What is speaking truth to power?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what speaking truth to power means, and how a speech can be used to challenge injustice and influence change.
Key learning points
- Speaking truth to power means challenging unfairness by sharing honest views with those in charge.
- People in power include leaders, politicians, and organisations that can make or change rules.
- Speeches and messages can be powerful tools to challenge injustice and raise awareness.
- Speaking out helps influence change and can inspire others to take action too.
Keywords
Power - having control or authority over something or someone
Injustice - when something is not fair or right, especially when someone's rights are violated
Common misconception
Only famous people or those in power can speak truth to power and challenge injustice to make a difference.
Anyone, including young people, can speak truth to power and challenge injustice. Powerful speeches and actions have come from ordinary individuals who spoke out with courage and clarity.
Teacher tip
Empower pupils by showing examples of young people and everyday individuals making change. Remind them their voices matter and can have real impact when used with confidence and purpose.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does injustice mean?
Q2.Who leads the UK Government?
Q3.What is a community?
Q4.Match the campaign method with the correct definition.
collecting signatures to show public support
public gatherings to demand social change
using online platforms to raise awareness
printed materials to inform and persuade
speaking out to influence public opinion
seeking to influence decision-makers
Q5.What does discrimination mean?
Q6.Marcus Rashford famously campaigned for which issue?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with the correct definition.
when something is not fair or right
having control or authority over something or someone
to confront those who hold important positions
Q2.Match the types of power with the correct definition.
to make or enforce laws
control over money or resources
status or relationships
influencing people’s beliefs or values
Q3.Malala Yousafzai is most famously known for speaking truth to power about which issue?
Q4.Which activist speaks truth to power about climate change today?
Q5.Which one is missing from this list of three things which make a speech more effective and powerful? Pathos, logos and ...
Q6.Who can speak truth to power?
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What is speaking truth to power?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What is speaking truth to power?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the What tools can we use to challenge injustice in our communities? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.