Slam Poetry is a competitive form of spoken poetry and Arantza Garcia was named 2025 Champion. Asa sat down with Arantza to discuss the power of poetry and being crowned Slam Champ.
“It’s been such a beautiful, experience, like I’m in like some cheesy coming of age film,” she joked.
Arantza described the emotions she’d been experiencing since the competition and likened it more to a ‘joy attack’ than an anxiety attack.
Slam Poetry
So, how exactly would Arantza describe Slam Poetry? “Less flowery poetry that you would need a dictionary beside you to understand it,” she jested, “It’s more about the performance and the connection that you create with the audience.”
She explained that shared experiences connect audiences and help them to understand. Arantza compared it to a theatre monologue and often involves open mics.
“When it comes to spoken poetry, it is all in the moment,” she said.
Beautiful and Immediate
“It’s about creating like the purest possible connection you can have with your audience in that one moment and letting them feel everything that you feel.”
Aranza described finger clicking as opposed to clapping to be the best way to communicate with your poet. “It is such vulnerable art, you want to let them know that they’re doing good and that you understand what they’re saying.”
The support of the audience without abrasive clapping during an emotional moment is supportive in the Slam Poet community.
Future Slam Poets
Aranza encouraged anyone wanting to pursue spoken word to start by attending open mics that are specifically created to support young artists. In fact, you can easily find local open mics by checking Facebook or visiting local art centres.
“It might seem scary or awkward at first, but once you go, you’ll find some of the loveliest people on this earth – people who genuinely want to welcome new artists and introduce you to this beautiful art form.”
Similarly, Arantza got her start in slam poetry after reaching out to her local art centre, and she quickly fell in love with both the community and the freedom of expression that spoken word offers.
“Now, having gone to the nationals, I’ve met people from Perth and all over the country, and they’re just the loveliest people,” she said.
She encouraged those interested to connect with their community with the assurance that you will be met with amazing support.
Check out the full interview below.