Final answer:
A poetry slam characteristic is that poetry is performed live, emphasizing expression, interaction, and competition, and differentiates itself from traditional readings where poetry is simply read.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of a poetry slam is that the poetry is performed rather than read. This performance aspect highlights the oral tradition of poetry, and in such events, poets often engage in live competition, reciting their work with a focus on expression, intonation, and often theatricality. Unlike traditional poetry readings, a poetry slam emphasizes the poem as an event in language, where interaction between the performer and the audience plays a crucial role.