How to Speak Out

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Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai is a poet and spoken word performance artist. We talked with her about the importance of creativity and finding your voice.

Who or what early in life encouraged your creativity and outspokenness? Was there someone who noticed your creativity even before you did?

The impulses to write and create have been very strong in me for as long as I can remember. It wasn't so much an external force recognizing this tendency as my following that inner impulse. It really came from a desire to get what was inside of me out into the world. 

Why is poetry your chosen art form? Why do you feel it suits you best ?

Poetry is my root art form. It's where I first found a creative voice and is my touchstone creatively while I transform my work in genres like multidisciplinary theater and film. What I love about poetry is that, through an arrangement of sounds and letters, we create meaning. Poetry, at its best, is a truly economical magic.

How do you hope your work creates social change? What kind of social change?

My goal is for my work to provide a space for people to explore questions intellectually, emotionally and spiritually about what's happening in our world today. Positive initiative is needed from all different kinds of people to promote justice and equity. 

What is your favorite part of performing?

There is a great moment at which you're not even really you any more, but you are the poem. I know that may sound new age and corny, but there are moments where you're thinking, feeling and performing and it's all moving together to touch the hearts of an audience.

What is the significance of encouraging creativity in young women?

Creativity is extremely important, no matter what field you're working in. At its heart, it's about leaving every possible avenue open for problem-solving.

Your work allows you to speak out, but many women have trouble with this. Please give us three tips for finding your voice.

1. It's a lifelong journey. So keep at it. You will grow. 

2. Private time is of the utmost importance. As women, we are often asked to overextend ourselves either on behalf of others or through intense self-scrutiny. You need to create  space for privacy - whether it is in your writing journal or just by taking time for yourself to be alone without external or internal criticism. We have to demand and prioritize time for solitude, so we can get to know ourselves and our own voices. 

3.  The more you do it, the more you do it. If you can assert yourself at home, it may boost your confidence in the workplace and vice versa. If speak out creatively, it may allow you to do so in your relationships. 

For more information on Kelly and her work, visit http://www.yellowgurl.com or follow her on Twitter, @yellowgurlpoet.