Using your voice is a political choice | Amanda Gorman

The speaker begins by posing two questions about standing on the shoulders of others and what one stands for, using these to introduce the power and accessibility of poetry. She shares her personal mantra, which helps her overcome the fear of public speaking, and discusses the political nature of poetry, emphasizing its role in storytelling and societal change. The speaker highlights the importance of honoring those who came before and the impact of poetry in history and democracy. She concludes by acknowledging influential poets and the unique power of personal storytelling.

What are the two questions the speaker asks at the beginning of her workshops?

• What is the role of poetry in education?

• Whose shoulders do you stand on and what do you stand for?

• What is your favorite poem and why?

• How do you define success in poetry?

How does the speaker describe the role of 'honorary ancestors'?

• As individuals who inspire us regardless of relation

• As people who are related by blood

• As historical figures only

• As fictional characters from literature

According to the speaker, what makes poetry a 'language of bridges'?

• Its use of difficult vocabulary

• Its complexity and exclusivity

• Its focus on traditional forms

• Its ability to connect people and ideas

Why does the speaker believe all art is political?

• Because it is only appreciated by certain groups

• Because it is always about government policies

• Because it involves making choices about what to express

• Because it is created by politicians

What does the speaker say about the stories we choose to tell?

• They are purely for entertainment

• They reflect our political beliefs and values

• They are irrelevant to society

• They should always be fictional

What is the speaker's view on poetry's role in democracy?

• It should be avoided in political discussions

• It is only for personal reflection

• It is central to addressing political questions

• It is unrelated to democratic values

Which poets does the speaker mention as influential figures?

• Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson

• T.S. Eliot and Sylvia Plath

• William Shakespeare and John Keats

• Maya Angelou and Audre Lorde