Poet‑educator Clint Smith’s spoken‑word TED Talk argues that remaining silent in the face of injustice harms both the oppressed and the bystander. This The Danger of Silence TED Talk analysis guide helps teachers turn Duckworth's research into an engaging lesson.
Through personal stories and Dr. King’s warning, he challenges students to transform fear into courageous self‑expression—perfect for SEL, ELA poetry, and social‑justice units.
What You Get
Complete Teacher Guide (~9 pages, Google Doc/PDF)
Editable Student Worksheet (15‑slide Google Slides/PPTX)
20‑question self‑graded Google Forms quiz & answer keys
Using this The Danger of Silence TED Talk analysis guide
Begin with a silent‑graffiti activity on moments when students stayed quiet. After viewing, use the guide’s discussion stems to rehearse speaking up scenarios and craft slam‑poetry responses.
DISCLAIMER: This worksheet and question set for the TED Talk “The Danger of Silence” (2014) is independently compiled for classroom use. It is not endorsed by TED or Clint Smith and is provided solely under fair‑use educational guidelines.
