploration of the complexities in life.
9.” When You ____”
These poem ideas offer a range of emotions and experiences that can inspire meaningful spoken word pieces.
1. When you Rise
2. When you Fall
3. When you Dream
4. When you Love
5. When you Sing
6. When you Dance
7. When you Cry
8. When you Stand Tall
9. When you Lose
10. When you Heal
10. Dear ____
These phrases can serve as the beginnings of heartfelt spoken word poems, each exploring a unique theme or emotion
1. Dear Moonlight,
2. Dear Echoes,
3. Dear Unseen,
4. Dear Melody,
5. Dear Whispers,
6. Dear Adventure,
7. Dear Harmony,
8. Dear Embers,
9. Dear Wonder,
10. Dear Eternity.
11. Dear Tomorrow,
12. Dear Wanderer
11. Letter to My ___
These poem ideas provide opportunities for heartfelt and introspective spoken word pieces, exploring various themes and emotions.
1. Letter to My Future Self
2. Letter to My Past
3. Letter to My Inner Child
4. Letter to Lost Love
5. Letter to Hope
6. Letter to Fear
7. Letter to the Ocean
8. Letter to the Moon
9. Letter to My Ancestors
10. Letter to Tomorrow
12. To the one who ___
1. To the one who perseveres
2. To the one who dreams
3. To the one who loves fearlessly
4. To the one who dances in the rain
5. To the one who heals with kindness
6. To the one who conquers doubts
7. To the one who dares to be different
8. To the one who finds beauty in chaos
9. To the one who embraces vulnerability
10. To the one who shines through darkness
These poem ideas celebrate and acknowledge the qualities and actions of individuals, inspiring poetic reflections on their unique strengths and experiences.
14. What Society says to ____
These poem ideas explore the messages and expectations society may have for different groups of individuals.
1. What Society says to Dreamers
2. What Society says to Rebels
3. What Society says to Misfits
4. What Society says to Introverts
5. What Society says to Nonconformists
6. What Society says to Artists
7. What Society says to Activists
8. What Society says to the Unheard
9. What Society says to the Unseen
10. What Society says to the Brave
15. How does it feel
1. How does it feel to be free?
2. How does it shine through the night?
3. How does it heal the wounded heart?
4. How does it dance in the rain?
5. How does it whisper in the wind?
6. How does it bloom amidst the chaos?
7. How does it echo in the silence?
8. How does it paint the canvas of dreams?
9. How does it fly beyond the horizon?
10. How does it sing in the soul’s melody?
16.”Explaining ____ to my _____”
1. “Explaining Dreams to my Younger Self”: The poem takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery and growth, as the speaker reflects on their dreams and how they have evolved over time.
2. “Explaining Love to my Heart”: This emotional poem personifies the speaker’s heart, as they attempt to articulate the complexities and beauty of love’s emotions.
3. “Explaining Time to my Reflection”: A reflective poem where the speaker contemplates the passage of time and its impact on their life while looking at their own reflection.
4. “Explaining Loss to my Tears”: The poem explores the emotions surrounding loss and grief, as the speaker communicates with their tears as symbols of sadness.
5. “Explaining Courage to my Shadow”: Embodying bravery, the speaker converses with their shadow, delving into the concept of courage and facing fears.
6. “Explaining Change to my Roots”: This poem personifies the speaker’s roots or origins, reflecting on how change is inevitable and essential for growth.
7. “Explaining Hope to my Doubts”: The poem delves into the internal struggle between hope and doubt, as the speaker seeks to find a balance and renewed optimism.
8. “Explaining Art to my Hands”: Focusing on creativity, the poem expresses the connection between the speaker’s artistic expression and the role of their hands in bringing it to life.
9. “Explaining Silence to my Voice”: This poem explores the power and significance of silence in communication, as the speaker contemplates the unspoken messages within.
10. “Explaining Freedom to my Chains”: The poem captures the desire for liberation and self-discovery, as the speaker metaphorically addresses the chains that bind them.
17. Explaining ____ to My Mother
1. Explaining Dreams to my Mother: The poem explores the aspirations and visions the speaker holds dear, as they share their hopes with their mother.
2. Explaining Diversity to my Mother: This poem delves into the beauty of diversity and the importance of embracing differences in the world.
3. Explaining Heartbreak to my Mother: The poem reflects on the pain of heartbreak and the challenge of conveying these emotions to a caring mother.
4. Explaining Ambitions to my Mother: A poem about the speaker’s dreams and ambitions, expressing the desire for understanding and support from their mother.
5. Explaining Mental Health to my Mother: This poem addresses the intricacies of mental health, seeking to foster open dialogue and reduce stigma within the family.
6. Explaining Identity to my Mother: The poem explores the journey of self-discovery and acceptance, as the speaker shares their authentic identity with their mother.
7. Explaining Forgiveness to my Mother: This poem delves into the complexities of forgiveness and healing, addressing any past wounds that need understanding.
8. Explaining Activism to my Mother: A poem that celebrates the passion for social change and explains the importance of standing up for what’s right.
9. Explaining Resilience to my Mother: The poem expresses the strength and determination found in resilience, seeking to inspire and uplift their mother.
10. Explaining Love to my Mother: This heartfelt poem captures the depth of love and appreciation the speaker has for their mother, celebrating the bond they share.
18.”What it means to be _____”
1. “What it Means to be Brave”: Exploring the essence of bravery, the poem delves into moments of courage and vulnerability that shape one’s character.
2. “What it Means to be Free”: A reflection on freedom, this poem delves into the multifaceted aspects of liberation and breaking free from constraints.
3. “What it Means to be Human”: Celebrating the human experience, the poem embraces the complexities of emotions, connections, and self-discovery.
4. “What it Means to be Resilient”: Focusing on resilience, the poem highlights the strength to endure hardships and rise above life’s challenges.
5. “What it Means to be Loved”: This poem explores the profound emotions and transformative power of love in various relationships.
6. “What it Means to be Authentic”: Celebrating authenticity, the poem emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s true self and being genuine.
7. “What it Means to be a Dreamer”: The poem exudes the imagination and aspirations of dreamers, embracing the pursuit of goals and visions.
8. “What it Means to be Heard”: This poem speaks to the significance of being listened to and understood, valuing empathy and open communication.
9. “What it Means to be Empowered”: Exploring empowerment, the poem emphasizes the strength and agency found in self-belief and empowerment.
10. “What it Means to be United”: Focusing on unity and solidarity, the poem explores the power of coming together and supporting one another.
Conclusion
With so many spoken word poetry ideas in this blogpost the next step is to write poetry.
I would love to know which of the prompts is your favorite.
Let me know in the comments section
