A poetry slam is a live poetry competition in which poets perform original work before an audience, and the poems are usually judged on both writing and performance. Slams often have time limits, clear rules, and audience participation, making them part reading, part performance, and part contest.
Because delivery matters as much as the text on the page, slam poetry often uses strong rhythm, voice, gesture, and emotional intensity to connect with listeners.
Example
The subway roared
but her voice held steady:
I am not the shadow you passed by,
I am the door you never opened.
The crowd snapped their fingers
before the last line landed.