Performance poetry is poetry that has been written specifically to be declaimed in public, as opposed to poetry that really belongs on a page and is simply being read out. The difference is a subtle one: performance poetry may rely more heavily on rhyme, insistent rhythm or a narrative thread. And the poet, too, will be aware that he or she has an audience and will make some concessions to them. For some poets, this means leaping about; for others, a little eye-contact can suffice. Performance poets, indeed, come in many forms: some have thoughts to share, whilst others wish to display their verbal dexterity, or simply entertain. You could argue, too, that they are perpetuating the oral tradition that is fundamental to so many cultures.

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