Performing at Poetry Events

[Raymond Creed]

Last night I performed at my second poetry event in a local cafe near where I live. The audience consisted of eight local poets two of whom were students, others of whom were middle aged married types and one of whom was a Wiccan Lesbian who's trying to get her poetry published in a literary agency. The atmosphere was pleasant and I enjoyed a free glass of red wine and some homemade bread. A door might be opening for me to appear at a local literary event on March 15th and maybe a regional one in October.

The questions I wish to raise here are: -
1) How do I improve the quality of my poetry?
2) How do I improve the quality of my performance at poetry given the fact that the audience who attend are very different from the adult audience I encounter in my profession as a Social Science and History Tutor?

Unexpected doors appear to be opening and I am wondering how to go down them. Constructive feedback would be welcome. Please note however that I am from the North of England, For samples of my Church Poetry please visit:
http://www.geocities.com/midrashcreed/bo.htm
http://www.geocities.com/midrashcreed/br.htm
http://www.geocities.com/midrashcreed/for.htm
http://www.geocities.com/midrashcreed/un.htm
http://www.geocities.com/midrashcreed/webatitpro.htm

[Keith Wallis]

The only way to improve poetry/performance is quantity tempered by quality control ! Brutal pruning is vital if you are presenting work to Joe Public - especially outside the church environment.
What's the March 15th event ?