Readings & open mics. A beginners’ guide

Chances are you've walked by your local coffee shop or neighbourhood bar and seen a crowd of people listening to a poet reading his or her work.

Usually free or requiring a small cover charge, open mic (short for "microphone") readings are for anyone who wants to read their poetry in a public venue.

Sometimes open mic nights have a featured reader or writing workshop, but generally there is a sign-up sheet for anyone interested. Each poet is called to step up to the microphone and read a poem or two.

Participating in an open mic reading can be a lot of fun. Some people attend just to listen, others to try out a new poem for an audience, and still others stop by to see if any crazy hijinks will ensue during the reading. It's a great way to meet other writers in your area and find out about your local writing community.

Check your local newspaper or library, ask at your local coffee house, or find a writers' group in your area for information. Even if you drop in just to listen, open mic nights are a great way to celebrate poetry all year long.

Here are some general public speaking tips to get you started..

DO keep it short. If you see the MC tapping their watch or looking desperate, finish your poem and exit the stage gracefully.

DO try to eliminate filler from your speech, as in "um, uh, well, yeah" and do speak clearly into the microphone. (If there is no microphone and you feel uncomfortable speaking loudly, clear diction will help your voice carry.)

DO look at the audience when you can. Eye contact will always energise a performance. DO relax and have a good time! If you look comfortable in front of a crowd, the crowd will feel comfortable looking at you.

DO practise what you’ll say to introduce your poem/s.  Keep it short but say something – for instance – how you came to write it, what the poem’s about (without giving everything away), whether it’s in a particular form, etc.

DO try to learn your poem off by heart.  You don’t have to read it without your book/pamphlet/sheet of paper, but if you know your poem inside out and back to front, you’ll feel more confident and you’ll be able to look up at the audience from time to time.

Don’t forget to also other open mic events.

If this is your first foray into open mic events, why not go along to an open mic event yourself.

You’ll quickly realise that readers range from beginner to spoken word pro. However, you’ll note that every single one of them receives the same amount of encouragement and applause, no matter where they’re at in their writing journey.

Spoken word nights are some of the most inclusive, supportive and encouraging events you can choose to participate in.

Once you realise this, you’ll soon find that putting your name on that open mic page feels a hundred times less daunting and that everybody really does have your back.

To get you started..

We’re inviting you to take part in an Open Mic event at our creative studio on the

You can sign up to read on the night (or in advance), however please RSVP so we know your coming and please bring friends along to hear you read.

You will have the chance to read either one or two poems depending on how many poets attend the event.

We’re going to be a mixed bunch so when you are selecting what to read please try to avoid poems with graphic violence, sex or swearing.