Nervous about reciting? Unsure of where to start? Don’t be—everything you need to help you perform a successful recitation is right here.

2011 Michigan State Champion Harron Atkins

• Find the perfect poem
• Watch examples of great recitations
• Listen to poetry being read and the art of recitation discussed
• Read tips for what the judges are looking for

Keep in Mind

For the State and National Finals students are required to recite at least one poem that was written before the 20th century and one that is 25 lines or fewer. However, one poem (for example, Christina Rossetti’s “A Birthday”) can fulfill both criteria at once.