Daring Decisions Slides
Speaking & Listening Arena
Tournament Edition
Perspective-Taking & Active Dialogue
Daring Decisions
Ten wild possibilities you’ve never experienced. Five you would try. Five you would never touch. Can your classmates read your mind?
Clear Articulation
Frame precise predictions
Active Listening
Listen without judgment
Boundary Respect
Honor every comfort zone
Speaking & Listening Norms
Expectations for All Rounds
1. Use Structured Stems
Do not shout out guesses. Use formal predictive frames to give reasons and show reasoned judgment.
“Based on your interests, I predict you would…”
2. Zero Pressure Zone
Everyone has unique risk tolerances, fears, and values. Never tease, question, or challenge a partner’s boundary.
Accept every “No, I wouldn't” with full respect.
3. Honest Confirmation
Answer truth-first according to your pre-marked confidential key. No changing answers to trick your opponent!
Stick faithfully to your marked master list.
Audience Goal: Observe how body language and vocal tone convey certainty or hesitation. CCSS SL.1 Focus
STEP 1
Drafting Your Secret Ten
Individual Preparation (6 Mins)
The Inventory Criteria
1
Write 10 things you have NEVER done in your entire life.
2
Exactly 5 things you WOULD DO if given the chance.
3
Exactly 5 things you WOULD NOT DO under almost any circumstances.
4
Randomize the order! Scramble them completely so they don't alternate in a pattern.
Inspiring Categories
Culinary
Eating fried crickets, escargot, ghost peppers
Adventures
Skydiving, cave exploration, deep sea diving
Performance
Stand-up comedy, singing solo on live television
Quirky Habits
Dyeing hair neon green, adopting an iguana
Keep your handout's confidential key column hidden or folded before handing your sheet to your partner!
ROLE A
Guesser Stems: 5 Total Guesses
Choose Your Strategy
Baseline Frame
“(I think) You would [activity item].”
Personality & Evidence Frame
“Knowing your interest in [trait/topic], I predict you would [activity].”
Calculated Risk Frame
“Even though it sounds daring, I believe you would take the leap to [activity].”
Intuition & Curiosity Frame
“My instinct tells me you'd be curious enough to try [activity] because [clue].”
State your full prediction before your partner responds. Do not rush or prompt for hints. Score: 1 point per correct "Would"
ROLE B
Responder Stems: Clear & Honest
Active Confirmation
Standard Affirmation (+1 pt)
“Spot on! That is correct, I would definitely do that.”
Enthusiastic Willingness (+1 pt)
“You read me like a book—I’ve actually always wanted to try that!”
Respectful Boundary (0 pts)
“Good guess, but no—I would definitely not do that.”
Validating the Inference (0 pts)
“I see why you assumed that, but that is a firm boundary for me.”
Zero teasing, no arguing. Accept your partner's boundary with immediate respect. Reverse roles after 5 guesses!
STEP 3
Tournament Flow & Advancement
Everyone Remains Engaged
Championship Path
The partner with higher correct predictions advances to the next bracket round to meet another advancing peer.
Tiebreaker: Sudden-death quick guess on a bonus category!
Silver Bracket
Non-advancing players instantly pair up into the Consolation Showcase, testing their perception skills across new peers.
Continuous gameplay: Nobody sits on the bench!
Official Scouts
Selected non-advancing students serve as Arena Referees, tracking speaking frames and rating respectful delivery.
Awarding the "Best Communicator" Medal at debrief!
Target: Discover who knows their classmates' true character best! 3 to 4 Rapid Rounds
Match In Progress
Round Timer: 5:00
Guesser Stems Bank
• “(I think) You would [Item #] because [reason].”
• “Knowing your interests, I predict you would [Item #].”
• “I believe you would be curious enough to try [Item #].”
Responder Stems Bank
• “Spot on! That is correct, I would do that.” (+1 pt)
• “Good try, but no—I would definitely not do that.” (0 pts)
• “I see your logic, but that is a firm boundary for me.” (0 pts)
Round Clock Guide
- 0:00–1:00: Exchange lists silently & analyze clues.
- 1:00–3:00: Player A makes 5 structured guesses.
- 3:00–5:00: Player B makes 5 structured guesses.
- Report: Log points and determine advancing player!
Referees & Scouts: Award bonus style recognition for respectful and articulate delivery!
Remember: Score 1 point for every accurate "Would" guess. Listen actively. Honor boundaries.
Tournament Debrief & Reflection
Whole-Group Synthesis
Question 1
Assumptions vs. Reality
What activity did someone predict you would do that you would NEVER touch? What made them assume you would?
Focus: Stereotypes, appearance cues, and quick inferences.
Question 2
The Power of Listening
How did your partner’s voice, reaction, or facial expressions reveal clues before or after your guesses?
Focus: Non-verbal communication & intuitive cues.
Question 3
Respecting Boundaries
Why is it critical in friendships and discussions to accept another person's "No" without arguing or teasing?
Focus: Psychological safety and mutual respect.
Exit Reflection: Complete the written reflection prompts on page 2 of your student handout.
Tournament Champion Crowned!
Daring Decisions Handout
Daring Decisions Handout
Speaking, Listening, & Perspective-Taking Tournament
Name:
Date: Period:
Setup Rules:
- Write 10 activities you have NEVER done (exactly 5 Would & 5 Would NOT).
- Scramble them randomly! Check your confidential key on the right, then FOLD along the dashed line before trading lists!
Activity I Have Never Done (Random Scramble)
Secret Key (Fold)
01
Would Not
02
Would Not
03
Would Not
04
Would Not
05
Would Not
06
Would Not
07
Would Not
08
Would Not
09
Would Not
10
Would Not
Expanded Tournament Sentence Stems Bank Select Varied Stems Each Match
Role A: Guesser Stems (Make 5 Guesses)
1. Baseline: “(I think) You would [item #].”
2. Personality: “Knowing your interest in [trait], I predict you would [item #].”
3. Calculated Risk: “Even though it's daring, I believe you would take the leap to [item #].”
4. Intuition: “My instinct tells me you would be curious enough to try [item #].”
Role B: Responder Stems (Honest & Calm)
1. Affirm (+1 pt): “Spot on! That is correct, I would definitely do that.”
2. Enthusiastic (+1 pt): “You read me like a book—I’ve always wanted to try that!”
3. Boundary (0 pts): “Good guess, but no—I would definitely not do that.”
4. Acknowledge (0 pts): “I see why you thought so, but that is a firm boundary for me.”
Tournament Tracker & Post-Match Reflection
Max 5 Points Per Round
1 Round 1 Face-Off
Partner: Score: _____ / 5 pts
Guess 1 (#)
____ [ ] Correct
Guess 2 (#)
____ [ ] Correct
Guess 3 (#)
____ [ ] Correct
Guess 4 (#)
____ [ ] Correct
Guess 5 (#)
____ [ ] Correct
Partner’s score guessing my list: _____ / 5 pts Outcome: [ ] Championship Advance [ ] Silver Bracket [ ] Arena Scout
Daring Decisions Facilitator Guide
Daring Decisions Facilitator Guide
Speaking & Listening Tournament Lesson Plan • Grades 6–12 • 50–60 Minutes
Focus: SL.1, SL.4, SL.6
Learning Objectives (SWBAT)
- Articulate reasoned predictions: Formulate 5 structured guesses using designated sentence frames and interpersonal evidence.
- Practice attentive listening: Listen to peers without interruption, evaluating tone, body language, and verbal conviction.
- Demonstrate boundary respect: Validate peers' comfort zones and risk thresholds without teasing, mockery, or peer pressure.
Psychological Safety Filter
Ensure activities focus on benign, novel adventures (exotic foods, harmless dare stunts, performance arts, rollercoasters, wild hair colors).
Rule: Zero tolerance for illegal, harmful, humiliating, or policy-violating topics.
Pacing Architecture & Instructional Sequence (55 Mins)
00–08 min
Hook & Norms Setting
Display Slides 1–2. Frame tournament goals: build perspective-taking and practice rigorous, respectful discourse stems.
08–18 min
Inventory Creation (Solo)
Display Slide 3. Students write 10 never-done activities (5 would, 5 wouldn't) on Handout p. 1. Check random scrambling.
18–28 min
Round 1: Initial Face-Off
Display Slides 4, 5 & 7. Pairs fold secret keys and exchange sheets. 5 minutes total: each partner gets 5 guesses. Scores tallied out of 5.
28–43 min
Rounds 2 & 3: Playoff Flow
Display Slide 6. Advancing players battle; non-advancers enter Silver Bracket, serve as Arena Scouts, or tackle the Modal Missions Worksheet.
43–55 min
Debrief & Written Reflection
Display Slide 8. Whole-class debrief on assumptions, vocal nuances, and personal boundaries. Students complete Handout p. 2 reflection.
Tournament Management Models & Early Finisher Protocols
Championship Bracket
Players with higher round scores advance. In case of ties, use the Bonus Category Sudden-Death: "Would you eat chocolate-covered ants?"
Silver Consolation Bracket
Rather than "sitting out," non-advancing players immediately pair with other Silver competitors to test their intuition with another classmate.
Fast-Finisher Modals Sheet
Distribute the Modal Missions Worksheet to pairs who complete their guesses early or students waiting between tournament bracket rounds.
Modal Missions Worksheet
Modal Missions Worksheet
Fast Finisher Quest
Mastering Nuance, Willingness, & Possibility With Modal Auxiliary Verbs
Name:
Date: Period:
The Modal Spectrum: From Possibility to Absolute Certainty How one auxiliary verb shifts entire meaning
1. Possibility
MIGHT / MAY / COULD
“It's open to chance.”
2. Willingness
WOULD / WOULD NOT
“I choose this under conditions.”
3. Advisability
SHOULD / OUGHT TO
“It's wise or sensible.”
4. Certainty
MUST / CANNOT / WILL
“Unavoidable or mandatory.”
Mission 1: The Subtitle Shift (Explain the Critical Difference) Analyze how the modal shifts the message
A. “I could swim with great white sharks” vs. “I would swim with great white sharks.” Ability vs. Choice
Explain the difference in human decision-making:
B. “You should eat ghost pepper salsa” vs. “You might eat ghost pepper salsa.” Recommendation vs. Probability
Explain why one sounds like peer pressure while the other is an observational guess:
Mission 2: Dialogue Doctor (Upgrade Blunt Claims) Rewrite using nuanced modals
In our tournament, clumsy guesses make assumptions feel like rigid labels. Rewrite each clumsy statement below using precise modal verbs (e.g., would probably, might hesitate to, could potentially).
Clumsy / Rigid: “You are quiet, so you will never sing karaoke.”
Refined Modal Prediction:
Clumsy / Rigid: “You like sports, so you must want to skydive out of an airplane.”
Refined Modal Prediction:
Mission 3: Fast-Finisher Creative Lab: The Conditional Dare Formula Complex Hypotheses
Draft two original extreme dare statements following this exact structural formula: “I [would / would not] [Action], even if [Condition], because I [could / might / must] [Reason].”
Dare 1 (Extreme Culinary or Social Challenge):
Dare 2 (High-Stakes Adventure or Performance Challenge):
