These students are getting the hang of the art in a slightly unusual setting. Usually the tournaments take place in cafes and bars. But the central ingredient, ever since its inception in the 1980’s in the US, is the audience, which votes for the winners. Nicolas Weidmann, "Slam allows us to show a different side in public. In slam, we're face to face with people, we can't hide behind our sheets of paper. A lot of people do it to gain confidence, so it's good." Lauriane Peudepiece, "It always takes a little adrenaline to get up there and give your best."