What is speaking truth to power?
I can explain what speaking truth to power means, and how a speech can be used to challenge injustice and influence change.
What is speaking truth to power?
I can explain what speaking truth to power means, and how a speech can be used to challenge injustice and influence change.
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Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
Equipment
Content guidance
- 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
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
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
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
when something is not fair or right
having control or authority over something or someone
to confront those who hold important positions
to make or enforce laws
control over money or resources
status or relationships
influencing people’s beliefs or values