A "slam" is a competitive event where individuals perform spoken word poetry in front of an audience and judges. Participants recite their original works, often focusing on themes like social issues, personal experiences, or emotions. The performances are typically timed, and judges score each poet based on criteria such as content, delivery, and audience engagement. Slam poetry originated in the 1980s, with Marc Smith credited as one of its founders. These events encourage creativity and self-expression, fostering a sense of community among poets and audiences. Slam competitions can be local, national, or even international, showcasing diverse voices and styles.