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460 Intriguing Debate Topics for High School and Middle School Students

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

It seems that nowadays, everything is open to debate. In the era of mostly uncensored social media reign, it has become easy to express opinions on any topic you may come across on your Facebook or Instagram feed.

Teenagers may find it hard to agree with this statement. Finding themselves on the crossroad between childhood and maturity, high school and middle-school students want to be heard on a series of relevant topics. However, they often feel adults undermine their attempts to express their views when they are not taken seriously. The perfect way for teenagers to develop critical thinking, learn to use relevant arguments in discussions, and boost self-esteem is to join their school debate teams. Not only will they develop valuable social skills through debating, but teenagers may also increase their chances to enroll at prestigious US universities, according to the National Speech & Debate Association statistic.

While you can find an extensive list of general debate topics in our separate article, here we will focus on the teenage population, high school, and middle-school students, listing debate topics teens may find the most intriguing.

Let’s start with listing general debate questions that tackle issues which may affect their everyday life. For this reason, teenagers may find these topics interesting enough to form and express their opinions about it.

In this article:

General Debate Topics for Grades 6 to 8

General debate topics for grades 9 to 12, education debate topics, parenting and family debate topics, social debate topics, politics and legislation-related debate topics, environmental debate topics, technology debate topics, science debate topics, general history topics, us history topics, funny debate topics, simple debate topics,  gender-related topics, dating- and sex-related debatetopics, debate topics about books, film, art, and other media, debate topics about sports, health- and medicine-related topics, character and morality, miscellaneous debate topics appropriate for teens.

The following list of topics will provide an insight into the broad range of different questions middle-school students may be eager to discuss. Apart from school-related topics that directly affect their everyday life, middle-school students are also interested in discussing various topics related to technology, health, or politics, provided that debate questions are age-appropriate. Many middle-school debate topics may also be regarded as controversial, tackling race, religion, or other sensitive questions. These will be addressed in a separate article.

• All students should have daily chores.
• Every home should have a pet.
• Every student should play a musical instrument.
• Homework should be banned.
• School uniforms should be required.
• Year-round education is better for students.
• Children should not be allowed to drink soda.
• PE should be required for all students throughout middle- and high school.
• All students should be required to volunteer in the community.
• The Internet should be banned from schools.
• Junk food should be banned from schools.
• All students should learn a foreign language in middle school.
• All students should take a cooking class.
• All students should take a shop or practical arts class.
• All students should take a performing arts class.
• All students should learn sewing.
• All museums should be free to the public.
• Students should be held legally responsible for bullying in schools.
• Children under 14 should not be allowed on social media sites.
• Prayer of any form should be prohibited in schools.
• Statewide tests should be abolished.
• Solar energy should replace all traditional forms of energy.
• Zoos should be abolished.
• Science fiction is the best form of fiction.
• Macs are better than PCs.
• Androids are better than iPhones.
• Democracy is the best form of government.
• America should have a king and not a president.
• All citizens should be required to vote.
• The death penalty is an appropriate penalty for certain crimes.
• Students should never be forced to repeat a year at school.
• Grades should be abolished.
• All individuals should pay the same tax rate.
• Teachers should be replaced by computers.
• Students should be allowed to skip grades in school.
• The voting age should be lowered.
• Individuals who illegally share music online should be put in jail.
• Video games are too violent.
• Students should be required to learn about poetry.
• History is an important subject in school.
• Students should not be required to show their work in math.
• Students should not be graded on their handwriting.
• America should give more money to other countries.
• Every home should have a robot.
• The government should provide wireless service for everyone.
• Recycling should be required.
• Children should not watch television on school nights.
• Performance-enhancing drugs should be allowed in sports.
• Education is the key to future success.

As expected, high school debates will take discussions to the advanced level, presenting students with an array of burning issues that are often the public’s focus. This list aimed at high school students will require in-depth research and argumentation, trying to provide answers to the questions of interest for this age group. Simultaneously, high school students will have the opportunity to tackle more controversial general topics. This said, the list can also be a useful resource for advanced middle-school debates. Let’s see what debate topics may draw the attention of the US high school population:

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• Should laptops be allowed in classrooms?
• Should students use cell phones during classes?
• Should schools provide daycare services for students who have children?
• Does a school uniform make learning more effective at school?
• Should high school grading systems be improved?
• Does detention do much good in high schools?
• Should school attendance be voluntary in high school?
• Should education be entirely privatized?
• Are private schools better than public ones?
• Should school buses have an option of assigned seats? 
• Should high school students not be allowed to use cellphones in school?
• How does global warming impact humanity?
• What are the causes of increasing racism in the United States?
• Should marijuana be medically legal?
• What is the impact of social media on teenagers and high school students?
• What are the effects of violent cartoons on children’s mental development?
• Is it ethical to clone animals?
• Do celebrities have the leverage to get away with crimes, more than any noncelebrity?
• Should nuclear weapons be banned across the globe?
• Should police be allowed to use lethal force?
• Does technology intensify human communication skills?
• Does religion do more harm than good?

Educational topics are among the most intriguing ones when it comes to the teenage population. Being middle-and high school students, teenagers will be eager to share their opinions about burning topics related to teaching, grading, bullying, and other significant parts of school life they face daily. By discussing the following topics, Generation Z will offer their ideas of the educational system that will meet their interests and needs best, keeping up with the technological development.

Various education topics will allow middle- and high school students to share different opinions related to numerous aspects and challenges of their school life.

• Do teachers assign too much homework?
• Doesyour homework help you learn?
• Are you really learning at school?
• Does class size affect productivity?
• Do we need a new way to teach math?
• What are the best ways to learn about history?
• What is the right amount of group work in school?
• How important is arts education?
• Do schools provide students with enough opportunities to be creative?
• What are the best teaching methods for getting students to behave well in class?
• What is the best way to deal with students who misbehave?
• Should schools be allowed to use corporal punishment?
• Should schools put tracking devices in students’ ID cards?
• Should middle- and high school students be drug tested?
• How should schools address bullying and cyberbullying?
• What should the punishment be for acts of cyberbullying?
•  Do you think a longer school calendar is a good idea?
• Should the dropout age be raised?
• When do pranks cross the line to become bullying?
• Would you rather attend a public or private high school?
• How much does it matter to you which high school you attend?
• Are small schools more effective than large schools?

Teenage years are turbulent, and they bring numerous changes. Wanting to build an independent personality outside family homes, teenagers demand their voices be heard and appreciated. Thus, they tend to challenge their parents’ opinions and defy decisions, wanting more freedom to make their own choices. This list of debate topics regarding family and parenting will offer the opportunity to middle- and high school students to address numerous family issues and share their points of view.

• How should parents discipline their children?
• When does discipline become child abuse?
• Do “shame and blame” work to change teenage behavior?
• Do we give children too many trophies?
• Are parents harming teenagers by pushing them to become achievers?
• Is modern culture ruining childhood?
• Should children be taught appropriate behavior only by parents?
• Are “dark” movies OK for kids?
• Should Halloween costumes portray only “positive images”?
• Are parents violating their children’s privacy when they share photos and videos of them online?
• Should children be allowed to compete on TV?
• What is the right age for children to have smartphones?
• Should parents limit how much time children spend on tech devices?
• How should parents handle a bad report card?
• How important are parent–teacher conferences?
• Who should be able to see students’ records?
• Would you want to be homeschooled?
• How important is keeping a house clean?
• Does keeping a messy desk make people more creative?
• What can older people learn from your generation?
• Does your generation have too much self-esteem?

Here is a list of topics that may provoke strong emotions and divided opinions. This is why numerous teenagers will enjoy leading fiery debates about issues from this list. As the fresh voice of the new generation, teenagers may offer a new perspective on some controversial social topics. Some of the social topics that teenagers may find interesting to discuss refer to gender equality and stereotypes, substance abuse issues, or police brutality. Through debating these often controversial issues, middle- and high school students will have the opportunity to freely share their opinions without fear of being taken for granted.

•  Should abortion be available to all women?
• Is Barbie a good role model for young girls?
• Should burning a national flag be treated as a criminal offense?
• Can censorship ever be justified?
• Can censorship on the Internet be justified in specific cases?
• Should companies be required to encourage gender equality when hiring?
• Drug addicts should be helped rather than punished.
• Should drug use be treated as a mental health issue rather than a criminal offense?
• Should feminism focus more on men’s rights?
• Should gay marriage be legalized?
• Should gay people be allowed to adopt children?
• Has the #MeToo movement gone too far?
• Should healthcare be free and universal?
• Is feminism irrelevant in the twenty-first century?
• Is graffiti art equally significant as classical paintings?
• Is privacy important?
• Should marijuana be legalized?
• Can peer pressure be a good thing?
• Should police be allowed to use deadly force?
• Should genetic engineering be legal?
• Should human cloning be legalized?
• Should insurance cover cosmetic procedures?
• Should smoking be banned?
• Do the negative effects of social media outweigh the positive ones?
• Should the government provide free birth control?
• Do the harms of patriotism outweigh the benefits?

Many may believe that debate topics related to current political issues may be overwhelming for teenage debaters because they require extensive research and strong argumentation. However, middle- and high school students may enjoy exchanging opinions about burning political issues. In reality, we are living in turbulent times with the US administration failing to face all the challenges COVID-19 has brought. There are also serious immigration and gun policy issues that may directly affect young peoples’ lives.

 For this reason, it is essential to hear the opinion of the teenage population on various political and legislation topics.

•  Would you spend a budget surplus to fight the COVID-19 pandemic?
• What local problems should mayors try to solve?
• Should rich people have to pay increased taxes?
• What is more important: our privacy or national security?
• Do leaders have moral obligations?
• Is it principled, or irresponsible, for politicians to threaten a lockdown?
• When is the use of military force justified?
• When should juvenile offenders receive life sentences?
• Should all police officers wear body cameras?
• Should convicted criminals be allowed to vote after they have served their time?
• How should we prevent future mass school shootings?
• Would you feel safer with armed guards patrolling your school?
• What is your attitude toward guns?
• Should millions of Illegal immigrants be allowed to live in the United States without fear of deportation?
• Are children of illegal immigrants entitled to public education?

Same as the topics tackling current political and legislative issues, debate questions about the environment may present an intriguing challenge to middle- and high school students. Young generations show a high level of concern for the current environmental problems. With that said, they are not afraid to take action, ask difficult questions, and seek plausible solutions to raise awareness of the dire situation our planet is in. Thus, we offer a number of exciting environmental debate topics that may appeal to teenage students.

• Should selective breeding of animals be prohibited?
• Should the government pay citizens not to cut down trees?
• Is climate change human-caused?
• Is there a universal solution to climate change?
• Is it better to have a real Christmas tree than a fake one?
• Should animals be kept in zoos?
• Should animals be banned in circuses?
• Should Antarctica be conserved or exploited?
• Should Antarctica be open to tourism?
• Should whaling be allowed?
• Should fish farming be banned?
• Should ecocide be a crime?
• Is pet ownership ethical?
• Should disposable plastic items be banned?
• Should lawns be replaced with edible landscapes?
• Should animal products be banned?
• Should humans be blamed for animal extinction?
• Are organic foods healthier and more sustainable than nonorganic foods?
• Does fishing threaten the makeup of the marine ecosystem?
• Is pedigree breeding an unethical practice?

For generations that grew up with the expansion of social media and advanced technology, it becomes natural to be widely interested in discussing technology-related topics. As technology consumes the majority of their time and creates desirable images via social media, teenagers are faced with a number of issues they will try to solve through peer-to-peer discussions. Some of the topics on this list will tackle loneliness, the impact of social media on self-image and self-esteem, and other technology-related issues important to middle- and high school students.

• Does technology make teenagers more alone?
• Does technology distract students?
• Do apps help teens or just waste their time?
• Do teenagers spend too much time on smartphones playing games?
• Will robots play a significant role in the future?
• How many text messages are too many?
• How can social media affect self-image and self-esteem?
• When should students consider deleting their social media accounts?
• Should students be expelled for posting inappropriate content on social media?
• Should people be allowed to hide their identities online?
• Should people trust online reviews?
• Are the web filters at schools too restrictive?
• Do teachers use technology well?
• Should students learn primarily by using tablets in class?
• Can smartphones be educational tools?
• Is online learning as good as face-to-face learning?
• How would students feel about computerized grading systems?
•  Is artificial intelligence a threat to humans?
•  Is artificial intelligence the next stage in evolution?
•  Can Bitcoin replace government-issued money?
•  Hacking: good sides vs. bad sides?

Numerous middle- or high school students will enjoy discussing various science topics with like-minded people. Science covers numerous issues ranging from nutrition to genetic modification and space exploration. Thus, students who are into science will have the opportunity to lead engaging and informative debates, expressing their standpoint and offering hypothetical solutions for current science-related issues like obesity, vaccines, and overpopulation and mental issues. These debates may provide an opportunity for teenagers to share their opinions on burning questions without being undermined by adults, which is often the case when they try to comment on some of these topics online. Here is a list of inspiring science debate topics for teenage students.

• Can aging be slowed down or reversed?
• Can urban upbringing change the way genes influence one’s brain?
•  Does socioeconomic status affect a child’s intelligence?
• Should people be encouraged to opt for homeopathic medicine?
• Is corn ethanol helpful in fighting against global warming?
• Should a nutrition class be included in middle- and high school curriculums?
• Does mental pain change one’s character?
• Should people be encouraged to purchase generic medicines?
• Should the government regulate fast-food chains?
• Is there life on other planets?
• Can mental pain be fatal?
• Is marijuana medicine?
• Should science in high school be optional?
• Should genetic engineering of humans be considered ethical?
• Can genetic modification of livestock be harmful in the long term?
• Are antidepressants a good solution for mental issues?
• Medical research should be focused on increasing the health span and not the lifespan.
• Evolution: a theory or a fact?
• Is abiogenesis falsifiable?
• Should trans fats be banned?
• Do controversies in science make it irrational?
• What has more side effects, herbs or modern medicines?
• Are humans the main cause of global warming?
• Human overpopulation is a threat to the planet.
• Are vaccines safe or risky for children?
• Should obesity be regarded as a disease?
• Should we depend on fossil fuels or renewable energy?
• Is botox more harmful than useful?
• Should steroid users be allowed to play basketball?
• Is there a link between poverty and poor health?
• Should fast food be blamed for obesity?
• Should there be educational programs for the use of over-the-counter medicines?
• How important is nutrition for health?
• Living water or dead water: myth or a fact?
• Should genetically engineered food be allowed by the government?
• Can vegetarianism save the Earth?
• Can eating meat and consuming animal-based products be morally justified?
• Do psychiatric disorders need a different treatment approach as compared to physical diseases?
• Intelligence is gained from genes and not the surroundings.
• Is animal experimentation justifiable with humans’ progress in medicine?
• Should humans be blamed for animal extinctions, or it is a part of evolution?
• How will the world end?
• Earth curvature: fact or fiction?
• Alternate remedies do more harm than good.
•  Is it possible to create the COVID-19 virus in a lab?
• Will humans colonize Mars in the future?
• Is colonization of Mars a feasible solution to overpopulation?

History-Related Debate Topics

Some may say that teenagers interested in debate may not put history-related topics on their top ten list. They are right to some extent. Living in the whirlwind world of advanced technology and the Internet as the main source of information, future-oriented teenagers may find history topics outdated and irrelevant compared to an array of current issues that affect their daily life. For this reason, the debate can be a great educational method that will bring some significant history questions closer to middle- and high school students. We have compiled a list of exciting history-related debate topics that may encourage teenage students to start researching historic events and make logical connections with the present state of things.

• History is written by winners: true or false?
• Was colonialism harmful or beneficial to Third world countries?
• Do you think that Adolf Hitler’s policies were justified?
• Did the Soviet Union do the right thing by occupying European countries after World War II?
• Can Europeans say they “discovered” an inhabited area?
• Has the world learned its lesson from the effects of past wars and conflicts?
• What were the major causes of the Indo-Pak following the collapse of British India?
• Was Winston Churchill the greatest leader of his generation?
• The United States did the correct thing in expelling the Native Americans from areas previously belonging to white settlers: true or false?
•  Was President Abraham Lincoln Right to allow the southern states to leave the union peacefully?
•  Was the American Civil War a success or a failure?
•  Should the United States have stayed neutral during the world wars?
• Was the United States right to drop atomic bombs so quickly on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
• Could World War II have been avoided?
•  Did President George W. Bush make a mistake when he left Sadam Husein in power in 1991?
• Was the United States’ occupation of the Hawaiian Islands justified?
• Was the US involvement in the Vietnam War justified?
• Should the United States consider returning the Panama Canal to Panama?

Debate doesn’t always have to revolve around serious or actual topics. Teachers can use light-hearted topics to bring some fun in debate classes and warm up the atmosphere. Besides being amusing, this debate section is always open for additions and changes. The topics do not require extensive research, and people can add a new one off the hand. This flexibility is appealing to those teenagers who tend to look on the bright side of life and avoid serious talks.

• Would you rather be a pirate or a ninja?
• McDonald’s is the best fast food restaurant. True or false?
• Smartphones make us stupid. Agree or disagree?
• Which are better pets? Cats or dogs?
• Would you rather be good at sports or good at tests?
• Math is an important subject to learn. Agree or disagree?
• Can you be best buds with your boss?
• Is social media just making it easier for people to stalk others?
• Kids are smarter than adults. Agree or disagree?
• Clowns are scary. Agree or disagree?
• Why is Coke better than Pepsi?
• Oatmeal cookies vs. Oreos.
• Bon Jovi vs. The Rock for president.
• Going out or Netflix and chill?
• Would you like to live forever?
• Children shouldn’t be allowed to have cellphones until they are over 18. Agree or disagree?
• Santa Claus vs. the Easter Bunny.
• Students should get a salary for going to school. Agree or disagree?
• Twilight vs. The Vampire Diaries.
• What pizza toppings are the best?
• What do women really want in a man?
• American Idol vs. The X Factor.
• Does playing video games actually increase IQ levels?
• Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?
• Best Game of Thrones character.
• Instagram famous vs. Twitter famous?
• Which is a better dessert? Cake or ice cream?
• Medicine vs. engineering.
• Boys gossip more than girls. Do you agree or disagree?
• Why are nursery rhymes actually quite twisted?
• Who are better teachers? Men or women?
• Does Batman make a good male role model?
• Should humans eat to live or live to eat?
• Children under 16 should be allowed to vote. Agree or disagree?
• Homework should be banned. Agree or disagree?
• What’s more important: beauty or brains?
• Aliens may be living among us. Agree or disagree?
• Are bad words bad?
• Summer is better than winter. Agree or disagree?
• No one should ever tell a lie. Agree or disagree?
• Would you rather be really tall or really short?
• Why fish make the ultimate pets
• Which is better? Tap water or bottled water?
• Would you rather be the hero or the sidekick?
• Rock ‘n roll music or hip-hop?
• Who is likely to be more successful: introverts or extroverts?
• Is everything fair in love and war?
• Is Friends sitcom better than How I Met Your Mother ?
• What came first? The chicken or the egg?
• Would you prefer fifteen minutes of fame or staying behind the scenes?
• American accent vs. British accent.
• What’s more important? Being good-looking or being smart?
• Why homework should be abolished from the school system.
• Candy should be given as a reward in class. Agree or disagree?
• Why students should receive their letter from Hogwarts.
• It is important to wear a uniform at school. Agree or disagree?
• Humans are the most dangerous animals on the planet. Agree or disagree?
• Is it better to be rich with no friends or poor with many friends?
• Bottled water vs. regular water: what’s the fuss?
• Which is better: night dreaming or daydreaming?

This section comes as a logical addition to silly debate topics because it is aimed at younger students who are making the first steps in the world of debating. This list will make it easier for teachers to break the ice with new members of school debate clubs by starting with the following topics that do not require research and students can derive arguments from personal experience

• Should all kids over ten have a cellphone?
• Do you think that being an only child is better than having siblings?
• Should children play outside more?
• All schools should teach another language. Agree or disagree?
• Most parents are too strict.
• Do you think that students don’t need to learn cursive?
• Should the government give all kids an allowance?
• Should the voting age be lowered to thirteen?
• Should the working age be lowered to twelve?
• Should middle-school students be allowed to get a driver’s license?

Relationships and Gender Debate Topics

Teenage years are the most formative and sensitive years, which bring an array of questions about sexual identity and relationships that are often confusing and overwhelming to young people. For this reason, middle- and high school students will eagerly engage themselves in discussions about gender and relationship issues attempting to find answers and share their opinions. Here is a list of debate questions about gender and relationships that middle- and high school students may find engaging.

• Is the school designed more to meet boys’ needs rather than the needs of female students?
• Are girls under too much pressure to have “perfect” bodies?
• How much pressure do boys face when it comes to physical appearance?
• Do Photoshopped images make teenagers feel ashamed about their looks?
• Doctored photos: OK or not?
• Is It OK for men and boys to comment on women and girls on the street?
• Do we need innovative ways to identify gender and sexuality?
• What are effective ways to fight sexual violence against young women?
• How do you feel about girls going back to abusive partners?
• Why aren’t there more girls in leadership roles?
• Why aren’t more girls choosing to pursue careers in math and science?
• Should women fight on the front lines alongside men?
• Do you believe in gender equality?
• Are women better at making compromises and collaborating?
• Do boys have less demanding friendships than girls?
• Can a boy wear a skirt to school?
• Do parents have different hopes and standards for their sons than for their daughters?
• Should birth control pills be available to teenage girls “over the counter?”
• Should the “morning-after” pill be sold over the counter to people under seventeen?
• How should children be taught about puberty and sex?
• Is dating a thing of the past?
• Is “hookup” culture leaving your generation unhappy and unprepared for committed love relationships?
• Should couples live together before marriage?
• How should teachers and legislators deal with underaged people who “sext”?
• How should parents tackle the issue of Internet pornography?

Although teenagers usually use the Internet as the essential means of communication and a source of information, more than other media like literature, film, art, TV, and video games, they certainly have formed opinions regarding these media. They like to identify with others by sharing the same taste in books, films, and video games. Teenagers seem to be interested in current topics related to showbusiness, art, and the music scene. Simultaneously, young people also enjoy discussing the future of the arts and entertainment industry. Therefore, the topics from this list may be included in any middle-or high school debate and may draw the attention of numerous young debaters.

• Is TV becoming obsolete and outdated?
• Do TV shows like 16 and Pregnant promote or discourage teenage pregnancy?
• Does reality TV promote dangerous misconceptions and stereotypes?
• Will TV ever capture American diversity?
• Is TV too white?
• Why are we so interested in watching rich people on TV and in films?
• What makes a good TV show finale?
• Have TV commercials become an outdated marketing concept?
• What were the best films you have seen recently?
• Does the theater offer an extraordinary experience people can’t get when watching films or TV?
• How do you see the future of the music industry?
• Which current musicians will stand the test of time?
• What artists or bands are paving their way to the rock ‘n roll hall of fame?
• Which artists do you consider “sellouts”?
• Which musician, actor, or author should be a superstar but hasn’t made it yet?
• Who owns hip-hop?
• Will musical education make you more successful?
• Should video games be considered a sport?
• Should stores sell violent video games to minors?
• When should you feel guilty for killing zombies?
• Can a video game be a work of art?
• What game would you like to redesign?
• Is the gaming world sexist?
• Would you replace paper books with digital ones?
• Does reading a book leave deeper impressions than listening to one?
• Which writer is the next in line for the Nobel prize?
• Who are the characters that authors should write about?
• Can street art ever be valued as classical art?
• Why do people need art in their lives?
• Can pop culture be a subject of serious study?
• Where is the line between truth and fiction?

Besides books, films, and video games, sports play a significant role in the life of a teenager. Whether they are members of school teams or fervent baseball or basketball fans, middle- and high school students love discussing sports-related topics. These questions are often related to ethical or controversial issues involving players’ conduct, ethics, and even sexual orientation, For this reason, including sports topics into debate lists may be a desirable decision. In this way, students will get the chance to address some burning issues by discussing their favorite sports and athletes.

• Should people watch football even if it is too dangerous for players?
• Should parents let their children play football if it is considered to be a dangerous sport?
• Should college football players get a salary?
• Do you find it offensive when sports teams use Native American names and mascots?
• Are youth sports too intense?
• Should the rules about how coaches treat players be stricter?
• Should sports teams have a responsibility to hold players accountable for their personal conduct?
• Should athletes who have failed doping tests have to forfeit their titles and medals?
• Do fans put too much pressure on their favorite sports teams and athletes?
• Why should there always be a winner in a championship game?
• Should sports betting become legal across the United States?
• Should high schools fund wellness programs instead of sports?
• Has baseball lost its cool compared to other sports?
• Should cheerleading be regarded as a sport?
• How significant is the fact that anNBA player came out as gay?
• Would you like to have a bike-share program for your community?
• What is the appropriate age for climbing Mt. Everest?

Nourishing a healthy lifestyle seems to be among the top priorities for teenagers. They are well aware of numerous health risks they have to face daily. As a generation that deeply cares about wellness and healthy choices, middle- and high school students will be eager to discuss numerous health- and medicine-related topics regarding their lifestyle. Also, teenagers will be eager to tackle some important general medical issues and express their opinions on alternative medicines, vaccination, and public healthcare. Here is a short list of topics about health and medicine that teenage students may find exciting.

• Is smoking becoming a major problem among the teenage population?
• Do anti-smoking ads have any effect?
• How big is the problem of drinking and driving for teenagers?
• Should marijuana be legal?
• Should schools require students to take drug tests?
• Why is binge drinking so commonplace among American teenagers?
• Do you think a healthier school lunch program would be a lost cause?
• Should french fries and pizza sauce count as vegetables?
• Is it important to know your food comes from?
• Is eating meat an ethical issue?
• Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?
• Should there be a tax on sugary drinks?
• Should the size of sugary drinks be limited by the government?
• How should schools deal with unvaccinated students?
• Should texting while driving be banned across the United States?
• Does the alternative medicine market need to be regulated the same way as the modern medicine market?
• What is your opinion on direct-to-consumer prescription drug commercials?
• The quality of generic drugs should be regulated by the state. Agree or disagree?
• Should society be forced to accept LGBTQ?
• Should online pharmacies be legal?
• Mandatory health insurance: yes or no?
• What is your opinion on single-payer healthcare? 
• What is your opinion on cosmetic surgery?
• Should doctors be allowed to promote healthcare products?
• Should the surrogacy option be used only if there is a health issue?
• Should alcohol and drug use in the movies be restricted?
• Is drug testing on animals unethical?
• Should people with mental health illness be treated outside of the community?
• Should the government provide free medical care to people below the poverty line?
• Should the government fund research of alternative medicines?
• Quality of treatment in public hospitals should be equal to the one in private hospitals.
• Should developed countries hire healthcare workers from developing countries?
• Should the government regulate medical and nutrition supplements?
• Have homeopathic medicines done more harm than good?
• Can we say that depression is a disease?
• Is it ethical for doctors to use brand names when prescribing?
• Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
• Does breastfeeding have numerous benefits compared to formula feeding?
• Should health organizations be funded by governments?
• Junk food should be taxed. Agree or disagree?

On their way to adulthood, teenagers are seeking answers to numerous confusing questions regarding character and morality. They are trying to build their independent identities and find a place in the fast-paced world that often sends mixed messages about what is right or wrong. Thus, debate topics related to character and morality may help the teenage population form their opinions on numerous exciting questions and find out more about their personalities

• Should adults learn from the teenage generation?
• Do younger generations have too much self-esteem?
• Is Generation X “post-acial’?
• When should you be able to drink alcohol, vote, and join the army?
• When you get the right to vote, will you?
• Can money buy happiness?
• Can consumerism culture make people happier?
• Have we lost the art of listening?
• Never complain, never explain. Agree or disagree?
• Which is more important for success: talent or hard work?
• How important is it to stay cool and collected?
• Should you ever make compromises?
• Are teenagers more self-absorbed than before?
• Everything happens for a reason. True or false?
• Can you control your fate?
• Do hardships make people stronger and lead to personal growth?
• Do bystanders have an obligation to intervene in problematic situations?
• In which cases can looting be morally justified?
• It is cool to be kind. Agree or disagree?

Teenagers nowadays are curious about the world they live in and are eager to seek ways to make things better. For this reason, many of them will enthusiastically engage themselves in discussions about various current issues. Here are some versatile topics that middle- and high school students may find appealing which didn’t fit into previous sections.

• Should the private lives of celebrities be off limits to the media?
• Do you think child stars cannot cope well with fame?
• Should people in the United States be aware that America is not no. 1?
• Is American dream just a myth?
• Do poor people “have it easy?”
• In what way does someone’s neighborhood define their social status and personality?
• Should charities founded in the United States focus more on America?
• What causes should be financed by philanthropic groups?
• What is your opinion on teenage “voluntourism”?
• Do you shop at local stores or at malls?
• Is Amazon becoming too powerful?
• Should companies collect customers’ personal information?
• What time should Black Friday sales start?
• How long is it appropriate to stay in a cafe or restaurant?
• Should children wear whatever they want?
• What are your opinions on beauty pageants for toddlers?
• Wearing saggy pants at school is disrespectful. Agree or disagree?
• Should you care about the health and safety of those who make the clothes you buy?

Need more ideas for essay topics? Check out our page that includes over 200 essay topic ideas for your next writing assignment.

172 Controversial Debate Topics for Teens

16 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues

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50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

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For the many people who break out in a sweat at the very idea of speaking in front of an audience , the prospect of speaking on an unknown topic with little to no preparation is likely terrifying. But you don't have to be afraid of impromptu speeches. As it turns out, the secret even to off-the-cuff speeches is preparation.

Impromptu Speech Tips

• Decide on your topic
• Come up with three supportive statements related to your topic
• Prepare a strong conclusion

Use this list of impromptu speech topics to practice making a quick speech outline in your head. For each of the topics below, just think of three main points you'd like to make. For example, if your speech topic is "Your least favorite chores," you could quickly come up with three statements:

• I don't know anybody who likes to fold laundry, so the first task on my list of unhappy chores is folding laundry.
• Taking out the trash is another chore that most people dread, and I'm no different.
• The worst chore in the entire household has to be cleaning the toilet.

If you go into your speech with these statements in your head, you can spend the rest of your time thinking up supporting statements as you speak. When you've identified your three main points, think of a great finishing statement. If you end with a great closer, you'll really impress your audience.

Start Practicing With This List

• My three favorite animals.
• What you would find in my closet. Make something up.
• What you'd find under my bed.
• The best letter of the alphabet.
• Why your mom/dad is special.
• A day that stands out.
• The best surprise ever.
• If I had a million dollars to give away.
• If cats/dogs ruled the world.
• A trip to remember.
• My favorite day of the year.
• If I could only eat three foods forever.
• If I could design a school.
• Why books are important.
• Three surprising facts about me .
• How to impress your parents.
• How to plan a party.
• A job I'd love to have.
• A day in my life.
• If I could have dinner with anyone.
• If I could travel through time.
• My favorite book.
• An important lesson I've learned.
• What I've learned from cartoons.
• The smartest cartoon character.
• Three things I'd change if I ruled the world.
• Why sports are important.
• The worst chores at home.
• Why I deserve an allowance.
• If I were in charge of school lunches.
• If I had invented school.
• The best theme park rides.
• Whom do you admire most?
• What is your favorite animal?
• How to achieve your dreams.
• Why you need a baby brother.
• How to annoy an older sister.
• How to save money.
• Three things that scare me.
• Great things about snow days.
• Things you can make out of snow.
• How to spend a rainy day.
• How to walk a dog.
• Great things about the ocean.
• Things I'll never eat.
• How to be a slacker.
• Why I like my town.
• The best parts of a parade.
• Interesting things you see in the sky.
• Things to remember when you're camping.
• An experience with a bully.
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College Minor: Everything You Need to Know

14 fascinating teacher interview questions for principals, tips for success if you have a master’s degree and can’t find a job, 14 ways young teachers can get that professional look, which teacher supplies are worth the splurge, 8 business books every teacher should read, conditional admission: everything you need to know, college majors: everything you need to know, 7 things principals can do to make a teacher observation valuable, 3 easy teacher outfits to tackle parent-teacher conferences, 136 persuasive speech topics for students.

Are you looking for persuasive speech topics to assign to your students? Don’t worry; we have you covered. Check out our list of 136 persuasive speech topics for students.

• Testing products on animals: is it ethical or not?
• Is it right to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we use products made with animal fur?
• Euthanizing stray animals: is it ethical?
• Can a companion or service animal change someone’s life?
• Is it rational to be scared of harmless yet frightening or unusual animals?
• Keeping wild and exotic pets away from their natural habitat. Is it ethical?
• Should we spay pets to control overpopulation?
• Keeping exotic animals at home. Is it good for them?
• Ten ways we can help animals live better
• Personality disorders among teens. Are they easy to identify?
• How our differences make us unique
• Phobias of children, teens, and adults. What are the similarities and differences?
• When is it right to give children medication for mental issues?
• Suicide among teenagers. Is the media affecting it?
• Studying psychology stresses students out
• Peer pressure is the cause of a lot of delinquency during the teenage years
• The importance of people skills
• Are introverts better entrepreneurs?
• How can a mentor affect your success as an entrepreneur?
• Understanding your position in the market. How can it affect your current and future business plan?
• Can social media affect your marketing plan?
• Should you start a business based on your passions?
• Starting a successful business with no money
• The value of unique business ideas
• Using feedback from unhappy customers to enhance your sales
• The importance of delegation
• Employers are asking for their employees’ social media accounts. Is it right or wrong?
• Employers shouldn’t ask questions related to an employee’s personal life
• Life as a teen addicted to technology
• Teachers contribute more to society than a lot of other professions
• Video games promote violence among children and teens
• Are music videos appropriate for children and teens to watch?
• Mental health and well-being should be one of the subjects studied in school
• Kids under 16 years shouldn’t have their own social media accounts
• Exam results shouldn’t be used to label students
• Dealing with bullies. Is it suitable to punish them?
• Are K-12 schools rigorous enough?
• How to overcome shyness
• Which sport should you play to stay fit and healthy?
• How to write the best title for your speech?
• How to overcome your fear of public speaking?
• What is the best way to solve challenging Math problems?
• A migraine is usually overlooked at school or in a workplace
• Alternative medication: The truth and the myths
• Infertility in couples is related to stress and unhealthy lifestyles
• Mental health issues affect the whole society
• The food industry causes obesity
• Everyone should donate blood at least once a year
• How to overcome back pain? Different treatment options
• Using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth is essential for your dental health
• Do cell phones affect our brains?
• Non-smokers should be first on organ transplant lists
• Is biohacking good for your health?
• Diet beverages do not make you lose weight
• How to keep your immune system strong
• How to improve the way your body and brain function
• Social media affects people’s self-image and self-esteem
• Competitive sports teaches us a lot about life
• Who is a hero? What are the qualities of a hero?
• Learning from your mistakes
• Spending time with your grandparents
• Brilliant ways to make money in the 21st century
• Living underwater: A reality or science fiction?
• Texting while driving should be illegal
• Using single-use plastic containers should be banned
• School days should start later in the day
• Immigration laws should be more lenient
• Living with refugees from other countries
• Students should be able to pick their schools
• Parents should be able to pick their child’s schools
• Should human beings control the weather?
• Simple ways to overcome stress
• People who spend their time playing video games are more prone to depression
• Video games can enhance people’s brain functioning
• Children who play video games have faster responses
• How will gaming look ten years from now?
• Virtual reality affects people’s perception
• Living without computers is impossible
• A video game can be the easiest way to teach kids
• Watching people playing video games is as fun as watching sports in person
• Will playing video games cause behavior problems?
• The gaming industry is affecting every aspect of our lives
• Video games are just as popular among adults
• Playing video games with random people online makes you more sociable and outgoing
• Using genetically modified foods is bad for our health
• Using painkillers is not healthy
• The technology revolution is changing life way too fast
• Human beings should depend more on renewable energy
• The power of crystal healing can improve our mental and physical health
• How your diet can cause the onset of different health conditions
• Using supplements should be controlled
• Coming up with guidelines that control STEM cell research
• How can science be used to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals?
• High-school and middle-school students should be trained to do PowerPoint presentations
• Improving students’ presentation skills
• Should uniforms be obligatory in schools?
• Should there be separate classrooms for boys and girls?
• Students sent to boarding schools: A responsibility and a risk
• The possible positive effect of spending a year as an exchange student
• Cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in schools
• Taking a year off school. Can it help you?
• Hilarious games in the class can help shy students get along with others
• Grades: Are they a fair way to evaluate academic performance?
• More political and legal measures should be taken to protect the environment
• Keeping an animal away from its home will affect the environmental balance
• Businesses have a serious obligation towards protecting the environment
• There should be a strict policy against polluting the ocean
• Should there be government policies against the use of disposable diapers?
• Recycling paper is going to save our planet
• Are we taking the right measures to address global warming?
• Can child abuse and traumas lead to future mental disorders?
• Can family history make children more prone to stress and anxiety?
• Should children and teens be worried more about their privacy or safety?
• Can video games be used to educate children and teens?
• Having an older/younger sibling. The perks and the challenges
• Internet censorship for kids, is it a must?
• The problem of governmental spending on biological weapons
• Are we taking the right steps to eliminate cultural sensitivity?
• Obesity in children is related to living a fast-paced life. What is the role of the parents
• Getting and renewing a driving license: Is one test per lifetime enough?
• Should smokers pay a health tax?
• Is the government spending too much on the military sector?
• Can writing a journal help you become a better person?
• Reality shows affect people’s mental health
• Song lyrics affect our lives in several ways
• Should an artist comply with the rules set by society while working on a project?
• Can action movies cause stress and anxiety?
• Reading inspirational and humorous quotes improves your mood
• Why reading an informational article in a list form is easier
• Studying religion is motivational
• How do we overcome conflicts and arguments between people who believe in different religions?
• Should religion be allowed in schools?
• Scriptures from the Bible can help people renew their belief
• Current vs. ancient interpretations of the Bible: Which is more factual?
• Children should be allowed to choose their religion

Bonus: How can companies like Prepaway diversify their companies?

Ph.D. vs. Ed.D., Which One is Right ...

120 debate topics for high and middle ....

Matthew Lynch

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Interesting speech topics for students

180 unique speech topic ideas from 5 broad areas

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 09-07-2022

What are the most interesting and unique speech topics for students? Or for yourself? How, and where do you find them?

Let's answer those questions, and more.

On this page you'll find:

Return to Top

So what are the best GOOD original speech ideas?

3 essential elements of interesting speeches.

Interesting speech topics become that way because they fulfill three essential requirements:

• your personal enthusiasm for the subject, (You love the topic and want to find out more about it.),
• the subject's appeal or relevance to your audience, and,
• the twist, angle, or perspective you bring to it.

If the subject you choose ticks off all three your speech is much more likely to be interesting for yourself and everybody listening.

Put your spin on these interesting speech topics

The five topic areas below are broad. I have suggested some potentially good speech ideas in each of them. You'll find those under the area's introductory overview.

Use my suggestions as a beginning point: a trigger to get  your own creative juices going. With luck you'll find exactly the topic you need to inspire you. (I sincerely hope so!)

Social media themed topics

Online social media like Facebook (recently re-branded as Meta Platforms), Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Whatsapp, and Tik Tok have been with us a comparatively short time. Yet their growth has been astronomical!

Facebook, the first of them, made its public debut in 2004, 17 years ago, and according to its Wikipedia page , has 2.85 billion monthly active users, as of 31 March 2021 .  Its use as a vehicle to reach people all over the world is extraordinary. The power and influence Facebook users have been able to exert is unparalleled. As a society we've never seen this before.

Twitter, Pinterest,  Instagram,  Whatsapp and Tik Tok although newer players share, to a lesser degree, similar capacities.

Older electronic media, TV and radio, couldn't reach into the personal private lives in the same intimate one to one, person to person way. Neither could print.

What do these changes mean for society?  What will happen to old-fashioned face-to-face communication skills?

Look over these topics carefully. What aspects of them you'd find interesting to explore?

Our increasing reliance on varying forms of online communication is new and our scientists, psychologists, and doctors are only beginning to understand its impact on our behavior.

50 interesting social media speech topics

• Social media kills face to face conversation skills.
• Texting is necessary for social survival.
• An online friend can be just as real as an offline one.
• Social media breaks down real-time relationships.
• How did people build and maintain networks BEFORE  social media?
• What is the real value of social media? Three points.
• How to avoid being cyber bullied.
• Rules for forming online friendships.
• Spelling skills are dead. Long live txt speak!
• What will be the next major social media development?
• Rules for using social media responsibly.
• Publicly "liking" or "not liking" a person's posts can cause anxiety.
• What is real news and what is false? How do you know?
• Three excellent community building uses of social media.
• Social media is addictive.
• Social media encourages and supports racialism.
• Social media companies are not responsible for how people use them.
• Social media dissolves social, economic and cultural barriers.
• How private is personal information on social media?
• Fake personas and social media.
• There is not enough fact checking on social media.
• It is too easy to post without thinking on social media.
• There is too much content on social media. It overwhelms.
• What is the impact of social media on business?
• Having an opinion does not make a person an expert.
• Social media makes it easy to help someone immediately.
• Social media brings people with similar interests together.
• Social media encourages the need for instant gratification.
• Some social media challenges should never be accepted.
• There should be an user age limit on social media platforms.
• Getting news from social media is unreliable.
• Censorship is impossible on social media.
• How do politicians use social media?
• What is a social media echo chamber?
• How can social media undermine democracy?
• Social media can be, and is, used for mass surveillance.
• Social media can be a time waster.
• Social media makes people dissatisfied with their lives.
• The rise of cancel culture: what it is, how it works.
• Why people share things they shouldn't.
• How using emoticons is replacing using words.
• How social media is used in hiring and firing people.
• How social media stunts personal creativity.
• How social media allows a person to find their voice.
• Using social media improves fine motor skills.
• How social media is used in peer-support programs.
• Should social media companies be held accountable? 
• What is the impact of not being social media?
• How to become an influencer.
• Outline the main differences between two or three social media platforms.

Visiting yesterday: historical speech topics

The importance of history is frequently debated. Those against digging around in their own or anybody else's past often use the saying "Life is best lived looking forward" to explain their stance.

What they want to avoid is becoming stuck in history, bogged down by old traditions or beliefs that inhibit a person in some way. "That was then, this is now", they say.

Crimes against humanity: ethnic cleansing, genocide, state sanctioned terrorism, racial discrimination, and religious persecution are all examples of attitudes and events people often want to leave in the past.

The main reason for that is because untangling them, acknowledging and accepting responsibility where required, and finding an equitable way to move forward can be exceedingly difficult for all concerned.

And yet, if we don't examine and learn from the past, surely we'll do similar things over and over again.

Those who believe that understanding and knowing our history is important say, to use the words of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, that "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."

They argue that to know who we are, what we are doing, where we are going, and how our actions may impact on other people, other communities, countries, or the world, we need to thoroughly understand our past. That means looking carefully at the lives and times of our ancestors. 

I believe understanding our "yesterdays" helps us build better "todays" - richer futures for everyone. 

Attitudes change and as they do, so too does what society accepts as "normal". 

A brief shorts story

To illustrate here's a simple and these days, non-controversial example.

Something as ordinary as a woman wearing shorts was quite extraordinary in the 1940s and 50s. Women who wore them were considered fast: very unladylike.

And some American city councils actually went so far as to ban women from wearing them in public.

The  United States Golf Association went further. They decreed neither men nor women could wear them while participating in tournaments: a rule that remained until the 1980s.

(In my family, my  Grandmother was forbidden to leave the house in them.)

Can you imagine what life would be like for women if we'd held on to that? 

Today we have moved on. A woman wearing a pair of shorts is no longer a disgrace or committing a crime. *

(Click this National Public Radio link  When wearing shorts was taboo  to find out more. It's a fascinating peek into the past.)

* I am fortunate to live in a country where women are free to wear what they choose. However there are many places in the world where they are not.

This 2020 study from Washington Pew Research Center is interesting reading:  Women in many countries face harassment for clothing deemed too religious – or too secular .

Family focused and community speech topics

The topics here are focused around the history of family and community life.

Dive into them and you may just find them compelling - really interesting. They'll give you new insights and maybe, an appreciation, of what went before, and what you have now. 

45 interesting historical speech topics

• What Grandma/Grandpa did for fun and recreation 50 years ago.
• What Grandma/Grandpa did to earn a living when they finished their schooling.
• At the same age as I am now my parents were doing XXX and my grandparents were doing XXX (compare and contrast across 3 generations).
• Were there differences between education for boys and for girls 50 + years ago? If so, what were they? 
• Our town's history - why it was built where it is, who lived there.
• What type of jobs did men and women typically do 50+ years ago?
• The biggest manmade or natural disaster in our local history.
• Headline stories from our local newspapers 50+ years ago.
• How festivals and important events (birthdays, weddings, Christmas, Easter...) were celebrated in my family many years ago.
• Food fads or food fashions - how have they changed over the years? TV dinner anyone? What about a smoothie?
• Prepare a typical 1950s desert as a demonstration speech.
• How has food preparation changed over the last 25 years? Over the last 100 years?
• Check out the family photographs. How has clothing changed through the years? For babies? For girls? For boys? For adults?
• Ask your grandparents about what household chores they did on a regular basis. How does that compare with what you do?
• Did your grandparents get an allowance? If so, how much was it, and what did they do with it?
• What are differences between the house or apartment that your grandparents grew up in and the one you live in?
• What household items held pride of place 50+ years ago?  
• The history of my first and last name - where it came from, what it means and how it's changed over the years.
• A walk through a typical 1950s/1960s/1970s school day. Were they really "the best days of our lives"?
• How has classroom discipline changed over the last 100 years?
• How have the subjects taught in schools changed over the last 50+ years?
• What school activities and sports were common 50+ years ago? 
• Word fashion (the current slang) - what's in, what's out. Examples from bygone eras and present day.
• The origin of local place names - how places get their names, why they stick, or change.
• What jobs are no longer needed in your area because of modern technology?
• How has going shopping changed over the last 3 decades?
• Have attitudes around money and possessions changed over the last 50 + years in your community?  
• How did the area you live in cope with the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic? How does that compare with the current Covid Pandemic?
• What is the predominant cultural background of the community you live in?
• What languages are part of the linguistic history of your area? In what ways are they seen and heard today?
• What traditions have been passed down the generations in your family or community?
• What service organizations were active in the community 50 + years ago? What did they do? How did they help?
• What religions were practiced in your community 50 + years ago?  Has that changed? How?
• What were attitudes in your community towards people who were seen as 'different' 50 + years ago?
• What were the most common ways of meeting new people and socializing 50 + years ago in your community?
• Tell the history of an local historic building or monument. 
• What was the latest music 20/50/100 years ago?
• What were the biggest social issues 50 + years ago in your area? Have things changed?
• How have historical events directly affected your family and community?
• What were the commonest methods of transport 50 + years ago in the area. What changes have there been?
• Tell the story of a local character or hero.
• What were the major natural features of the landscape in your area before towns and cities were built?
• What were the native animals, birds, trees and other plants in the area  a long time ago? Has that changed? 
• How have people changed the local natural landscape? For better? Or for worse? 
• This day in history - a slice of major events from around the world for the date you are giving your speech.

Just plain weird: unusual speech topics

Things, natural or man-made, are often labeled weird or strange because we have never seen, considered or experienced them before. These "new" things become objects of fascination triggering responses varying from awe to disgust. Either way, "good" or "bad" weird jolts a person out their accepted ordinary/normal world, challenging them to consider something different.

Weird things, old and new, can be really interesting and stimulating!

61 weird speech topic suggestions

Quirky clothing/body adornment fashions : some very old, some much newer!

Show and tell the story behind:

• powdered wigs - why men and women wore them
• bustles - Why did women wear especially shaped padding ( bustles ) to hold out their skirts at the back?
• crinolines - Why would a woman want to wear a steel-hooped cage under her dress?
• panniers - Why did women in the 18th century broaden their skirts at the sides with panniers? 
• chopines - The first platform shoes, popular in 16th & 17th century. Were they worn to avoid the dirt in the streets or for prestige?
• lotus shoes - tiny jeweled slippers to fit the bound feet of Chinese women. Find out more: The consequence of foot binding . 
• cod pieces - a male garment originally worn to conceal and protect genitals dating from the 15th century that became something so much more  
• corsets - a garment worn by men and women to support and shape the body. In the 19th century their wide-spread use by women caused them major health issues.
• bombasts - a 16th century practice of wearing padded clothing to enhance/exaggerate the body's natural shape
• the cockade - a symbol of freedom - originally worn by French soldiers
• ruffs - a detachable collar that grew larger and more elaborate
• winkle picker shoes - Who were the men who wore them?   The history of winkle pickers 
• body piercings - the different types of piercings, and their origin
• tattoos -trace its history across cultures, its meanings, the wide spread use of tattoos, how to remove a tattoo
• statement jewelry - the history of jewelry to show status  - wedding rings, engagement rings, crowns, chains of office, the use of precious stones

Are they hoarders or collectors? Why do some people collect things like: unopened bottles of coca cola, album covers, newspapers, playing cards, cigarette packets, menus, garden ornaments, old pens, comics, paper table napkins, autographs, branded memorabilia eg. McDonalds happy toys, Barbie dolls, hair clips, salt and pepper shakers ...

Find out. Do an interview. Take some photos.

Weird beliefs - research and present one or two beliefs you find the strangest. Who believed them?  When were they believed? Where? What country? Can you explain the reason why? 

• that cigarettes were good for health
• that the earth was flat and you could fall off its edge
• that trains went so fast they literally rattled people's brains, making them insane
• that washing hands before surgery was unnecessary
• that some races and cultures are superior to others
• that eugenics (controlled breeding in humans) is an acceptable way to eliminate inheritable characteristics seen as undesirable 
• that disease was spread by smell
• that the sun was the center of the universe
• that seatbelts in cars were unnecessary
• that a woman's role in life is to make her husband happy

Very strange animals, birds, fish or insects - what are the weirdest, where do they live, what do they eat? 

Here's ten remarkable creatures to get you started.

• axolotls (Mexican Walking Fish)
• flightless cormorants
• long wattled umbrella birds
• assassin bugs
• stick insects
• shoebill storks

Weird inventions - What was it? Who invented it? When, where and why?

Some inventions are truly weird. They were when they were thought up and made, and they still are now. Others were thought weird at first but today are regarded as impossible to live without. 

Investigate any of these:

• The bicycle - It was considered a dangerous fad.
• Talkies - talking in the movies. That was thought a gimmick.
• Mono-wheeled motorbikes
• Automobiles
• The saluting device for perfect salutations
• The hug me pillow and other clever devices, like hairy stockings
• Electric lamps or light bulbs
• Personal computers
• Vaccinations

Strange sports : where are they played, when, by whom, and how. For example:

• wife carrying
• egg and cheese rolling (two separate sports)

(The oddness of a sport is often a matter of perspective. If you've never heard of it, or seen it played before, then it may seem weird to you. However to the people involved, either as participants or observers, the sport is accepted as normal, frequently without question.)  

• Fact or fiction? Choose an interesting true story to retell that seems unbelievable.
• Trivia: little bits of often useless information. Why does it fascinate? 
• Research and present little known awe inspiring facts about the functioning of our bodies. 
• Urban myths - what are they, examples, how are they spread and why are they believed?
• Weird people. Find out about famous eccentrics: people who have decided to live life on their own terms. 
• Why do records like the largest man in the world, the longest fingernails, or the greatest number of pies eaten in an hour fascinate people?
• How many other people share your name? Where are they in the world and what do they do?
• Weird coincidences - Is it fate, the super-natural at work, or is it really a series of freak coincidences? 
• Weird professions - passed and present. For example being employed as a rat catcher, chimney sweep, mud lark, lamp lighter, bicycle courier, doula, video game tester, mobile app developer 
• Weird buildings - For example, the basket building in USA,  the egg shaped office building in India, or the bubble house in France.

Trading places

Age old wisdom says there would be fewer misunderstandings and arguments if we learned to see the world from the each others perspectives. We would be less quick to judge, more tolerant and more understanding if we saw and felt how it was to walk in the shoes of another person.

Looking from a different perspective broadens and deepens our thinking.

The 5 topic suggestions below span personal through to major world events. Ask yourself, how would it be if I was there or, if this person was me? What would I think? What would I feel?

5 from another perspective speech topics 

• In XXX {insert the name of a country eg Japan, Samoa, Chile} in XXX {insert the year or century eg the 19th century} a day in the life of a person my age would be ...
• A day in my Mother's/Father's life at the same age I am now. Where did your parents live? Town or country? In a house or an apartment? How did they get to school? What did they study? What chores did they have to do daily?  
• Retell an historical event as if you were there and part of it. Choose an event you find interesting eg. the fall of the Berlin Wall, granting women the right to vote, the death of Martin Luther King ...
• Tell how a major invention or medical break-through changed lives as if you were there. Eg. the development of the smart phone, bionic prosthesis, laser surgery ...  
• If I was {insert a word of your choice - eg. homeless, physically disabled in some way - blind, deaf, reliant on a mobility scooter ...} my experience of the world would be changed. How? What issues would you face? How would you meet them?

What were the beginnings or the origins of...?

There is a story behind everything and some of them are really interesting!

For instance the Christmas tradition of kissing under mistletoe (a plant that grows on trees) dates way back to the time of the Druids who thought it had mystical powers. It was supposed to bring good luck and keep evil spirits away.

In Norse mythology it signified love and friendship, hence the kissing! And, dear reader, of course there is more to find out. Enough to prepare an interesting, entertaining speech.

The same applies to all the other topic suggestions below.

19 speech topics exploring origins

• Christmas celebrations or any aspect of them eg. cards, carols, gift giving, special food ...
• Easter celebrations (or any other widely observed customary celebration)
• Table manners or eating etiquette. How do "good" table manners vary from culture to culture? Why were they developed in the first place? 
• Common sayings eg. "to be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth" or "the salt of the earth"
• Types of music eg. rock and roll, jazz, hip hop ...
• Types of art eg. folk art, sculpture, pottery, theater ...
• Postal stamps or money
• Softball, grid iron or any other sport
• The current governmental system
• Zodiac signs
• Beauty Queen pageants
• Modern warfare
• Education - schooling in your country or your area
• Card or board games 
• Advertising
• Television soaps. What's the story behind those long running TV serials?
• Print - books, newspapers
• Journalism - where did it start?
• Language - how does it develop?

Avoiding the procrastination trap

The time is now! 

Having looked through all these potentially  good speech  topics  please don't fall into the  procrastination trap!

Make yourself a  short list  of at least  three possibilities  and thinking about your audience, the main purpose of your speech and your personal interest or enthusiasm for each of them, whittle your list down to the best one.

Points you'll want to consider as part of your decision making are:

• the time you have to prepare your speech
• how much you know about the topic already. Do you need to do lots of research, or some? Is the research easy to do?
• the angle you intend to use - is it persuasive, informative, humorous, unconventional, potentially shocking or upsetting, quirky? How does that fit with your audience's needs and if your speech is for a classroom assignment, the guidelines you have been given?

More places to find interesting speech topics

If you really are stuck for a topic that resonates with you check these sources out.

• magazines for specialist opinion pieces
• the top news sites, blogs - for commentary on political events, natural disasters, social issues
• radio - community, country and world news plus commentary and analysis
• television for documentaries and indepth reportage
• bulletin boards in your own community - for current topical events eg a meeting to discuss the implication of closing the local mine or the impact of raising the cost of public transport
• your family and friends
• Listening to the conversations around you and observing closely what you see.
• This site! Click this link - speech topics - to find many more pages full of interesting speech ideas.

How to get better grades for your speech

What does your teacher long to hear.

I taught high-school level English for many years and over that time listened to hundreds of speeches.

Those students I gave an A grade to got them because their:

• topic was interesting. They'd either found an original angle to present known material or found a "new" topic.
• speech was tailored for the audience. It was relevant to them and personalized.
• presentation was well structured. It had a good opening, body and conclusion.
• delivery had been rehearsed. They knew their speech. The use of props or additional material was appropriate and well integrated into the flow of the speech.
• audience listened and enjoyed what they heard.

You are welcome to use my  speech evaluation checklist  as a guide to help you prepare an A grade speech of your own.

To prepare, structure & deliver your speech use these pages:

• how to write a speech  You'll find full explanations and examples of the step by step process needed to get you safely from choosing your topic to presenting the speech itself.
• voice image   Did you know your voice is an important part of giving your speech? The quality of your voice can make the difference between being listened to and not. Go to the  voice image   page. Read and follow the links to find out how you can optimize your vocal delivery.

• vocal variety Use tone, pitch, pause and pace to deliver your speech effectively. An interesting speech topic is a great start. It would be shame to waste it and the work you've done through weak delivery!
• Return to the top of the page   

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435 PERSUASIVE Speech Topics for High School Students (Top)

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.  

Giving a persuasive speech can be stressful for high school students , especially when you are tasked with coming up with your own topic.

To help reduce the stress of preparation, I have compiled this list of 435 persuasive speech topics for high school students to give you some ideas and inspiration.

These topics cover a wide range of issues that are relevant to today’s young adults, from social concerns like gender roles and mental health awareness to more academic pursuits such as college admissions and financial aid opportunities.

With this comprehensive list in hand, you will be able to quickly come up with an engaging idea that resonates with both yourself and your audience .

So take a look around - there is sure to be something here which can help make your next presentation a success!

1. Should standardized testing be eliminated in favor of a more personalized approach?

2. Should high school students have the right to choose their own curriculum?

3. Should minors be given the same rights as adults when it comes to freedom of expression?

4. Is it beneficial for schools to offer mental health counseling services on campus?

5. How can society work together to combat bullying in schools?

6. Can video games help young people learn new skills or develop existing ones?

7. Are zero-tolerance policies effective in reducing student misconduct and promoting better behavior at school ?

8. What are the pros and cons of allowing cell phone use during class time ?

9. What regulations should be put into place regarding cyberbullying prevention ?

10. Do current laws successfully protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination within schools ?

11. Should students be given more opportunities to provide input on the school's curriculum?

12. How can social media use be better regulated in schools to avoid misuse and distraction?

13. How can we create an environment of inclusion for all racial and ethnic backgrounds in school ?

14. What measures should be taken to ensure online safety for students?

15. What steps should schools take to reduce teenage drug abuse?

16. Is it beneficial for high schoolers to pursue dual enrollment or advanced placement courses ?

17. Is corporal punishment an effective form of discipline in schools ?

18. Are dress codes still necessary in modern education systems ?

19. Should student athletes receive special treatment, such as lower academic standards or priority scheduling?

20. Has the cost of higher education become too expensive for most families today ?

21. Should the school day start later in order to improve student performance?

22. Could technology be leveraged more effectively to help students better understand their course material?

23. Are there any viable alternatives to traditional classroom instruction for modern students?

24. What regulations should be put into place regarding academic dishonesty and cheating ?

25. Is it beneficial for high schools to offer specialized courses such as robotics or coding?

26. How can we create a sense of community within larger educational institutions ?

27. Should cell phones be prohibited from use during class time, even if they are not being used for disruption purposes ?

28. Do current laws protect student's privacy rights adequately enough when it comes to gathering data about them online ?

29. Can extracurricular activities help foster greater school pride among students in large districts ?

30 .Should public universities take measures to reduce tuition costs for all levels of income families?

31. Should schools decrease their reliance on textbooks and utilize digital forms of learning?

32. How can we create an environment in which all students feel safe to express themselves without fear of ridicule or bullying?

33. Is the current academic system providing students with enough opportunity for creative expression and exploration ?

34. What policies should be implemented to reduce dropout rates among high schoolers?

35. Should high schools offer more vocational training courses for those not planning on attending college?

36. How can we successfully implement sustainable practices into modern education systems ?

37. Are standardized tests accurate representations of a student's knowledge in a given subject area ?

38. What measures should be taken by educators to help ensure that students are well-prepared when it comes time to transition into adult life?

39. Should music and art courses continue to remain mandatory subjects within public school curriculums ?

40 .What role do teachers play in helping their pupils achieve greater success beyond just academics?

41. Should schools provide mental health services to help students cope with the increasing pressure and stress of modern day life?

42. How can we encourage more young people to become involved in politics and government reform initiatives?

43. What measures should be taken by teachers to ensure that all students are receiving an equal education regardless of background or financial status?

44 .Should states continue administering high-stakes tests such as the SAT/ACT for college admissions purposes ?

45. Could longer school days improve student performance, or would they lead to burnout and fatigue?

46. Should educational institutions offer an alternative form of punishment other than detention for wrongdoings ?

47. Is it beneficial for high schools to initiate career guidance programs for their students earlier on ?

48. What measures could be taken in order to reduce bullying among children in school systems ?

49. How can we increase access and opportunities within underprivileged communities when it comes to higher education ?

50. How could discussions about diversity, race equality, sexism , etc., best be implemented into classrooms without causing discomfort or controversy amongst pupils?

51. Should high schools have separate classes for boys and girls to reduce the gender gap among students?

52. How can we create more awareness about mental health issues in educational institutions?

53. Is it beneficial for students to attend single-sex schools rather than coed ones ?

54. What measures could be taken by school districts to improve the quality of food served in cafeterias?

55. Should religious education continue to remain part of public school curriculums?

56. Do current grading systems accurately reflect a student's knowledge of a given subject matter ?

57. How can educators ensure all pupils receive an equal, fair education regardless of race or ethnicity ?

58. Could implementing mindfulness practices into daily routines help reduce stress amongst teens attending high school ?

59. What measures should be taken by teachers and administrators when it comes to bullying prevention within educational institutions?

60. Should universities provide free speech courses that teach how to communicate effectively with others in order to foster greater understanding between different groups/cultures.?

61. Should high schools provide internships and job shadow experiences to help their students gain a better understanding of the working world?

62. Are current methods for evaluating student performance effective or should we look into alternative assessment strategies?

63. How can we ensure that all students have access to resources necessary for success in school, such as textbooks and technology ?

64. What roles do teachers play in encouraging healthy eating habits among their pupils?

65 .Should educational institutions consider incorporating modern technologies (such as smartphones) into classrooms rather than banning them completely ?

66. What measures should be taken by educators to increase awareness about the dangers of drug use amongst teenagers ?

67. Is it beneficial for schools to allocate more funding towards extracurricular activities such as sports teams, martial arts clubs, music groups etc.?

68. Should students have more freedom to express their opinions in schools?

69. Is it beneficial for high schoolers to take part in community service projects?

70. Are current standardized tests an accurate measure of a student’s knowledge or should we look into alternative assessment strategies?

71. How can educators best address controversial topics such as sexuality, gender identity, and politics without causing controversy amongst pupils?

72. Can technology help improve the quality of education received by students or are there drawbacks that outweigh the benefits ?

73. What measures could be taken by teachers to ensure that all students receive equal access and opportunities regardless of race or financial status ?

74. How can peer-to-peer learning best be incorporated into educational institutions to foster greater understanding between different groups/cultures?

75. Is homeschooling an effective alternative form of education when compared with traditional schooling methods ?

76. Could longer school days lead to higher rates of burnout and fatigue among high schoolers or would they benefit from increased instructional time?

77. Could incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines help reduce stress among teens attending high school?

78. Should extracurricular activities such as sports be mandatory in educational institutions ?

79. Should schools and universities provide mental health services to their students?

80. How can educators best address cyberbullying among high schoolers?

81. Could implementing a mentorship program within public schools help better prepare pupils for the working world?

82 .Should universities provide free speech courses that teach how to communicate effectively with others in order to foster greater understanding between different groups/cultures.?

83. Would providing incentives for good academic performance be beneficial for students or would it put too much pressure on them ?

84. Is it beneficial for high schoolers to take part in community service projects ?

85 .Do current grading systems accurately reflect a student’s knowledge of a given subject matter ?

86. What measures should be taken by teachers and administrators when it comes to bullying prevention within educational institutions ?

87. How can we ensure that all students have access to resources necessary for success in school, such as textbooks and technology?

88. What roles do teachers play in encouraging healthy eating habits amongst their pupils?

89. Should high schools provide career-focused courses to help kids decide their future?

90. Are current measures taken by educational institutions enough to prevent cheating and plagiarism?

91. How can teachers best address the issue of social media addiction among teenagers?

92. What strategies should be implemented in order for students to stay focused on their studies?

93. Is there a need for stricter punishments regarding cyberbullying ?

94. Can student feedback help improve teaching methods used by educators?

95. In what ways can educational institutions better assist those with learning disabilities when it comes to schooling and/or exams ?

96. Could implementing body cameras in classrooms promote accountability amongst both students and faculty members ?

97. Do high schoolers benefit from taking part in debates or are they an unnecessary waste of time ?

98. Should all high schools have mandatory internships programs as part of their curriculum so that students gain real world experience before graduating?

99. Should high schools provide gender-neutral bathrooms and locker rooms for their students?

100. What strategies can educators use to ensure that all students are included in classroom activities?

101. How has technology changed the way we learn, and should it continue to be incorporated into educational systems?

102. Are standardized tests an effective measure of a student's knowledge or do they favor those from more privileged backgrounds?

103. What role should the parents have when it comes to monitoring their child’s academic performance ?

104. Could offering online classes for high schoolers result in higher grades as well as improve work/life balance amongst teenagers ?

105. Is there enough support provided by teachers and faculty members concerning mental health

issues among young adults ?

106. Should educational institutions offer courses on financial literacy in order to better prepare pupils for adulthood and life after graduation ?

107. What approaches could teachers take in order to ensure that all students get equal attention regardless of learning styles or needs?

108. Should schools create more after-school activities that serve both educational and recreational purposes?

109. How can parents ensure that their children’s digital lives stay secure at school and outside of it?

110. Is physical education an important part of the high school curriculum or should those classes be reduced in order to accommodate for other studies?

111. Should there be harsher punishments for students caught cheating on exams or assignments ?

112. Does standardized testing accurately reflect a student's knowledge or does it put them under too much pressure ?

113 .What measures should teachers take in order to reduce competition amongst pupils in the classroom ?

114 . In what ways could government funding help improve the quality of education provided by public schools ?

115. Do current teaching methods need to be reevaluated so as to better engage students with their studies ?

116. Are student loans beneficial for financially struggling college hopefuls, or do they simply add another layer of debt on top of existing ones?

117. Is there a need for high schoolers to be taught about digital safety and security?

118. Should schools offer more electives in order to give students the opportunity for self-exploration?

119. Are dress codes necessary for high schoolers, or do they create an environment of conformity?

120. Could providing healthier food options in cafeterias increase student focus during class time ?

121. How can we ensure that all students are given the same resources and opportunities when it comes to their studies ?

122. Do current grading systems favor those from more privileged backgrounds over others ?

123. What strategies should teachers use in order to motivate struggling pupils to reach their full potential ?

124. Is homeschooling a viable option for high schoolers looking for alternative routes towards graduation ?

125. Could offering flexible schedules help reduce stress amongst teenagers who juggle both studies and extracurricular activities?

126. Should standardized tests remain as part of the college application process or be replaced with other forms of assessment?

127. Are extracurricular activities a necessary part of high school education or should they be optional?

128. How can educators ensure that all students have equal access to educational resources regardless of their backgrounds?

129. Should schools provide more support in order for students to understand mental health issues and better cope with them?

130. Does the current grading system accurately reflect a student's academic performance or does it put too much emphasis on memorization?

131. What measures could teachers take in order to create an inclusive environment that encourages student collaboration ?

132. Could offering internships as part of the curriculum help motivate pupils towards a career path earlier on in life ?

133 . Is there any use for corporal punishment when it comes to disciplining teenagers ?

134 . Do standardized tests create an unfair advantage for those from wealthier households over others who lack financial stability?

135 . In what ways can parents help their children overcome the challenges posed by social media at school ?

136. Should the current school curriculum be redesigned to provide more knowledge on current global events?

137. Could teaching soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and leadership help better prepare high schoolers for the future?

138. Is it necessary to give standardized tests in order to measure student performance or can they be replaced with alternative assessment methods ?

139 . Does physical education still have a place in modern day high schools or should those classes be reduced in order to accommodate other courses?

140 . Why is it important for students to learn about different cultures and perspectives from an early age ?

141 . Are online classes a viable option for reducing costs associated with higher education.?

142 . Do extracurricular activities truly benefit teenagers or are they just distractions from their studies ?

143 . What steps could teachers take towards developing better relationships between students and faculty members?

144. Are there effective ways of incentivizing pupils who excel at academics beyond giving them awards and recognitions?

145. Should the current school curriculum be redesigned to include more information about robotic automation and its impact on employment?

146. What measures should schools take in order to prevent cyberbullying amongst teenagers?

147. Is it important for students to learn about financial literacy from an early age?

148. How can we ensure that high schoolers get access to a well-rounded education rather than one that is focused solely on college preparation?

149. Should educational institutions focus more on developing soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking and communication rather than memorization of facts ?

150. Could providing access to technology in classrooms help improve student engagement or would it just be a distraction ?

151. Do online classes provide sufficient support when compared with traditional classroom settings ?

152. Are there any effective strategies which teachers could implement in order to engage unmotivated pupils successfully ?

153. Should students be taught to prioritize self-care and mental health rather than academic achievements?

154. How can schools help foster a sense of personal responsibility among students in order for them to become better citizens?

155. What are some effective measures which teachers could take in order for students to learn about environmental sustainability?

156 . Does the current educational system provide enough opportunities for pupils from all backgrounds regardless of their socio-economic standing ?

157 . Is it important that high schoolers receive advice on career exploration and job readiness before they graduate ?

158. Are there any approaches we should consider when it comes to implementing early college enrollment programs within schools ?

159. What role does technology have in creating an interactive learning environment in classrooms today?

160. Does requiring community service as part of the curriculum improve student motivation or reduce it instead ?

161. Do standardized tests create an equal opportunity platform as far as evaluating student abilities is concerned or do they overlook individual talents ?

162. To what extent should grade inflation be regulated so that grades retain their integrity and value over time?

163. Is the current educational system doing enough to equip students with skills that employers look for in employees?

164. Should schools implement ways to reward students who are good at teamwork and collaboration more than grades?

165. Does increasing homework help strengthen student academic performance or does it lead to exhaustion instead?

166. What impact can extracurricular activities have on developing social skills among teenagers ?

167. Are there any effective solutions which can be implemented in order for students from lower income households receive equal access to quality education ?

168. How is technology changing the way information is learned, retained and applied by high schoolers?

169. Can high school curriculums be redesigned so as to include courses that teach basic life skills such as housing budgeting and managing finances ?

170. Would mandatory mentoring programs amongst older and younger generations of pupils make a difference when it comes to student learning outcomes ?

171. How do teachers ensure an atmosphere of inclusion within their classrooms without compromising diversity of thought ?

172. Should the school curriculum be designed to include courses that focus on developing soft skills such as communication, problem-solving and critical thinking?

173. Can providing access to event planning experiences in classrooms make a difference when it comes to learning outcomes?

174. Is there any way for students from all backgrounds to receive equal access to quality education regardless of their socio-economic standing?

175. What strategies can schools implement in order for pupils to become better informed citizens with high moral standards?

176. Are there any potential benefits or drawbacks which should be taken into account when considering early college enrollment programs ?

177. Does technology have a role in creating an interactive learning environment within traditional classroom settings ?

178. Would incentivizing teachers lead them to perform better and provide higher quality education or is this an ineffective measure ?

179. Should parents be allowed more input regarding how their children are taught within the educational system?

180. What measures could be enacted so that grades would remain consistent across different schools and regions ?

181. Are there ways we can bridge the gaps between student performance levels across various demographic groups within schools today?

182. Is there a way to make the college admissions process fairer for all students?

183. Do standardized tests accurately measure a student's knowledge and potential?

184. How should schools address bullying in an effective manner?

185. Are there any innovative approaches that can be used to better engage high schoolers with the material they are learning?

186. Should parents and teachers be held more accountable for their roles in providing quality education for children ?

187. What measures could be implemented so as to reduce cheating during examinations within schools today ?

188. Does social media have a role in creating an interactive learning environment within classrooms or is it distracting instead ?

189. To what extent should grade inflation be regulated so that grades retain their integrity and value over time?

190. Would increasing homework help strengthen student academic performance or does it lead to exhaustion instead?

191. Is there any way of bridging the gap between student performance levels across demographic groups within schools today ?

192. Should schools provide more student-led clubs to foster creativity and innovation?

193. What strategies should be used to reduce the amount of standardized testing in school curriculums?

194. How can teachers ensure that learning takes place without making it a boring experience for students?

195. Is there a way to make the college admissions process easier and less stressful for all students?

196. Are there any potential drawbacks or benefits associated with homeschooling ?

197. To what extent should schools include extracurricular activities when it comes to assessing student performance ?

198. Can technology help us create interactive classrooms that are conducive to learning and engagement ?

199. To what extent do public schools need reform in order to meet changing societal needs across different generations ?

200. What strategies could be implemented so as to better prepare high school graduates for the working world they will face upon graduation ?

201 .Are there any effective ways we can use technology in order not just teach but also inspire pupils within our classrooms today ?

202. Should the government provide free college tuition for all students?

203. Are there any methods that could be used to make online learning more engaging and effective?

204. How can we better measure student success without relying solely on grades ?

205. What policies should be implemented in order to reduce the amount of cheating during examinations within schools today ?

206. Is there a way to make extracurricular activities more accessible and affordable across different demographics?

207. Should parents have an option when it comes to opting out of teaching certain topics due to personal beliefs or convictions?

208. Would incentivizing teachers lead them to perform better and provide higher quality education or is this an ineffective measure ?

209 .How should schools address racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination in an effective manner ?

210 .What measures can be taken so as ensure that every child has access to quality education regardless of their financial background?

211 .Should physical education classes receive equal weighting when compared with core academic subject areas like math, science & language arts?

212. Should schools offer more comprehensive mental health support services to students?

213. Can technology help bridge the gaps between student performance levels across demographic groups?

214. Is there any way of making college admissions fairer and less competitive?

215. To what extent should financial literacy be incorporated into school curriculums today ?

216. What can be done in order to ensure that teachers have better access to quality educational resources within their classrooms ?

217. Are standardized tests an effective measure of judging a student's academic ability or potential ?

218 .What strategies could be implemented so as to reduce the amount of bullying and harassment faced by high school students today ?

219 .Should we limit the number of extracurricular activities offered at our schools in order for us to focus on academics instead?

220 .How should social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram & Twitter be monitored by parents and educators when used by children/students ?

221 .Are there any measures that could be taken so as to make online testing secure from cheating and fraudulence?

222 .To what extent does peer pressure negatively affect high schoolers'

223. What can be done to make sure that students in rural areas have access to the same educational opportunities as those living in urban centers?

224. Is there any way of mitigating the effect of toxic cliques and peer groups on student's mental health ?

225 .Are there any measures that could be implemented so as to reduce the amount of stress faced by high schoolers today?

226. Should parents or schools bear more responsibility when it comes to disciplining children/students?

227. How can we reduce gender inequality within High School classrooms and curriculums today ?

228 .Should all public schools receive equal funding regardless of their location or size ?

229 .What strategies should be used to ensure a safe learning environment for our students even during times of global crisis such as Covid19 pandemic ?

230 .How should we go about making sure that college education remain accessible despite rising tuition fees across different institutions worldwide ?

231 .What methods can be used in order for teachers to better integrate technological tools into their teaching methodology without compromising quality education?

232. Should schools be allowed to implement a dress code policy?

233. Are there any measures that should be taken in order to reduce the amount of stress faced by high schoolers during exams?

234. What role do standardized tests play in helping students earn college admissions and scholarships?

235. Is it important for parents, teachers and the government to work together in order to ensure successful learning outcomes for children/students ?

236. How can we use technology in order to bridge the gap between student performance levels across various demographic groups ?

237 .What methods are available so as to make sure that our students have access quality educational resources even during times of crisis or pandemics such as Covid-19 ?

238 .Should schools offer more comprehensive career counseling services for their students?

239 .What strategies could be used by educators so as ensure better parent-teacher communication when it comes addressing student issues within classrooms ?

240 .How can we distinguish between what is beneficial and harmful content when using social media among teenagers today ?

241 .Should schools incorporate financial literacy topics into their curriculums for high schoolers

242. What measures should be taken in order to promote equitable access of resources and opportunities among students from all backgrounds ?

243. Should universities increase funding for student-led initiatives and research projects?

244. How can schools create a safe space for meaningful conversations about mental health issues among high schoolers ?

245. Are there any strategies that could help teachers better engage their students in controversial topics such as politics, race, sexuality etc. ?

246. Are there any ways of incentivizing healthy habits such as physical exercise and nutrition amongst teenagers across different demographics?

247. How can we use technology to reduce the gap between teacher-student interaction levels in virtual classrooms today?

248. What role do standardized tests play when it comes evaluating the performance of an individual student or a group of students?

249. Is there any way to make sure that college admissions are done equitably even if certain colleges have more applicants than others due to prestige factors ?

250. To what extent does competition within high school classrooms affect how well our children learn complex concepts and acquire skillsets ?

251. Should schools incorporate more experiential learning activities so as to ensure effective learning outcomes for their students

252. Should schools offer more diversified options for extracurricular activities?

253. Is there a need to reduce the emphasis on grades when it comes to college admissions and scholarships?

254. What measures should be taken in order to promote ethical use of technology amongst high schoolers?

255. How can we make sure that our education systems remain accessible despite changes within the global economy ?

256. Are there any ways of making sure that teachers get adequate support in terms of resources, training and remuneration ?

257. Should schools invest more into teaching about personal finance management for their students ?

258. What strategies should educators take towards establishing a safe environment free from discrimination against students on the basis of race, gender or sexuality ?

259. To what extent does social media affect student performance as well as mental health within high schools today?

260. How can we ensure that our classrooms are inclusive and welcoming environments even during times of uncertainty such as pandemics like Covid19.

261. What strategies should be employed to reduce cheating during exams and assessments amongst high schoolers?

262. How can we make sure that our classrooms are supportive and equitable spaces for students of all backgrounds?

263. Are there any measures that could help reduce the level of stress experienced by teenagers across different demographics ?

264. Should states increase funding towards developing better infrastructure within schools so as to ensure adequate resources for teachers & students?

265. In what ways can educators encourage greater civic engagement among high schoolers today?                                                        

266. How can we improve the quality of education provided at public institutions while also reducing its costs ?

267. Is there a need to modify the existing grading system so as to make it more accurate when it comes evaluating student performance ?

268. To what extent do extracurricular activities play a role in helping teens develop important skillsets & knowledge ?

269. How can parents, teachers, and administrators work together in order to promote positive mental health outcomes amongst high schoolers

270. How can robotics & automation help high schoolers develop skillsets for the 21st century workplace?

271. Should schools incorporate more learning activities that are based on real world problems?                                      

272. What measures should be taken to promote gender equality in terms of academic opportunities within high schools today ?

273. Are there any feasible solutions to make sure our students are adequately prepared for college admissions tests such as SAT and ACT?

274. What strategies could be employed to reduce the cost of textbooks and educational materials so as to make them accessible to a wider range of students?

275. How can technology enable educators in providing tailored instruction plans that meet the different needs of their students ?

276. Is there a need for introducing an ethics class in all high schools in order to foster meaningful conversations about morality, justice, and equity?

277. Can we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools within classrooms today so as to optimize individualized learning experiences ?

278. What measures should teachers take towards tackling plagiarism amongst their students effectively ?

279. In what ways can parents provide support when it comes motivating their children academically without putting too much pressure on them?

280. Should schools offer more financial support for low-income students?

281. Can we make the curriculum in high schools more relevant to real-world needs?

282. How can technology be used as a tool in classrooms to help foster collaboration amongst learners?

283. Is there a need to introduce new forms of assessment such as portfolios and projects in order to accurately evaluate student performance?

284. To what extent does standardized testing affect the quality of education within our high schools today ?                                                                             

285. What strategies should educators employ towards combating cyberbullying among teenagers today?

286. Should states adopt legislation that supports increased period lengths so that students have more time during classes to engage with course material in greater detail ?

287. Are there any measures that could improve teacher retention rates across different demographics & regions within the US ?

288. How can we ensure our classrooms are safe spaces where all students feel comfortable enough to express their opinions without fear or judgement ?

289. Does an increase in school funding lead directly result into improved academic performance amongst students at public institutions ?

290. How can we promote meaningful conversations around difficult topics such as racism, sexism, and homophobia in high schools today?

291. Is the current college admissions process fair enough to give students from all backgrounds equal opportunities ?

292. Should states invest more into vocational training programs so that teens have a wider range of career options available to them after graduation ?

293. What measures should be taken in order to increase parental involvement within their teenage children's lives beyond academics?

294. Are there any feasible solutions towards reducing drop-out rates among high schoolers?

295. Can we use technology effectively when it comes inspiring our teens towards great life goals & ambitions?

296. Do alternative forms of education such as home schooling offer definite benefits over traditional classroom instruction for some students ?                                                                          

297. To what extent has technology changed the way teachers interact & engage with their students in classrooms today ?

298. How do educators foster critical thinking amongst their teenage learners without imposing too much pressure on them academic performance wise?

299. Should standardized testing be eliminated from schools to give students more opportunities for creativity?

300. Can we make the curriculum in high school contribute more towards preparing students for the future job market?

301. How can states invest in resources that promote healthy mental health amongst teenagers today ?

302. Are there any ways of increasing access to digital learning materials without compromising on educational standards?

303. Is it possible to reduce homework load and still maintain a rigorous academic program in high schools ?

304. What strategies can teachers employ to help their struggling learners overcome academic challenges ?

305. Should parents also bear responsibility when it comes teaching values such as respect, honesty, and integrity at home?                                                                   

306. Can technology tools be used effectively within classrooms so as to provide personalized instruction plans?

307. Is online education the best way forward towards achieving equity & excellence in education today ?

308. Should students be allowed to use their phones in class for educational purposes?

309. Are all-girls schools more beneficial than coeducational institutions?

310. Does the current school system limit creativity and innovative thinking among young learners?

311. Is there a need for increased regulation of private schooling systems so as to ensure equity & excellence in education?

312. What measures can be taken in order to make physical education classes more fun and engaging for high schoolers?                                                                            

313. To what extent can teachers use traditional storytelling techniques when it comes teaching complex subjects such as mathematics or sciences ?

314. How do we address issues arising from overcrowded classrooms that inhibit teacher-student communication & engagement with course content ?

315. How should educators tackle drug abuse amongst teens without compromising on student privacy rights ?

316. Can technology help enhance our ability to teach difficult concepts such as abstract reasoning, problem solving and critical thinking ?

317. Should states adopt legislation which discourages teenage pregnancy through sex education programs offered at high schools throughout the country ?                                                                             

318. Do modern day activities such as video gaming offer developmental benefits that are often

319. Should students be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities in order to develop their communication & leadership skills?

320. Is the current system of standardized testing fair enough towards minority & underprivileged communities?

321. Are there any effective methods of teaching ethical decision-making among teenagers ?

322. What are some ways we can promote healthy competition without making it overly competitive or cruel at schools ?

323. Can the use of technology within classrooms improve student engagement and learning outcomes?

324. How can educators effectively address cyberbullying amongst students today with minimal disruption for classes ?

325. To what extent should parents be allowed to monitor their children's online activity when it comes to school work assignments, tests & exams etc.?

326. Do afterschool programs offer tangible benefits that impact both academic performance and well being amongst high schoolers ?                                                                   ­

327. Does the legalization of marijuana have an effect on student behaviour and attitudes towards drug abuse in general?

328. Are there any strategies for reducing teenage crime rates in a given community beyond law enforcement measures alone?

329. Should students be encouraged to take part in political debates and campaigns within their communities?

330. Is the current educational curriculum adequate enough for providing a holistic learning experience to high schoolers ?

331. What are some of the best teaching practices that can help develop strong critical thinking skills among students?

332. How should educators approach controversial topics such as religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation when teaching high schoolers?

333. Is there evidence that homeschooling has any effect on academic performance or personal growth amongst teens ?                                      

334. Can young learners benefit from internships & apprenticeships programs offered by companies in their respective areas?

335. Are there methods teachers can adopt so as to better motivate underperforming students with special needs while still maintaining classroom discipline?                                      ­           

336. Should all states have strict policies regarding underage drinking & drug use both within schools and outside of them ?

337. Does student participation in art projects improve cognitive development such as problem solving, memory recall & creativity ?

338. What measures can be taken towards helping teenage parents balance attending classes with raising children successfully? ­

339. Are there any cultural implications on the learning process for teenagers from diverse backgrounds ?

340. Can teenage volunteering positively influence their social and emotional development?

341. Is it possible to create a safe environment in schools where students can freely express themselves without fear of discrimination?

342. Should classes be scheduled differently so as to allow more time for independent study or extracurricular activities?

343. Does peer pressure have an impact on academic performance amongst high schoolers ?

344. Do standardized tests adequately assess the knowledge & skills of teens while preparing them for college studies ?                                                                    ­

345. How could education reform effectively address growing student loan debt among young adults?

346. Is there any evidence that shows how physical activity such as sports, exercise etc. is beneficial to cognitive functioning among teens? ­               ­ ‐

347. What are some effective ways in which teachers can engage with parents better when addressing issues faced by students at school?

348. Does participation in community service projects help develop altruism within teenagers’ social circle and beyond ? ­                  ­

349. Should students be taught financial literacy from a young age in order to prevent them from making costly mistakes with their money?

350. Is there enough emphasis on practical skills such as coding, robotics etc. in high school curriculums?

351. Are online classes & virtual learning environments an effective way of teaching teenagers?

352. How can schools best address the issue of bullying among students and what steps should be taken for prevention ? ­                        ­           

353. Can restorative justice approaches significantly reduce student suspensions & expulsion rates within schools ?

354. What are some of the ways that parents can better support their children throughout the transition into high school? ­      ­ ‐

355. In what ways could meditation and mindfulness practices improve academic performance amongst high schoolers ? ­                        ­

356. Does parental involvement have any significant impact on teenage behavior related to drug or alcohol abuse?

357. To what extent does technology influence how teens interact with each other both inside and outside school grounds?

358. Do teachers need additional resources/training when it comes to addressing mental health issues amongst their students ?

359. Should there be stricter regulations in regards to the information that is sha

360. Are there any advantages to teaching students with a blended approach of online and physical classes?

361. Is social media use beneficial or detrimental to teenagers’ development & wellbeing?

362. What precautions should schools take in order to ensure student safety on campus?

363. How could introducing vocational courses help high schoolers gain skills for their future jobs ?

364. Does the current education system allow for equal opportunities for all students regardless of socio-economic backgrounds ?

365. Have digital devices and technology caused an increase in attention span issues amongst teens? ­  ­           

366. In what ways can career guidance counselors better assist teenage students make well informed decisions about their educational paths ?

367. What are some effective methods teachers can use when it comes to imparting knowledge as well as inspiring curiosity among high schoolers ?

368. Should the government enforce stricter laws and regulations regarding student safety in high schools?

369. Is it necessary for young people to learn a second language from an early age?

370. What are the long-term effects of sleep deprivation among teenagers?

371. How has social media changed communication dynamics between teens & their peers/family members ? ­  ­            ‐

372. Do standardized tests accurately measure the knowledge & skills acquired by students during their high school years ? ­                 ­

373. Are extracurricular activities beneficial to a student's academic performance and personal development ?

374. To what extent can technology assist with personalized learning experiences in order to better facilitate understanding amongst teenage students? ­        ­ ‐

375. Is there any benefit of introducing longer summer breaks into high school curriculums ?

376. Does interdisciplinary teaching have any positive effect on teen engagement within classrooms ? ­           ­           

377. Can increasing awareness about mental health issues help reduce stigma faced by those seeking help or support at school? ­

378. Should the legal drinking age be lowered for high school students?

379. Are there any effective ways to address bullying in schools?

380. How do dress codes impact teenagers’ self-expression?

381. What can be done to reduce the number of dropouts in high schools?

382. Can we use technology as a tool for teaching critical thinking skills to teens?

383. Is it necessary to maintain strict gender roles when it comes to academic activities amongst teenage students ?

384. Do standardized tests have any value when assessing student performance & should they continue being used ? ­         ­ ‐                        ‐            ­           

385. In what ways could developing countries benefit from introducing programs that encourage girls' education in secondary schools ? ­               ­ ‐

386. Are there any innovative methods teachers could utilize in order to promote healthy competition amongst their pupils ? ­              ­ ‐

387. How much of an influence does socio-economic status play on educational outcomes among teenage students worldwide?

388. Is media literacy an important skill for teenagers to learn in order to combat the negative effects of fake news?

389. Should there be stricter laws concerning food labeling and ingredients in school cafeterias?

390. What are some effective methods parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's internet usage & digital footprints ?

391. Can video games have a positive impact on teen learning outcomes ?

392. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used ?

393. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better ?

394. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students?

395. Is there any benefit of increasing recess times for high schools students & could it improve concentration levels during classes?

396. Should students be allowed to choose the topics they want to learn in school?

397. Are religious holidays important enough to be taken off from school?

398. Is it necessary for young people to have a basic understanding of coding and programming languages?

399. Can technology help reduce the amount of cheating on tests/assignments within high schools ? ­             ­ ‐

400. What are some effective ways parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's mental health & well-being ?

401. How can we foster better relationships between teachers, students, and parents in order to create a more productive learning environment for teens? ­             ­ ‐

402. Does using smartphones during classes really have any negative effects on student engagement & concentration levels ?

403. To what extent should educational institutions introduce courses that emphasize financial literacy amongst teenage students ? ­   ­               ‐                         ‐

404. Should there be stricter regulations regarding student safety in high schools?

405. Do standardized tests accurately measure the knowledge & skills acquired by teenagers during their high school years?

406. Should social media be regulated to prevent cyberbullying amongst high school students?

407. Is it necessary to have stricter regulations regarding the use of cellphones in classrooms?

408. Are there any effective ways educators can reduce educational inequality between low-income and affluent communities ? ­      ­ ‐

409. What strategies or activities could teachers utilize in order to facilitate meaningful conversations during class discussions ? ­    ­ ‐

410. Could introducing courses related to mental health awareness help teenage students cope with stress & anxiety better?

411. Does student participation and engagement decrease when laptops are used for coursework ?           ‐                         ‐ ­          What is the value of learning a foreign language in secondary schools, should it still be mandatory ?

412. How can teenagers become more civically engaged within their own community & political environment ?

413. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used? ­          ­ ‐

414. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online? ­      ­ ‐

415. Should students be able to pick their own topics within school curriculums?

416. Is homework a necessary part of the learning process or an outdated practice?

417. How could introducing courses focused on personal development help teenagers reach their full potential?

418. What are some effective methods parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's internet usage & digital footprints ?

419. Can video games have a positive impact on teen learning outcomes ?

420. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used ?

421. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better ?

422. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students?

423. Is there any benefit of increasing recess times for high schools students & could it improve concentration levels during classes?

424. Is it beneficial to introduce a more active learning environment for teens?

425. Does homeschooling offer better opportunities for high school students?

426. Should schools relax their dress codes to create a more inclusive teaching environment?

427. What are the benefits and drawbacks of offering free public college tuition & education reform ?

428. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online ?

429. Are there any effective ways educators can reduce educational inequality between low-income and affluent communities ? ­      

430. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students ? ­

431. To what extent should educational institutions introduce courses that emphasize financial literacy amongst teenage students ?

431. Should social media be regulated to prevent cyberbullying amongst high school students ?

432. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better?

433. Should schools offer more flexibility in course options for their students?

434. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online? ­               

435. What strategies or activities could teachers utilize in order to facilitate meaningful conversations during class discussions ?

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270 Engaging School Speech Topics for Students to Consider

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Would you have to deliver a captivating speech in your school? Are you looking for the top school speech topics for your assignment? Don’t worry! In this blog post, we have recommended some interesting school speech topics and ideas for students of all grades. Also, here, we have explained how to pick a perfect topic and give a successful speech in a class or speech competition.

If you are a school student who desires to give an impressive speech, then continue reading this blog post and get extraordinary ideas and tips for writing a school speech.

How to Prepare a School Speech

Giving a speech is an integral part of scholarly life. No matter in what grade you study, you will be often asked to attend speech competitions. Most importantly, as a part of the academic projects, sometimes your teachers will assign you oral presentation tasks to test your communication skills. Delivering a speech is not as easy as you think. It actually requires strong soft skills that include problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, and active listening.

To deliver an award-winning school speech, follow the below-mentioned speech preparation steps.

• First, learn and understand the speech rules and guidelines.
• Know your target audience.
• Find out the right school speech topic to grab the attention of your audience.
• Identify the style and tone of your speech based on your speech purpose and target audience.
• Refer to credible sources and collect information related to your topic by performing deep research.
• Prepare a neat and clear speech outline.
• Write an appealing speech on your selected topic with the main points you have gathered.
• Present your speech in front of your friends or family members and receive feedback from them.
• Alter your speech, based on the feedback received.
• Rehearse it multiple times.

Important School Speech Presentation Tips

Following the above-mentioned steps in order will help you to give an engrossing speech. But, in addition to that, we also suggest you follow the below-mentioned tips when you deliver a speech in your class.

• Before you start preparing for the speech, find out the size of the audience and the venue. Because such details will help you to focus on your volume and gestures.
• When preparing the speech content, take the time limit into account. Your speech should not cross the time duration allotted for you.
• Don’t deviate from the topic of discussion. Narrow down your focus and cover only the main points that support your thesis statement.
• Share interesting anecdotes, backstories, or fun elements to establish a connection with your audience.
• Make sure to organize your ideas and structure your speech in a proper manner so that it would be easy for the audience to trace your argument and get a clear understanding of your viewpoints.
• To make your audience listen to you, prepare engaging, informative, and entertaining speech content.
• Give more importance to your body language, volume, tone, and eye movement.
• Whenever you deliver a speech, repeat the important points and also give a pause at necessary places.
• Always approach a topic from a unique perspective.
• Concentrate on your strengths and present a speech by including a set of emotions. The speech you give should relax the audience.

A few more points to remember while delivering a school speech

• It is common to commit errors while giving a speech. But learn how to tackle your mistakes, if you do anything on the stage.
• Stay in sync with your audience and quickly respond to their reactions during your speech.
• When giving a speech, avoid using filler words like uhm, like, uh, you know, ahm, etc.
• Before you go on to the stage, rehearse your speech multiple times to build your confidence level.
• Once you finish your speech, ask your audience if they have queries. Prepare yourself to provide clarifications for all the questions that come from the audience side.

How to Select a Perfect School Speech Topic

Finding the right speech topic is one of the toughest tasks. Usually, teachers will share a list of speech topics for you to choose from. But sometimes they will give you the liberty to choose the topic of your choice.

In case, you are asked to select the speech topic on your own, then this is what you should follow.

• First, identify your area of interest.
• Collect the latest trending topics from your area of interest.
• Brainstorm all the topics gathered and identify one ideal topic for your speech.

Here are a few important tips you should keep in mind during the speech topic selection process.

• Always choose a topic that matches your interest.
• Identify a topic that is meaningful to you and your audience.
• Consider a topic that allows you to share your opinions or arguments without any restrictions.
• Avoid picking a topic that is too wide or too specific.
• Give preference to the topic that has strong evidence or examples supporting your main points.

Besides all these tips, before finalizing your topic, check whether or not the topic you have selected satisfies the speech rules and guidelines shared by your teacher.

List of School Speech Topics and Ideas

In general, there are endless school speech topics available on different subjects. Especially, for the students of elementary school, middle school, and high school, here we have added a list of the best school speech topic ideas on various areas such as environment, health, sports, technology, etc.

If you are hunting for the best speech topics for your school assignments, then without any hesitation, explore the list below and select a topic that suits you.

Easy Elementary School Speech Topics

• Places I lived.
• A visit to the doctor.
• Our last vacation trip.
• My best birthday ever.
• The song I like to sing every day.
• My neighborhood.
• Oceans in the World.
• What makes me happy
• My favorite family story.
• Why dogs are better than cats?
• Tell us why living on planet Earth is better than living on planet Mars
• What happened to the dinosaurs?
• Which is your favorite cartoon character and why?
• Why should everyone eat more vegetables?
• What makes me sad?
• My favorite indoor and outdoor games
• The place I want to visit every year
• My favorite leisure activity
• Why it is good to keep an aquarium at home?

Simple Elementary School Speech Topics

• My favorite teacher.
• Why I like my school.
• The best day of my life.
• Why I want to travel to outer space
• My favorite sports or games.
• My greatest strength.
• Why should we use paper bags instead of plastic?
• My ambitions in life.
• The best way to study for a test.
• My favorite subject.
• My favorite cartoon character.
• Convince us that candy is good or bad for our health.
• My favorite fairy tale characters.
• My favorite hobby.
• Tell us about your most prized possession.

Amazing Middle School Speech Topics

• Favorite sports moments.
• Tell about brands or products that are popular in this school.
• My trip abroad.
• Reasons to abandon grounding rules.
• Foreign flags and their story.
• Strange world records set in history.
• Ways I use to relax.
• Why we are no longer kids but are called young adults?
• Suggest innovative ways to control air pollution.
• My hobbies.
• Environmental problems in our community.
• If I was a journalist, I would investigate
• How to organize a fun weekend for the whole family.
• Traditional fairy tales from around the world.
• The funniest thing that ever happened to me.
• Free time activities that you can recommend.
• The school field trip I would like to go.
• Aviation pioneers.
• Suggestions for fun weekends.
• Fashion trends in the last century.
• Co-Education has more benefits than drawbacks
• Boarding schools are not always better compared to day schools
• Tell us about the most memorable day in your school
• Moral of the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’
• Discuss the valuable lessons you have learned from the story of ‘Snow White’

Unique Speech Topics for Middle School Students

• If I was my father or mother for one day.
• My musical instrument and the lessons I take.
• My favorite television show.
• Computer games I like to play.
• How does global warming affect the icebergs?
• How to cope with the fear of public speaking?
• The best fishing spots.
• My favorite era in history.
• Handwritten letters and emails- Discuss how traditional patterns have changed.
• African masks and their meaning in holy rituals.
• If I was born hundred years ago, I would be
• Unusual experiences in life.
• Magic tricks with simple playing cards.
• Family members I admire.
• A ride in a truck for transporting heavy objects.
• Ancient Chinese emperors and their interesting uniforms.
• How to score high marks in exams?
• My first visit to a dentist.
• My most memorable vacation trip till now.
• Outdoor activities and indoor activities on a rainy day.

Read more: How to Become a Primary School Teacher in Australia

Outstanding High School Speech Topics

• Peer pressure will help students grow.
• Schools must not sell unhealthy foods.
• Recess time must be extended.
• How to deal with bullies.
• Fashion is not important.
• Textbooks shouldn’t be replaced by technology in high schools.
• Sugary drinks should not be sold at school.
• The benefits of not being a follower.
• Cheerleading isn’t a sport.
• Students are less religious than their parents.
• Standardized tests are not a measure of a student’s ability.
• Failing is a blessing in disguise.
• Class sizes make a big difference.
• Girls are under more pressure in high school.
• Schools should offer rewards for good test scores.
• Smoking makes students outcasts.
• Students don’t spend enough time reading books.
• Co-ed schools are better than single-gender schools.
• Cyberbullies should be suspended from school.
• Private schools are not better than government schools.
• Posting videos on YouTube should be restricted for a certain class of people
• Racism and colorism must be prohibited legally
• Girls are more powerful compared to boys in terms of endurance training
• The strength of a person lies in his/her capability of surviving and overcoming problems
• Every government should focus on providing free education and health to the people belonging to vulnerable groups

Top High School Speech Topics

• Hard work is more important than talent.
• Attractive students have an advantage over others.
• Extra online classes are worth it.
• Untidy handwriting is a sign of intelligence.
• Students have too much workload.
• Parents embarrass their kids too much.
• Helping a friend isn’t always good.
• It is important to have a mix of friends to socialize with.
• Class sizes should not exceed 20 students.
• Students have no interest in government matters.
• It is important to take career assessment tests.
• Creativity isn’t something that can be taught.
• ‘Name and shame’ do not change teenage behavior.
• Teachers don’t use technology to its full potential.
• The best way to learn is alone.
• It should be illegal for under 21’s to buy cigarettes.
• Students’ interests will change in high school.
• Outings to museums have no educational value.
• School should be all year round.
• The racial makeup of a school is important.

Impressive Speech Topics for High School Students

• Great places to visit in the world.
• Group projects only cause conflict.
• Astronomical signs and their meanings.
• Driving must be taught in High School.
• Web filters at school are not restrictive enough.
• Corporal punishment is abuse.
• Teachers want to create leaders.
• Weekend jobs make students more responsible.
• Robotics now and in the future – is it helpful in the daycare business?
• Students should focus on schoolwork ahead of social life.
• A narrow escape from trouble.
• What would you like to change in this society and why?
• How to organize surprise parties.
• What are your community activities?
• Strange experiences in a restaurant.
• All students should get involved in exchange programs.
• How to visit and enjoy an art museum?
• Food photography is much more difficult than you think.
• Amazing discoveries or facts you have never heard of before.
• Suggestions for a school field trip in the autumn.
• Entrepreneurship education positively impacts the sustainability of Indian family businesses
• The inability to learn from failures and optimism impedes entrepreneurial innovations
• Exposure to social media sites positively impacts job searching and employment opportunities
• Israel developed a technological ecosystem framework to create the world’s most successful tech start-ups
• Social networking sites and print media significantly impact political campaigns and elections
• Depletion of the Ozone Layer is a result of human activities and lack of consciousness towards safeguarding nature
• Ocean acidification brings a highly detrimental impact on marine organisms
• The use of alternatives energy recourses is the only resolution to the environmental deterioration
• What is the difference between a school, college, and university in the United States?
• Discuss the major problems in the education system of India

Excellent High School Speech Topics

• Mothers should stay at home with their kids.
• Why are vampires so popular with school kids?
• Assisted suicide should be legalized.
• People should be allowed to sell their organs for transplants.
• Teacher’s pay should be based on performance.
• Should marijuana be legalized?
• Should parents be held legally responsible for their children’s actions?
• Joining the debate club will help you be successful.
• Should students have to take mandatory drug tests?
• Should volunteer work be mandatory in order to graduate from high school?
• Eating meat is detrimental to your health and to the planet.
• Dependence on technology is making humans less intelligent.
• Should the Government be involved in internet censorship?
• Television, video game, and movie violence increase juvenile crime rates.
• Will weapons of mass destruction one day bring about the end of the world?
• Overuse of cell phones causes trauma in young brains.
• The voting age should be reduced to 16.
• Offline classes are better than online classes.
• Ancient methods of torture.
• Should adoption records stay sealed forever?
• The pressure on girls to have flawless bodies can be attributed to the media.
• Should new construction adhere to particular energy efficiency requirements?
• A “Green New Deal” would benefit or harm America.
• Should residents have the ability to prevent the development of a wind farm next to their homes?
• What advantages do zoos have over other types of animal care?

Interesting High School Speech Topics

• Should unborn pigs, frogs, or other animals be dissected as part of the high school curriculum?
• If states want to control the deer population, should they restore wolves and other predators?
• Is hunting deer moral?
• Should drugs be subject to lawful animal testing? What about makeup?
• All high school students should be required to complete community service before graduating.
• the qualities that distinguish heroes.
• Growing things in a garden is crucial.
• How much of one’s personal information should one disclose online?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to view some forms of online content?
• Does social media isolate viewpoints or does it broaden them?
• Should high school graduates be required to complete community service or voluntary work?
• Should males and girls have their own bathrooms? How about transgender and genderqueer students?
• Should undocumented immigrants enjoy the same rights as citizens?
• Should children of illegal immigrants who were born in the country be granted citizenship?
• Should students have the opportunity to obtain a free college education?
• We ought to abandon the use of automobiles and return to the use of horses and carriages.
• Do standardized examinations that are required by the state provide useful data about academic achievement?
• Should school hours be cut back and made more productive?
• Should high school students pursue art and music, or are these subjects a waste of time?
• The failure of bystanders to step in when there is a problem at school must be held accountable.

Best School Speech Ideas

• How to overcome exam fever?
• Plagiarism is getting out of hand.
• Speech on organ donation.
• Group work in class should be kept small.
• Schools must get involved with obese students’ weight issues.
• Hiking trails nobody knows.
• How to control water pollution?
• Why are television shows popular?
• Speech on disaster management.
• How to speak confidently in public?
• The character you would like to change.
• Should zoos be banned?
• Students are unaware of how to live in the moment.
• Boys hide their body image pressure.
• The media is to blame for the pressure on girls wanting perfect bodies.
• Speech on child labor.
• Importance of cleanliness.
• Should school uniforms be banned?
• How to manage waste?
• Explain the importance of water.

Latest School Speech Ideas

• Do video games promote violence?
• Should schools make swimming lessons mandatory?
• What is the best age to own a mobile phone?
• How will recycling help us?
• Is PowerPoint presentation a waste of time?
• What is better: Rote learning or Hands-on Learning?
• Speech on unemployment.
• Are smart classes beneficial to students?
• Talk about road safety.
• Is it fair to have the same grading system for all students?
• Should we allow mobile phones in school?
• Boarding schools are better than day schools?
• Speech on Yoga
• Is the government doing enough to handle global warming?
• How to save water?
• To socialize, it’s necessary to have a variety of pals.
• Children deliberately complicate parenting.
• It’s not always a good idea to assist a friend.
• The school that students attend should be their choice.
• Not all teachers have the capacity to motivate their students.
• Violence on television, in video games, and in movies all raises the risk of youth criminality.
• High school students do not require hovering parents.
• Your most humiliating experience in school and how you handled it to avoid embarrassment and to resolve the difficult situation
• High schools don’t always see a student’s potential to its fullest.
• You will be more successful in college or university if you join the debate club.

Trending School Speech Ideas

• There shouldn’t be more than 20 students in a class.
• Discuss how conventional patterns have evolved with regard to handwritten letters and emails.
• The significance of African masks in religious ceremonies.
• I would be if I had been born one hundred years ago.
• Did you know that a team of scenarists, sometimes three, crafts the plots for television soap operas? Is it one of the reasons they are so popular?
• I desire new legislation on… So feel free to correct mistakes and address abuses.
• When you go inside the school, what do you frequently consider?
• High schools shouldn’t use technology to replace textbooks.
• The sale of sugary beverages at schools is inappropriate.
• What is something you’ve always wished you could achieve but had the guts to do so?
• suggestions for an autumn school field trip.
• Asking about dreams and explaining them are both recommended. Avoid the shoddy occult trade and seek advice from a competent dream reader.
• Should participation in voluntary work be required to earn a high school diploma?
• Meat consumption is bad for the environment and your health.
• Technology dependence is reducing human intelligence.

Attractive School Speech Topics

• Hard work vs. Smart work
• The impact of natural disasters on economic growth.
• Ethical dilemmas of emerging technologies.
• Speak about privacy in the digital age.
• The role of technology in combating corruption.
• The impact of social media on self-esteem.
• Speak about the coolest innovations you have seen.
• The influence of mothers in shaping their kids’ values and beliefs.
• Satyagraha: The Power of Truth and Nonviolent Resistance
• Speak about the evolution of communist movements.

The Bottom Line

From the list of outstanding school speech topics and ideas suggested in this blog, pick any topic that is comfortable for you to speak on.  Remember, a good speech topic alone will not help you to deliver a winning speech. Along with the topic, you should also give more importance to the speech content and presentation style.

In case, you are not sure how to write an impressive school speech, contact us immediately. We have well-experienced speechwriters on our team to offer reliable school speech assignment writing help online at an affordable price. Especially, based on the requirements you share with us, the experts on our platform will assist you in preparing incredible speech content impressive to your listeners.

Why are you still waiting? Just place your order and earn more academic benefits offered by our school speech writing service.

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185 Excellent School Speech Topics and Ideas

Table of Contents

If you are a school student, then to evaluate your communication skills, your teachers may ask you to deliver an engaging speech in front of your class or they may ask you to participate in a speech competition. Do you have your speech competition shortly? Right now, are you surfing the internet for award-winning school speech topics? Don’t worry! You are in the right place.

Especially, to assist the students of all grades, here, in this blog post, we have recommended a list of the best school speech topics in several categories. So, without any second thought, dive inside this blog post and pick an ideal topic for your school speech. Also, from here, learn how to choose a good school speech topic and deliver an impressive speech.

Read More – Motivational Speech Topics for Writing an Influential Speech

How to Choose an Ideal School Speech Topic

To deliver a thought-provoking school speech, a perfect topic is necessary. Usually, while giving speech assignments, your teachers will give you a list of speech topic ideas for you to choose from. But at times, they will give you the liberty to come up with a great speech topic of your choice. You might feel hard if you are given that choice.

In case, you are asked to select the school topic on your own, then this is what you should do.

• Firstly, learn and understand the speech rules and guidelines.
• Secondly, get to know your target audience.
• Thirdly, find out your area of interest.
• Fourthly, in your area of interest, gather plenty of the latest and top-trending school speech topics.
• Finally, brainstorm all the collected topics, and from it, pick one amazing topic that is matching your interest and is suitable for your target audience.

Also Read: 15 Reasons Why Cell Phones Should Be Allowed in School

List of the Best School Speech Topics and Ideas

School Speech Topic Selection Tips

Especially, while finalizing the topic for your school speech, make sure to keep the following tips in mind.

• Always select a topic from your area of interest.
• Know your target audience and pick a topic that is relevant to them.
• Choose a topic that is meaningful, unique, and engaging.
• Consider a topic that has the power to impress your listeners.
• Never choose a topic that is too vast or too specific to discuss.
• Pick a topic that allows you to present your viewpoints, arguments, or opinions.
• Avoid choosing a controversial topic.
• Select a topic that has more examples and evidence to prove your arguments or point of discussion.
• Confirm the topic only if it meets the school speech rules and guidelines shared by your teacher.

School Speech Preparation

By following the topic selection steps and tips shared above, you can come up with a brilliant topic for your school speech. Once you have selected an outstanding school speech topic, be certain to execute the following speech preparation steps sequentially.

• Identify the speech style and tone suitable to persuade your audience.
• Research and collect the major points related to your topic from credible sources.
• With the gathered points, create a neat outline for your speech.
• Next, prepare interesting speech content as per your teacher’s speech rules and guidelines.
• Deliver your speech in front of your friends or family members and get feedback from them.
• Update your speech content, based on the feedback received.
• Practice several times before you go onto the stage.

Tips for Delivering an Impressive Speech in School

Wondering how to present a successful speech in school? Don’t worry! Just follow the below-mentioned tips.

• While you prepare for your speech, get to know the size of the audience and the venue so that you can focus on your volume and gestures.
• Give importance to the time limit while preparing your speech. Never cross the time duration allotted for you.
• Avoid deviating from the topic of discussion. Narrow down your focus and cover only the important points that support your thesis statement.
• Present amazing anecdotes, backstories, or fun elements to create a bond with your audience.
• Organize your ideas and prepare well-structured speech content so that it will be easy for you to make your audience understand your viewpoints.
• To make your audience listen to you, prepare engaging, informative, and entertaining speech content.
• Give high significance to your body language, volume, tone, and eye movement.
• Don’t deliver your speech at a high speed. Give a pause at necessary places and repeat the important points.
• Always approach a topic from a unique perspective.
• Give importance to your strengths and present your speech by including a set of emotions. Your speech should relax the audience.
• Learn to tackle your mistakes, if you commit anything on the stage.
• Stay in sync with your audience and quickly reply to their reactions.
• Never use filler words like uhm, like, uh, you know, ahm, etc.
• Before you go live, rehearse your speech multiple times to build your confidence level.
• Conduct a query or feedback session, once you finish your speech. Prepare yourself to provide valid answers to all the questions the audience asks.

Also Read: 50 Best Cell Project Ideas for Middle School Students

List of School Speech Topics and Ideas

To deliver your school speech, you can choose an informative speech topic from any area such as environment, politics, health, sports, technology, etc. Below we have listed some interesting school speech topic ideas for you in different categories. Go through them all and pick a topic that is comfortable for you to present a great speech.

Elementary School Speech Topics

• The song I like to sing every day.
• Why I want to travel to outer space.
• My favorite family story.
• Convince us that candy is good or bad for our health.
• My ambitions in life.
• Share your most prized possession.
• My best birthday ever.
• The best day of my life.
• What makes me happy
• My favorite hobby.
• Why I like my school.
• My neighborhood.
• A visit to the doctor.
• My favorite cartoon character.

Middle School Speech Topics

• Speak about your favorite teacher.
• Speech On Sports And Games.
• Speech On the Importance of Teachers in Our Lives.
• If I was a journalist, I would investigate.
• How to control air pollution.
• What brands or products are popular in this school and why?
• Environmental problems in our community.
• My most memorable vacation trip till now.
• Favorite sports moments.
• Strange world records set in history.
• My favorite era in history.
• Talk about foreign flags and their story.
• Unusual experiences in life.
• Family members I admire.
• My favorite television show.

High School Speech Topics

• If I was my father or mother for one day.
• Computer games I like to play.
• The school field trip I would like to go on.
• Why should we use paper bags instead of plastic?
• The best way to study for a test.
• Co-ed schools are better than single-gender schools.
• How to deal with bullies.
• Standardized tests are not a measure of a student’s ability.
• Fashion is not important.
• Textbooks shouldn’t be replaced by technology in high schools.
• Recess time must be extended.
• Private schools are not better than government schools.
• Failing is a blessing in disguise.
• Cheerleading isn’t a sport.
• My favorite soccer player
• My first visit to a hill station
• Painting is my favorite hobby
• My first stage performance at the school’s annual function
• Alcohol production and sale must be banned in developing countries

Engaging School Speech Topics

• The racial makeup of a school is important.
• Discuss whether outings to museums have educational value or not.
• Students have no interest in government matters.
• Helping a friend isn’t always good.
• Students have too much workload.
• Which is more important- hard work or smart work?
• Peer pressure will help students grow.
• Schools must not sell unhealthy foods.
• Great places to visit in the world.
• Eating meat is detrimental to your health and the planet.
• Offline classes are better than online classes.
• Group projects only cause conflict.
• All students should get involved in exchange programs.
• Amazing discoveries or facts you have never heard of before.
• Should parents be held legally responsible for their children’s actions?

Captivating School Speech Prompts

• Joining the debate club will help you be successful.
• A narrow escape from trouble.
• Should volunteer work be mandatory to graduate from high school?
• Weekend jobs make students more responsible.
• Should the Government be involved in internet censorship?
• Corporal punishment is abuse.
• How to organize surprise parties.
• What would you like to change in this society and why?
• Robotics now and in the future – is it helpful in the daycare business?
• Talk about road safety.
• How to live in the moment.
• What is better: Remote learning or Hands-on Learning?
• Discuss the importance of Water.
• Speech on Disaster Management

Excellent School Speech Topics

• Is it fair to have the same grading system for all students?
• Talk about waste management.
• Speech on Child Labor.
• Should schools allow students to carry mobile phones inside the classroom?
• Is PowerPoint presentation a waste of time?
• Speech on Yoga.
• Are smart classes beneficial to students?
• How to save water.
• Talk about the importance of cleanliness.
• Should school uniforms be banned?
• How will recycling help us?
• Is the government doing enough to tackle Global Warming?
• Which is better- boarding school or day school?
• Speech on Unemployment.
• Do video games promote violence?

Best School Speech Ideas

• How to overcome exam fever?
• What is the best age to own a mobile phone?
• Effective ways to control water pollution.
• Speech on Disaster Management.
• Why are television shows popular?
• Should schools make swimming lessons mandatory?
• How to speak confidently in public?
• Speech on Organ Donation.
• The character you would like to change.
• Is there value in homework?
• Music has healing power.
• Things I learned in lockdown.
• Talk about the importance of kindness.
• The best lesson I have learned in my life.
• What is the need for extracurricular activities?

Short Speech Topics for School Students

• Effective ways to conserve the environment.
• The importance of books in life
• How to tackle a bad habit
• Significance of reading.
• How to recycle food.
• Why books are better than movies?
• Talk about the coolest inventions you have seen.
• Importance of AI in Education.
• What makes learning fun?
• Life was better before the arrival of technology.
• Discuss the effects of overfishing.
• Explain the importance of diversity in higher education.
• Speak about the benefits of a career readiness program.
• Address the issue of internet abuse and cyberbullying.
• Discuss the importance of lifelong learning.

Informative English Speech Topics for Students

• Endangered species need protection
• Talk about the impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms
• The Role of Technology in Combating Corruption
• Importance of investing in alternative fuels
• Speak about The Ethical Dilemmas of Emerging Technologies
• Importance of fishing regulations
• Discuss the future of feminism
• The Role of Mothers in Shaping Society
• The Economic Consequence of Corruption.
• What is the future of Capitalism?
• Explain the value of personal accountability.
• Discuss the impact of drugs and alcohol on health.
• Explain the significance of minimizing carbon emissions.
• Should smoking be prohibited in public places?
• Discuss the consequences of climate change.

Trending Ideas for School Speech

• Lessons to learn from sports.
• The impact of technology on our health.
• Should exams be banned?
• How to empower women.
• The importance of unity.
• The pressure on females to have flawless bodies might be attributed to the media.
• School shootings in mass numbers can be avoided.
• Government-run schools are not superior to private ones.
• Single-gender schools are inferior to co-ed institutions.
• The failure of bystanders to step in when there is a problem at school must be held accountable.
• Older homosexual role models are necessary for LGBT students.
• Cigarettes should not be sold to anybody under the age of 21.
• Students become more responsible through weekend employment.
• Is robotics useful for the childcare industry today and in the future?
• Students should prioritize their academic work above their social lives.

Amazing School Speech Topics

• Schools should provide rewards to students who get high marks.
• Students’ interests will change in high school.
• Driving must be taught in high school.
• All high school students should be asked to complete community service before graduating.
• Schools must get involved with students’ weight issues.
• The school that students attend should be their choice.
• High school students do not require hovering parents.
• Web filters at school are not restrictive enough.
• School should be all year round.
• Cyberbullies should be suspended from school

Miscellaneous Speech Topics for High School Students

• It is important to learn about all world religions in school.
• How to promote reading culture
• Deforestation and Wildlife Trafficking
• What is the current state of communism?
• The importance of educating a girl child.
• Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Capitalism
• Talk about the struggles of immigrants.
• Importance of Maintaining Hygiene
• How to promote gender equality in the workplace.
• Organ Donation
• Importance of the Right to Education
• How to bridge the gap between the rich and poor.
• Global Fight to Combat Human Trafficking
• Speak about water security.
• Consequences of cheating in exams
• Significance of sports and physical exercises.
• Why value education is necessary?
• Talk about Religious Freedom.
• The impact of globalization.

Final Words

Hopefully, the school speech topics suggested above will help you to present a winning speech. In case, you have no idea what speech topic to choose or how to compose attractive speech content, then connect with us immediately. Our team contains skilled speech writers to offer help with school speech topic selection and speech writing. By availing of our reliable speech writing services, you can get the best quality speech content ahead of the due date.

Besides speech writing, we also have subject matter experts to provide you with online assignment help on almost all subjects at a fair price before the deadline.

Just book your order, and get excellent scholastic benefits by utilizing our trustworthy services.

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16 Motivational Speech Ideas for Highschool Students

Published on march 2, 2018 at 12:05 pm by nina zdinjak in lists.

Motivation is something we can all use from time to time, and that is why we have created our unique list of 16 motivational speech ideas for highschool students . We really hope that all young, bright minds out there, will find our list ideas for motivational speech for students in English useful. Also, we would appreciate your help as well, so don’t shy away from leaving us comments at the end, telling us how did you like the list, and what motivational topics for students would you add.

MyImages – Micha/Shutterstock.com

This is not the first time we are dealing with inspirational topics for youth, as we already have articles like 15 Motivational Speech Topics for Youth and 17 Controversial Debate Topics For Teenagers , so if you are looking for more interesting speech topics for students, check them out as well. Whether you are looking for those ideas because you would like to give a speech or you are just looking for some motivational stuff for yourself, we think our list will do the trick.

To create our list of great motivational speech ideas for highschool students, we’ve relied on Buzzle and Best Speech Topics , as well as our personal experience. If you find some of our suggestions too complex for highschool students, you better think again, because those students who are looking to give motivational speeches are usually more mature than their age, so we think they should be up to the challenge. Anyway, there are some easy persuasive speech topics on our list as well, so really hope there is something for everybody. We really have tried to be original and to create our list of unique speech topics. Please leave us a comment below and tell us which idea you find it best! Let’s start “easy” with our number 16.

16. Money Making Ideas

OK, for us totally unexpected suggestion, as when it comes to motivation we usually expect some altruistic motives, and not materialistic. But, thinking for a moment, we realized that this is a good idea, as money is always necessary, and it can be a great motivator. Find some great ideas for money making that will get your crowd going, but we advise to also explain to them that money should never be their final goal. Money should only be the means of achieving something else. If your final goal is to be rich, you will never be happy, as you can never be rich enough. Being rich shouldn’t be a goal, but earning money to go for a trip around the world, or to buy a house for your family to live in, could be great goals.

Copyright: sifotography / 123RF Stock Photo

Slideshow List XFinance easy speech topics unique speech topics persuasive speech examples easy persuasive speech topics inspirational topics for youth motivational topics for students english speech topics for students unique speech topics for high school Motivational Speech Topics for Youth Money Making motivational speech idea Having faith motivational speech idea interesting speech topics for students Eating healthy motivational speech idea Helping others motivational speech idea The Power of Now motivational speech idea controversial debate topics for teenagers Becoming a winner motivational speech idea The Power of Habit motivational speech idea motivational speech for students in English Life of Hellen Keller motivational speech idea Life of Mother Teresa motivational speech idea interesting speech topics for college students Getting back to nature motivational speech idea How to balance your lifemotivational speech idea Motivational Speech Ideas for Highschool Students Overcoming the obstacles motivational speech idea Learning a foreign language motivational speech idea How to help save the planet motivational speech idea Albert Einstein;s achievments motivational speech idea The Power of Postivie Thinking motivational speech idea Show more... Show less

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English Speech Topics for Students

• Updated on  
• Apr 2, 2024

Writing an exciting and thoughtful speech requires selecting a good topic, researching it thoroughly, and forming individual opinions to express the same. School students are usually asked to speak on a contemporary topic to help them become good public speakers as well as learn the art of expressing oneself in front of an audience. While many speech competitions often allot topics beforehand, you might also have heard of extempore where topics are given on the spot for speech. This blog brings you a list of common English speech topics as well as some helpful tips and tricks that can assist you in effectively expressing your thoughts and opinions in front of an audience. Let’s begin!

Checkout our 200+ Essay Topics for Students in English

List of Best English Speech Topics for Students

Speeches are all about one’s thoughts. It should not be copied from somewhere. It is all about what the speaker thinks of any given topic. However, take a look at the following list of English Speech topics on different contemporary issues as well as concepts.

1-minute Speech Topics

• The Best Day of My Life
• Social Media: Bane or Boon?
• Pros and Cons of Online Learning
• Benefits of Yoga
• If I had a Superpower
• I wish I were ______
• Human Rights
• Environment Conservation
• Women Should Rule the World!
• The Best Lesson I Have Learned
• Paperbacks vs E-books
• How to Tackle a Bad Habit
• My Favorite Pastime/Hobby
• Why should every citizen vote?
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Is it real or not?
• Importance of Reading
• Importance of Books in Our Life
• My Favorite Fictional Character
• Introverts vs Extroverts
• Lessons to Learn from Sports
• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Quick Read: English Speaking Books

Quick Read: Essay on Peer Pressure

Quick Read: Essay on Health and Fitness for Students

2-Minute Speech Topics

• I mportance of Kindness
• Is there Value in Homework?
• Things I learned in Lockdown
• How can food be recycled?
• Should Art be a part of the school curriculum?
• Should schools teach sign language?
• Women make better presidents/prime ministers
• Why books are better than movies?
• Life was better when technology was simple
• Impact of technology on our health
• Should children’s reality shows be banned?
• Learning in the Wake of COVID-19
• Hard Work vs Smart Work
• What Makes Learning Fun?
• The Coolest Inventions You’ve Seen
• Nuclear Energy
• Importance of AI in Education
• Importance of Extracurricular Activities
• Should exams be banned?
• How to Tackle Bullying in Schools?

3-Minute Speech Topics

• Speech about dreams
• Speech about life
• Speech on time
• Speech on discipline
• Speech on happiness
• Speech on kindness
• Speech on value of time
• Speech on health and fitness
• Speech on Doctor
• Speech on Nurse
• Graduation Day Speech
• World Health Day Speech
• Sex Education Speech

Easy Topics for Speech in English

• Importance of Education
• Is it beneficial to learn a Second Language?
• Music has healing power
• Success in life
• Self Confidence
• 18th birthday
• Love is more powerful than hate
• Social Impact of Covid-19
• How can Online Learning be Fun?
• Make Public Transport Free
• Should violent video games be banned?
• Speech on Learning

Exploring English Speech Topics? You must also take a look at Extempore Topics !

English Speech Topics on Environment

• Climate Change
• Ozone Layer Depletion
• Reducing Water Levels
• Deforestation
• Global Warming
• Waste Management
• Water-Saving Techniques
• Reducing the Green Cover of Earth
• Endangered species need protection
• Importance of fishing regulations
• Importance of investing in alternative fuels
• Impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms
• The misuse of the term “sustainable development” by environmentalists
• Microbial benefits
• E-Waste Management
• Natural Disasters and their impact on economic growth
• Energy alternatives – Only solution to the environmental damage
• Extinction of rare species
• World Environment Day
• Disaster Management
• Over and Improper Use of Natural Resources
• Air, Water and Soil Pollution
• Efficiency of Recycling

Also Read: How to Write Dialogue: Format, Tips and Examples

English Speech Topics on Technology

• Technology and Mental Health
• Privacy in the Digital Age: Navigating the Challenges of Data Collection and Surveillance
• The Impact of Technology on Society
• Artificial Intelligence: The New Normal
• The Role of Social Media in Communication and Social Interactions
• Sustainable Technology: Innovations for a Greener Future
• The Rise of E-commerce
• Gaming Technology: Entertainment, ESports and Interactive Experiences
• The Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap for Equal Access to Technology
• The Ethical Dilemmas of Emerging Technologies

Also Read: English Vocabulary: Meaning, Types, Tips to Improve

English Speech Topics on Independence Day

• The Journey of Independence Day
• The Significance of Independence Day
• Indian Independence Day
• Remembering the Founding Fathers
• The Spirit of Independence
• Independence Day and Volunteering
• Independence Day Speeches
• India’s Road to Freedom
• Independence Day and National Identity
• Independence Day in the Digital Age
• Independence Day and Women’s Empowerment

English Speech Topics on Diwali

• Diwali: The Festival of Lights and Its Significance in Hindu Culture
• Diwali and the Victory of Good Over Evil
• Diwali and the Art of Giving
• Diwali and the Spirit of Forgiveness
• Diwali and Cultural Exchanges
• Diwali and the Essence of Joy
• Diwali and Social Responsibility
• Diwali and Artistic Expressions
• The Rituals and Traditions of Diwali
• Diwali and the Symbolism of Light

English Speech Topics on Corruption

• The Economic Consequence of Corruption
• Corruption and International Aid
• Media and Corruption
• Fighting Corruption
• Corruption in Politics
• The Role of Transparency and Accountability in Curbing Corruption
• The Role of Technology in Combating Corruption
• Whistleblowing and Protecting Mechanism
• Corruption in Business and Corporate Practices

English Speech Topics on Feminism

• Understanding Feminism
• The Future of Feminism
• Feminism and Parenting
• Feminism and Online Activism
• Feminism and Environmental Activism
• Feminism and Reproductive Rights
• The Gender Pay Gap: Examining Inequalities in the Workplace
• Feminism and its Evolution
• Feminism and Body Positivity
• Feminism and Media Representation: Encouraging Authentic and Diverse Portrayals of Women

English Speech Topics on Mother’s Day

• Expressing Gratitude and Love to Mothers
• The Influence of Mothers in Shaping Our Values and Beliefs
• Motherhood and Education
• Mother’s Day and Volunteerism
• Mother-Daughter Relationship
• The Role of Mothers in Shaping Society
• Mother’s Day Crafts and DIY Gifts
• Learned Lessons from Mothers
• Mother’s Day Around the World: Cultural Traditions and Celebrations

English Speaking Topics on Capitalism

• Capitalism: An Introduction to the Economic System and its Principles
• The Future of Capitalism
• Pros and Cons of Capitalism
• Capitalism and Globalisation
• Capitalism and Consumerism
• Capitalism and Financial Crisis: Undertaking the Risk and Mitigation Measures
• Capitalism and Environmental Sustainability
• Capitalism and the Role of Government
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Capitalism
• Capitalism and the Digital Economy

Engish Speech Topics on Gandhi Jayanti

• Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation and His Ideals
• Remembering Gandhi: Reflecting On His Life and Legacy
• Gandhi’s Influence on the Indian Independence Movement
• Satyagraha: The Power of Truth and Nonviolent Resistance
• Gandhi’s Philosophy of Swaraj
• The Role of Women in Gandhi’s Freedom Struggle
• Gandhi’s Teaching on Education and Moral Values
• Gandhi’s Lasting Legacy
• Gandhi’s Vision for a Just and Inclusive Society
• The Relevance of Gandhi’s Principles in Today’s World

English Speech Topics on Reading

• The Influence of Reading on Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
• Reading and Mental Health
• Benefits of Reading
• Reading and Empowerment
• The Role of Reading in Academic Success and Lifelong Learning
• Promoting a Reading Culture: Encouraging Reading Habits in Society
• Reading Biographies and Memoirs
• Reading and Social Connections
• The Joy of Reading: Escaping Into the Different Worlds and Characters
• Reading and Personal Identity

English Speech Topics on Communism

• The Current State of Communism
• Communism: An Introduction to the Ideology and Its Historical Context
• The Evolution of Communist Movements
• The Role of the State in a Communist Society
• The Fall of Communist Regimes
• Communism and Religious Freedom
• Communism and Gender Equality
• Communism and Workers’ Rights
• The Criticisms of Communism

English Speech Topics on Deforestation

• Deforestation: Causes, Consequences and Global Impact
• Deforestation and Climate Change
• Deforestation and Carbon Sequestration
• Deforestation and Individual Actions
• Deforestation and Wildlife Trafficking
• Deforestation and Sustainable Development
• Deforestation and Indigenous Communities
• Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss
• Deforestation and Forest Fires
• The Importance of Forests

Quick Read: Speech on Nuclear Energy

English Speech Topics on Social Issues

• Women Empowerment
• Education of Girl Child
• Unemployment
• Casteism 
• Reservation
• Importance of Maintaining Hygiene
• Child Labour
• Social Distancing
• Organ Donation
• Importance of the Right to Education
• Child Trafficking
• Cultural Diversity
• Struggles of Immigrants
• Impact of Globalisation
• Adult education

English Speech Topics on Important Days & Events

• Independence Day
• Mother’s Day
• World Cancer Day
• World Population Day
• World Health Day
• Ambedkar Jayanti
• Gandhi Jayanti
• Human Rights Day
• Zero Discrimination Day
• Women’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• Anti-Terrorism Day
• Hindi Diwas 

Check out this list of all the important national and international days in 202 4 !

English Speech Topics on Greatest Leaders in India & Around the World

• Mahatma Gandhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Raja Rammohan Roy
• George Washington
• Albert Einstein
• APJ Abdul Kalam
• Nelson Mandela
• Kailash Satyarthi

English Speech Topics on Indian Culture

• Diversity in India
• Speech on Holi
• The Role of Yoga and Meditation in Indian Culture and Its Global Impact
• The Importance of Traditional Indian Clothing
• Indian Folklore
• Indian Festivals
• The Art of Indian Dance
• Traditional Indian Medicine (Ayurveda)
• Indian Epics and Mythology
• Social Customs and Etiquettes in Indian Society
• Indian Sports and Games

Also Read: Speech on Indian Culture

English Speech Topics on Proverbs

• Honesty is the best policy
• When there’s a will, there is a way
• Actions speak louder than words
• Knowledge is Power
• Ignorance is Bliss
• Don’t judge a book by its cover
• Hard work is the key to success

Explore these proverbs & their meanings through this blog on Difficult Phrases !

English Speech Topics on Human Rights

• The Role of International Organisations in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Milestone in Human History
• Gender Equality: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women
• Ensuring a Safe and Sustainable Environment for the Next Generation
• The Right to Education: Empowering Minds
• Bridging the Gap Between the Rich and Poor
• Human Rights and Armed Conflicts
• Global Fight to Combat Human Trafficking
• Human Rights and Climate Change
• Religious Freedom: Tolerance and Coexistence in a Diverse Society

To know what to mention in such speech topics, explore the Great Personalities in the World !

English Speech Topics on Education

• Importance of teacher in your life
• SAT scores for college application
• Student bullies should be expelled
• Consequences of cheating in exams
• Homeschooling is better than normal schooling
• Importance of value education
• Importance of sports and physical exercises
• Schools vs colleges
• What is the difference between a school, college and university in the USA?

Check Out: Synonyms List

English Speech Topics on the Importance of Water

• The Water-Energy Nexus
• The Essence of Water: Exploring the Live-giving Properties of H2O
• Water as a Driver of Economic Growth and Prosperity
• Water Security: Ensuring Equal Access and Quality for All
• Water and Agriculture
• The Role of Water in Ecosystems
• Water and Blue Economy
• Water Diplomacy: Promoting Collaboration for Transboundary Water Management
• Water and Cultural Significance: Exploring Symbolisms and Rituals
• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): Foundational for Human Health and Dignity

Miscellaneous Speech Topics

• Article 370
• Women rights
• The Constitution of India
• Youth of India
• Culture of India
• Importance of Unity
• Generation Gap
• Importance of Value Education
• Old Age Homes
• Family Values
• Leadership skills
• Rise of Smart Classes
• Grading System
• Importance of Practical Education
• Benefits of Co-Education
• Importance of Co-Curricular Activities
• The uselessness of Power-Point Presentations
• Rise of Technology
• Excessive usage of the Internet
• Speech on Fear
• Speech on Dependence on Technology
• Importance of Social Media
• Speech on India of My Dreams
• Indian Education System
• Speech on My India

Types of Persuasive Speech Topics

While exploring persuasive English speech topics, you must make sure that they are stimulating, engaging, concise and clear. There are three main types of Persuasive Speech topics which are:

1. Factual Persuasive Speech : These topics include facts, figures and statistics to thoroughly analyse the given topic and assess whether it’s true or false.

2. Policy Persuasive Speech : Discussing policies, laws and reforms, these speech topics critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the given policy or law and suggest the improvements that can be made.

3. Value Persuasive Speech : Mainly focusing on social or political issues, these speech topics present the critique and argument of whether certain actions are morally right or not.

Tips for Writing and Speaking a Speech

While speaking on a particular topic, there are certain things that you must keep in mind to make your speech expressive and effective. Let’s take a look at some useful topics that help you in acing any topic you are speaking on.

• Always research the topic. If you are participating in an extempore, then make sure to go through the common and popular topics as well as the unconventional ones that you might get. Preparation is the key to delivering an impressive speech. For inspiration, look up various speech examples to see how effective speakers engage their audience
• Whether you are given a topic on the spot or you are prepared for the speech, it is always pivotal that you seem interested in speaking about it. Relate the given issues to your own life and this will help you in giving it your twist.
• Pay extra attention to your body language and enunciation. While a gesticulative approach will make you seem outward, having timid body language can cause a wrong impression.
• Ponder upon the different viewpoints on a topic . Try to present a holistic view of the given topic but don’t forget to present your opinion on it as well. Along with this, don’t try to take sides unless the topic demands you to.
• Involve your audience, if possible. This way, you will be able to interact with the people and it will also be useful in fighting the fear of public speaking.
• Don’t mug up a speech. It becomes evident when someone just speaks on a topic continuously and the audience might realise that you have memorized it or you might forget a certain part which will let the whole speech fade away from your brain.
• Instead, make notes about the topic in your mind, remember certain keywords and try to maintain a particular flow in your speech.
• Incorporate humour in your speech in a way that you do not offend anyone or overdo it but get a positive reaction from the audience. Humour is a great way of lightening the mood as well as ensuring the whole speech is interactive and engaging.
• When you need more specialized assistance, a  US essay writing service  can be a valuable resource for crafting your speech.

While preparing for English Speech topics, you must also check out IELTS Speaking Topics !

Juvenile delinquency is acceptable. Prostitution should be legal. Underage driving should be punishable by law. Beauty pageants for children should be banned. Prisoner’s right to vote. Voting rights should not be universal. Guns should be banned from college campuses.

A three-minute speech is undoubtedly a wonderful starting point for public speaking. This is because you need to communicate with your audience more effectively when you just have a short amount of time. In addition, the speech ought to be concise, pertinent, and clear.

Life is the gift of God in the form of trust that we will make it meaningful in whatever we can. We are all unique individuals. No one is born like you and no one will ever be, so cherish your individuality. Many times, I come across people accusing God of things that they don’t have. They always cursing their lives.

 2-minute speeches are  short and crisp speeches of about 260-350 words .

Related Reads

Thus, we hope that this list helps you in preparing for different English speech topics. Gearing up for IELTS ? Sign up for an online demo session with our experts at Leverage Edu and we will assist you in preparing for its different sections as well as improving your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills to ensure that you ace the exam with flying colours!

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14 comments

I take english speaking classes, please provide me sone more material to help student’s.

Here are some articles on books and study material that will help your students- https://leverageedu.com/blog/english-speaking-books/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/books-by-charles-dickens/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/best-books-by-george-orwell/

I want topic on students and online classes

It is helpful for my school homework thanks 😸

Glad we could help!

Nice advise 👍

Thank you, Pragya!

Not good topics 🤔🤔

Thanks for the suggestion. We will update the blog!

Helpful for students . So I like it

Thanks for reading! Also, read: Daily Used English Words Speech on Importance of English Reach us at 1800 57 2000 for study-abroad related matters!

You people are giving great contribution in internet learning and it is for all….

Hi, thank you for your valuable feedback.

Awesome! Its really awesome article, I have got much clear idea concerning from this post.

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How to Write a Short Speech for a Junior High Student Council

Monique smith.

Serving on your school's student council can be a great way to build leadership and character as a junior high school student. Before you serve, you may be required to give a short speech in front of your peers that supports your bid for a student council position. While delivery of the speech is important, having a solid speech written beforehand can be the deciding factor between successfully being elected and not earning the votes you need.

Select a topic for your short speech. The key to selecting a topic that will engage, inform and persuade your fellow students to vote for you in a student council election is to know your audience. Brainstorm concerns and wishes that your fellow students are likely to have, keeping in mind your audience's age, interests and commonalities. For example, a junior high school student may be interested in expanding extracurricular activities at school or improving the dining options in your cafeteria. Ask your classmates what problems they have at school, and tailor the topic of your short speech to those issues.

Plan your speech by creating a simple outline. For your outline, use bullet points with brief sentences as you plan your speech's beginning, middle and end.

Although your speech will be short, you want to grab your audience's attention from the beginning. Consider using an anecdote, statistics or directing questions to the audience. Next, make sure the audience knows who you are. Say why you are running for student council.

Since your speech will be short, get directly to your qualifications for student council and what you plan to do as a council member in the middle of your speech. Don't just state that you are qualified. Give concrete examples of experience that you have had in the past to support your bid for student council. Perhaps you have been a student leader at summer camp or an after-school activity. Provide the students a reason to vote for you.

Your conclusion should summarize your main points briefly and include a call to action that requests your fellow students to vote for you for student council. If you used an anecdote or statistic in the beginning of your speech try incorporating it in the end.

Use your outline to fully write out your speech. Go back to each bullet point, and expand on the main points you made in the beginning, middle and end of your speech. Use transitions when you're moving between each section to ensure that your fellow students can easily follow your speech. Remember, your goal is to write a short speech, so be sure to use the simplest way to make your points. Avoid sentences that are too long or complex, and make sure that you are not repeating previously covered content.

About the Author

Writing for most of her life, Monique Smith made it a professional endeavor in 2011. She writes articles for various websites, specializing in fiction and higher education. Smith has a Bachelor of Arts in political science and is completing her Juris Doctor.

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How to start a speech for students (Ultimate opening lines)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Topics , Speech Writing

Schools and their love for speeches is an affair we are all quite aware of. Now if you are looking to move beyond the mundane way of delivering speeches in school and are in search of some amazing speech openings for students, you are at the right place!

Speeches are the most common form of public speaking that is encouraged in schools . Be it for a competition, assignment, presentation, or even as a punishment (oops), speeches are everywhere in a student’s life.  

To get a quick idea on speech opening lines for students , don’t forget to check out our video on 3 speech opening lines for students!

But before we dive into understanding how to go about your speeches, it is important to first understand why educational institutes focus so much on speeches or public speaking in general that they begin introducing us to speeches as early as primary sections.

Why is speech encouraged in Primary school?

It is a common practice to give the students a little idea about giving speeches as early as primary school. Part of the reason is that these are the foundational years and form as a stepping stone for the students to get a little more used to public speaking as they move to higher classes .

A couple of ways students in primary schools may be asked to give speeches would be to introduce themselves or at competitions like fancy dress competitions.

What is the use of speech in high school?

In high school, as students gain more understanding about the world at large and develop their opinions, giving speeches is encouraged in school to help them navigate their thoughts to their peers. Further, speeches as a form of public speaking also help build the student’s soft skills .

A few ways giving speeches in high school can help in developing their soft skills are:

1. critical thinking.

Speeches aren’t about blurting out your ideas or opinions, rather it requires you to research and find evidence to back your point of view, or to think critically to deliver a speech that effectively reaches the other students.

2. Problem-solving

Speeches could be framed around a popular or controversial issue that the student wishes to provide their insight into. This would encourage them to come up with solutions. Apart from that, even coming up with a speech can be a task sometimes, and overcoming those challenges too can be counted in as a way of problem-solving

3. Time-management

With a huge number of students in high school, speeches are almost always time-bound. This also means that the students have to structure their speeches in a way that fits the time given, further inculcating time management skills in them.

4. Active listening

Speeches are not only about delivering or conveying your ideas or findings but also about listening carefully to what others have to say in terms of questions that may ask.

Why is speech required at college?

Speeches in college have an entirely different goal than the one that schools have.

In college, it isn’t always mandatory to give speeches or to participate in public speaking. However, a few reasons why giving speeches or public speaking is encouraged in colleges is because:

• It helps in developing communication and public speaking skills that can be very beneficial to their professional life later.
• Speeches may also be a way to meet new people and make new connections.
• It improves the student’s leadership skills. How? We have all heard how a good speaker carries with him or her the potential to influence and lead the crowd, and that is how practicing public speaking in college helps improve a student’s leadership skills.

When can students be asked to give a speech?

As we just discussed that the purpose of giving speeches changes as we progress in our school. However, there are a couple of situations where mostly all students are expected to present their speech. And they are:

Classroom/section speeches

Classroom or section speeches are the ones you give in front of your classmates or people from your age group. Generally, the presentation of assignments and competitions comes under this category.

Graduation Speech

Students may also be expected to present a graduation speech . However, the big difference here is that not everyone gets the opportunity to present a graduation speech or commencement address as it is known.

What type of speech is a graduation speech? Or what type of speech is a commencement speech?

Graduation speeches or commencement speeches are parting speeches wherein the focus is on reflecting on the good times in the institute and motivating others for their bright future ahead. Depending on the purpose as selected by the speaker, these speeches could be persuasive, informative, or entertaining in nature . 

How to start a speech as a student 

Giving speeches as a student, even if you have been doing it for the past few years can still end up being a little challenging.  But rather than giving you tons of tips on things you can focus on while coming up with your speech or speech openings for students, we have got one ultimate tip . If you follow that, you should ideally be able to reach your audience more effectively.

Ultimate tip when writing speeches or speech openings for students

Write how you speak, not how you write.

When I came across this tip, I was surprised too. Because is indeed true that we write very differently when we have to show the speech to someone in written form but if asked honestly, do we speak in such a highly polished, extra professional vocabulary?

The idea is not to write the speech or speech opening riddled with slang but rather in a way that you’d feel comfortable listening to and understanding easily had you been the listener.

So in short, prepare the speech with the listener in mind, not the reader .

What is a good opening line for a speech?

Most opening lines for speech in school begin with a good morning.  We usually follow it with greetings or addressing the audience and the guests.

Wondering how you greet everyone in a speech?

Here is a list of ways you can begin with a simple good morning:

• Good morning everyone presents here today. I’m delighted to present my views and understanding on a very delicate yet overlooked topic; Gender sensitization in the workplace.
• Good afternoon esteemed members of the jury, my friends and peers, and everyone present in the room today.
• Good morning to the faculty, the non-teaching staff, and the class of 2022!!

Now it is a good practice to begin your speech with your usual greetings. However, in this blog, we are trying to look beyond the usual.

It doesn’t mean that you will not be saying good morning or your basic greetings; the only difference is that you’ll not be opening your speech with it but addressing these basic formalities later in the speech.

How do you start a speech without saying good morning?

There are a couple of ways you can start a speech without saying good morning. Here are some of the ways we will take a look at in this blog:

• “Imagine” scenario
• “What if” scenario
• Rhetorical questions
• Statistics and figures
• Powerful statements

Quotes are phrases or things spoken by someone influential . Quotes as speech openings for students can not only help them go beyond the widely popular way of beginning any speech but will also help them establish credibility right in the very beginning!

Now if you have ever wondered,

How to start your speech with a quote?

Here are a couple of examples of using quotes as speech openings for students:

Lon Watters had said that “A school is a building with four walls, with tomorrow inside.” And it would be wrong if I said that I didn’t agree with every bit of what he said. As we come to an end of our journey with this school that has provided us with tons of opportunities to learn, grow, interact and make memories we sure will cherish forever…

“If you don’t have a plan for your life, somebody else does.” This is a quote given by Michael Hyatt and isn’t it something we have all been experiencing all these years of growing up as our parents or guardians make plans for us right from the way we dress to the school we go to and sometimes even the careers we choose. Good morning everyone, I am Myra, a student of XYZ school standing here to voice my opinion on “Factors that influence your career decisions.”

 2. “Imagine” Scenario

This happens to be a personal favorite of mine when it comes to speech openings for students. A very simple yet beautiful way to engage your audience right at the beginning of your speech while at the same time allowing them to relate to what you’ll be saying next is what the image” scenarios are all about.

Before we begin, I’d like you to take a moment and imagine walking through a trail. You see the lush greens and pretty sky above you, the most dynamic clouds following everyone you go. Try sniffing the smell of wet soil and a hint of flowery fragrance as you walk towards the edge of the hill expecting to take a glimpse of the utter beauty that these hours of walking would lead you to, but you find something else. You see something that sends chills down your spine. There are some strange men performing rituals right in the very heart of these dense greens. You wonder what it is all about until it hits you; you have just uncovered a cult.

For the next example, I’d like you to take a look at the video below and check for yourself how wonderfully the speaker (although not a student) has made use of the “imagine” scenario to share his tragic experience with his audience.

Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.

3. “What If” Scenario

What if I told you that the best speech openings for students are actually the ones wherein they come up with an opening that best represents their style and comfort at delivering speeches, be it with a joke or a story?

Do you see what I did there?

That is an example of a “what if” scenario. It is similar to the imagination scenario we discussed above but the only difference here is that “what if” speech openings for students focus on providing an alternative idea to the audience while the imagined scenarios provide the audience an opportunity to relate to the speaker.

4. Rhetorical question

Rhetorical questions are questions the speaker includes in his/her/their speech that doesn’t necessarily require the audience to come up with an answer but are posed to get the audience thinking on the same.

Using rhetorical questions as speech openings for students can work wonders especially when you are looking for either a very quick speech opening or have very little time to deliver the speech.

An example of using rhetorical questions for speech opening is given below:

Talking about the new policy that makes it illegal to check the gender of the child before birth, do you think that it will curb the issue of female foeticide? Or will it simply take the activity underground?

The art of silence is phenomenal. Opening your speech in silence can help enhance your speech in two ways.

First, it will give the audience some time to settle in , post which you can expect to grab their dedicated attention. And secondly, silence would give you some time to understand the room and calm your pre-stage anxiousness .

6. Statistics and figures

Want to begin your speech on a hard-hitting and eye-opening note?

Show the numbers, the figures, and any statistics that serve your purpose for giving the speech.

It is very common to overlook the seriousness of any situation when you aren’t aware of the real extent of its seriousness. But when we have numbers in front of us, there is no more room for being in denial.

Examples of using Statistics or figures as speech openings for students

• According to the 2019 WWF report , on average, we consume about 1,769 microplastic particles every week. 1769 microplastic particles every single week, can you imagine that?
• 3.2 million teenagers between the age of 12-17 were depressed in the US as of 2017. Now you can only assume the number has increased over the past 5 years.

7. Powerful  Statements

Powerful statements are statements that try to break any common ideologies held by the public. Another example of a powerful statement is stating a fact or idea that isn’t openly spoken .

The video below is one such example of how the speaker tries to break a perception generally held by the people.

How often have we been told to include stories in our speech?

Almost every time isn’t it? So here we are to bombard you yet again by saying that stories are extremely fun and engaging forms of speech openings for students.

You can either share your experience or someone else’s story.

You can also refer to a Recent Conversation by starting your speech with something like “Just the other day as I was walking out of my Philosophy lecture, I asked Mr.Dee about his philosophy on life, and what he said was so eye-opening that I could not wait to share with all of you.”

An adorable example of how to begin a speech with a story is given below to help you get a clearer idea.

Examples of speech openings for students

Speech opening lines for public speaking competitions.

When it comes to public speaking competitions like elocutions, speech competitions, or even presentations, it is almost always recommended to begin with self-introduction . The reason is quite simple; there is a high chance that your audience might not know you .

But if you don’t want to begin with a self-introduction, you can start by using any of the alternatives we discussed earlier. Click here to go back and take another peek at it.

Speech Opening Lines for Self-introductions

Speech openings for self-introductions need to be simple, to the point yet descriptive.

Wait a minute? Wasn’t I contradicting myself in that line?

Yes, but that is how opening lines for self-introductions would ideally work. As people expect you to talk about yourself in depth in the rest of your speech, your opening lines would just be a teaser about yourself.

2 most important things to add in your self-introduction opening lines for students

• What do you do?

Other things that you can talk about in these opening lines include:

• Where are you from?
• What is your goal?
• What does your organization do?
• A little bit about your family

Examples of opening lines for students

Good morning, I am Reini. I recently graduated from BMU college and have since been working as a Design intern at Desgynopedia. 

Hello and good evening everyone. I am Nicole and this is my team, Alina, Tim, Harold, and Noman. We are in our senior year majoring in Organizational psychology. Today we would like to talk about the 5 main Psychological factors that impact any organization’s overall performance.

Hey, I am Nizan. I am a nerd for Political Science and Greek Philosophy and am currently majoring in the same. My love for the subjects is also the reason why I am here to present a topic I found very intriguing “The injustice behind socrates’ death.”

Funny speech opening lines for students

If you are giving a speech for a competition, one of the most fun ways of opening your speech could be to say “Good morning to the faculty, my friends, and (look at the opponents) others.”

Other funny opening line examples:

• I almost bunked school today until I realized that this speech carries marks and I sure don’t want to be in a class with our juniors. Just imagine! Who could do that?
• Hello and good morning to everyone, except the ones who are well prepared for their speeches today.
• Hello everyone, I’m excited to present my speech on XYZ’s topic today. I mean come on, what could be better than waking up at 7 am on a Monday morning to give a speech?
• Today I’ll be talking about XYZ because I was told to!

Best Speech Opening Lines by students

1. chase dahl.

In one of the funniest speech opening lines by students, Chase Dahl opens up by saying “You know I have never understood how imagining the audience naked was supposed to make you less nervous. Honestly, I’m just uncomfortable right now.”

2. Kyle Martin (The King’s Academy)

Yet another Valedictorian speech that has caught our eye is the one given by Kyle Martin. The reason we would suggest you take a look into the opening lines of his speech is so that you can take notes on how beautifully he has described the efforts taken by every department of the institute as he tries to thank them for their efforts.

Presentation Opening Lines

Presentation speeches are a little different compared to your usual speeches and the major reason for that is because now you have access to visuals or your PPT.

Besides some of the ways already discussed above, you can begin the presentation by pointing out a particular slide. You can show your audience a graph, table, pictures, or any other creative and eye-catching ideas that can also turn out to be an amazing presentation opening.

How to start a presentation speech example for students

A few common ways you can open your speech are:

• Hello everyone, I am Miya. I would first like to thank you all for your time.
• For those who don’t know me, my name is Nazia, and if you do know me, hello again!
• Good afternoon to all you wonderful people present here. I am Ryan and as you can see on screen, today I’ll be speaking on “The hazards of drinking from plastic bottles.”

For more examples of opening lines check out 50 Speech Opening Lines .

You might also like to know:

How to start a speech for the student council.

Speeches for student council are usually persuasive. They are your pitch to convince your fellow students to vote for you and help you get the position you are looking for.

So ideally, you should start by addressing everyone in the room . Then make a point to introduce yourself. Once you have introduced yourself, remind the audience why you are speaking which means let them know the position you are campaigning for. Bring up at least 1-2 issues that the students are most concerned about and tell them how if elected you’ll provide solutions to their issues.

Try to end it on a high note and don’t forget to add your campaign slogan .

You can also begin by stating your campaign slogan .

Yet another way to begin your speech for the student council is by challenging your opponent’s point of view or campaign . However, this would work only f you have a better strategy or solutions to the issues raised by your opponents.

Lastly, do something that no one expects from you . Let me share a story here to help you understand this point better. During one of the student council speeches, one candidate asked the audience to stand up, move a step in the front then go back to their seats and settle down. Following this, she said, “My parents told me if I could move the audience, I’d win.” And so she did win!

What is a speech class?

A speech class in high school or college is usually a short course or 1-semester course wherein the student is expected to improve on their public speaking skills along with critical thinking and active listening skills.

It essentially enhances their oral communication skills.

This also reminds me to introduce you to our courses that help enhance your public speaking and communication skills. If you are interested, head to Frantically Speaking .

But if your appetite for learning more about opening speeches isn’t satiated yet, we suggest you go check out our Video on the Powerful speech opening lines.

To Conclude

There are tons of ways to get creative with speech openings for students. From saying a simple good morning to adding stories, quotes, statistics, rhetorical questions, and even silence!

Get creative with your speech openings. As we always say, there are no right or wrong ways of public speaking as such, only a way that suits perfectly for you is the one that is right for you.

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125 High School Debate Topics To Challenge Every Student

Learn how to argue with logic instead of emotion.

Some teachers shy away from debate in the classroom, afraid it will become too adversarial. But learning to discuss and defend various points of view is an important life skill. Debates teach students to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. You’ll find plenty of engaging high school debate topics in this list for inspiration. Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

School and Education Debate Topics

Life and ethics debate topics, entertainment and technology debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

• It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
• Final exams should be abolished.
• Students should be required to wear school uniforms.
• Private schools are better than public schools.
• Year-round school is better for students.
• Standardized tests are effective.
• Every student should have to participate in athletics.
• All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
• Junk food should be banned in school cafeterias.
• Single-gender schools are better for students.
• Schools should be allowed to teach critical race theory.
• Math is the most important school subject.
• Schools should teach sex ed instead of abstinence only.
• Letter grades should be abolished.
• Teachers should be replaced by computers.
• People who get better grades in school will be more successful in life.
• Sometimes it’s OK to cheat on homework or a test.
• Students who fail a test should be given the chance to take it again.
• Outdoor recess is important at every grade level.
• Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
• Everyone should be able to bring their pets to school.
• Shorter school days are better for students.
• Schools should eliminate dress codes.
• Everyone should be required to go to college.
• College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
• Schools should install safe rooms in case of mass shootings or natural disasters.
• Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
• Book smarts are better than street smarts.
• Schools should provide free mental health services to students and teachers.
• Schools should teach life skills like cooking and personal finance.
• School vouchers benefit students and schools.
• Religion has no place in schools.
• In-person school is better than online school.
• Traditional school is better than homeschooling.
• Charter schools should receive public school funds.

• Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
• The voting age should be lowered to 16.
• Humans should not eat animals.
• Democracy is the best form of government.
• All Americans should be required to vote.
• Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
• Giving is better than receiving.
• Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
• Animals should not be kept in zoos.
• Happiness is more important than success.
• The driving age should be raised to 18.
• The drinking age should be lowered to 18.
• Plastic bottles should be banned.
• People should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
• If you find money on the ground, it’s automatically yours to keep.
• It is better to be kind than to be truthful.
• Learning about history can stop us from repeating past mistakes.
• It’s important to spend money exploring space.
• White-collar jobs are better than blue-collar jobs.
• The death penalty should be abolished.
• Drug addicts should receive help instead of punishment.
• Euthanasia should be legal.
• GMOs are more helpful than harmful.
• Human cloning should be legal.
• A progressive income tax is better than a flat tax.
• Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.
• Vaccines should be mandatory.
• We should ban fossil fuels.
• Marijuana should be legal everywhere.
• All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed, like alcohol.
• Nuclear weapons should be banned worldwide.
• Police funding should be redirected to social services.
• Religion does more harm than good.
• Testing on animals should be illegal.
• We will never achieve world peace.
• The United States should implement a universal basic income.
• We should require people of all genders to register for the draft.
• Healthcare should be universal.
• Gun safety laws infringe on the Second Amendment.
• Anyone over 12 should be tried as an adult in court.

• Reality television depicts real life.
• Schools should allow students to use phones in class.
• Macs are better than PCs.
• Androids are better than iPhones.
• Social media is making us less social.
• Social media does more harm than good.
• Video games are better than board games.
• Video gaming is a sport.
• Reading books is better than watching TV.
• We should replace all paper documents with electronic versions.
• The book is always better than the movie.
• Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track them.
• Playing video games makes you smarter.
• Scientists should try to develop a way for everyone to live forever.
• Paper books are better than e-books.
• Schools should have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways.
• All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
• There is intelligent life on other planets.
• People rely too much on technology.
• Everyone should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
• Net neutrality should be mandatory for internet service providers.
• Expanded use of artificial intelligence will be good for humanity.
• Technology is creating more jobs than it eliminates.
• The United States should provide free internet access for everyone.
• Cryptocurrencies should replace cash.

• Dogs are better pets than cats.
• A taco is a sandwich.
• Summer is better than winter.
• Coke is better than Pepsi.
• Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
• Fruit counts as dessert.
• The number 13 is not unlucky.
• People should eat to live, not live to eat.
• Monday is the worst day of the week.
• Clowns are more scary than funny.
• Modern music is better than classical music.
• Aliens live among us here on Earth.
• It’s OK to put ketchup on a hot dog.
• Was Robin Hood a thief or a rebel hero?
• It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
• Pluto should still be considered a planet.
• It’s better to be too hot than too cold.
• We should allow people to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
• Fiction is better than non-fiction.
• Using profanity is good for your mental health.
• Leftover pizza is better cold than reheated.
• It’s OK to wear socks with sandals.
• Being famous is actually not all that great.
• GIF should be pronounced “JIFF” not “GIFF.”
• People shouldn’t have to go to school or work on their birthdays.

Did we miss one of your favorite high school debate topics? Then come share on the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

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7 Inspiring Ted Talks for High-School Students

Read about the life of that great leader! Do you know how that musician overcame his personal struggles and rose to fame? Does your interest lie in reading biographies and autobiographies? All these are common topics of discussion when high schoolers sit and try to find a guiding light. Interviews, movies, and books offer a great source of inspiration. Cut to the present times of video streaming, the learners can try newer, more impactful, and direct resources to feel inspired by simply putting the mobile phone on. One of the most talked-about resources available on mobile devices is Ted Talk.

Ted Talk is an engaging platform where the achievers of various levels, right from the life around us, share a slice of their lives with the listeners and viewers. Coming straight from the horse’s mouth, life’s account definitely sounds more relatable, and trustworthy, and leaves a deeper impact. 

But which Ted Talks can I relate more with being a high schooler? If you are facing this kind of dilemma, we solve it for you by enlisting here the 7 most impressive Ted Talks that may prove to be your instant dose of motivation.

List Of Ted Talks For Motivating Aspirants

1.) “how do you define yourself” – by lizzie velasquez.

Lizzie Velasquez has established herself as a motivational speaker, and a YouTube influencer. All this did not come easy to her. Her life is certainly a collection of “ideas worth sharing”, the tag line of the Ted Talk platform. As if the hormonal changes were not enough to tackle, she faced a bigger challenge of living with a rare disorder.  

Lizzie tells how she suffers from a disorder that caused loss of sight in her right eye. Also, it prevented her from gaining weight all her life. She was the subject of bullying and all sorts of negative comments. In this talk, she shares how she turned all negative forces into her personal development tools. Laden with lots of funny anecdotes, and a lucid storytelling style, this talk tackles the issue of self-image in an entertaining manner.

2. “Inside The Mind Of A Master Procrastinator” – By Tim Urban

Tim Urban is a popular writer and blogger. He has achieved over 1 million unique page views on his website. In this Ted Talk, the writer tackles the issue of procrastination head-on. In the growing age, the students tend to procrastinate especially those errands that they don’t like running. This amusing talk shows all of us the mirror and it does not stop here! It also explains what works behind it and how to deal with this tendency.

As a high school student, you do come across lots of situations where you display an unnerving fondness for not doing things as and when expected. This Ted Talk provides all popular examples and some more and allows the listeners to identify with their mindset. Funny yet thought-provoking, this discussion is much more than a mere talk and is sure to find a place in your repeat playlist.

3. “How To Stay Calm When You Know You’ll Be Stressed” – By Daniel Levitin

This Ted Talk by Daniel Levitin is a great clip for people going through stress. Daniel explains how easy it is to get stressed but also how effective planning can turn things around. Stress is a major problem that shows a negative impact on all things of trivial to major importance. Daniel Levitin uses his experience and knowledge as a neuroscientist to explain how to control situations by preparing for them in advance.

The talk does contain a lot of neurophysiological terms that may interest the high schoolers having a panache for understanding how the brain works under stress. This Ted Talk is a bonafide eye-opener and may guide students on how to develop and use organizational skills to prevent stress from taking over their logical thinking ability.

4. Kids Take Charge – By Kiran Bir Sethi

Kiran Bir Sethi is a social reformer, education activist, and the founder of the Riverside School in Ahmedabad. She has a positive mind and vision, helping young students to improve their academic grades. Her Ted Talk teaches the high school kids how to take charge of the self, their dreams and rise above the odds.

In this Ted Talk, Kiran shares a classroom experience she went through at the Riverside School. She asked students of her class to roll incense sticks for around the right hours to feel the life of child labor. This experience changed them extremely. On witnessing this change, students went out to convince people on abolishing child labor. Building virtues like empathy, righteousness, and responsibility seem to be one of the aims of this talk and it definitely delivers the message!

5. What Your Grades Really Mean – by Eva Ren

“What your Grades really mean” is a truly thought-provoking talk by Eva Ren, a 12th Grade student with lots of achievements to her credit. This fiery talk questions the system of choosing grades as an indicator of any student’s overall abilities. Eva puts forth a lot of problems such as the marginalization of low-grade scorers and hints at the loss that society makes by giving into the charm of high-scoring students.

High school is the stage where students are overtly conscious of their academic performance. A lot of social skills get hampered when the grades become the start and the end of the discussion. This Ted Talk comes as a breezy respite to the stressed-out students and offers them something to hold on to when they feel boggled by the pressure of achieving high grades. The focus should be on excellence and refining the skills; only grades may not help. This talk is a clear shoutout to the authorities to change the way of thinking and to make academics more accommodating for all.

6.) “Try Something New for 30 Days” – By Matt Cutts

As the title suggests, Matt Cutts discusses the benefits of trying 30-day challenges in this Ted Talk. Routine is quite important for children, this research points out the same. Matt Cutts, a software engineer from America, emphasizes doing something for straight 30 days to make it a habit. He says, “Think about the thing that you want to opt into your life and follow the same consistently for 30 days.” However, this phenomenon works only for small, sustainable habits that do not demand too much deprivation, he explains clearly in this talk.

According to Cutts, a period of 30 days is sufficient to add or subtract any habit from your life. Working on habits is one of the attractive ideas that high schoolers resolve upon often. This talk with its witty approach to building habit gives a moment or two to laugh. Almost everyone has a bad habit to give up; take the clue from the talk and try giving up Cutt’s way.

7.) “The Power Of Vulnerability” – By Brené Brown

Being a research professor at the University of Houston (Texas, USA), Brené Brown spent a good amount of time studying vulnerability, authenticity, courage, and shame. High schoolers are in that phase of life when they feel judged most time. They are receptive to comments and almost every comment matters to them. Also, there are instances where they are exposed to environments never known before. All such changes bring in the factor of vulnerability and stress. In this Ted Talk, Brown tries to normalize those emotions by explaining vulnerability as an inherent virtue.

Brené Brown, using her research, highlights the reasons for the vulnerable nature of humans. And she does not stop there! The talk also walks the listeners to the ways these can be used to achieve various goals in both personal and professional life. High schoolers preparing for life beyond campus or those who need to deal with constant changes such as change of city, school, friends, etc. can relate closely to this talk.

Ted Talks – the ultimate learning resource for high schoolers

As a high-school student, you feel the urge to know everything under the sun. And, you are also drawn to novel ways of soaking up knowledge. TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) is where there is no topic that remains untouched. The speakers come from various walks of life, have gone through something unconventional, and do have ‘ideas worth sharing.’ Ted Talks make it to the list of our suggestable resources to learn because:

• Talks here introduce us to newer perspectives: When you feel something is missing from the bigger picture, the talks introduce you to that wanted piece.
• Motivation comes in all sizes and from various resources: The speakers have something unique about them. They have contributed to the world around in their own special ways. They are not perfect physically or intellectually always, but have made the life bigger by using the resources available to them maximally.
• Ted Talks promote discussions: It is not only about listening to an achiever and following the footsteps blindly. The speakers simply give a loose end to pick and ignite the start of meaningful discussions.

Ted Talks can introduce high schoolers to the positives of life and help them see the bigger picture from an angle that they never tried before. Motivation need not come only from legends; high schoolers can follow or listen to the normal day achievers too, to learn how to take charge. Our list of Ted Talks comprises clips that touch on important aspects of the developmental phase and ensuing challenges. These talks help high schoolers develop their own thinking amidst all the noise around them.

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

Explore a plethora of invaluable resources and insights tailored for high schoolers at TheHighSchooler, under the guidance of Sananda Bhattacharya’s expertise. You can follow her on Linkedin

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Local News | North Coast Rotary Club announces 4-Way Test…

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Local News | North Coast Rotary Club announces 4-Way Test Speech Contest placers

The North Coast Rotary Club (serving Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Lake and Sheffield Village) recently held its 4-Way Test Speech Contest for high school students in the area. Congratulations to Avon High School junior Max Wojtus, for his first-place finish in the speech contest, and Avon High School junior Anika Singh who placed second, according to a release from the Club.

For the contest, students wrote an essay that explains the student’s personal understanding of the “4-Way Test” and how it relates to his/her life experiences and/or society. How does it influence what they say, think or do?

The 4-Way Test asks the questions: Is it Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

“My speech tackled the issue of hypermasculinity in the patriarchal American society and its relation to men’s fashion,” said Wojtus, in the release. “I more specifically discussed my personal experiences with finding the balance between expression and masculinity as a musician and performer, as well as how I believe nobody should have to settle for only one. The significance of my speech is most clear towards the end in which I call the community to action to open their minds to new possibilities for gendered standards for clothing, though I aimed to emphasize that nobody should have to change what they currently wear if it makes them feel comfortable and expressed.”

Singh’s speech focused on the life changing moment when she was 7-years-old and met Sunita Williams, a world-renowned American astronaut, Navy officer, and world record holder for the most spacewalks by a woman, at a NASA exhibit at the Great Lakes Science Center, the release stated. All Singh could think about was “‘wow’” she is extraordinary, and she looks just like me.” And because of this one speech, she dreamed the same thing for the next 10 years, to end up where Williams was at NASA as an aerospace engineer. So, for the last three years of Singh’s high school career, she has specifically set herself  up for an engineering major, including taking AP Physics, AP Calculus, and AP Computer Science, the release said.

“I take immense pride in being one of the few women in each of these classes,” she wrote in her speech. “I see more and more of my peers identifying and being proud to be women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). I want to delve into a topic that is not only close to my heart, but crucial for the future of women: the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields.”

“Being a woman in STEM, particularly in high school, entails more than pursuing personal interests — it’s about challenging stereotypes, advocating for fairness, and inspiring future generations. As we continue to strive for representation in STEM fields, let’s uphold the values of truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit on our journey toward a more inclusive and just society.”

For more information on the North Coast Rotary, go to  https://northcoastrotary.org/

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Bay Area-native USC student describes missing out on both high school, college graduation ceremonies

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- In Southern California, USC canceled its main graduation ceremony because of the ongoing protests and safety concerns.

Ninety protesters were arrested on campus Wednesday night during clashes with police. USC previously canceled a graduation speech by a Pro-Palestinian valedictorian.

Many members of this graduating class have already missed out on a high school graduation ceremony, during the first months of the pandemic.

MORE: Pro-Palestinian protests continue at Bay Area universities

That includes Pleasanton-native Meera Popli, whose parents have been planning her college graduation celebration for months.

"It's a culmination of our 4 years at USC and to have it pulled away I think it's a mistake on USC's part," Popli said. "It's disheartening, And I would've liked to see USC protect their students and protect their voices more."

"She was class of 2020 and with 2020 being the COVID year she didn't get a high school graduation, so the first thought was oh my god not again," Meera's mom Shagun Popli said.

MORE: College protests live updates: More protests, encampments pop up at Princeton, Northwestern and more

"Tickets have been bought, you know we have people coming from all over the country to Southern California," Meera's dad Sunil Popli said. "If they cancel it, it's gonna end up costing us thousands of dollars on top of the tuition."

USC officials cited the safety of 65,000 attendees for the cancellation of the campus-wide commencement.

Smaller ceremonies for individual schools and colleges will still be held.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

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The Crackdown on Student Protesters

Columbia university is at the center of a growing showdown over the war in gaza and the limits of free speech..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

[TRAIN SCREECHING]

Well, you can hear the helicopter circling. This is Asthaa Chaturvedi. I’m a producer with “The Daily.” Just walked out of the 116 Street Station. It’s the main station for Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus. And it’s day seven of the Gaza solidarity encampment, where a hundred students were arrested last Thursday.

So on one side of Broadway, you see camera crews. You see NYPD officers all lined up. There’s barricades, steel barricades, caution tape. This is normally a completely open campus. And I’m able to — all members of the public, you’re able to walk through.

[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

Looks like international media is here.

Have your IDs out. Have your IDs out.

Students lining up to swipe in to get access to the University. ID required for entry.

Swipe your ID, please.

Hi, how are you, officer? We’re journalists with “The New York Times.”

You’re not going to get in, all right? I’m sorry.

Hi. Can I help please?

Yeah, it’s total lockdown here at Columbia.

Please have your IDs out ready to swipe.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.” Today, the story of how Columbia University has become the epicenter of a growing showdown between student protesters, college administrators, and Congress over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech. I spoke with my colleague, Nick Fandos.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

It’s Thursday, April 25.

Nick, if we rewind the clock a few months, we end up at a moment where students at several of the country’s best known universities are protesting Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks, its approach to a war in Gaza. At times, those protests are happening peacefully, at times with rhetoric that is inflammatory. And the result is that the leaders of those universities land before Congress. But the president of Columbia University, which is the subject we’re going to be talking about today, is not one of the leaders who shows up for that testimony.

That’s right. So the House Education Committee has been watching all these protests on campus. And the Republican Chairwoman decides, I’m going to open an investigation, look at how these administrations are handling it, because it doesn’t look good from where I sit. And the House last winter invites the leaders of several of these elite schools, Harvard, Penn, MIT, and Columbia, to come and testify in Washington on Capitol Hill before Congress.

Now, the President of Columbia has what turns out to be a very well-timed, pre-planned trip to go overseas and speak at an international climate conference. So Minouche Shafik isn’t going to be there. So instead, the presidents of Harvard, and Penn, and MIT show up. And it turned out to be a disaster for these universities.

They were asked very pointed questions about the kind of speech taking place on their campuses, and they gave really convoluted academic answers back that just baffled the committee. But there was one question that really embodied the kind of disconnect between the Committee — And it wasn’t just Republicans, Republicans and Democrats on the Committee — and these college presidents. And that’s when they were asked a hypothetical.

Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penn’s rules or code of conduct? Yes or no?

If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment.

And two of the presidents, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania, they’re unwilling to say in this really kind of intense back and forth that this speech would constitute a violation of their rules.

It can be, depending on the context.

What’s the context?

Targeted at an individual. Is it pervasive?

It’s targeted at Jewish students, Jewish individuals. Do you understand your testimony is dehumanizing them?

And it sets off a firestorm.

It does not depend on the context. The answer is yes. And this is why you should resign. These are unacceptable answers across the board.

Members of Congress start calling for their resignations. Alumni are really, really ticked off. Trustees of the University start to wonder, I don’t know that these leaders really have got this under control. And eventually, both of them lose their jobs in a really high profile way.

Right. And as you’ve hinted at, for somewhat peculiar scheduling reasons, Columbia’s President escapes this disaster of a hearing in what has to be regarded as the best timing in the history of the American Academy.

Yeah, exactly. And Columbia is watching all this play out. And I think their first response was relief that she was not in that chair, but also a recognition that, sooner or later, their turn was going to come back around and they were going to have to sit before Congress.

Why were they so certain that they would probably end up before Congress and that this wasn’t a case of completely dodging a bullet?

Well, they remain under investigation by the committee. But also, as the winter wears on, all the same intense protests just continue unabated. So in many ways, Columbia’s like these other campuses. But in some ways, it’s even more intense. This is a university that has both one of the largest Jewish student populations of any of its peers. But it also has a large Arab and Muslim student population, a big Middle Eastern studies program. It has a dual degree program in Tel Aviv.

And it’s a university on top of all that that has a real history of activism dating back to the 1960s. So when students are recruited or choose to come to Columbia, they’re actively opting into a campus that prides itself on being an activist community. It’s in the middle of New York City. It’s a global place. They consider the city and the world, really, like a classroom to Columbia.

In other words, if any campus was going to be a hotbed of protest and debate over this conflict, it was going to be Columbia University.

Exactly. And when this spring rolls around, the stars finally align. And the same congressional committee issues another invitation to Minouche Shafik, Columbia’s President, to come and testify. And this time, she has no excuse to say no.

But presumably, she is well aware of exactly what testifying before this committee entails and is highly prepared.

Columbia knew this moment was coming. They spent months preparing for this hearing. They brought in outside consultants, crisis communicators, experts on anti-Semitism. The weekend before the hearing, she actually travels down to Washington to hole up in a war room, where she starts preparing her testimony with mock questioners and testy exchanges to prep her for this. And she’s very clear on what she wants to try to do.

Where her counterparts had gone before the committee a few months before and looked aloof, she wanted to project humility and competence, to say, I know that there’s an issue on my campus right now with some of these protests veering off into anti-Semitic incidents. But I’m getting that under control. I’m taking steps in good faith to make sure that we restore order to this campus, while allowing people to express themselves freely as well.

So then the day of her actual testimony arrives. And just walk us through how it goes.

The Committee on Education and Workforce will come to order. I note that —

So Wednesday morning rolls around. And President Shafik sits at the witness stand with two of her trustees and the head of Columbia’s new anti-Semitism task force.

Columbia stands guilty of gross negligence at best and at worst has become a platform for those supporting terrorism and violence against the Jewish people.

And right off the bat, they’re put through a pretty humbling litany of some of the worst hits of what’s been happening on campus.

For example, just four days after the harrowing October 7 attack, a former Columbia undergraduate beat an Israeli student with a stick.

The Republican Chairwoman of the Committee, Virginia Foxx, starts reminding her that there was a student who was actually hit with a stick on campus. There was another gathering more recently glorifying Hamas and other terrorist organizations, and the kind of chants that have become an everyday chorus on campus, which many Jewish students see as threatening. But when the questioning starts, President Shafik is ready. One of the first ones she gets is the one that tripped up her colleagues.

Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Columbia’s code of conduct, Mr. Greenwald?

And she answers unequivocally.

Dr. Shafik?

Yes, it does.

And, Professor —

That would be a violation of Columbia’s rules. They would be punished.

As President of Columbia, what is it like when you hear chants like, by any means necessary or Intifada Revolution?

I find those chants incredibly distressing. And I wish profoundly that people would not use them on our campus.

And in some of the most interesting exchanges of the hearing, President Shafik actually opens Columbia’s disciplinary books.

We have already suspended 15 students from Columbia. We have six on disciplinary probation. These are more disciplinary actions that have been taken probably in the last decade at Columbia. And —

She talks about the number of students that have been suspended, but also the number of faculty that she’s had removed from the classroom that are being investigated for comments that either violate some of Columbia’s rules or make students uncomfortable. One case in particular really underscores this.

And that’s of a Middle Eastern studies professor named Joseph Massad. He wrote an essay not long after Hamas invaded Israel and killed 1,200 people, according to the Israeli government, where he described that attack with adjectives like awesome. Now, he said they’ve been misinterpreted, but a lot of people have taken offense to those comments.

Ms. Stefanik, you’re recognized for five minutes.

Thank you, Chairwoman. I want to follow up on my colleague, Rep Walberg’s question regarding Professor Joseph Massad. So let me be clear, President —

And so Representative Elise Stefanik, the same Republican who had tripped up Claudine Gay of Harvard and others in the last hearing, really starts digging in to President Shafik about these things at Columbia.

He is still Chair on the website. So has he been terminated as Chair?

Congresswoman, I —

And Shafik’s answers are maybe a little surprising.

— before getting back to you. I can confirm —

I know you confirmed that he was under investigation.

Yes, I can confirm that. But I —

Did you confirm he was still the Chair?

He says that Columbia is taking his case seriously. In fact, he’s under investigation right now.

Well, let me ask you this.

I need to check.

Will you make the commitment to remove him as Chair?

And when Stefanik presses her to commit to removing him from a campus leadership position —

I think that would be — I think — I would — yes. Let me come back with yes. But I think I — I just want to confirm his current status before I write —

We’ll take that as a yes, that you will confirm that he will no longer be chair.

Shafik seems to pause and think and then agree to it on the spot, almost like she is making administrative decisions with or in front of Congress.

Now, we did some reporting after the fact. And it turns out the Professor didn’t even realize he was under investigation. So he’s learning about this from the hearing too. So what this all adds up to, I think, is a performance so in line with what the lawmakers themselves wanted to hear, that at certain points, these Republicans didn’t quite know what to do with it. They were like the dog that caught the car.

Columbia beats Harvard and UPenn.

One of them, a Republican from Florida, I think at one point even marvelled, well, you beat Harvard and Penn.

Y’all all have done something that they weren’t able to do. You’ve been able to condemn anti-Semitism without using the phrase, it depends on the context. But the —

So Columbia’s president has passed this test before this committee.

Yeah, this big moment that tripped up her predecessors and cost them their jobs, it seems like she has cleared that hurdle and dispatched with the Congressional committee that could have been one of the biggest threats to her presidency.

Without objection, there being no further business, the committee stands adjourned. [BANGS GAVEL]

But back on campus, some of the students and faculty who had been watching the hearing came away with a very different set of conclusions. They saw a president who was so eager to please Republicans in Congress that she was willing to sell out some of the University’s students and faculty and trample on cherished ideas like academic freedom and freedom of expression that have been a bedrock of American higher education for a really long time.

And there was no clearer embodiment of that than what had happened that morning just as President Shafik was going to testify before Congress. A group of students before dawn set up tents in the middle of Columbia’s campus and declared themselves a pro-Palestinian encampment in open defiance of the very rules that Dr. Shafik had put in place to try and get these protests under control.

So these students in real-time are beginning to test some of the things that Columbia’s president has just said before Congress.

Exactly. And so instead of going to celebrate her successful appearance before Congress, Shafik walks out of the hearing room and gets in a black SUV to go right back to that war room, where she’s immediately confronted with a major dilemma. It basically boils down to this, she had just gone before Congress and told them, I’m going to get tough on these protests. And here they were. So either she gets tough and risks inflaming tension on campus or she holds back and does nothing and her words before Congress immediately look hollow.

And what does she decide?

So for the next 24 hours, she tries to negotiate off ramps. She consults with her Deans and the New York Police Department. And it all builds towards an incredibly consequential decision. And that is, for the first time in decades, to call the New York City Police Department onto campus in riot gear and break this thing up, suspend the students involved, and then arrest them.

To essentially eliminate this encampment.

Eliminate the encampment and send a message, this is not going to be tolerated. But in trying to quell the unrest, Shafik actually feeds it. She ends up leaving student protesters and the faculty who support them feeling betrayed and pushes a campus that was already on edge into a full blown crisis.

[SLOW TEMPO MUSIC]

After the break, what all of this has looked like to a student on Columbia’s campus. We’ll be right back.

[PHONE RINGS]

Is this Isabella?

Yes, this is she.

Hi, Isabella. It’s Michael Barbaro from “The Daily.”

Hi. Nice to meet you.

Earlier this week, we called Isabella Ramírez, the Editor in Chief of Columbia’s undergraduate newspaper, “The Columbia Daily Spectator,” which has been closely tracking both the protests and the University’s response to them since October 7.

So, I mean, in your mind, how do we get to this point? I wonder if you can just briefly describe the key moments that bring us to where we are right now.

Sure. Since October 7, there has certainly been constant escalation in terms of tension on campus. And there have been a variety of moves that I believe have distanced the student body, the faculty, from the University and its administration, specifically the suspension of Columbia’s chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. And that became a huge moment in what was characterized as suppression of pro-Palestinian activism on campus, effectively rendering those groups, quote, unquote, unauthorized.

What was the college’s explanation for that?

They had cited in that suspension a policy which states that a demonstration must be approved within a certain window, and that there must be an advance notice, and that there’s a process for getting an authorized demonstration. But the primary point was this policy that they were referring to, which we later reported, was changed before the suspension.

So it felt a little ad hoc to people?

Yes, it certainly came as a surprise, especially at “Spectator.” We’re nerds of the University in the sense that we are familiar with faculty and University governance. But even to us, we had no idea where this policy was coming from. And this suspension was really the first time that it entered most students’ sphere.

Columbia’s campus is so known for its activism. And so in my time of being a reporter, of being an editor, I’ve overseen several protests. And I’ve never seen Columbia penalize a group for, quote, unquote, not authorizing a protest. So that was certainly, in our minds, unprecedented.

And I believe part of the justification there was, well, this is a different time. And I think that is a reasonable thing to say. But I think a lot of students, they felt it was particularly one-sided, that it was targeting a specific type of speech or a specific type of viewpoint. Although, the University, of course, in its explicit policies, did not outline, and was actually very explicit about not targeting specific viewpoints —

So just to be super clear, it felt to students — and it sounds like, journalistically, it felt to you — that the University was coming down in a uniquely one-sided way against students who were supporting Palestinian rights and may have expressed some frustrations with Israel in that moment.

Yes. Certainly —

Isabella says that this was just the beginning of a really tense period between student protesters and the University. After those two student groups were suspended, campus protests continued. Students made a variety of demands. They asked that the University divest from businesses that profit from Israel’s military operations in Gaza. But instead of making any progress, the protests are met with further crackdown by the University.

And so as Isabella and her colleagues at the college newspaper see it, there’s this overall chilling effect that occurs. Some students become fearful that if they participate in any demonstrations, they’re going to face disciplinary action. So fast forward now to April, when these student protesters learned that President Shafik is headed to Washington for her congressional testimony. It’s at this moment that they set out to build their encampment.

I think there was obviously a lot of intention in timing those two things. I think it’s inherently a critique on a political pressure and this congressional pressure that we saw build up against, of course, Claudine Gay at Harvard and Magill at UPenn. So I think a lot of students and faculty have been frustrated at this idea that there are not only powers at the University that are dictating what’s happening, but there are perhaps external powers that are also guiding the way here in terms of what the University feels like it must do or has to do.

And I think that timing was super crucial. Having the encampment happen on the Wednesday morning of the hearing was an incredible, in some senses, interesting strategy to direct eyes to different places.

All eyes were going to be on Shafik in DC. But now a lot of eyes are on New York. The encampment is set up in the middle of the night slash morning, prior to the hearing. And so what effectively happens is they caught Shafik when she wasn’t on campus, when a lot of senior administration had their resources dedicated to supporting Shafik in DC.

And you have all of those people not necessarily out of commission, but with their focus elsewhere. So the encampment is met with very little resistance at the beginning. There were public safety officers floating around and watching. But at the very beginning hours, I think there was a sense of, we did it.

[CHANTING]: Disclose! Divest! We will not stop! We will not rest. Disclose! Divest! We will not stop!

It would be quite surprising to anybody and an administrator to now suddenly see dozens of tents on this lawn in a way that I think very purposely puts an imagery of, we’re here to stay. As the morning evolved and congressional hearings continued —

Minouche Shafik, open your eyes! Use of force, genocide!

Then we started seeing University delegates that were coming to the encampment saying, you may face disciplinary action for continuing to be here. I think that started around almost — like 9:00 or 10:00 AM, they started handing out these code of conduct violation notices.

Hell no! Hell no! Hell no!

Then there started to be more public safety action and presence. So they started barricading the entrances. The day progressed, there was more threat of discipline. The students became informed that if they continue to stay, they will face potential academic sanctions, potential suspension.

The more they try to silence us, the louder we will be! The more they —

I think a lot of people were like, OK, you’re threatening us with suspension. But so what?

This is about these systems that Minouche Shafik, that the Board of Trustees, that Columbia University is complicit in.

What are you going to do to try to get us out of here? And that was, obviously, promptly answered.

This is the New York State Police Department.

We will not stop!

You are attempting participate in an unauthorized encampment. You will be arrested and charged with trespassing.

My phone blew up, obviously, from the reporters, from the editors, of saying, oh my god, the NYPD is on our campus. And as soon as I saw that, I came out. And I saw a huge crowd of students and affiliates on campus watching the lawns. And as I circled around that crowd, I saw the last end of the New York Police Department pulling away protesters and clearing out the last of the encampment.

[CHANTING]: We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you!

It was something truly unimaginable, over 100 students slash other individuals are arrested from our campus, forcefully removed. And although they were suspended, there was a feeling of traumatic event that has just happened to these students, but also this sense of like, OK, the worst of the worst that could have happened to us just happened.

And for those students who maybe couldn’t go back to — into campus, now all of their peers, who were supporters or are in solidarity, are — in some sense, it’s further emboldened. They’re now not just sitting on the lawns for a pro-Palestinian cause, but also for the students, who have endured quite a lot.

So the crackdown, sought by the president and enforced by the NYPD, ends up, you’re saying, becoming a galvanizing force for a broader group of Columbia students than were originally drawn to the idea of ever showing up on the center of campus and protesting?

Yeah, I can certainly speak to the fact that I’ve seen my own peers, friends, or even acquaintances, who weren’t necessarily previously very involved in activism and organizing efforts, suddenly finding themselves involved.

Can I — I just have a question for you, which is all journalism, student journalism or not student journalism, is a first draft of history. And I wonder if we think of this as a historic moment for Columbia, how you imagine it’s going to be remembered.

Yeah, there is no doubt in my mind that this will be a historic moment for Colombia.

I think that this will be remembered as a moment in which the fractures were laid bare. Really, we got to see some of the disunity of the community in ways that I have never really seen it before. And what we’ll be looking to is, where do we go from here? How does Colombia repair? How do we heal from all of this? so That is the big question in terms of what will happen.

Nick, Isabella Ramírez just walked us through what this has all looked like from the perspective of a Columbia student. And from what she could tell, the crackdown ordered by President Shafik did not quell much of anything. It seemed, instead, to really intensify everything on campus. I’m curious what this has looked like for Shafik.

It’s not just the students who are upset. You have faculty, including professors, who are not necessarily sympathetic to the protesters’ view of the war, who are really outraged about what Shafik has done here. They feel that she’s crossed a boundary that hasn’t been crossed on Columbia’s campus in a really long time.

And so you start to hear things by the end of last week like censure, no confidence votes, questions from her own professors about whether or not she can stay in power. So this creates a whole new front for her. And on top of it all, as this is going on, the encampment itself starts to reform tent-by-tent —

— almost in the same place that it was. And Shafik decides that the most important thing she could do is to try and take the temperature down, which means letting the encampment stand. Or in other words, leaning in the other direction. This time, we’re going to let the protesters have their say for a little while longer.

The problem with that is that, over the weekend, a series of images start to emerge from on campus and just off of it of some really troubling anti-Semitic episodes. In one case, a guy holds up a poster in the middle of campus and points it towards a group of Jewish students who are counter protesting. And it says, I’m paraphrasing here, Hamas’ next targets.

I saw an image of that. What it seemed to evoke was the message that Hamas should murder those Jewish students. That’s the way the Jewish students interpreted it.

It’s a pretty straightforward and jarring statement. At the same time, just outside of Columbia’s closed gates —

Stop killing children!

— protestors are showing up from across New York City. It’s hard to tell who’s affiliated with Columbia, who’s not.

Go back to Poland! Go back to Poland!

There’s a video that goes viral of one of them shouting at Jewish students, go back to Poland, go back to Europe.

In other words, a clear message, you’re not welcome here.

Right. In fact, go back to the places where the Holocaust was committed.

Exactly. And this is not representative of the vast majority of the protesters in the encampment, who mostly had been peaceful. They would later hold a Seder, actually, with some of the pro-Palestinian Jewish protesters in their ranks. But those videos are reaching members of Congress, the very same Republicans that Shafik had testified in front of just a few days before. And now they’re looking and saying, you have lost control of your campus, you’ve turned back on your word to us, and you need to resign.

They call for her outright resignation over this.

That’s right. Republicans in New York and across the country began to call for her to step down from her position as president of Columbia.

So Shafik’s dilemma here is pretty extraordinary. She has set up this dynamic where pleasing these members of Congress would probably mean calling in the NYPD all over again to sweep out this encampment, which would mean further alienating and inflaming students and faculty, who are still very upset over the first crackdown. And now both ends of this spectrum, lawmakers in Washington, folks on the Columbia campus, are saying she can’t lead the University over this situation before she’s even made any fateful decision about what to do with this second encampment. Not a good situation.

No. She’s besieged on all sides. For a while, the only thing that she can come up with to offer is for classes to go hybrid for the remainder of the semester.

So students who aren’t feeling safe in this protest environment don’t necessarily have to go to class.

Right. And I think if we zoom out for a second, it’s worth bearing in mind that she tried to choose a different path here than her counterparts at Harvard or Penn. And after all of this, she’s kind of ended up in the exact same thicket, with people calling for her job with the White House, the Mayor of New York City, and others. These are Democrats. Maybe not calling on her to resign quite yet, but saying, I don’t know what’s going on your campus. This does not look good.

That reality, that taking a different tack that was supposed to be full of learnings and lessons from the stumbles of her peers, the fact that didn’t really work suggests that there’s something really intractable going on here. And I wonder how you’re thinking about this intractable situation that’s now arrived on these college campuses.

Well, I don’t think it’s just limited to college campuses. We have seen intense feelings about this conflict play out in Hollywood. We’ve seen them in our politics in all kinds of interesting ways.

In our media.

We’ve seen it in the media. But college campuses, at least in their most idealized form, are something special. They’re a place where students get to go for four years to think in big ways about moral questions, and political questions, and ideas that help shape the world they’re going to spend the rest of their lives in.

And so when you have a question that feels as urgent as this war does for a lot of people, I think it reverberates in an incredibly intense way on those campuses. And there’s something like — I don’t know if it’s quite a contradiction of terms, but there’s a collision of different values at stake. So universities thrive on the ability of students to follow their minds and their voices where they go, to maybe even experiment a little bit and find those things.

But there are also communities that rely on people being able to trust each other and being able to carry out their classes and their academic endeavors as a collective so they can learn from one another. So in this case, that’s all getting scrambled. Students who feel strongly about the Palestinian cause feel like the point is disruption, that something so big, and immediate, and urgent is happening that they need to get in the faces of their professors, and their administrators, and their fellow students.

Right. And set up an encampment in the middle of campus, no matter what the rules say.

Right. And from the administration’s perspective, they say, well, yeah, you can say that and you can think that. And that’s an important process. But maybe there’s some bad apples in your ranks. Or though you may have good intentions, you’re saying things that you don’t realize the implications of. And they’re making this environment unsafe for others. Or they’re grinding our classes to a halt and we’re not able to function as a University.

So the only way we’re going to be able to move forward is if you will respect our rules and we’ll respect your point of view. The problem is that’s just not happening. Something is not connecting with those two points of view. And as if that’s not hard enough, you then have Congress and the political system with its own agenda coming in and putting its thumb on a scale of an already very difficult situation.

Right. And at this very moment, what we know is that the forces that you just outlined have created a dilemma, an uncertainty of how to proceed, not just for President Shafik and the students and faculty at Columbia, but for a growing number of colleges and universities across the country. And by that, I mean, this thing that seemed to start at Columbia is literally spreading.

Absolutely. We’re talking on a Wednesday afternoon. And these encampments have now started cropping up at universities from coast-to-coast, at Harvard and Yale, but also at University of California, at the University of Texas, at smaller campuses in between. And at each of these institutions, there’s presidents and deans, just like President Shafik at Columbia, who are facing a really difficult set of choices. Do they call in the police? The University of Texas in Austin this afternoon, we saw protesters physically clashing with police.

Do they hold back, like at Harvard, where there were dramatic videos of students literally running into Harvard yard with tents. They were popping up in real-time. And so Columbia, really, I think, at the end of the day, may have kicked off some of this. But they are now in league with a whole bunch of other universities that are struggling with the same set of questions. And it’s a set of questions that they’ve had since this war broke out.

And now these schools only have a week or two left of classes. But we don’t know when these standoffs are going to end. We don’t know if students are going to leave campus for the summer. We don’t know if they’re going to come back in the fall and start protesting right away, or if this year is going to turn out to have been an aberration that was a response to a really awful, bloody war, or if we’re at the beginning of a bigger shift on college campuses that will long outlast this war in the Middle East.

Well, Nick, thank you very much. Thanks for having me, Michael.

We’ll be right back.

Here’s what else you need to know today. The United Nations is calling for an independent investigation into two mass graves found after Israeli forces withdrew from hospitals in Gaza. Officials in Gaza said that some of the bodies found in the graves were Palestinians who had been handcuffed or shot in the head and accused Israel of killing and burying them. In response, Israel said that its soldiers had exhumed bodies in one of the graves as part of an effort to locate Israeli hostages.

And on Wednesday, Hamas released a video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American dual citizen, whom Hamas has held hostage since October 7. It was the first time that he has been shown alive since his captivity began. His kidnapping was the subject of a “Daily” episode in October that featured his mother, Rachel. In response to Hamas’s video, Rachel issued a video of her own, in which she spoke directly to her son.

And, Hersh, if you can hear this, we heard your voice today for the first time in 201 days. And if you can hear us, I am telling you, we are telling you, we love you. Stay strong. Survive.

Today’s episode was produced by Sydney Harper, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Olivia Natt, Nina Feldman, and Summer Thomad, with help from Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Devon Taylor and Lisa Chow, contains research help by Susan Lee, original music by Marion Lozano and Dan Powell, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

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• April 17, 2024   •   24:52 Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?
• April 16, 2024   •   29:29 A.I.’s Original Sin
• April 15, 2024   •   24:07 Iran’s Unprecedented Attack on Israel
• April 14, 2024   •   46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
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Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Nicholas Fandos

Produced by Sydney Harper ,  Asthaa Chaturvedi ,  Olivia Natt ,  Nina Feldman and Summer Thomad

With Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Devon Taylor and Lisa Chow

Original music by Marion Lozano and Dan Powell

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Columbia University has become the epicenter of a growing showdown between student protesters, college administrators and Congress over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech.

Nicholas Fandos, who covers New York politics and government for The Times, walks us through the intense week at the university. And Isabella Ramírez, the editor in chief of Columbia’s undergraduate newspaper, explains what it has all looked like to a student on campus.

On today’s episode

Nicholas Fandos , who covers New York politics and government for The New York Times

Isabella Ramírez , editor in chief of The Columbia Daily Spectator

Background reading

Inside the week that shook Columbia University .

The protests at the university continued after more than 100 arrests.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Research help by Susan Lee .

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Nicholas Fandos is a Times reporter covering New York politics and government. More about Nicholas Fandos

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What federal education data shows about students with disabilities in the U.S.

Public K-12 schools in the United States educate about 7.3 million students with disabilities – a number that has grown over the last few decades. Disabled students ages 3 to 21 are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) , which guarantees them the right to free public education and appropriate special education services.

For Disability Pride Month , here are some key facts about public school students with disabilities, based on the latest data from the  National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) .

July is both Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To mark these occasions, Pew Research Center used federal education data from  the National Center for Education Statistics  to learn more about students who receive special education services in U.S. public schools.

In this analysis, students with disabilities include those ages 3 to 21 who are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) . Through IDEA, children with disabilities are guaranteed a “free appropriate public education,” including special education and related services.

The 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. made up 15% of national public school enrollment during the 2021-22 school year. The population of students in prekindergarten through 12th grade who are served under IDEA has grown in both number and share over the last few decades. During the 2010-11 school year, for instance, there were 6.4 million students with disabilities in U.S. public schools, accounting for 13% of enrollment.

The number of students receiving special education services temporarily dropped during the coronavirus pandemic – the first decline in a decade. Between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, the number of students receiving special education services decreased by 1%, from 7.3 million to 7.2 million. This was the first year-over-year drop in special education enrollment since 2011-12.

The decline in students receiving special education services was part of a 3% decline in the overall number of students enrolled in public schools between 2019-20 and 2020-21. While special education enrollment bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in the 2021-22 school year, overall public school enrollment remained flat.

These enrollment trends may reflect some of the learning difficulties and health concerns students with disabilities and their families faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic , which limited or paused special education services in many school districts.

Many school districts struggle to hire special education professionals. During the 2020-21 school year, 40% of public schools that had a special education teaching vacancy reported that they either found it very difficult to fill the position or were not able to do so.

Foreign languages (43%) and physical sciences (37%) were the only subjects with similarly large shares of hard-to-fill teaching vacancies at public schools that were looking to hire in those fields.

While the COVID-19 pandemic called attention to a nationwide teacher shortage , special education positions have long been among the most difficult for school districts to fill .

The most common type of disability for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade involves “specific learning disabilities,” such as dyslexia.  In 2021-22, about a third of students (32%) receiving services under IDEA had a specific learning disability. Some 19% had a speech or language impairment, while 15% had a chronic or acute health problem that adversely affected their educational performance. Chronic or acute health problems include ailments such as heart conditions, asthma, sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, leukemia and diabetes.

Students with autism made up 12% of the nation’s schoolchildren with disabilities in 2021-22, compared with 1.5% in 2000-01.  During those two decades, the share of disabled students with a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, declined from 45% to 32%.

The percentage of students receiving special education services varies widely across states. New York serves the largest share of disabled students in the country at 20.5% of its overall public school enrollment. Pennsylvania (20.2%), Maine (20.1%) and Massachusetts (19.3%) serve the next-largest shares. The states serving the lowest shares of disabled students include Texas and Idaho (both 11.7%) and Hawaii (11.3%).

Between the 2000-01 and 2021-22 school years, all but 12 states experienced growth in their disabled student populations. The biggest increase occurred in Utah, where the disabled student population rose by 65%. Rhode Island saw the largest decline of 22%.

These differences by state are likely the result of inconsistencies in how states determine which students are eligible for special education services and challenges in identifying disabled children.

The racial and ethnic makeup of the nation’s special education students is similar to public school students overall, but there are differences by sex.  About two-thirds of disabled students (65%) are male, while 34% are female, according to data from the 2021-22 school year. Overall student enrollment is about evenly split between boys and girls.

Research has shown that decisions about whether to recommend a student for special education may be influenced by their school’s socioeconomic makeup, as well as by the school’s test scores and other academic markers.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published April 23, 2020.

Katherine Schaeffer is a research analyst at Pew Research Center

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Ohio State warns students not to incite violence at campus protests over Israel-Hamas war

Ohio State University on Saturday warned students protesting the war in Gaza that it will not allow demonstrations to escalate into violence on campus.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the university stated that hate speech —including comments made at campus demonstrations last week against the war in Gaza— is "deplorable and does not align with our values, even if allowed under the First Amendment."

The university's statement went on to say that "when protected speech becomes incitement or threats of violence," Ohio State President Ted Carter and university leaders have made it clear they "will always move quickly to enforce the law and university policy." Ohio State police and trained staff are also onsite for demonstrations on campus, the university said in the statement on X.

Read More: Locals protest what's happening in Palestine, say Columbus residents can make difference

It's unclear exactly what was said at recent protests that prompted the university's response. But, spokesman Ben Johnson did confirm to The Dispatch the university made the statement following protests on campus over the war in Gaza.

Ohio State's statement comes just days after more than 100 people were arrested for protesting Israel's war in Gaza at Columbia University in New York City,

Students were forcibly removed from tents at the center of campus by police and charged with trespassing, reported USA Today. The students were part of student groups protesting the university's financial investment in "corporations that profit from Israeli apartheid, genocide, and occupation in Palestine," the group told USA Today.

This isn't the first time colleges and universities have been in the spotlight in relation to the conflict, as Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned in January after her response to antisemitism on campus was criticized and she faced accusations of plagiarism.

Antisemitism at an all-time high

The protests against Israel's war in Gaza come as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) warned that antisemitic incidents have reached a new record high in the United States.

Incidents topped 8,800 in 2023 across the U.S. That's an average of one every hour each day, according to the ADL.

The 8,873 incidents recorded last year was a 140% increase from 2022, with 321% more incidents on college campuses in 2023 than in the prior year, according to the ADL.

The majority of those incidents, over 5,200, happened from Oct. 7 to Dec. 31, 2023.

On Oct. 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas infiltrated southern Israel in a surprise attack during a major Jewish holiday. The attack included dozens of gunmen and thousands of rockets launched into Israel, leaving more than 1,000 killed, hundreds wounded and several taken hostage, USA Today reported.

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High school junior scores perfect ACT, gets into prestigious MIT program

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. (WKBT) - A Wisconsin teenager who got a perfect score on the ACT was just accepted into Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s prestigious program.

There are not many high schoolers who are busier than Allie Mathies.

“I do forensics, I’m in vocal jazz, I’m in book club, I’m also in student leadership and I also do mock trial,” the Prairie du Chien High School junior said. “Sports wise, I do swim team and I’m involved in soccer varsity, and cross country varsity.”

Her teachers say there aren’t many students who work harder either.

And you’ll struggle to find a harder worker.

“She just has ability, and grit, and determination and a work ethic,” high school English teacher Marge Johnson said.

That work ethic is paying off.

Earlier this spring, Allie learned she’ll be in Boston this summer taking part in MIT’s Women in Technology program.

“I was actually at lunch when I got the email, and I was reading it and all of my friends were sitting around me,” Allie remembered. “I almost started crying my eyes out when I was sitting there and I was freaking out inside.”

The program is for underserved students in engineering, including those who have limited access to certain STEM classes.

“I was planning on doing an engineering class this year, but it was canceled because UW-Platteville didn’t have enough funding for the class,” Allie said.

Allie is one of just 20 students accepted into this year’s program.

“Allie’s the real deal,” Johnson described.

Despite her academic prowess, Allie’s teachers say her heart is as impressive as her brain.

“If every student in class was like Allie, it would certainly be the dream teaching job,” Johnson added. “She’s kind and generous. I think she’s just someone for the younger kids to look up to.”

Allie hopes her successes inspire other students like her to chase their dreams.

“You can do big things, even though you come from such a small place, if you really put your heart and mind after it,” Allie said.

After high school, Allie said she hopes to study biomedical engineering.

Copyright 2024 WKBT via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.

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