A unique experience for festivals,
(corporate) events and gatherings.
Custom Words and Spoken Silence.
[In Dutch and English]
Spoken word is a powerful art form with the ability to touch, connect people, and make important themes discussable and felt. Ideal for staff meetings, corporate events, videos, festivals, and more.
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How and When
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An engaging opening or compelling wrap-up for your event.
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Assistance in articulating your own speech.
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Through headphones, creating a personal ánd collective experience during an event or at the office.
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My words are down-to-earth yet to the core.
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You can choose from existing work, or we can create custom spoken words. We can also produce a captivating video with visuals that complement the words, but the words are equally powerful on their own. For use at an event, a short poem can be crafted and printed on a bookmark or a card as a keepsake.
Examples
Rebel (DUTCH)
Rebel Funeral Director, a 100 year old family business from Huizen, requested a spoken word piece for the opening event at their new location. In a separate space, people could listen via headphones to a reflection on life titled 'Impressions' for a moment of contemplation. A short poem based on the spoken word was printed on a bookmark as a gift for the visitors.
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Liliane Fonds (DUTCH)
A unifying message for employees and volunteers
"Manon has written and recited a custom spoken word piece for Liliane Fonds and MIVA during a gathering where volunteers and employees come together annually. The poem 'Let's Come Together' beautifully brought to life the rich history, aspiration, and inspiration of our work. Manon listened attentively and, most importantly, quickly hit the core. A shortened version of the poem hangs on the wall in our office. I can recommend this to any organization and company that wants to connect employees or volunteers in a different way." -Erik Ackerman, Director of Liliane Fonds
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A moment of contemplation
Foundation 'How Can I Help?' from house and street doctor Michelle van Tongerloo
For the launch event of the 'How Can I Help You?' Foundation, held at Galerie Untitled in
Rotterdam, we set up a separate space for Poetic Affairs. With the use of three headphones,
visitors could listen to three different spoken pieces, each unique in its own way but sharing
a common theme. The space naturally created a contemplative atmosphere. The feedback was
highly positive, people were touched by the words, and they found the moment of silent
reflection to be a pleasant break from the social and interactive program.
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A moment of contemplation
Carend yearly Congress about Palliative care
For their yearly congres (500+ audience) I wrote a custom piece about what it's like when you have to face death and what this means for health care professionals.
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CARE4HOMECARE
The organization asked for something connecting and deepening for their annual event, but also something that could be fun and creative. Manon wrote a customized spoken word piece based on several interviews and performed it. It precisely captured what people had experienced that year, addressing the challenges while also touching the heart of the organization, fostering a sense of unity and a shared desire to move forward together. Following the spoken word, we facilitated a workshop, assisting people in crafting and sharing their six-word biographies with each other—a moment of connection with themselves and others.
Afdrukken
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You can choose a custom spoken word piece or existing works within the themes of human rights, poverty, equality, and humanity.
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"Manon has written and recited a custom spoken word piece for Liliane Fonds and MIVA during a gathering where volunteers and employees come together annually. The poem 'Let's come together' beautifully brought to life the rich history, aspiration, and inspiration of our work. Manon lent her ear, and, most importantly, quickly got to the heart of the matter. A shortened version of the poem hangs on the wall in our office. I can recommend this to any organisation or company that wants to connect employees or volunteers in a different way."
Erik Ackerman, Director of Liliane Fonds
Words from clients.
"Manon is a true sorceress. With a gentle strength, she holds up a mirror and reaches the essence. She is open, approachable, and warm, and her work is profound, luminous, and unifying."
Shari Veldhuizen, Buzz Women
"Always Spot on"
Yasser Abbas - Country Director
For Splash Projects I asked Manon to write a poem and do the voice over for it for one of our corporate videos that would capture the essence of our work and mission.
This resulted in the poem ‘Together’ which captures the lots of benefits and spirit of Splash Projects,I am really happy with the result. Manon is professional, knowledgeable, very quick to understand our business and clearly communicates the brief.
I enjoyed working with Manon because she works on time, is understanding, friendly, creative, and adds lots of value. I recommend working with Manon for anyone who is looking for an innovative approach to communications."
Simon Poole, Managing Director Splash Projects
FAQ.
How can we use the art of spoken word?
1. During your event: From staff meetings to Christmas parties and everything in between.
2. For a powerful wrap-up of your event: Capture the essence of the day and leave people with something to ponder. A powerful closing at your conference can accomplish both.
3. For a connected opening of your event: Before diving into the content, remind people of the deeper meaning of why they gather. Connect them to the message, their hearts, and each other.
4. To connect employees (and volunteers) during an event: Enhance connection amidst increasing distance. Connect people with the heart of your company, your mission, and with each other, evoking pride and unity.
5. Combined with video using visuals that reinforce the words.
6. To connect with the outside world: In an era of increasing skepticism, impactful communication requires engaging minds and touching hearts. Connect people authentically to your mission.
7. To deliver an important message powerfully: Spoken word addresses sensitive topics like poverty, inequality, climate issues, and mental health in a direct yet non-judgmental manner, opening the conversation.
How long does a spoken word piece last?
An average spoken word piece lasts 4 to 5 minutes.
Can we choose a voice?
Manon is often appreciated for her calm and soothing voice that takes people on a journey. Every poet/artist has their own sound and strength. If you prefer to use a different voice, such as someone within your organization, that's also possible. We can help find the words and make a beautiful recording together.
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Is it possible to have multiple languages simultaneously?
The same text can be written and recorded in both English and Dutch for your needs. Listeners can choose their desired language while listening. Need other languages? That's also possible.
Do we have full rights afterward?
Yes. The beauty is that the audio is often used in multiple places, such as at an event, on social media, and websites.
What are the costs?
It depends on many factors. Is existing work used, or is a custom piece created? How many conversations are needed for the briefing? (Sometimes the input comes from one person, and sometimes from many different people). How many headphones are required? Is a video made with it? Does the client want a short poem with it?
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Roughly, prices range from 1000 euros to 3500 euros, excluding VAT.
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