How To Recite Poetry In Conversation
Why read what is beautiful? Well, why believe what is true? Why do what is good? The person who asks these questions has missed the fundamental point.
Poetry is a wonderful skill and practice civilisation has given birth to. While throughout this article I will explain the benefits, the what, how, and when of reciting poetry in conversation. Let’s not forget the why. Perhaps I'm inclined to say this as someone who studied Philosophy at university, but I think I'm right nonetheless - poetry is worth reading and reciting for its own sake.
All forms of beauty and beauty itself is worth pursuing for its own sake. That is, it's not principally because it gives us some benefit or is a means to an end, but is a worthy end in itself. Why read what is beautiful? Well, why believe what is true? Why do what is good? The person who asks these questions has missed the fundamental point.
Welton alumnus John Keating (portrayed by none other than the late Robin Williams) famously illuminates this point in the film Dead Poet’s Society when he says,
“...medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
Why would I ever recite poetry? When would I recite it?
Having established the why, let us turn to more practical considerations, namely the situations which may call upon you having a verse or two to hand, giving you the confidence to include and recite it properly, lest you be wrought with doubt over your confidence to the words whose meanings and emotions you feel so deeply, as William Shakespeare better writes in Sonnet 23,
O, let my books be then the eloquence
And dumb presagers of my speaking breast,
Who plead for love and look for recompense
You know what you want to say but want to say it better
You use poetry to crystalise your thoughts and sentiments in a way that is more eloquent than just saying what you would've said, hoping it will land better on receiving ears. You have an idea and sentiment you would like to express but cannot quite put it into the right words.
One small caveat: sometimes it is better to just say exactly what you mean, clearly and simply. Poetry has its place in romance and relationships certainly, but when people so often fail to be articulate in general and cannot be forthright and honest, being absolutely clear and concise in your words can be more romantic than poetry. Short and most definitely still sweet. However, there is still a place for poetry in the right circumstances – when you want to express your thought more powerfully.
You don't know what to say
One of the most fitting reasons to recite poetry in conversation is in those moments when no other words will seem to do; when you cannot think of where to begin or what to say. This is particularly the case when saying something at a funeral or giving a eulogy. ‘What do I say?’ is the first thought. Poetry works here because we know what we feel but have no idea where to start or end what we want to say.
The perfect example of this for me was when The King appeared on television so soon after the death of Her Late Majesty to address the nation for the first time as King. He ended his speech reciting Horatio from Hamlet (Act 5 Scene II). The following words completely capped the whole speech and summarised the sentiment which was felt by all of us, and demonstrate the perfect usage of beautifully written succinct words in one’s speech,
“May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest’.”
Should I recite the whole poem?
It depends on how long the whole poem is. Generally, the fewer lines the better. Most poetry encapsulates its own essence in the last verse and more forcefully in the last line (e.g. If by Rudyard Kipling). If you can learn those last lines and practice them well, you will recite them adequately with no need to yell.
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
How do I know which poem to drop in?
Poetry comes in different forms. For example, there are sonnets consisting of 14 lines and talk often about romance. There are limericks that have 5 lines following a set AABBA rhythm often ending in a jokey punchline. There are odes which praise something or someone, or elegies mourning the loss of a loved one or something pertaining to groups of people or nations. This will impact which poem you wish to drop into a speech or conversation.
Which form of poetry should I pick?
I'd suggest erring on the side of caution by choosing the most appropriate form for the situation you'll be speaking in. For example, a limerick is a great way to break the ice or lighten the mood if it's a corporate speech. Quoting parts of the sonnet if not the whole thing might be more suited to a private conversation.
How to read a poem correctly
Use your own natural voice
You should treat poetry like a series of meaningful words, not read it as if it's poetry. That is, don't put on a 'poetry voice', leave that to thespians. Use your own natural voice, it will mean more and feel easier. Follow the required rhythm if there is one (e.g. AABBA as in a limerick) but don't perform the poem, just say it as calmly as you can.
Define the keyword, phrase, or line
Once you have the verse or lines you'd like to recite, identify the keyword and make sure you give it a subtle pause before and after, that way the audience will follow you and understand the central point of the recitation.
Give room to silence after the final word
When you finish the final line and word, don't immediately say thank you. If you give it just 2-3 seconds pause to allow the sentiment to disperse itself through the audience, it will have more impact. Music is not in the notes but in the silence between them.
Final word
You never know when you might need to call upon the words of another to save your speech, so always have a poem with its most significant verses - if not the whole thing - in your pocket or on your phone. Preferably, have it on paper in case your phone dies. You never know when you might need it.
