Poetry SlamScore Check

Which scoring method fits your Poetry Slam? Find the optimal method for your event in just a few steps.

How it works

1. Answer questions

Answer 4 short questions about your event

2. Set priorities

Weight what matters most to you

3. Get recommendation

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The most common scoring methods

Poetry Slams use various methods for scoring. Here's an overview of the most popular methods:

Classic Jury (7-11 people, 0-10)
An odd number of jury members (usually 7-11) award points. Highest and lowest scores are dropped.

Classic jury scoring is the standard at most Poetry Slams worldwide. By dropping the highest and lowest scores, the result becomes fairer and less susceptible to outliers. The odd number prevents tie scores.

FastFair with drop scoring
Applause Meter
The audience applauds, volume is measured or estimated.

With the applause meter, the volume of applause is used as the basis for evaluation. This can be done with a decibel meter or by estimation. Works particularly well with larger audiences.

Very fastEveryone participates
Hand Signals
The audience shows their rating with their hands (1-5 fingers).

With this method, the entire audience raises their hand simultaneously and shows 1-5 fingers. The average is estimated or counted.

Everyone participatesVisually impressive
Random Jury per Round
New jury members are drawn from the audience before each round.

This variant provides variety and increased attention, as anyone from the audience can join the jury at any time.

VarietyAudience involvement
Combo System (Jury + Audience)
Jury scoring combined with audience vote (e.g., 70/30 split).

The combo system combines the best of both worlds: The expertise of a jury is combined with the audience's mood.

BalancedBoth perspectives
Scoring Cards
Everyone in the audience gets cards with numbers and holds them up.

Physical scoring cards like in ice skating or gymnastics. Each person receives cards with numbers and holds up their chosen score. Best suited for smaller events.

Everyone participatesVisually impressive

Ready for the analysis?

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FAQ about Poetry Slam Scoring

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