Yo, it went well last night. I was able to meet some more of the veteran poets and to understand more of what it takes to win and to compete. A lot of people just write for themselves. If you want to do that and win, you have to write for the audience as well. That is the tough part. Win the audience, you win the slam.
There has to be a clear message that they can relate too. I have learned that there cannot be too much in the poem, and not enough will hurt you as well.
Check out a book called "From Totems to Hip Hop" you'll enjoy that a lot.