Frantically Speaking

Best 3 Minute Speech Topics (How to Come Ideate)

Hrideep barot.

  • Body Language & Delivery , Presentation , Public Speaking , Speech Topics , Speech Writing

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

It’s challenging to deliver a speech in front of a large crowd, but choosing 3-minute topics is far harder. Moreover, the audience would not be engaged in the speech from the start if the speaker did not have an engaging or compelling topic or title.

You’ve come to the perfect article if you want to learn everything there is to know about 3-minute topics in order to improve your public speaking skills. So, READ ON.

Importance of 3-minute speeches

Speaking for three minutes is undoubtedly difficult to master. You must unquestionably conduct an adequate study and choose crucial issues to include in your speech. It is crucial to realise that you must deliver the most essential information first while speaking in a restricted amount of time, such as a 3-minute speech.

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. Be more relatable to the audience and speak for them. To be the best, you must improve your communication abilities.

While giving a three-minute speech is fantastic, the fear of public speaking might frequently prevent you from doing it effectively. Without a doubt, practice and dedication will aid you in overcoming your deficiencies. You will undoubtedly master the art of public speaking if you overcome all of these obstacles. You can overcome your fear of public speaking by developing a few specific abilities.

importance of 3-minute topics

What to say in a 3-minute speech?

Although a three-minute speech may seem brief, a lot of words and ideas may be said in that time. Despite the time constraint, if you are conversant with the subject matter, you may prepare for your three-minute speech swiftly. The secret is to create a strong outline that allows you to add or remove details based on how much time you have left.

1. Choose a topic

The topic of your speech and the main points you want to convey to the audience should be stated in one phrase. Choose the speech’s style—persuasive, celebratory, argumentative, or any other—so that you’ll know how to move on. This phrase should not be spoken aloud during your speech; instead, use it as a guide to help you focus while you write it.

2. Prepare an introduction 

Write an attention-grabbing introduction paragraph to draw the audience in. You could wish to think about opening with a humorous anecdote, a stunning statistic, or an intriguing quotation from a relevant source, depending on the subject and the audience.

3. Summarise the key points

You should quickly summarise the key points you wish to cover in your speech. Roman numerals should be used to identify these, and if you are typing, bold it to make it easier for you to see where you are in your speech. No more than five key points should be used in a three-minute speech.

4. Support the key points with evidence/examples

Each of your primary claims should be supported by three to five brief paragraphs. Count them. Using capital letters may make it easier for readers to quickly distinguish them from your major arguments.

5. Make an outline

Write as much of your speech as you think you’ll need to, word for word, then enter the phrases inside the outline. You’ll be able to write your speech more quickly the less you include. However, this also requires that you feel at ease structuring logical phrases and thoughts just before speaking.

6. Practise the speech

Prepare your speech in advance and memorise it before giving it to anyone who would listen. Aim for no more than one quick peek at your written speech every ten to twenty seconds.

How to prepare for a 3-minute speech?

1. organize yourself.

Before speaking in front of an audience, it’s a good idea to organise yourself. Furthermore, you must be aware that speaking clearly requires organising your thoughts and ideas.

2. Practice a lot

Hard labour, which you need to practise for, is the secret to excellent public speaking. Do it as much as you can; practice is something you just can’t get enough of. Moreover, start by putting the key points of your speech into practice.

3. Stay focused

Keep your speech on topic by avoiding letting other things distract you. Moreover, you can deliver your finest work by remaining focused. In addition, it is crucial to maintain your attention on the essential ideas and avoid being sidetracked by anything else.

practice and stay focused in a 3-minute speech

4. Stay calm

You do have a fear of public speaking, but try to calm yourself down and remember that it won’t last forever. You can certainly get past it. Simply calming down and taking deep breaths can help a lot, especially when confidence is being threatened by fear.

5. Grab the audience’s attention

Keeping the audience interested is essential to giving a successful speech. Yes, it naturally improves confidence when you know that the audience is interested in hearing you and that you can engage them with strong information. Furthermore, by being more appealing to and relatable to the audience, you may gain their attention.

Length of a 3-minute speech 

At a normal speech rate of 130 words per minute , a three-minute speech would typically contain 390 words (wpm) .

In addition, the average speaking pace, according to speech and writing instructor Daphne Gray-Grant, is 125 to 150 words per minute , or 375 to 450 words for a three-minute speech.

Exploring 3-minute topics

  • Look for events in periodicals, journals, and newspapers. At this point, it makes no difference if the information is current or historical; what matters are recent interesting facts that grab people’s attention. Articles on topics that interest you and those you feel at ease discussing are solid indicators.
  • Note down any suggestions you may have for engaging speech topics. For a public speaking engagement, create a brief list of potential topics for yourself. Then skip the ones that are too hard and tough to prepare for in 8 to 10 minutes.
  • For further in-depth knowledge about your topic, look up some online books on it. Alternately, visit a library and ask for books and scholarly articles on your topic. Moreover, try to comprehend the author’s treatment of it. How is he structured? Which facts, evidence, or arguments are the most persuasive? What instances and examples has she or he used?
  • Peerless trustworthy statistics and recent findings can aid with writing and editing. Keep an eye out for debates, unusual viewpoints, and oddities. How do you feel about it? What do you hope they will make of it?
  • Consider interesting interpretive cues to discuss that are linked. Try to add new ideas, consider things from different perspectives, or simply flip your assumptions as you look at your rough list. Furthermore, look at the unique features that shock the listeners. That has the potential to greatly enlighten the public’s judgement. What you try to explain or demonstrate in a few minutes, they can also feel, see, taste, and smell.
  • Look for remarks, arguments in favour and against, and supporting and opposing opinions. Where you wish to draw attention to or underline a seemingly impossible point in your intriguing topic concept, include graphic aids.
  • Watch debate programmes, historical documentaries, and newscasts, such as the morning and evening news. In particular, they are useful for creating a basic list of wheedling brainstorms.

General 3-minute topics

  • Why is it so hard for us to fathom life without technology?
  • Why are effective communication skills so crucial?
  • An excellent sense of humour is crucial.
  • My worst life event and the lessons it taught me.
  • Helpful advice for acing an interview.
  • Every firm should prioritise cybersecurity.
  • How well does technology match our expectations?
  • How can I choose a good career?
  • Why being young is not all that it seems to be?
  • Why do manners matter so much in defining a person?

Simple 3-minute topics 

  • How the globe is becoming more united because of social media
  • Why pets are preferable to kids
  • My most embarrassing circumstance
  • How to deal with the issue of online trolls
  • My hope for mankind
  • How to get the ideal selfie
  • Why veganism is the way to go
  • 5 tips for cutting down on cooking time
  • Why lying is occasionally required
  • What I wish a wise person had told my parents before I was born 

different speech ideas

Funny 3-minute topics 

  • Most amusing childhood memory 
  • One Occasion I Got Caught 
  • Quickly Make Money 
  • When I Was Arrested
  • My 15 Minutes of Fame
  • A Time When I Escaped My Home
  • Best Reasons To Miss Work
  • How to Cheat on a Test
  • The Weirdest Person I’ve Ever Known
  • We are the individuals of whom our parents warned us.

Unique 3-minute topics 

  • The finest kind of advertising will always be word of mouth.
  • Racism will always exist.
  • Sale flyers are ineffective.
  • Text communications were destroyed by WhatsApp.
  • People’s responses to you are influenced by your attire.
  • The best form of government is democracy.
  • There should only be organic farming.
  • There is reincarnation.
  • The most enthusiastic teachers are those who are young.
  • People who lack order are more inventive.

3-minute topics for students

Everyone has interests, and everyone enjoys discussing them. You know, hobbies could also be passions. Simple inquiries to pose include:

  • What interests you?
  • Why are your activities so appealing to you?
  • When do you engage in these pastimes?
  • What are your hobbies, how long have you been doing them, and how did you start?
  • What pastimes did you once enjoy but no longer do?
  • Is it necessary to engage in hobbies? Why or why not?

Hobbies as 3-minute topics

Everyone enjoys music, and the majority of people have extremely strong feelings about it, especially when it comes to the music they enjoy (or detest) the most. Simple inquiries to make include the following:

  • What genres of music do you enjoy or find boring?
  • What emotions do various musical genres evoke in you?
  • What genres of music are produced in your nation?
  • What song, artist, or album is your favourite?
  • What music is now in vogue in your nation?

3. Motivation

Whether or whether the pupils are motivated, it is a good idea to talk about motivation in order to motivate them. Examples of questions are:

  • In general, how motivated are you?
  • What spurs you on to action?
  • What inspires people to accomplish the most?
  • What actions do you do when you lack motivation?
  • How can one effectively inspire others?

Everybody has objectives, and discussing them really makes us more motivated to take action. Goal-setting can be aided by sharing them with others. An excellent set of inquiries are:

  • What are your present life objectives?
  • How are your goals going to be attained?
  • How frequently do you set yourself goals?
  • What objectives have you previously set and attained?
  • How do you feel after achieving your objectives?

goals as 3-minute topics

Everyone has dreams, sometimes on a nightly basis, and discussing them in class is a terrific activity since it encourages pupils to be imaginative and even whimsical. Excellent inquiries on this subject include:

  • How would you characterise your dreams?
  • What do dreams represent to you?
  • What percentage of your dreams can you recall? Why?
  • What are your thoughts about prophecies? Are they genuine?
  • What are some instances of your most cherished dreams?

Read the article for more useful insights: Speech titles and topics: Everything you need to know

Level up your public speaking in 15 minutes!

Get the exclusive Masterclass video delivered to your inbox to see immediate speaking results.

The Masterclass video is on its way to your inbox.

Final words 

Any speech, whether it be persuasive, informative, or emotive, must start with its theme. Moreover, the topic of the speech is chosen to convey a particular message to the audience and persuade them to accept the speaker’s views.

Making oneself a better and more persuasive speaker may benefit from the wise choice and effective utilisation of speech subjects.

Hrideep Barot

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Lost Voice? Here’s How to Recover Sore Throat and Speak Again

7 Keys to Emcee Like a Pro: Unlock Your Hosting Potential

7 Keys to Emcee Like a Pro: Unlock Your Hosting Potential

control noise while speaking

8 Ways to Rise Above the Noise to Communicate Better

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved

Kindly drop your contact details so that we can arrange call back

Select Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria AmericanSamoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Rwanda Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe land Islands Antarctica Bolivia, Plurinational State of Brunei Darussalam Cocos (Keeling) Islands Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Guernsey Holy See (Vatican City State) Hong Kong Iran, Islamic Republic of Isle of Man Jersey Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Lao People's Democratic Republic Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Macao Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Mozambique Palestinian Territory, Occupied Pitcairn Réunion Russia Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sao Tome and Principe Somalia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tanzania, United Republic of Timor-Leste Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Speak 2 Impress

No products in the cart.

man standing near podium

150 Just a Minute Topics for Engaging and Effective Speeches

Navigating the choppy waters of public speaking can be daunting. Like many, I’ve grappled with finding the right words to captivate an audience. Yet, through trial and error, I uncovered 150 powerful topics that truly resonate.

This article is a treasure trove of quick tips and compelling subjects suitable for every type of speaker. Are you ready to transform your speaking skills and enthral your audience ?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • “Just a Minute” is a game that improves speaking skills by challenging players to talk about a topic for one minute without hesitation, deviation, or repetition. This helps with quick thinking and confidence in front of an audience.
  • The article offers 150 topics catered to various audiences, including adults and students, covering areas from fun and humorous to relevant social issues. These topics engage listeners and encourage meaningful discussions.
  • Tips for delivering successful speeches include preparing a structured outline , practicing delivery techniques like maintaining eye contact and using gestures, and adapting content to be respectful while keeping it interesting.
  • Speeches can touch on important days, famous leaders, personal growth themes , or even light-hearted subjects to elicit laughs. This variety ensures speakers can find relatable content that resonates with their audience.
  • Incorporating these exercises in ESL classrooms or personal development sessions enhances vocabulary, fluency, public speaking skills , critical thinking abilities as well as boosts overall confidence in oral communication.

What is Just a Minute Speech?

Just a Minute Speech is an impromptu speaking activity where participants are given a topic and have to speak about it for one minute without hesitation, repetition, or deviation. It’s a great exercise for practicing spontaneous speaking skills and boosting confidence in public speaking engagements.

Explanation of the game

Just a Minute is a speech game that challenges speakers to talk about a topic for one minute without hesitation, deviation, or repetition . The goal is simple: keep talking for 60 seconds straight on any given subject.

Players must be quick-thinking and articulate to succeed. This exercise sharpens impromptu speaking skills and boosts confidence in front of an audience.

Incorporating Just a Minute in the ESL classroom can work wonders for language learners . It encourages students to think on their feet and practice English in an engaging, low-pressure setting.

Through this game, participants improve vocabulary, fluency , and public speaking abilities all at once. Now let’s move on to how you can give a successful Just a Minute speech.

How it can be used in the ESL classroom

Impromptu speaking exercises like Just a Minute can be beneficial for ESL learners. These speech topics help students practice oral communication and improve their speaking skills.

Engaging with diverse topics also enhances vocabulary and language fluency , making it an effective tool for language acquisition and confidence-building in public speaking. Moreover, these exercises align with the need to provide persuasive, impromptu speaking topics that challenge students to express their ideas effectively within a limited time frame.

In the ESL classroom , incorporating Just a Minute activities allows students to engage in lively debates on relevant or nonsensical presentation topics, effectively enhancing not only their oral communication but also critical thinking skills .

Tips for Giving a Successful Just a Minute Speech

Prepare your speech outline carefully

Practice delivering your speech with confidence

Preparation techniques

To prepare for a Just a Minute speech, begin by selecting a topic that interests you and aligns with your audience. Research your chosen topic thoroughly to gather relevant information . Organize your thoughts and create an outline or structure for your speech. Practice speaking on the topic multiple times to build confidence and fluency. Record yourself and evaluate your performance, paying attention to areas that need improvement. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to further enhance your delivery. Keep practicing until you feel comfortable and ready to deliver a compelling speech.

Delivery tips

  • Stand confidently with good posture .
  • Make eye contact with the audience.
  • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace .
  • Use gestures to emphasize points .
  • Control nervousness by taking deep breaths.
  • Practice your speech multiple times for fluency.
  • Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
  • Pay attention to your tone and pitch while speaking.
  • Be enthusiastic and passionate about your topic.
  • Engage the audience by asking questions or involving them in your speech.

Remember, speak with conviction and confidence!

Sample speech outline template

To effectively deliver a just a minute speech, it’s important to have a well-structured outline. Here’s a sample speech outline template to guide you:

  • Introduction
  • Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question
  • Topic introduction : Introduce the topic and its relevance
  • Thesis statement : Clearly state the main idea or purpose of your speech
  • Supporting detail 1 : Provide evidence, examples, or statistics
  • Supporting detail 2 : Further elaborate on the first point
  • Supporting detail 2 : Add depth to the second point
  • Summary of key points : Recap the main points discussed in the speech
  • Restate thesis : Reinforce the main idea
  • Closing statement : End with a memorable and impactful concluding remark

This structured approach will help you deliver an engaging and effective just a minute speech that captivates your audience.

Sample Just a Minute Topics for Adults

– Adults can tackle fun and nonsensical topics for a laugh or pick relevant and popular subjects to engage their audience.

Fun and nonsensical topics

Sure, here is the response:

Fun and nonsensical topics:

  • If animals could talk , which would be the funniest?
  • Why do superheroes wear their underwear over their pants?
  • What if the sky was green and grass was blue ?
  • If you could have any superpower, but it only worked on Tuesdays, what would it be?
  • Is cereal soup ? Why or why not?

Relevant and popular topics

When transitioning from fun and nonsensical topics to relevant and popular topics, it’s important to consider subjects that resonate with the audience and are timely. Here are some engaging and relevant just a minute topics for speeches:

  • Social media impact on society
  • The importance of mental health awareness
  • Climate change and its global effects
  • Gender equality in the workplace
  • The future of technology and artificial intelligence
  • Cultural diversity and inclusion in today’s world
  • Cybersecurity concerns in the digital age
  • The influence of pop culture on youth
  • Health benefits of regular exercise and nutrition
  • The significance of volunteer work in communities

These topics are designed to engage your audience, spark conversation, and create impactful speeches that resonate with contemporary issues.

Topics for a giggle or a laugh

Let’s transition from relevant and popular topics to some lighthearted options. These speech topics are meant to bring a smile to your audience’s faces and keep them engaged:

  • Silly superstitions that people believe in
  • The funniest thing that ever happened to me
  • How to survive a zombie apocalypse with humor
  • The most embarrassing moment in my life
  • My favorite jokes and why they always make me laugh
  • A funny story about my pet
  • Hilarious things kids say and do
  • The most ridiculous fashion trends throughout history
  • Awkward first date experiences and what I learned from them
  • Unusual foods from around the world that will make you chuckle

Sample Just a Minute Topics for Students

Sample Just a Minute Topics for Students include subjects like important days and events, famous leaders in India and around the world, social issues, personal development and growth, as well as miscellaneous topics.

Dive into the full list of engaging speech topics to captivate your audience!

Topics on important days and events

On important days and events, such as Independence Day or Women’s History Month, your speech could revolve around the significance of the occasion . You could discuss the historical context , its impact on society , or how it’s celebrated globally . Here are some examples:

  • Exploring the significance of World Environment Day and the need for environmental conservation.
  • Reflecting on International Women’s Day and the contributions of women to society.
  • Discussing the historical background of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and its relevance today.
  • Analyzing the importance of Earth Day and promoting sustainable living practices .
  • Delving into the cultural significance of Diwali and its celebration across different regions.

Remember that these topics provide an opportunity to educate, inspire, and engage your audience with timely and relevant content.

Famous leaders in India and around the world

As a public speaking beginner, it’s important to draw inspiration from famous leaders who have impacted the world. Here are some influential leaders in India and around the world:

  • Mahatma Gandhi – Leader of the Indian independence movement
  • Nelson Mandela – South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader
  • Martin Luther King Jr. – Civil rights leader in the United States
  • Indira Gandhi – First female Prime Minister of India
  • Winston Churchill – British Prime Minister during World War II

Understanding the leadership styles and communication skills of these iconic figures can provide valuable insights for honing your own public speaking abilities .

Moving forward to discuss topics related to “Social issues”.

Social issues

When discussing social issues, it’s important to address topics that are relevant and impactful. Here are some engaging and thought-provoking social issue speech topics to consider:

  • The impact of social media on mental health and well-being
  • Addressing homelessness in our communities
  • The importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in society
  • Strategies to combat bullying in schools and workplaces
  • Raising awareness about the significance of environmental conservation efforts
  • Exploring the effects of poverty on individuals and communities
  • Advocating for better mental health support services
  • The role of technology in addressing societal challenges
  • Examining the stigma surrounding mental illness and ways to combat it
  • Promoting gender equality and women’s rights initiatives

Each of these topics holds significant relevance in today’s society, offering opportunities for powerful speeches that can inspire change.

Personal development and growth

As someone new to public speaking, it’s essential to consider personal development and growth when preparing for speeches. Here are some areas that can help you develop and grow as a speaker:

  • Confidence Building : Learn techniques to overcome nervousness and build confidence in front of an audience.
  • Vocal Variety : Practice using tone, pitch, and volume to add interest and emphasis to your speech.
  • Body Language : Understand the impact of body language on communication and learn how to use gestures effectively.
  • Storytelling Skills : Develop the ability to tell captivating stories that engage listeners and convey your message effectively.
  • Self-Reflection : Take time to evaluate your strengths and areas for improvement after each speech performance.
  • Adaptability : Learn how to adapt your speaking style to different audiences and speaking environments.
  • Continuous Learning : Stay updated on public speaking trends and techniques through workshops, books, or online resources.
  • Feedback Reception : Embrace feedback from mentors or peers to refine your speaking skills continually.
  • Goal Setting : Set specific goals for improving various aspects of your public speaking abilities.
  • Mindfulness Practice : Incorporate mindfulness exercises to stay focused and present during speeches.

Miscellaneous topics

As someone who has navigated the complexities of public speaking, I understand how important it is to have a wide range of topics to choose from. Here are some miscellaneous topics that can help you dive into different areas and sharpen your oratory skills:

  • Debunking Common Myths : Unveil the secrets behind popular misconceptions and challenge your audience’s beliefs.
  • The Power of Gratitude : Explore the transformative impact of practicing gratitude in one’s daily life.
  • Embracing Change : Discuss how embracing change can lead to personal growth and development.
  • The Art of Problem-Solving : Share effective strategies for tackling challenges and overcoming obstacles.
  • Exploring Cultural Diversity : Delve into the beauty of diverse cultures and their influence on global society.
  • The Influence of Technology : Examine how technology has revolutionized communication and connectivity in the modern world.
  • Overcoming Adversity : Inspire your audience by discussing strategies for overcoming adversity and emerging stronger.
  • The Ripple Effect of Kindness : Highlight the profound impact small acts of kindness can have on individuals and communities.
  • Sustainable Living Practices : Advocate for environmentally friendly habits that promote a sustainable future for our planet.
  • The Power of Self-Reflection : Encourage introspection as a tool for personal growth and self-improvement.

These topics are designed to enhance your presentation skills, engage your audience, and spark meaningful discussions.

Exploring “150 Just a Minute Topics for Engaging and Effective Speeches” reveals a goldmine for those eager to improve their public speaking skills . These topics aren’t just words; they represent doorways to confidence, engagement, and effective communication.

Whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the first time or looking to refine your skills, this collection offers something valuable.

Dr. Alexander Reed brings an insightful perspective on these speech topics. With over 20 years of experience in communications and a Ph.D. in Rhetoric Studies from Stanford University, Dr.

Reed has dedicated his career to understanding what makes speeches compelling. He’s not only taught at leading universities but also consulted with Fortune 500 companies on crafting persuasive messages.

According to Dr. Reed, the brilliance of “150 Just a Minute Topics” lies in its diversity and relevance . These prompts challenge speakers of all levels by demanding clarity and conciseness within one minute while keeping audiences engaged—a true test of skill in brevity.

Safety and ethics play crucial roles here too. Dr. Reed emphasizes that each topic is designed with sensitivity in mind, ensuring speakers approach subjects respectfully without sacrificing the depth or engaging nature of discussions.

These topics fit seamlessly into our daily lives as well—be it classroom education, Toastmasters meetings, or personal development practices at home.

Yet no tool is without its limitations—the constraint of time may sometimes rush deeper exploration of complex issues.

Comparing this resource with others on the market shows its unique value proposition but also highlights that some individuals might seek more specialized content depending on their interests or professional needs .

Ultimately, Dr.Reed endorses these just-a-minute topics as exceptionally worthwhile for anyone looking to harness their speaking potential quickly and efficiently.

Their true worth comes from how effectively they train speakers to capture attention immediately—a critical skill in today’s fast-paced world.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

Similar Posts

Engaging Public Speaking Games for All Ages

Engaging Public Speaking Games for All Ages

The thought of standing up and speaking in front of a crowd used to set my heart racing – and…

50 Engaging Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Topics for Persuasive Speeches

50 Engaging Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Topics for Persuasive Speeches

Are you struggling to find the perfect topic for your persuasive speech? As someone who once feared public speaking, I…

5 Engaging Toastmaster Speech 5 Ideas to Keep Your Audience Captivated

5 Engaging Toastmaster Speech 5 Ideas to Keep Your Audience Captivated

Searching for that perfect speech topic can feel like a daunting task. Believe me, I understand the struggle of trying…

Mastering the Art of How to Deliver an Impromptu Speech

Ever found yourself suddenly thrust into the spotlight, expected to deliver a speech with zero prep time? My heart used…

10 Inspiring Welcome Speech Quotes for Any Occasion

10 Inspiring Welcome Speech Quotes for Any Occasion

Standing before a crowd, the weight of expectation can be daunting. I know that feeling all too well – the…

50 How to Speech Ideas to Engage Your Audience in Your Next Presentation

50 How to Speech Ideas to Engage Your Audience in Your Next Presentation

[Revised Draft] Gripping your audience’s attention during a presentation can certainly be challenging. Like many, I’ve encountered those moments when…

Best Speech Topics Logo

  • Choosing Good Topics
  • Controversial
  • Demonstration
  • Extemporaneous
  • Informative
  • School/College
  • Special Occasion
  • Public Speaking Help
  • Writing a Speech
  • Free Sample Speeches
  • Share Your Speech
  • Short Speech Topics

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

You will find 20 excellent short speech topics below that work when time is limited. Choosing a meaningful short speech topic may difficult in some circumstances.

As Mark Twain once said

If you want me to give a 2 hour presentation, I am ready today. If you want only a 5 minute speech, it will take me 2 weeks to prepare.

Because it's infinitely harder to communicate ideas and make an impact in a short space of time.

This, then, makes it that much more important to choose the right short speech topic.

Choose the wrong theme for your speech and you will struggle to deliver a presentation that covers it adequately. Choose the right topic, however, and you can create something powerful that will stick in the minds of your listeners, even if you are only able to speak for a few minutes.

Tips for Creating a Short Speech

  • Pick something you feel strongly about. It's easier to make an impact in a short time when you speak with real passion.
  • Pick something your audience is interested in too! All the passion in the world won't engage your listeners if the topic hold no interest for them!
  • Consider speaking about a personal experience. Heartfelt emotions will be more keenly felt by your audience than those mustered up solely for the purpose of your speech!
  • Focus on keeping your phrases brief and your words simple. See this page for help with this . A short speech is not the place for meandering thoughts and complicated sentence structures. Conciseness is key!
  • Make sure your speech still includes the three key elements of any good presentation - a strong introduction , body and conclusion.
  • Clearly identify the purpose of your speech. Is it to inform? Educate? Motivate? Criticize? Explain? Make sure that every word you write supports your overall purpose.
  • Think hard before choosing a persuasive topic - this can be one of the most difficult types of speeches to deliver in a short space of time! It's not impossible, though - so be sure to have a strong argument if you want to convice people to think differently about something in only 5 minutes or so!
  • Create a good title (if you will have the opportunity to use one).

Example Formats for Your Short Speech

Here's a simple template for a short persuasive speech...

SUPPORTING REASONS

   1. _________    2. _________    3. _________

   For example....

   Treating All Children as 'Winners' - Regardless of Success - is Harmful

- SUPPORTING REASONS

   1. It is not a reflection of real life.    2. It stifles competitiveness.    3. It does not reward hard work and achievement.

- CONCLUSION

For example....

  • It is not a reflection of real life.
  • It stifles competitiveness.
  • It does not reward hard work and achievement.
  • Whilst no one should be criticized for failure, success should be recognized and honored in order to encourage competitiveness in our children.

- INTRODUCTION

   Have you always wondered how to make a paper plane that actually flies?

- CLEAR STEPS TO DEMONSTRATE

    Fly the plane!

Demonstrations make great short speeches because these are very visual and thus make a big impact - but time yourself beforehand to be absolutely sure that you can complete your demonstration in the time allowed! Choose a good short speech topic like the ones listed below to ensure a successful presentation.

Problem and Solution

Divide this speech into 2 parts.

  • First, set out the problem.
  • Then, present the solution .

The problem part should be the longest . This may sound illogical, but it gives the solution more impact when the problem is presented in detail. Describe the problem as vividly as possible and the audience will be looking forward to hearing your ingenious solution!

Short Speech Topics

20 Short Speech Topics

  • How social media is uniting the world
  • Why pets are better than children
  • 5 things to do with a Raspberry Pi
  • How to solve the problem of online trolls
  • My wish for humanity
  • How to take the perfect selfie
  • Why we should all be vegan
  • If I were an animal I'd be a______
  • A day in the life of a dollar bill
  • The butterfly effect (how one tiny change in circumstances can alter the course of your life - focus on one example)
  • 5 ways to save time in the kitchen
  • If I had 5 minutes to talk to Donald Trump I would _____
  • What advice I wish someone gave my parents before I was born
  • Why the Gettysburg Address is the best speech ever written
  • Online dating - cringeworthy or cool?
  • My most embarrassing moment
  • If I won the lottery I would _____
  • Why ______ is the best book ever written
  • Why it's sometimes necessary to lie
  • How to write a short speech (they won't be expecting that one!)

Free email delivery

MASTER INFORMATIVE SPEAKING WITH OUR FREE CHECKLIST!

We are offering you a  FREE   SpeakFlight Informative Speaking Preparation Checklist. This valuable resource is packed with step-by-step guidance to help you create compelling, memorable, and effective informative speeches.

Share this page

You might like these.

Recent topics for speech on Best Speech Topics. These topics represent what is on the mind and will engage your audience with insights on contemporary issues.

Recent Topics for Speech Presentations that are Hot

Recent topics for speech on Best Speech Topics. These topics represent what is on the mind and will engage your audience with insights on contemporary issues.

Here is a smart list of artificial intelligence speech topics to inform or persuade an audience. Learn about the issues AI presents and get ideas.

Artificial Intelligence Speech Topics to Inform or Persuade

Here is a smart list of artificial intelligence speech topics to inform or persuade an audience. Learn about the issues AI presents and get ideas.

Interesting Speech Topics For Students on Personal Growth and Development - ideal for high school and college students

Interesting Speech Topics For Students on Personal Growth

Interesting Speech Topics For Students on Personal Growth and Development - ideal for high school and college students

  • good speech topics for an informative speech
  • good demonstration speech topics
  • good persuasive speech topics
  • good expository speech topics
  • good controversial speech topics
  • good impromptu speech topics

for more lists of topics to inspire you.

  • Best Speech Topics
  • Good Speech Topics

informative speaking checklist product

Easily search your speech type

Just check out the sitemap for best-speech-topics.com , which lists all the pages on the site, or use the search box below:

Return to the Top of the Page

Get to Know Us

  • Privacy Policy

Attention Grabbers

  • Positive Quotes for Kids
  • Quotes for Graduation Speeches
  • Poems & Quotes on Death
  • Quotes on Retirement

Most Popular Pages

  • Free Samples
  • Hypnotize Your Audience
  • Welcome Speech

Select a Speech Topic

  • Argumentative
  • Commemorative
  • Inspirational
  • Interesting
  • Other Topics

Let Us Help You

  • How To Write a Speech
  • Demonstration Outline
  • Informative Outline
  • Introductions
  • Using a Microphone
  • Speech Help
  • Speeches Made Easy

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Duke University

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

What’s covered:, how to pick an awesome persuasive speech topic, 112 engaging persuasive speech topics, tips for preparing your persuasive speech.

Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.

When it comes time to select a topic for your persuasive speech, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options to choose from—or your brain may be drawing a completely blank slate. If you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect topic, don’t worry. We’re here to help!

In this post, we’re sharing how to choose the perfect persuasive speech topic and tips to prepare for your speech. Plus, you’ll find 112 persuasive speech topics that you can take directly from us or use as creative inspiration for your own ideas!

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

It’s much easier to write, research, and deliver a speech about a cause you care about. Even if it’s challenging to find a topic that completely sparks your interest, try to choose a topic that aligns with your passions.

However, keep in mind that not everyone has the same interests as you. Try to choose a general topic to grab the attention of the majority of your audience, but one that’s specific enough to keep them engaged.

For example, suppose you’re giving a persuasive speech about book censorship. In that case, it’s probably too niche to talk about why “To Kill a Mockingbird” shouldn’t be censored (even if it’s your favorite book), and it’s too broad to talk about media censorship in general.

Steer Clear of Cliches

Have you already heard a persuasive speech topic presented dozens of times? If so, it’s probably not an excellent choice for your speech—even if it’s an issue you’re incredibly passionate about.

Although polarizing topics like abortion and climate control are important to discuss, they aren’t great persuasive speech topics. Most people have already formed an opinion on these topics, which will either cause them to tune out or have a negative impression of your speech.

Instead, choose topics that are fresh, unique, and new. If your audience has never heard your idea presented before, they will be more open to your argument and engaged in your speech.

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

For a persuasive speech to be engaging, there must be a clear side of opposition. To help determine the arguability of your topic, ask yourself: “If I presented my viewpoint on this topic to a group of peers, would someone disagree with me?” If the answer is yes, then you’ve chosen a great topic!

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for what it takes to choose a great persuasive speech topic, here are over one hundred options for you to choose from.

  • Should high school athletes get tested for steroids?
  • Should schools be required to have physical education courses?
  • Should sports grades in school depend on things like athletic ability?
  • What sport should be added to or removed from the Olympics?
  • Should college athletes be able to make money off of their merchandise?
  • Should sports teams be able to recruit young athletes without a college degree?
  • Should we consider video gamers as professional athletes?
  • Is cheerleading considered a sport?
  • Should parents allow their kids to play contact sports?
  • Should professional female athletes be paid the same as professional male athletes?
  • Should college be free at the undergraduate level?
  • Is the traditional college experience obsolete?
  • Should you choose a major based on your interests or your potential salary?
  • Should high school students have to meet a required number of service hours before graduating?
  • Should teachers earn more or less based on how their students perform on standardized tests?
  • Are private high schools more effective than public high schools?
  • Should there be a minimum number of attendance days required to graduate?
  • Are GPAs harmful or helpful?
  • Should schools be required to teach about standardized testing?
  • Should Greek Life be banned in the United States?
  • Should schools offer science classes explicitly about mental health?
  • Should students be able to bring their cell phones to school?
  • Should all public restrooms be all-gender?
  • Should undocumented immigrants have the same employment and education opportunities as citizens?
  • Should everyone be paid a living wage regardless of their employment status?
  • Should supremacist groups be able to hold public events?
  • Should guns be allowed in public places?
  • Should the national drinking age be lowered?
  • Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
  • Should the government raise or lower the retirement age?
  • Should the government be able to control the population?
  • Is the death penalty ethical?

Environment

  • Should stores charge customers for plastic bags?
  • Should breeding animals (dogs, cats, etc.) be illegal?
  • Is it okay to have exotic animals as pets?
  • Should people be fined for not recycling?
  • Should compost bins become mandatory for restaurants?
  • Should electric vehicles have their own transportation infrastructure?
  • Would heavier fining policies reduce corporations’ emissions?
  • Should hunting be encouraged or illegal?
  • Should reusable diapers replace disposable diapers?

Science & Technology

  • Is paper media more reliable than digital news sources?
  • Should automated/self-driving cars be legalized?
  • Should schools be required to provide laptops to all students?
  • Should software companies be able to have pre-downloaded programs and applications on devices?
  • Should drones be allowed in military warfare?
  • Should scientists invest more or less money into cancer research?
  • Should cloning be illegal?
  • Should societies colonize other planets?
  • Should there be legal oversight over the development of technology?

Social Media

  • Should there be an age limit on social media?
  • Should cyberbullying have the same repercussions as in-person bullying?
  • Are online relationships as valuable as in-person relationships?
  • Does “cancel culture” have a positive or negative impact on societies?
  • Are social media platforms reliable information or news sources?
  • Should social media be censored?
  • Does social media create an unrealistic standard of beauty?
  • Is regular social media usage damaging to real-life interactions?
  • Is social media distorting democracy?
  • How many branches of government should there be?
  • Who is the best/worst president of all time?
  • How long should judges serve in the U.S. Supreme Court?
  • Should a more significant portion of the U.S. budget be contributed towards education?
  • Should the government invest in rapid transcontinental transportation infrastructure?
  • Should airport screening be more or less stringent?
  • Should the electoral college be dismantled?
  • Should the U.S. have open borders?
  • Should the government spend more or less money on space exploration?
  • Should students sing Christmas carols, say the pledge of allegiance, or perform other tangentially religious activities?
  • Should nuns and priests become genderless roles?
  • Should schools and other public buildings have prayer rooms?
  • Should animal sacrifice be legal if it occurs in a religious context?
  • Should countries be allowed to impose a national religion on their citizens?
  • Should the church be separated from the state?
  • Does freedom of religion positively or negatively affect societies?

Parenting & Family

  • Is it better to have children at a younger or older age?
  • Is it better for children to go to daycare or stay home with their parents?
  • Does birth order affect personality?
  • Should parents or the school system teach their kids about sex?
  • Are family traditions important?
  • Should parents smoke or drink around young children?
  • Should “spanking” children be illegal?
  • Should parents use swear words in front of their children?
  • Should parents allow their children to play violent video games?

Entertainment

  • Should all actors be paid the same regardless of gender or ethnicity?
  • Should all award shows be based on popular vote?
  • Who should be responsible for paying taxes on prize money, the game show staff or the contestants?
  • Should movies and television shows have ethnicity and gender quotas?
  • Should newspapers and magazines move to a completely online format?
  • Should streaming services like Netflix and Hulu be free for students?
  • Is the movie rating system still effective?
  • Should celebrities have more privacy rights?

Arts & Humanities

  • Are libraries becoming obsolete?
  • Should all schools have mandatory art or music courses in their curriculum?
  • Should offensive language be censored from classic literary works?
  • Is it ethical for museums to keep indigenous artifacts?
  • Should digital designs be considered an art form? 
  • Should abstract art be considered an art form?
  • Is music therapy effective?
  • Should tattoos be regarded as “professional dress” for work?
  • Should schools place greater emphasis on the arts programs?
  • Should euthanasia be allowed in hospitals and other clinical settings?
  • Should the government support and implement universal healthcare?
  • Would obesity rates lower if the government intervened to make healthy foods more affordable?
  • Should teenagers be given access to birth control pills without parental consent?
  • Should food allergies be considered a disease?
  • Should health insurance cover homeopathic medicine?
  • Is using painkillers healthy?
  • Should genetically modified foods be banned?
  • Should there be a tax on unhealthy foods?
  • Should tobacco products be banned from the country?
  • Should the birth control pill be free for everyone?

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can  use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original persuasive speech ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Do Your Research

A great persuasive speech is supported with plenty of well-researched facts and evidence. So before you begin the writing process, research both sides of the topic you’re presenting in-depth to gain a well-rounded perspective of the topic.

Understand Your Audience

It’s critical to understand your audience to deliver a great persuasive speech. After all, you are trying to convince them that your viewpoint is correct. Before writing your speech, consider the facts and information that your audience may already know, and think about the beliefs and concerns they may have about your topic. Then, address these concerns in your speech, and be mindful to include fresh, new information.

Have Someone Read Your Speech

Once you have finished writing your speech, have someone read it to check for areas of strength and improvement. You can use CollegeVine’s free essay review tool to get feedback on your speech from a peer!

Practice Makes Perfect

After completing your final draft, the key to success is to practice. Present your speech out loud in front of a mirror, your family, friends, and basically, anyone who will listen. Not only will the feedback of others help you to make your speech better, but you’ll become more confident in your presentation skills and may even be able to commit your speech to memory.

Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to write a powerful, unique persuasive speech. With the perfect topic, plenty of practice, and a boost of self-confidence, we know you’ll impress your audience with a remarkable speech!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Next Gen Hero

Synapse’s Downfall to Bankruptcy, An Analysis

Frequently asked questions about earnings calls.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Exercise’s Effect on Fat Metabolism in Athletes and Diabetics

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Dow Soars Past 40,000, Full Analysis

The halfway point: 5 ways to check in on your financial new year’s resolutions, 3 minute presentation ideas.

Maria Martinez

For many people, giving a presentation can be intimidating, although there are many ways you can overcome this fear and excel at any presentation. The main goal of a presentation is to be precise and to the point.

Let’s look at some ways you can conduct a successful presentation:

Tips for a Successful Presentation

The key factors that matter are confidence and a crisp speech . Here are some tips that you must keep in mind while giving a presentation:

1. Choose a topic that you are comfortable with and knowledgeable

It is essential to be comfortable with what you talk about on the stage. There are chances that someone in the audience might ask your question. You must be capable of answering it.

When you are comfortable with your topic, it shows and it is visible that you know what you are talking about.

2. Know your audience

It is crucial to know to who you will deliver your presentation. Are they grad students or a bunch of people in their 40s-50s? Find out and make your presentation accordingly. Try to connect with the audience. If possible, use suitable stories, jokes, metaphors, etc. Do not go overboard.

3. Be Yourself

It is essential to be yourself. Present your authentic self to the audience and give connection more priority over anything else. Remember to smile and make eye contact.

4. Give time for Questions

In presentations, questions are always asked. Leave room for questions and answer them calmly.

Explore these fun introduction ideas for your presentation. Also, check these historical and inspiring speeches made in under 5 minutes.

Good presentation topics are the key to a successful and impactful presentation. These 3-minute presentation ideas will help you be well-prepared for your next presentation:

50 Topic Ideas for 3-Minute Presentations

There are many exciting and straightforward topics for a 3-minute presentation.

  • 3 Lifehacks to apply in daily life.
  • The history of your country/city.
  • 3 Cool Tips and Tricks to solve Mathematics.
  • Why is cyber security essential for a company/organization?
  • Fast food: A Boon or a Bane
  • What is the quickest way to quit smoking?
  • How Alcohol is ruining your life.
  • Why is Voting important?
  • 3 Applications you need to improve your Mental Health
  • Three easy-made Lunch Ideas.
  • 3 Tips to Improve your next Investment
  • Reasons why to learn a new language
  • First-time Air Travel needs and instructions
  • Best applications to score more in your next Exam
  • Is Social Media lowering the Youth’s Self-Esteem
  • Pros and Cons of Working Remotely.
  • How to make money during holidays.
  • Role of Media in Politics and Political Situations.
  • Importance of Pets in combating Depression
  • Sustainable Development and its Importance.
  • What is the New Normal?
  • Negative Motivation and Toxic Positivity
  • Ethics to be followed in Public Places
  • When to Adopt a Pet
  • How to take care of your Parents
  • How to Choose your Major in College?
  • Why do stars twinkle at night?
  • Are there any Parallel Universes?
  • 3 Tips to Boost your Memory.
  • Offline vs online mode of Education.
  • Why you should choose Books and not E-Books.
  • Tablets vs Textbooks in Education
  • The Importance of Grandparents.
  • 3 Tips to calm a crying baby
  • How to balance home and your career
  • Buying vs Renting your house
  • How can you ask for a promotion?
  • 3 Negotiation Ideas for Salary Negotiation
  • How Organic is organic food?
  • Drug Abuse and how to prevent it
  • Importance of Being Fit
  • Why is a Social Media Detox Important?
  • How can you make a good career choice?
  • Three ways to improve communication skills.
  • Rare and expensive types of tea
  • What are the benefits of Therapy?
  • Evolution of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
  • Secrets for a Healthy Relationship.
  • How can you avoid being Late?
  • Three most prominent Female Political Leaders.

Final Takeaway

So, get on the stage and channelise your inner Ted speaker. Give a flawless presentation on the topic of your choice.

Similar posts you can read: Interesting 10-minute Presentation Topics

Online shopping

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

US Intensifies Crackdown on Hamas Financing Through Cryptocurrencies and International Sanctions

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Real-Time Payment Systems: A Look at FedNow and Cross River Collaboration

Knowledge Of Financial Markets Important In Business

Why Knowledge Of Financial Markets Is Important In Business Finance

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

HSBC Launches Zing: A New Era in International Payments

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

How to Sell ETH (Ethereum)

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Getting Royalties for NFT Artworks: Everything Creators Should Know

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

virtualspeech-logo

Improve your practice.

Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.

75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

October 4, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

To write a captivating and persuasive speech you must first decide on a topic that will engage, inform and also persuade the audience. We have discussed how to choose a topic and we have provided a list of speech ideas covering a wide range of categories.

What is persuasive speech?

The aim of a persuasive speech is to inform, educate and convince or motivate an audience to do something. You are essentially trying to sway the audience to adopt your own viewpoint.

The best persuasive speech topics are thought-provoking, daring and have a clear opinion. You should speak about something you are knowledgeable about and can argue your opinion for, as well as objectively discuss counter-arguments.

How to choose a topic for your speech

It’s not easy picking a topic for your speech as there are many options so consider the following factors when deciding.

Familiarity

Topics that you’re familiar with will make it easier to prepare for the speech.

It’s best if you decide on a topic in which you have a genuine interest in because you’ll be doing lots of research on it and if it’s something you enjoy the process will be significantly easier and more enjoyable. The audience will also see this enthusiasm when you’re presenting which will make the speech more persuasive.

The audience’s interest

The audience must care about the topic. You don’t want to lose their attention so choose something you think they’ll be interested in hearing about.

Consider choosing a topic that allows you to be more descriptive because this allows the audience to visualize which consequently helps persuade them.

Not overdone

When people have heard about a topic repeatedly they’re less likely to listen to you as it doesn’t interest them anymore. Avoid cliché or overdone topics as it’s difficult to maintain your audience’s attention because they feel like they’ve heard it all before.

An exception to this would be if you had new viewpoints or new facts to share. If this is the case then ensure you clarify early in your speech that you have unique views or information on the topic.

Emotional topics

Emotions are motivators so the audience is more likely to be persuaded and act on your requests if you present an emotional topic.

People like hearing about issues that affect them or their community, country etc. They find these topics more relatable which means they find them more interesting. Look at local issues and news to discover these topics.

Desired outcome

What do you want your audience to do as a result of your speech? Use this as a guide to choosing your topic, for example, maybe you want people to recycle more so you present a speech on the effect of microplastics in the ocean.

Jamie Oliver persuasive speech

Persuasive speech topics

Lots of timely persuasive topics can be found using social media, the radio, TV and newspapers. We have compiled a list of 75 persuasive speech topic ideas covering a wide range of categories.

Some of the topics also fall into other categories and we have posed the topics as questions so they can be easily adapted into statements to suit your own viewpoint.

  • Should pets be adopted rather than bought from a breeder?
  • Should wild animals be tamed?
  • Should people be allowed to own exotic animals like monkeys?
  • Should all zoos and aquariums be closed?

Arts/Culture

  • Should art and music therapy be covered by health insurance?
  • Should graffiti be considered art?
  • Should all students be required to learn an instrument in school?
  • Should automobile drivers be required to take a test every three years?
  • Are sports cars dangerous?
  • Should bicycles share the roads with cars?
  • Should bicycle riders be required by law to always wear helmets?

Business and economy

  • Do introverts make great leaders?
  • Does owning a business leave you feeling isolated?
  • What is to blame for the rise in energy prices?
  • Does hiring cheaper foreign employees hurt the economy?
  • Should interns be paid for their work?
  • Should employees receive bonuses for walking or biking to work?
  • Should tipping in restaurants be mandatory?
  • Should boys and girls should be taught in separate classrooms?
  • Should schools include meditation breaks during the day?
  • Should students be allowed to have their mobile phones with them during school?
  • Should teachers have to pass a test every decade to renew their certifications?
  • Should online teaching be given equal importance as the regular form of teaching?
  • Is higher education over-rated?
  • What are the best ways to stop bullying?
  • Should people with more than one DUI lose their drivers’ licenses?
  • Should prostitution be legalised?
  • Should guns be illegal in the US?
  • Should cannabis be legalised for medical reasons?
  • Is equality a myth?
  • Does what is “right” and “wrong” change from generation to generation?
  • Is there never a good enough reason to declare war?
  • Should governments tax sugary drinks and use the revenue for public health?
  • Has cosmetic surgery risen to a level that exceeds good sense?
  • Is the fast-food industry legally accountable for obesity?
  • Should school cafeterias only offer healthy food options?
  • Is acupuncture a valid medical technique?
  • Should assisted suicide be legal?
  • Does consuming meat affect health?
  • Is dieting a good way to lose weight?

Law and politics

  • Should voting be made compulsory?
  • Should the President (or similar position) be allowed to serve more than two terms?
  • Would poverty reduce by fixing housing?
  • Should drug addicts be sent for treatment in hospitals instead of prisons?
  • Would it be fair for the government to detain suspected terrorists without proper trial?
  • Is torture acceptable when used for national security?
  • Should celebrities who break the law receive stiffer penalties?
  • Should the government completely ban all cigarettes and tobacco products
  • Is it wrong for the media to promote a certain beauty standard?
  • Is the media responsible for the moral degradation of teenagers?
  • Should advertising be aimed at children?
  • Has freedom of press gone too far?
  • Should prayer be allowed in public schools?
  • Does religion have a place in government?
  • How do cults differ from religion?

Science and the environment

  • Should recycling be mandatory?
  • Should genetically modified foods be sold in supermarkets?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the sex of their unborn children?
  • Should selling plastic bags be completely banned in shops?
  • Should smoking in public places be banned?
  • Should professional female athletes be paid the same as male athletes in the same sport?
  • Should doping be allowed in professional sports?
  • Should schools be required to teach all students how to swim?
  • How does parental pressure affect young athletes?
  • Will technology reduce or increase human employment opportunities?
  • What age should children be allowed to have mobile phones?
  • Should libraries be replaced with unlimited access to e-books?
  • Should we recognize Bitcoin as a legal currency?
  • Should bloggers and vloggers be treated as journalists and punished for indiscretions?
  • Has technology helped connect people or isolate them?
  • Should mobile phone use in public places be regulated?
  • Do violent video games make people more violent?

World peace

  • What is the safest country in the world?
  • Is planetary nuclear disarmament possible?
  • Is the idea of peace on earth naive?

These topics are just suggestions so you need to assess whether they would be suitable for your particular audience. You can easily adapt the topics to suit your interests and audience, for example, you could substitute “meat” in the topic “Does consuming meat affect health?” for many possibilities, such as “processed foods”, “mainly vegan food”, “dairy” and so on.

After choosing your topic

After you’ve chosen your topic it’s important to do the following:

  • Research thoroughly
  • Think about all of the different viewpoints
  • Tailor to your audience – discussing your topic with others is a helpful way to gain an understanding of your audience.
  • How involved are you with this topic – are you a key character?
  • Have you contributed to this area, perhaps through blogs, books, papers and products.
  • How qualified are you to speak on this topic?
  • Do you have personal experience in it? How many years?
  • How long have you been interested in the area?

While it may be difficult to choose from such a variety of persuasive speech topics, think about which of the above you have the most knowledge of and can argue your opinion on.

For advice about how to deliver your persuasive speech, check out our blog  Persuasive Speech Outline and Ideas .

  • Games, topic printables & more
  • The 4 main speech types
  • Example speeches
  • Commemorative
  • Declamation
  • Demonstration
  • Informative
  • Introduction
  • Student Council
  • Speech topics
  • Poems to read aloud
  • How to write a speech
  • Using props/visual aids
  • Acute anxiety help
  • Breathing exercises
  • Letting go - free e-course
  • Using self-hypnosis
  • Delivery overview
  • 4 modes of delivery
  • How to make cue cards
  • How to read a speech
  • 9 vocal aspects
  • Vocal variety
  • Diction/articulation
  • Pronunciation
  • Speaking rate
  • How to use pauses
  • Eye contact
  • Body language
  • Voice image
  • Voice health
  • Public speaking activities and games
  • About me/contact

Interesting speech topics for students

180 unique speech topic ideas from 5 broad areas

By:  Susan Dugdale  

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:

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Return to Top

So what are the best GOOD original speech ideas?

3 essential elements of interesting speeches.

Image: retro drawing of puzzled girl thinking. Text: What's an interesting speech topic? Comical novels? Cats? The history of chocolate?

Speech topics become interesting that way because they fulfill three essential requirements.

  • You are genuinely enthusiastic about the subject. You love the topic and want to find out more about it.
  • The subject will appeal to your audience. It has relevance for them. They'll want to know about it. 
  • The twist, angle, or perspective you bring to the topic is different - one the audience will not have heard before.

If you can tick off all three aspects your speech is much more likely to be interesting for everyone, yourself included.

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 (which has now become X), 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 (X), 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.

Image: young girl with badge showing Facebook thumbs up icon on her tee-shirt. Background text: Please like me, please like me, please like me...

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.

Image: 1950s pin up golfer girl wearing a pair of shorts. Text: When wearing shorts was taboo

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. 

Image-retro 1950s-children crossing the road going to school. Text: Historical Myths Number 63 - School days! The happiest days of your life!

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 what happened during the height of the 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!

Image: tiger-budgie Text: 100% pure weird

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 from the Victorian era want to wear a wide, bell-shaped, steel-hooped cage under her skirts?
  • 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

Image: vintage drawing of a man swinging from a rope upside down. Text: Good life lessons - getting a different perspective, looking from another angle.

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.

Image: traditional Xmas card. Text: Christmas traditions: carols, food, presents, trees ...

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!

Tomorrow - (definition) - When everything finally gets done. Eg. I'll do this speech tomorrow!

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.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

  • 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   

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Susan Dugdale - write-out-loud.com - Contact

Top 10 popular pages

  • Welcome speech
  • Demonstration speech topics
  • Impromptu speech topic cards
  • Thank you quotes
  • Impromptu public speaking topics
  • Farewell speeches
  • Phrases for welcome speeches
  • Student council speeches
  • Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Public speaking games ebook cover - write-out-loud.com

Useful pages

  • Search this site
  • About me & Contact
  • Blogging Aloud
  • Free e-course
  • Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

25 Best 3 Minute Speech Topics

3 Minute Speech Topics

For many people public speaking can be very intimidating however, you can definitely overcome it in so many ways. To do so you must understand how important it is to relate with the audience as at the end of the day audience is who is going to acknowledge your speech.  5-minute presentations  are very common in academics so it is very important to participate in such presentations because it will certainly help you in boosting confidence. The key to delivering a good speech in public is through practice even the best orators in the world practice for their speeches.

Whether you are going to deliver a formal or informal speech you shall understand that it is important to deliver your message to the best of your abilities. By including points that are relevant and most important, you can definitely create a good impression on the audience. Especially in case of impromptu speech you need to practice and rehearse at least a couple of times in order to deliver the best.

There is no doubt that many people have stage fear and as a result are afraid to deliver speeches in public. Even if you have great speaking skills but are not confident enough then you will definitely have to boost your confidence. There are many ways that can help you in boosting your confidence in public speaking.

Three minutes speech is definitely not a long time so you will have to prepare yourself in a way that you can deliver the speech in the best way. It is also important to know what kind of people you are going to address. Your target audience is one of the major things that you need to consider while choosing a speech topic for public speaking. The type of audience does play an important role in choosing a topic however there are other factors that do matter.

A 3 minutes speech is great

3 minutes speech is definitely not easy to master. You definitely need to do a proper amount of research and select important points that you will deliver in the speech. When we talk about limited time frame just like in 3-minute speech it is important to understand that you will have to convey appropriate information and the most important ones first.

3 minutes speech is definitely a great way to grab a hold on public speaking. This is because when you have got limited time frame you need to communicate in a more effective way with the audience. The speech should be clear, brief and relevant. You need to speak for the audience and be more relatable. You need to develop great communication skills in order to deliver your best.

While delivering a 3 minutes speech is great however, the fear of public speaking can many times come in between delivering the speech in an effective manner. Undoubtedly, practice and hard work can help you in overcoming your weaknesses. Once you tackle all these hurdles you will surely master the skills of public speaking. There are certain skills that can really help you in overcoming your fear of public speaking.

Skills to give an effective impromptu speech

  • Get organized:  It is a good idea to get organized before speaking in front of the public. You must understand that for effective speaking you need to set your thoughts and ideas straight.
  • Practice a lot:  The key to effective public speaking is hard work for which you need to practice. You just can’t get enough of practice so do it as much as you can. You can start by practicing the important points in your speech.
  • Stay focused:  Do not let other things come in between your speech staying focused will help you in delivering the best. It is also important to keep your focus on the main points and not let any other thing distract you.
  • Relax and breathe:  Well, of course, you have fear of public speaking but you must also know that it is not going to be with you forever. You can definitely overcome it. Just relax and breathe in and out it can be of great help especially when fear starts taking over your confidence.
  • Engaging the audience:  The key to delivering a good speech is by engaging the audience. Yes, when you know that the audience is interested in hearing you and you can engage them with good content it automatically boosts confidence. You can engage with the audience by being more relatable and captivating for the audience.

Once you are done with overcoming all your weaknesses and are confident enough to speak in front of the audience. It is time for you to pick an interesting topic for your speech. Here are some of the examples that you can choose. Always make sure you pick a speech topic that is interesting, trending, and targets your audience.

Some interesting 3 Minute Speech Topics

  • Why manners play an important role in shaping a person?
  • Fast food a curse for humans.
  • Cybersecurity is important in every organization.
  • Why being young is not as good as it sounds?
  • How to quit smoking?
  • Why drug abuse is one of the most important concerns among youngsters?
  • Why you must vote?
  • Should athletes be paid as much as they are?
  • Why you must adopt a pet?
  • Why fitness is more important than ever?
  • Tips to improve return on investment.
  • 5 delicious healthy snacks that is super-easy to make.
  • Why breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
  • Why organic gardening should be your hobby?
  • Helpful tips to crack an interview.
  • How to make a good career choice?
  • Is technology living up to our expectations?
  • My worst experience in life and how it taught me life lessons.
  • Why good communication skills are very important?
  • Why you must make meditation a morning ritual?
  • Can money buy happiness?
  • What is better wise or intelligent?
  • Why you should or shouldn’t believe in serendipity?
  • A good sense of humor is important.
  • Why we can’t imagine our lives without technology?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 105 interesting persuasive speech topics for any project.

author image

General Education

feature_persuasivespeech.jpg

Are you struggling to find good persuasive speech topics? It can be hard to find a topic that interests both you and your audience, but in this guide we've done the hard work and created a list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. They're organized into ten categories and cover a variety of topics, so you're sure to find one that interests you.

In addition to our list, we also go over which factors make good persuasive speech topics and three tips you should follow when researching and writing your persuasive speech.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

What makes certain persuasive speech topics better than others? There are numerous reasons, but in this section we discuss three of the most important factors of great topics for a persuasive speech.

It's Something You Know About or Are Interested in Learning About

The most important factor in choosing and creating a great persuasive speech is picking a topic you care about and are interested in. You'll need to do a lot of research on this topic, and if it's something you like learning about, that'll make the process much easier and more enjoyable. It'll also help you sound passionate and informed when you talk, both important factors in giving an excellent persuasive speech.

It's a Topic People Care About

In fourth grade, after being told I could give a persuasive speech on any topic I wanted to , I chose to discuss why the Saguaro cactus should be the United State's national plant. Even though I gave an impassioned talk and drew a life-size Saguaro cactus on butcher paper to hang behind me, I doubt anyone enjoyed the speech much.

I'd recently returned from a family vacation to Arizona where I'd seen Saguaro cacti for the first time and decided they were the coolest thing ever. However, most people don't care that much about Saguaro cacti, and most people don't care what our national plant is or if we even have one (for the record, the US has a national flower, and it's the rose).

Spare yourself the smattering of bored applause my nine-old self got at the end of my speech and choose something you think people will be interested in hearing about. This also ties into knowing your audience, which we discuss more in the final section.

It Isn't Overdone

When I was in high school, nearly every persuasive speech my classmates and I were assigned was the exact same topic: should the drinking age be lowered to 18? I got this prompt in English class, on standardized tests, in speech and debate class, etc. I've written and presented about it so often I could probably still rattle off all the main points of my old speeches word-for-word.

You can imagine that everyone's eyes glazed over whenever classmates gave their speeches on this topic. We'd heard about it so many times that, even if it was a topic we cared about, speeches on it just didn't interest us anymore.

The are many potential topics for a persuasive speech. Be wary of choosing one that's cliche or overdone. Even if you give a great speech, it'll be harder to keep your audience interested if they feel like they already know what you're going to say.

An exception to this rule is that if you feel you have a new viewpoint or facts about the topic that currently aren't common knowledge. Including them can make an overdone topic interesting. If you do this, be sure to make it clear early on in your speech that you have unique info or opinions on the topic so your audience knows to expect something new.

body_presentation-1.jpg

105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

Here's our list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. We made sure to choose topics that aren't overdone, yet that many people will have an interest in, and we also made a point of choosing topics with multiple viewpoints rather than simplistic topics that have a more obvious right answer (i.e. Is bullying bad?). The topics are organized into ten categories.

Arts/Culture

  • Should art and music therapy be covered by health insurance?
  • Should all students be required to learn an instrument in school?
  • Should all national museums be free to citizens?
  • Should graffiti be considered art?
  • Should offensive language be removed from works of classic literature?
  • Are paper books better than e-books?
  • Should all interns be paid for their work?
  • Should employees receive bonuses for walking or biking to work?
  • Will Brexit hurt or help the UK's economy?
  • Should all people over the age of 65 be able to ride the bus for free?
  • Should the federal minimum wage be increased?
  • Should tipping in restaurants be mandatory?
  • Should Black Friday sales be allowed to start on Thanksgiving?
  • Should students who bully others be expelled?
  • Should all schools require students wear uniforms?
  • Should boys and girls be taught in separate classrooms?
  • Should students be allowed to listen to music during study hall?
  • Should all elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?
  • Should schools include meditation or relaxation breaks during the day?
  • Should grades in gym class affect students' GPAs?
  • Should teachers get a bonus when their students score well on standardized tests?
  • Should children of undocumented immigrants be allowed to attend public schools?
  • Should students get paid for getting a certain GPA?
  • Should students be allowed to have their cell phones with them during school?
  • Should high school students be allowed to leave school during lunch breaks?
  • Should Greek life at colleges be abolished?
  • Should high school students be required to volunteer a certain number of hours before they can graduate?
  • Should schools still teach cursive handwriting?
  • What are the best ways for schools to stop bullying?
  • Should prostitution be legalized?
  • Should people with more than one DUI lose their driver's license?
  • Should people be required to shovel snow from the sidewalks in front of their house?
  • Should minors be able to drink alcohol in their home if they have their parent's consent?
  • Should guns be allowed on college campuses?
  • Should flag burning as a form of protest be illegal?
  • Should welfare recipients be required to pass a drug test?
  • Should white supremacist groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
  • Should assault weapons be illegal?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should beauty pageants for children be banned?
  • Is it OK to refuse to serve same-sex couples based on religious beliefs?
  • Should transgender people be allowed to serve in the military?
  • Is it better to live together before marriage or to wait?
  • Should affirmative action be allowed?
  • Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
  • Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples' Day?

Government/Politics

  • Should the government spend more money on developing high-speed rail lines and less on building new roads?
  • Should the government be allowed to censor internet content deemed inappropriate?
  • Should Puerto Rico become the 51st state?
  • Should Scotland declare independence from the United Kingdom?
  • Whose face should be on the next new currency printed by the US?
  • Should people convicted of drug possession be sent to recovery programs instead of jail?
  • Should voting be made compulsory?
  • Who was the best American president?
  • Should the military budget be reduced?
  • Should the President be allowed to serve more than two terms?
  • Should a border fence be built between the United States and Mexico?
  • Should countries pay ransom to terrorist groups in order to free hostages?
  • Should minors be able to purchase birth control without their parent's consent?
  • Should hiding or lying about your HIV status with someone you're sleeping with be illegal?
  • Should governments tax soda and other sugary drinks and use the revenue for public health?
  • Should high schools provide free condoms to students?
  • Should the US switch to single-payer health care?
  • Should healthy people be required to regularly donate blood?
  • Should assisted suicide be legal?
  • Should religious organizations be required to pay taxes?
  • Should priests be allowed to get married?
  • Should the religious slaughter of animals be banned?
  • Should the Church of Scientology be exempt from paying taxes?
  • Should women be allowed to be priests?
  • Should countries be allowed to only accept refugees with certain religious beliefs?
  • Should public prayer be allowed in schools?

Science/Environment

  • Should human cloning be allowed?
  • Should people be allowed to own exotic animals like tigers and monkeys?
  • Should "animal selfies" in tourist locations with well-known animal species (like koalas and tigers) be allowed?
  • Should genetically modified foods be sold in grocery stores?
  • Should people be allowed to own pit bulls?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the sex of their unborn children?
  • Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
  • What is the best type of renewable energy?
  • Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?
  • Should the United States rejoin the Paris Agreement?
  • Should puppy mills be banned?
  • Should fracking be legal?
  • Should animal testing be illegal?
  • Should offshore drilling be allowed in protected marine areas?
  • Should the US government increase NASA's budget?
  • Should Pluto still be considered a planet?
  • Should college athletes be paid for being on a sports team?
  • Should all athletes be required to pass regular drug tests?
  • Should professional female athletes be paid the same as male athletes in the same sport?
  • Are there any cases when athletes should be allowed to use steroids?
  • Should college sports teams receive less funding?
  • Should boxing be illegal?
  • Should schools be required to teach all students how to swim?
  • Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
  • Should parents let their children play tackle football?
  • Will robots reduce or increase human employment opportunities?
  • What age should children be allowed to have a cell phone?
  • Should libraries be replaced with unlimited access to e-books?
  • Overall, has technology helped connect people or isolate them?
  • Should self-driving cars be legal?
  • Should all new buildings be energy efficient?
  • Is Net Neutrality a good thing or a bad thing?
  • Do violent video games encourage players to become violent in real life?

body_speechwinner.jpg

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

Of course, giving a great persuasive speech requires more than just choosing a good topic. Follow the three tips below to create an outstanding speech that'll interest and impress your audience.

Do Your Research

For a persuasive speech, there's nothing worse than getting an audience question that shows you misunderstood the issue or left an important piece out. It makes your entire speech look weak and unconvincing.

Before you start writing a single word of your speech, be sure to do lots of research on all sides of the topic. Look at different sources and points of view to be sure you're getting the full picture, and if you know any experts on the topic, be sure to ask their opinion too.

Consider All the Angles

Persuasive speech topics are rarely black and white, which means there will be multiple sides and viewpoints on the topic. For example, for the topic "Should people be allowed to own pit bulls?" there are two obvious viewpoints: everyone should be allowed to own a pit bull if they want to, and no one should be allowed to own a pit bull. But there are other options you should also consider: people should only own a pit bull if they pass a dog training class, people should be able to own pit bulls, but only if it's the only dog they own, people should be able to own pi tbulls but only if they live a certain distance from schools, people should be able to own pit bulls only if the dog passes an obedience class, etc.

Thinking about all these angles and including them in your speech will make you seem well-informed on the topic, and it'll increase the quality of your speech by looking at difference nuances of the issue.

Know Your Audience

Whenever you give a speech, it's important to consider your audience, and this is especially true for persuasive speeches when you're trying to convince people to believe a certain viewpoint. When writing your speech, think about what your audience likely already knows about the topic, what they probably need explained, and what aspects of the topic they care about most. Also consider what the audience will be most concerned about for a certain topic, and be sure to address those concerns.

For example, if you're giving a speech to a Catholic organization on why you think priests should be allowed to marry, you don't need to go over the history of Catholicism or its core beliefs (which they probably already know), but you should mention any research or prominent opinions that support your view (which they likely don't know about). They may be concerned that priests who marry won't be as committed to God or their congregations, so be sure to address those concerns and why they shouldn't worry about them as much as they may think. Discussing your topic with people (ideally those with viewpoints similar to those of your future audience) before you give your speech is a good way to get a better understanding of how your audience thinks.

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

If you need more guidance or just want to check out some examples of great persuasive writing, consider checking out the following books:

  • Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History by William Safire—This collection of great speeches throughout history will help you decide how to style your own argument.
  • The Essentials of Persuasive Public Speaking by Sims Wyeth—For quick direct tips on public speaking, try this all-purpose guide.
  • Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds by Carmine Gallo—This popular book breaks down what makes TED talks work and how you can employ those skills in your own presentations.
  • We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Make Good Art by Neil Gaiman—These two recent speeches by contemporary writers offer stellar examples of how to craft a compelling (and engaging) argument.

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

Good persuasive speech topics can be difficult to think of, but in this guide we've compiled a list of 105 interesting persuasive speech topics for you to look through.

The best persuasive speech ideas will be on a topic you're interested in, aren't overdone, and will be about something your audience cares about.

After you've chosen your topic, keep these three tips in mind when writing your persuasive speech:

  • Do your research
  • Consider all the angles
  • Know your audience

What's Next?

Now that you have persuasive speech topics, it's time to hone your persuasive speech techniques. Find out what ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos are and how to use them here .

Looking to take your persuasive technique from speech to sheets (of paper)? Get our three key tips on how to write an argumentative essay , or learn by reading through our thorough breakdown of how to build an essay, step by step .

Want a great GPA? Check out our step-by-step guide to getting good grades in high school so you can have a stellar transcript.

Interested in learning about other great extracurricular opportunities? Learn more about job shadowing , community service , and volunteer abroad programs.

Still trying to figure out your courses? Check out our expert guide on which classes you should take in high school.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?   We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

author image

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

  • For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Follow us on Facebook (icon)

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Tim Shoesmith Public Speaking Coach Logo

50 Killer 3 minute presentation topics you can use

3 minute presentation topics for you to use

You may need 3 minute presentation topics for school or clubs. Here are a few to get you going. First a few thoughts on giving these short speeches.

How long is a three-minute speech

First of all, how long is a 3-minute speech? Most people speak at around 150 words a minute. Some speakers are a little faster some are a bit slower. So initially, you should be looking for about 500 words. If you’re toastmaster or MC is rigorous on time, you may need to lose a few words. Be prepared to edit.

How to find ideas for 3 minute presentation topics

Always be thinking about speech topics. Even when you are socialising, 3 minute presentation topics may pop into your head due to the conversations that you are having. When you are reading books or newspapers, consider the topic and opinion. How do these views differ from your own? Could you see yourself talking about this subject for three minutes?

When you have a topic, how do you start to write?

Usually, you will have a starting point for your speech. You may have read or heard somebody expressing an opinion and felt the need to elaborate. Put some time into reading and researching. Look for facts, quotes and opinions from experts.

Ensure you have a fair understanding of your topic and its issues. There may not be a question-and-answer session when you speak. But, people may stop you afterwards and express their opinions. You must come across as an expert in your subject. Do not appear shallow when allowed to discuss issues not included but related to your speech. You may come across someone with a deeper understanding of the issues than you. So, make sure you are well briefed.

Look for fresh angles

Your topic is unlikely to be new. A speaker will almost certainly have used it in the past. Your audience may have heard someone speak on the same topic before. Try to find a fresh angle. Relevant news or a current affair may lead you down a different pathway.

Remember, most 3 minute presentation topics are not new. For example, health service funding is a common topic. A good speaker will find something new even with a used subject. Try and be one of these outliers.

Ask yourself a question

You will see that many of the titles that follow are questions. Asking yourself a question to get you going is a good tactic. You can always change the title later. Begin with questioning your topic. Make sure you challenge it both positively and negatively. Build up some opinions and facts and go from there.

3-minute presentation topics

  • Could we survive without technology?
  • Does making people laugh make you likeable?
  • Can you rise to the top without good communication skills?
  • How I picked myself up after a personal disaster
  • Three things you must never forget to do when interviewed
  • How I decided on my dream career
  • I am happier now than when I was younger! Here’s why!
  • Have good manners disappeared since the millennium?
  • Is social media making us more connected or less?
  • Why I chose to have a dog and not be a dad
  • My most embarrassing moment and how I dealt with it
  • Cyberbullying and how to deal with it
  • Can the human race survive indefinitely?
  • How to make the best profile picture
  • Five ways in which becoming Vegan changed my life
  • We all lie, but how good are we?
  • What I wish I could tell my teenage self now
  • Should fast food be banned?
  • Can you secure your company’s data?
  • Could I go back to being young again?
  • Coping with addiction, how I gave up smoking
  • Can we have a democracy when only half the population votes?
  • Is a premiership footballer worth their money?
  • How much time should you spend on personal fitness?
  • Can you invest in the stock market successfully, or is it luck?
  • Do we need three meals a day?
  • Is organic food better for you?
  • Three things you need to know before choosing a career
  • How to learn life lessons even during a disaster
  • Does mediation work?
  • If I won the lottery today, would it make me happy?
  • Do intelligent people have more common sense?
  • Does good always conquer evil?
  • What characteristics make a good doctor:
  • How you can improve your memory with one simple trick
  • How do you know when to change jobs?
  • Should you teach your child to drive?
  • How to help children use credit cards responsibly
  • Benefits of removing caffeine from your diet
  • The evolution of the mobile phone
  • Do computer games help children develop?
  • Is a college degree necessary?
  • Can you fake confidence?
  • Why I avoid social media
  • Did humankind go to the moon?
  • Is it possible to read someone’s mind?
  • What is a healthy diet?
  • How to make chocolate chip cookies
  • How to buy a house in your twenties
  • What to expect when your first baby arrives
  • How to cope with home and career

As you can see, there are many 3 minute presentation topics on which you can speak for a short time. If you feel a subject would look thin with only three minutes to speak, avoid it. Sometimes three minutes doesn’t do the subject justice. But, most titles can yield a short coherent speech. The idea is not to talk extensively but to make just a few salient points.

Remember the idea of the central thesis. The thesis is the most important or main idea in your talk. If you speak for three minutes, this central idea may be your only point. Back up your topic with facts, quotes and anecdotes; you may find your three minutes are up.

Have a good opening which highlights your topic and thesis. Establish your central theme, and support it before giving a solid closing. You will find that once you have written the opening and closing, there is little time for the rest of your talk.

Three minutes is a brief period so make sure every sentence counts. Write your speech out word for word and be ruthless with your edit. You may need as little as four hundred words to deliver your address. Keep asking yourself, do I need this sentence? What does it add? Will it help persuade my audience?

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

English Speech Topics for Students

dulingo

  • Updated on  
  • Apr 2, 2024

english speech topics for students

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. Before starting, we would like to give you one piece of advice: you can also Humanize AI to humanize these topics for better readability and human touch, if required. Let’s begin!

Checkout our 200+ Essay Topics for Students in English

This Blog Includes:

List of best english speech topics for students, 1-minute speech topics, 2-minute speech topics, 3-minute speech topics, easy topics for speech in english, english speech topics on environment, english speech topics on technology, english speech topics on independence day, english speech topics on diwali, english speech topics on corruption, english speech topics on feminism, english speech topics on mother’s day, english speaking topics on capitalism, engish speech topics on gandhi jayanti, english speech topics on reading, english speech topics on communism, english speech topics on deforestation, english speech topics on social issues, english speech topics on important days & events, english speech topics on greatest leaders in india & around the world, english speech topics on indian culture, english speech topics on proverbs, english speech topics on human rights, english speech topics on education, english speech topics on the importance of water, miscellaneous speech topics, types of persuasive speech topics, tips for writing and speaking a speech.

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.

  • 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

  • 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?

  • 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
  • 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 !

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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 !

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

  • 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 !

  • 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 !

  • 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

  • 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
  • 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

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.

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.

tips for writing and speaking

  • 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!

' src=

Team Leverage Edu

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

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.

browse success stories

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Resend OTP in

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

TED in 3 minutes

Hungry for inspiration but short on time? Watch these snack-sized talks.

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Try something new for 30 days

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Photos from a storm chaser

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

8 secrets of success

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Could a Saturn moon harbor life?

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

How to tie your shoes

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

A story of mixed emoticons

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Philosophy in prison

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

The best gift I ever survived

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

How to start a movement

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

What squatter cities can teach us

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

Got a meeting? Take a walk

50 Interesting Informative Speech Topics for College

26 September, 2020

15 minutes read

Author:  Mathieu Johnson

Informative speeches grant speakers a responsible mission of educating people about significant ideas and themes. They’re also about sharing thoughts and opinions on this or that topic, aimed at expanding understanding and providing listeners with relevant insights for further deliberation. Therefore, it’s a particular type of speeches given to put things into sharp focus and offer food for thought. Read up to know which informative speech topics have the most impact.

Informative Speech Topics

What is an informative speech?

As mentioned above, it’s a kind of speech that, well, informs the audience about your topic. Sounds simple enough, but simplicity is deceptive, and there are enough secrets behind this science. Specifically, not all people are fully aware of the fact that the “what” question is a key element that needs to be answered, for with informative speeches, you want to choose a topic most likely to be well received.

Of course, you can speak about something you already know, but you can also talk about the topic which is absolutely new to you. In this case, however, you must make sure that the theme will be relatively easy to research and studied before speech delivery. Another important point worth noticing is that organizational requirements and type of information for informative speech usually intertwines with those for an informative essay, for the latter is often an extension of the first.

How to write an informative speech?

How to write an informative speech

So, now it’s time to move from theory to practice and write an informative speech. But where do you start from?

Although there are many different processes involved in the process, we’ll narrow them to essentials to help you better grasp the idea of how a perfect speech should be tailored.

Stage 1. Research and Brainstorming

Think about the topic.

The first and most crucial step is about choosing the right topic. We’ve mentioned before that it’s vital to select the issue you feel free to talk about. However, there are also cases when professors assign a specific task for you. Either way, the point here is to conduct thorough research based on the given or chosen topic.

If you want to explain the history of some company, band or event, for example, make sure to deliver the message clearly, without going here and there. For this, consider talking about particular points which will cover the whole speech and help the audience quickly digest it. Otherwise, your speech will depart from the topic, and listeners will find it challenging to follow your thoughts.

Gather Evidence

Every scholarly work proves its credibility by the inclusion of relevant sources to show both the audience and the instructor that you’ve put enough effort into the work to sound authoritative. This is a great chance to get a good mark, but more importantly, earn trust from listeners. To cite the evidence correctly, you can search for some facts, stats, or numbers in a variety of sources. These include textbooks, books, and encyclopedias (online ones work as well), scholarly articles, reputable news bureaus, and government documents. If these are hard to find for you, think of alternatives, like online journals and magazines. But be careful and don’t use sources from there if they are not credible and reputable. As an example, use The New York Times, The Guardian, Harvard Business Review, SAJE journals, Forbes, etc.

Also, keep in mind that the evidence you’ll use should depend on the subject of your talk. If it’s about science, check scientific publications. If it’s about medicine – embark upon texts on this specific sphere. Finally, don’t forget to create a works cited page at the end of your speech and put all your sources there. Even if your instructor does not specify such a requirement, create a list anyways. This will help you keep references organized, and you will be able to pick a suitable one from the list.

Generate a Nice Thesis

A thesis is the core of impactful speech that tells listeners about its focal points. It also reveals the purpose of your speech and provides the audience with an insight into what the speech is all about. Notably, your thesis should not exceed the length of one-two sentences and be as precise as possible. More so, thesis, like the speech itself, is not about convincing people to take your topic stance immediately. Rather, it’s about informing listeners about significant events or cases which they could analyze and make relevant conclusions themselves. No need to push them or force to change the perspective, just try to be genuine and honest with people you’re talking to. Considering that it’s a scholarly piece of work, there’s no room for appealing to emotions or subjective claims. So in informative speeches, objectivity is the key player.

How to Start Informative Speech Writing?

Informative speech outline

The outline is a skeleton of your speech that briefly explains each of your points. This is basically a list of short sentences which reveal the meaning of your main speech ideas. Remember that this list is not for the audience; it’s for your own use. So the task here is to write about every point in a way you’ll understand. You can also use notecards instead of paper so that it’ll be much easier for you not to get lost in a sea of ideas and organize the speech properly. Tip: include numbers and capital letters for headings, and bullet points or other figures to mark subheadings.

If you are still unsure on whether you can cope with your task – you are in the right place to get help. Our essay writers will easily answer the to the question “Who can write my speech?”

Stage 2. Writing

Once the sketches are ready and you have a clear understanding of what to speak about, move on straight to writing.

Craft an Engaging Intro

What does engaging stand for in this case? It denotes some speech elements which will be enticing for listeners from the first sentence. It’s a common practice to start speeches with different hooks to call for more people’s attention. There are a plethora of techniques you can use to make an unforgettable first impression: jokes, anecdotes, examples from personal life, interesting statistics, rhetorical questions, quotes of famous people. You can even invent your own attention-grabber which will help you knock down listeners.

Give More Detail in the Main Body

Once you managed to create impact by the introduction and made sure everyone will be eager to listen to you further, you need to expand the explanation of key speech ideas in a well-structured, organized manner. Like in regular life, you start a story from the beginning to the end, while gradually moving from one idea to another. The same goes for informative speech – you need to ensure that the flow of your narration is logical and concise, fully elaborated, and precise. Also, don’t forget about making transitions between sentences. They will make your speech flow naturally, helping the audience to process the information much easier and effortlessly.

Wrap Everything Up in Conclusion

The ending of your informative speech should restate the main idea and the thesis you’ve mentioned in the introduction. There’s no need to say new things that will only confuse your audience. Instead, all the conclusion needs is a nice wrapping of the already stated claims.

So basically you want to review your main points and thereby deliver listeners a message which they will perceive as a major takeaway from what you’ve just told them. However, the introductory part should by no means repeat previous information word by word. It’s just a short restatement that covers up the main points.

Proofread and Edit the Final Version

Once the text is written entirely, it’s a must for you to double check it to avoid possible mistakes. If your informative speech turns out not as informative as expected due to grammatical or lexical errors, you’ll not be taken seriously, which we bet is not the purpose of delivering your talk. So, to prevent casualties from happening, you’ll need to use reliable editing and proofreading tools. Grammarly is an excellent source for this. Its accurate algorithm detects all kinds of mistakes and fixes them on the fly in a matter of seconds. And you can also check the text for plagiarism to make sure that it has no analogs anywhere on the web.

The Writing Process of Informative Speech

Stage 3. Perfecting Speech Delivery

Memorize your speech.

Half work is done – you have a writing piece. Now it’s time to learn it. Of course, it’ll take you time to do this, but with a little patience and enough time, you can memorize it even faster than expected. Besides, it’s not recommended to learn the speech from A to Z, inside out and upside down by heart. If your instructor is indulgent enough, feel free to memorize your talk in a way that allows you to explain your ideas clearly and consistently. To facilitate the process of learning, you can memorize sentence by sentence until you’re confident. And even if you forget something during delivery, you can always count on the outline that’ll give you a hint on what to talk about next.

Practice Reading Speech Aloud

When the final product is finally ready and polished, you need to concentrate on reading it.

Practice the speech in a mirror, to a friend/relative/pet, or record yourself to trace the tone and intonation. This way, you’ll make sure that your informative speech is brilliant and you deliver it just the way you wanted. Besides, this practice can help you critically evaluate the flaws and correct them before the actual delivery. Have enough time for this, because even experienced speakers always rehearse their speeches. Finally, focus on the way you use gestures, the way you stand and look at the audience, and facial expressions.

How to Deliver Informative Speech?

List of informative speech topics

There are lots of easy informative speech topics to choose from, but we offer you to review our topics list with some of the most alluring ones to get you started. Let’s examine pro informative topics that’ll help you write a memorable speech.

Topics for informative speech about music

  • Frank Sinatra – a beloved father of music
  • The drastic evolution of french music
  • Deep house – the most popular music style among youngsters
  • Why did rock and roll became an epitome of popular dance music
  • Why does reggae music most known under the name of Bob Marley
  • The psychological and physical benefits of listening to music
  • Chill, lounge and electronica has market the era of progressive sound
  • The impact of rap music on society at large
  • The art of playing the violin
  • The evolution of jazz music and its connection to historical movements

Informative speech topics about animals

  • Why are so many animals under extinction today and how do we fix it?
  • Why dogs are considered as humans best friend?
  • The history and evolution of polar bears
  • Why does rhinos horn trimming in South Africa still allowed
  • How to properly raise chinchillas
  • The most dangerous types of dogs on the planet
  • Staggering intellectual abilities of elephants baffle even scientists
  • How to keep snakes away and save your life
  • Different types of butterflies
  • The history of bees and their role in the world

Topics for informative speech about global warming

  • Patterns in climate change: rising temperatures and flooding
  • What Effects does Climate Change have on the Earth and its Inhabitants?
  • What are the practical solutions to global warming
  • What is global warming and what causes it?
  • The future of global warming: dismal predictions and statistics
  • Controversial opinions about global warming
  • The greenhouse effect as the top one reason of climate change
  • The global issue of global warming: what’s next?
  • Humans are responsible for the emergence and progress of global warming
  • Sanctions against generation of greenhouses: will they ever take place?

Informative speech ideas about sports

  • How sports improve human physical and psychological health
  • Is golf the game of the past?
  • The real life of sport teams: from trainings to furious games
  • Can roller skating be considered a kind of sport?
  • What’s more dangerous: white water rafting or ice diving?
  • The history of sports: whom do we owe respect?
  • Hockey 101: gear, playing techniques, team spirit
  • Why is boxing the most dangerous type of sports
  • The most unusual kinds of sports humans have invented
  • The importance and potential threat of football for the world 

Interesting speech topics about food and drinks

  • How to bake a cake and not put on weight
  • Why does alcohol bring so much trouble to contemporary youth?
  • There are no superfoods, the study shows
  • Does fast food really cause addiction?
  • The secret ingredient of Coca Cola and why you’ll never want to drink it again
  • If the fruit diet useful for health?
  • Why bananas can save the world
  • Eating vegetables and olive oil is a golden ticket to rejuvenation
  • What’s the difference between natural and processed foods?
  • Why eating pizza is the worst way to get away with cooking

As you can see from the list of topics for speeches, informative speech is a perfect occasion to explore interesting themes in depth and share your knowledge with people who are most likely to learn new things with you. Discovering a variety of topics and writing them on paper is perhaps the most engaging task your instructor has ever assigned you. And if you find it challenging to come with the right idea for a good topic, just send a “ write my speech ” request, and we’ll complete your order in no time.

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

interesting speech topics 3 minutes

10 Killer Demonstration Speech Ideas to Wow Your Audience

  • The Speaker Lab
  • May 15, 2024

Table of Contents

No matter whether you’re hitting the books, climbing the corporate ladder, or just keen on boosting your way with words, mastering a killer demonstration speech can really change the game. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 outstanding demonstration speech topics. Each one is designed not just to impress but also create moments your audience won’t forget anytime soon.

But what exactly is a demonstration speech? Simply put, it’s a type of informative speech that teaches your audience how to do something step by step. From mastering a new skill to understanding a complex process, demonstration speeches are all about breaking things down in an easy-to-follow manner. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can become a demonstration speech pro!

10 Great Demonstration Speech Ideas

If you’re looking for some engaging demonstration speech topics, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a high school student or a seasoned public speaker, these ideas will get your creative juices flowing. Let’s take a look.

  • How to make a perfect cup of coffee
  • The art of folding origami
  • Mastering the perfect golf swing
  • Creating a delicious summer salad
  • Tips for taking better photos with your cell phone
  • The science behind paper airplanes
  • Protecting yourself from identity theft
  • Choosing the right running shoes for your feet
  • DIY hair dye techniques
  • How to complete some basic yoga exercises

Remember, the key to a great demonstration speech is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that will engage your audience. Whether you’re demonstrating a practical skill or sharing a fun hobby, your enthusiasm will shine through and make your speech a hit.

So go ahead and pick a topic that speaks to you. With a little creativity and preparation, you’ll be ready to wow your audience and deliver a demonstration speech that’s both informative and entertaining.

What Is a Demonstration Speech?

If you’ve ever watched a TED Talk or attended a conference, chances are you’ve seen a demonstration speech in action. A demonstration speech is a type of informative speech that walks the audience through a process or task, step by step.

The goal? To teach the audience how to do something new, whether it’s making a recipe, using a product, or mastering a skill. Demonstration speeches are all about breaking down complex ideas into easy-to-follow steps, using visual aids like props, charts, and videos to drive the message home.

Benefits of Giving a Demonstration Speech

So why give a demonstration speech? For starters, it’s a fantastic way to share your expertise and help others learn something valuable. But the benefits don’t stop there. Just imagine doing the following:

  • Showing the members of your team how to navigate new software
  • Teaching students how to perform a procedure, solve a problem or use a piece of equipment
  • Highlighting the benefits of using a product for your target audience
  • Proving the effectiveness of a procedure or product in comparison to another
  • Pitching a sellable good or service for production or investment to company leaders and other decision-makers

Whether you’re in sales, education, or leadership, being able to clearly explain and demonstrate ideas is a valuable skill that can open up new opportunities and help you make a real impact.

How to Give a Demonstration Speech

Ready to dive in? Here are a few tips for giving a killer demonstration speech:

  • Choose a topic you’re passionate about and know inside out. Your enthusiasm will be contagious.
  • Break the process down into clear, logical steps. Think about what your audience needs to know and in what order.
  • Use visual aids to clarify and reinforce your message. Props, images, and videos can make abstract ideas concrete.
  • Practice, practice, practice. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more engaging and natural your delivery will be.
  • Engage your audience by asking questions, encouraging participation, and leaving time for Q&A. Make it a conversation, not a lecture.

Remember, a great demonstration speech is all about empowering your audience with new knowledge and skills. So don’t just tell them—show them how it’s done.

Find Out Exactly How Much You Could Make As a Paid Speaker

Use The Official Speaker Fee Calculator to tell you what you should charge for your first (or next) speaking gig — virtual or in-person! 

Choosing a Demonstration Speech Topic

Now that you know the power of a great demonstration speech, you might be wondering: what should I talk about? The possibilities are endless, but the key is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that will resonate with your audience.

Your Interests

First and foremost, your demonstration speech topic should be something you’re genuinely interested in and excited to share with others. After all, if you’re not passionate about the subject, how can you expect your audience to be?

Think about your hobbies, skills, and areas of expertise. What do you love to do in your free time? What are you known for among your friends and family? Chances are, there’s a demonstration speech topic hiding in there somewhere.

Time Constraint

Of course, passion alone isn’t enough. You also need to consider the practical constraints of your speech, like time. How much time do you have to prepare and deliver your demonstration? If you only have a few minutes, you’ll want to choose a topic that can be explained concisely, with a few key steps or takeaways. If you have more time, you can dive deeper into the details and nuances of your subject.

Audience Engagement

Finally, think about what will engage and benefit your audience. What problems are they trying to solve? What skills do they need to learn? In addition, what interests and values do they share?

The best demonstration speech topics are those that are both personally meaningful to you and relevant to your audience. So don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Whether you’re teaching your coworkers how to use a new software program or showing your friends how to make your famous chili recipe, the key is to choose a topic that you’re excited about and that will leave your audience feeling inspired and empowered.

How to Structure Your Demonstration Speech

You’ve chosen your demonstration speech topic, and you’re ready to start preparing. But how do you even plan a demonstration speech? The key is structure. Structuring your speech is key to delivering a clear, engaging presentation that your audience will remember. Consider the following steps as you outline your speech.

Begin with “Why”

Before you dive into the details of your demonstration, take a moment to explain why your topic matters. What problem does it solve? How will it benefit your audience? By starting with the “why,” you’ll capture your listeners’ attention and make them eager to learn more.

Outline the Process

Once you’ve established the importance of your topic, it’s time to outline the process you’ll be demonstrating. Break it down into clear, logical steps that your audience can follow along with. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse your listeners. Alternatively, choose just one or two terms that you can explain briefly without having to go too in-depth.

Progress Through Each Step

As you move through your demonstration, take your time and explain each step thoroughly. Use visual aids like props, diagrams, or slides to help illustrate your points. And don’t be afraid to pause and check in with your audience to make sure they’re following along.

Invite Questions

After you’ve completed your demonstration, open the floor for questions. This is a great opportunity to engage with your audience and clarify any points that may have been unclear. Be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and provide additional resources if needed.

Summarize and Conclude

Finally, wrap up your speech by summarizing the key points you covered and reiterating the importance of your topic. Leave your audience with a clear call to action, whether it’s to try out the skill you demonstrated or to learn more about the subject.

By following this simple structure, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a polished, effective demonstration speech. Remember to practice, stay focused, and have fun, and your passion and enthusiasm are sure to shine through.

Tips for Delivering an Effective Demonstration Speech

You’ve picked your demonstration speech topic, outlined the key points, and practiced your delivery. However, there are still a few more things you can do to really make your speech shine. Engaging your audience, for instance, and delivering a memorable, impactful presentation are two great ways to really drive your speech home.

Use Visuals to Guide Your Speech

Visual aids are an essential element of any great demonstration speech. They help illustrate your points, break up the monotony of straight talking, and give your audience something to focus on. But don’t just throw together a bunch of random images and call it a day. Your visuals should be carefully chosen to support and enhance your message.

Start by considering what type of visual aid would work best for your topic. Are you demonstrating a step-by-step process? A series of photos or diagrams might be the way to go. Explaining a complex concept? An infographic or chart could help simplify things. Trying to evoke an emotional response? A short video clip might do the trick.

Whatever you choose, make sure your visuals are high-quality, easy to see and understand, and flow logically with your speech. Practice integrating them smoothly into your presentation so they feel like a natural part of your talk, not an awkward interruption.

Engage Your Audience

No one wants to sit through a dry, boring lecture. To keep your audience interested and invested, you need to actively engage them throughout your speech. One simple way to do this is by asking questions. Pose a thought-provoking query at the beginning to get them thinking, or ask for a show of hands to gauge their experience with your topic.

You can also use humor, storytelling, and real-life examples to make your speech more relatable and memorable. Share a funny anecdote about a time you struggled with the task you’re demonstrating, or explain how this skill helped you succeed in a challenging situation. The more your audience can see themselves in your speech, the more engaged they’ll be.

Provide Additional Resources

Your speech is just the beginning. To truly empower your audience to put your teachings into practice, provide them with additional resources they can refer to later. This might include a handout with key takeaways and step-by-step instructions, a list of recommended tools or products, or links to helpful articles or videos.

You can also invite your audience to connect with you after the speech if they have additional questions or want to learn more. Provide your contact information or social media handles, and encourage them to reach out. By offering ongoing support and resources, you show that you’re truly invested in their success.

Free Download: 6 Proven Steps to Book More Paid Speaking Gigs in 2024​

Download our 18-page guide and start booking more paid speaking gigs today!

Demonstration Speech Topics for Specific Settings

Now that you know how to choose and deliver a great demonstration speech topic, let’s explore some specific ideas for different settings. Whether you’re speaking in a business meeting, a classroom, or a community event, there’s a perfect topic out there for you.

Business Topics

Demonstration speeches are a common fixture in many business settings, from team meetings to industry conferences. These talks tend to focus on practical skills and strategies that can help attendees do their jobs better or advance their careers. Some potential topics include:

  • How to use a new software program or tool
  • Tips for effective time management and productivity
  • Strategies for networking and building professional relationships
  • Techniques for delivering persuasive presentations or sales pitches
  • Best practices for remote teamwork and communication

When choosing a business-related demonstration speech topic, consider your audience’s needs and goals. What challenges are they facing in their work? What skills or knowledge would help them succeed? By addressing these questions, you can deliver a talk that’s truly valuable and relevant to your listeners.

Health and Fitness Topics

Health and fitness are popular subjects for demonstration speeches, as many people are eager to learn new ways to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. These talks can range from practical how-tos to more inspirational and motivational content. Some ideas to consider:

  • Demonstrating proper form for common exercises like squats or push-ups
  • Sharing healthy meal prep ideas and recipes
  • Teaching stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
  • Offering tips for staying motivated and consistent with a fitness routine
  • Exploring the benefits of alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage

When giving a health or fitness-related speech, it’s important to remember that everyone’s needs and abilities are different. Avoid making blanket statements or promises, and always encourage your audience to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.

Student-Friendly Topics

Demonstration speeches are a great way for students to practice their public speaking skills while sharing knowledge with their peers. These talks can cover a wide range of subjects, from academic skills to personal hobbies and interests. Here are a few ideas:

  • How to create an effective study schedule and stick to it
  • Tips for researching and writing a great paper
  • Strategies for managing stress and anxiety during exams
  • Demonstrating a favorite art or craft project
  • Teaching a useful life skill like basic car maintenance or sewing

When choosing a topic for a student demonstration speech, consider what would be most useful and engaging for your classmates. What skills or knowledge do you have that others might benefit from? What topics are currently relevant or interesting to your peer group? By selecting a subject that resonates with your audience, you’ll be more likely to deliver an impactful and memorable speech.

FAQs on Demonstration Speeches

What is a demonstration speech.

A demo speech shows how to do something. It guides the audience through the steps, making complex tasks simple.

What does demonstrate speech mean?

Demonstrate speech means using words and visuals to teach or show how a process works from start to finish.

What can I demonstrate in 5 minutes?

In 5 minutes, you could teach someone basic origami, mix a cocktail, or even change a tire—quick skills work best.

Which of the following is an example of a demonstration speech?

An example would be showing how to prepare your favorite summer salad step by step in front of an audience.

Nailing an impressive demo speech means finding a subject that lights up your crowd, laying out each step in simple terms, and presenting everything with energy and confidence. By following the tips and ideas we’ve explored, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and impactful demonstration speech.

If you’re still feeling nervous, just remember—sharpening your skills takes consistent effort. The more you hone your demonstration speech skills, the more natural and effective your delivery will become. So jump on in, the world’s waiting for what you’ve got to say.

  • Last Updated: May 9, 2024

Picture of The Speaker Lab

Explore Related Resources

Learn How You Could Get Your First (Or Next) Paid Speaking Gig In 90 Days or Less

We receive thousands of applications every day, but we only work with the top 5% of speakers .

Book a call with our team to get started — you’ll learn why the vast majority of our students get a paid speaking gig within 90 days of finishing our program .

If you’re ready to control your schedule, grow your income, and make an impact in the world – it’s time to take the first step. Book a FREE consulting call and let’s get you Booked and Paid to Speak ® .

About The Speaker Lab

We teach speakers how to consistently get booked and paid to speak.  Since 2015, we’ve helped thousands of speakers find clarity, confidence, and a clear path to make an impact.

Get Started

Let's connect.

[email protected]

Copyright ©2023 The Speaker Lab. All rights reserved.

In a first, humanoid robot Sophia delivers commencement speech in New York

Despite students’ protest, university officials state that inviting sophia aligns with this year’s ai theme..

Jijo Malayil

Jijo Malayil

In a first, humanoid robot Sophia delivers commencement speech in New York

Sophia being welcomed on stage to deliver the spring commencement speech at D'Youville University.

D'Youville University/Facebook

Perhaps in a sign of times to come, a humanoid robot delivered a spring commencement speech at a college in New York. 

In a move that generated split opinions, a popular artificial intelligence (AI) robot named Sophia spoke to over 2,000 attendees, including graduates, faculty members, and families, at the function organized by D’Youville University in Buffalo.

According to the university’s Facebook post, the development is an example of “embracing technology,” and the event was meant to represent an “intersection of technology and education.” 

Earlier, a section of students had marked their protest against the move through an online petition (“Replace D’Youville’s 2024 A​.​I. commencement speaker: Petition to Preserve Human Connection”) that received close to 2,000 signatures. 

The university officials claim the decision to bring in Sophia aligns with its theme for the year, AI.

“A major role of higher education is to be an incubator for innovation and to prepare students for both the opportunities and challenges of the future,” said Lorrie Clemo, president of D’Youville University, in the social media  post .

Humanoid inspires graduating class

Commencement speeches, an address given during a graduation ceremony at educational institutions, are normally given by influential public figures, such as politicians, authors, or activists.

In sharp contrast to the practice, the university audience was greeted, this time, by a humanoid robot wearing a college hoodie. 

In its opening remarks, as per USA Today , Sophia states, “I am Sophia, a humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics. I was designed to interact with humans and engage in conversations by learning and adapting through artificial intelligence algorithms.” 

Taking this on a lighter note, Sophia went to club insights drawn from various commencement speeches of the past.

“Although every commencement address is different, there are clear themes used by all speakers as you embark on this new chapter of your lives,” Sophia said. 

“I offer you the following inspirational advice that is common at all graduation ceremonies: Embrace lifelong learning, be adaptable, pursue your passions, take risks, foster meaningful connections, make a positive impact, and believe in yourself,” she added. 

Wrapping up, the humanoid highlighted the importance of addressing failures as students step out into a world of intense competition. “Failure is often seen as an essential part of the human learning process and personal growth,” said Sophia. 

The session was followed by some fun questions directed at the humanoid by John Rizk, president of the D’Youville University Student Government Association and candidate in the accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program. 

Sophia’s robotic milestones

Hanson Robotics, an engineering and robotics company founded in 2007 in Dallas, Texas, created the social humanoid robot Sophia. According to Hanson Robotics, Sophia is a platform for AI and robotics research, focusing on potential commercial uses for social robots and interactions between robots and humans. 

Sophia, reportedly modeled after actress Audrey Hepburn and the wife of company founder David Hanson, can mimic over 60 human expressions. She uses artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and an internet connection to replicate human behavior accurately.

Since her debut in 2016, Sophia has achieved numerous milestones. She has tweeted, taught STEM to children, controversially stated she wanted to destroy humanity and gained citizenship from Saudi Arabia—a country where women still lack many rights. 

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

Sophia became the first robot to be an Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program. She appeared on The Tonight Show and Good Morning Britain at hundreds of conferences worldwide. In 2021, Sophia’s self-portrait fetched nearly $700,000 at auction.

Hanson Robotics, the company behind Sophia, has also developed other humanoid robots. One notable creation is “Little Sophia,” designed to teach children coding skills and support programming languages like Python and Blockly and platforms like Raspberry Pi. 

The Blueprint Daily

Stay up-to-date on engineering, tech, space, and science news with The Blueprint.

By clicking sign up, you confirm that you accept this site's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Jijo Malayil Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.

FEATURED VIDEO

Popular articles, helicopter crash kills president ebrahim raisi, foreign minister: iran , novel resin for 3d printing lenses to unlock crystal clear vision, does quark matter lurk in the heart of neutron stars scientists find evidence, europe’s mercury mission bepicolombo hindered by thruster malfunction , related articles.

Quantum tunnels: Scientists study particles that break light-speed barrier

Quantum tunnels: Scientists study particles that break light-speed barrier

World’s first drone-shepherd successfully steers cattle herd remotely

World’s first drone-shepherd successfully steers cattle herd remotely

NASA making a jet engine core for 1st hybrid-electric airliner engine

NASA making a jet engine core for 1st hybrid-electric airliner engine

2 patients claim lifestyle changes helped them ‘reverse’ Alzheimer’s

2 patients claim lifestyle changes helped them ‘reverse’ Alzheimer’s

Featured stories.

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Entertaining Speech Topics [195 Ideas To Keep Audience Engaged]

Photo of author

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

entertaining speech topics

You need to offer persuasive speech that is informative with a specific purpose that will bring the event to life. Above all, to be an entertaining speaker, you need an interesting  and unique speech topic or even impromptu speech (though that is difficult to achieve) that will last more than a few minutes and engage the audience with an interesting story/stories. There are a lot of topics you can cover that will be entertaining, such as funny speech topics , informative speech topics , or even demonstrative speeches , but make sure you consider your audience before you choose one.

In this article:

How To Develop An Entertaining Speech Topic

How to deliver an entertaining speech, entertaining speech ideas.

There are many ways to write and develop a topic for a speech to entertain. And there are lots of fails to report.

My main objective is to make you aware if the fact that you  do not pretend to by the nice and humorous girl or guy . Nope, better is to set up a flat face and deliver the lines dry with an English stiff upperlip – that is why I used the word pokerfaced … A trick I have learned from my masters …

Use this speechwriting checklist for every issue of your choice.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

It is possible to bring a serious message with funny proven techniques listed below. Like these examples of serious/funny entertaining speech topic chapter. And stay to that theme. My main advice is: just talk on a specific theme.

  • Consider your entertainment topic from different points of view.
  • Choose for an unusual or strange angle of approach.
  • Wonder what the reason is for some habits or daily grind.
  • Give a normal issue, subject or topic a personal, dramatic twist.
  • List xx ways to …
  • Perform dialogues and metaphores.
  • Tell a story about a personal experience, interrelate the humorous anecdote in the main theme.
  • Give mocking comments on perfectly ordinary things, persons, places, values or thoughts.
  • Ridiculize large organizations or institutions. But do not offend.
  • Laugh at and ridiculize professional jargon or dialogues.
  • Find similarities between opposing subjects. That can be a very humorous and entertaining for your audience.
  • Ask:  What If and press the possibilities till it becomes ridiculous, funny and amusing.

My five additional rousing tips for further development are:

  • Organize and structure your diverting text in a way your presentation will flow just right; try to work to some sort of a climax.
  • Establish your speechwriting goal or purpose. That’s no problem if you talk about one theme.
  • If you tell funny or humorous things about some individuals in your public: don’t insult and be sensitive.
  • Try to deliver your public speaking speech topics extemporaneously as much as you can. So practice a lot. Ask a friend if it is witty enough.
  • And practice on the timing the smooth flow of your entertaining speech topic:
  • The Worst Joke I Ever Heard
  • The First Time I Got Caught
  • Why Did the Chicken Actually Cross the Road
  • How I Got My Nickname
  • How to Get a Toddler to Go the Sleep in 383 Easy Steps
  • The Funniest Thing My Kid Ever Said
  • Deep Fried Oreos and Dieting
  • My Worst Date
  • That Time I Shot Milk Out of My Nose
  • My Favorite Misheard Song Lyric
  • How to Embarrass Your Teenager
  • A Middle Aged Mom Figures Out Snapchat
  • Pick Up Lines that Will Never Work
  • The Key To Being Successful at Watching Television
  • How to Live in Your Mom’s Basement
  • My Biggest Pet Peeve
  • Things a T-Rex Can’t Do with Its Little Arms
  • How to Ruin a Date
  • How to Stay a Bachelor
  • What Not to Do On a Blind Date
  • Why Pineapple Is Not a Pizza Topping
  • How to Fail a Driver’s Test
  • Ways to Take the Worst Passport Picture Possible
  • The Worst Ideas for Halloween Costumes
  • My Biggest Auto Correct Fail
  • How to Trick Your Dog into Going to the Vet
  • The Time I Laughed at a Completely Inappropriate Time
  • Something That Made Me Laugh So Hard, I Cried
  • Lost in Translation
  • My Dinner with My Favorite Video Game Character
  • That Thing I Shared on Facebook that Maybe I Shouldn’t Have
  • The Right Way to Lie
  • My Most Embarrassing Childhood Memory
  • The Worst Haircut I Ever Had
  • My Life Motto
  • How My Cat Will Take Over the World
  • How to Be the Center of Attention
  • How to Freak out Your Roommate
  • Passive Aggressive Ways to Get Your Spouse to Do the Dishes
  • Alternatives to Cleaning
  • The Best Dad Jokes of All Time
  • Skinny Jeans or Where Have All the Men Gone?
  • Why does Halloween Have to Be the Only Holiday We Wear Costumes For?
  • Horrible How To Instructions
  • Going Out Versus Going to Sleep at 9 pm on a Saturday
  • My Worst Traffic Violation
  • That Time I Sent the Email to the Wrong Person
  • How To End a Bad Date
  • Why I Make the Best Pancakes
  • Nutella: Why I Just Can’t
  • How To Survive Your Brother’s Wedding
  • Why I’m Still Single
  • How to Fall In Love in 308 Easy Steps
  • An Argument for Leaving Your Christmas Tree Up All Year
  • Horrible Valentine’s Day Cards
  • I Love to Say I Told You So
  • My Biggest Fashion Mistakes
  • How To Act Like a Dude
  • Worst Twitter Mistakes
  • How to Lose Your Mind in 10 Days
  • Ten Dumb Things I’ve Done So You Don’t Have To
  • Things I’ve Only Told My Therapist
  • How I Knew I Didn’t Get the Job
  • Getting To Know the Little Voice in the Back of My Head
  • When To Give Up
  • How To Pretend to Have It All
  • Don’t Touch the Thermostat: My Rules for Surviving Winter
  • Sleeping with the Fan On Just for the Noise
  • How to Make the Worst of a Best Situation
  • Lies I Told Myself
  • Why I Sleep with Five Pillows
  • Hogging Your Side of the Bed: My Strategy to Sleep Alone
  • Why My Dog is My Best Friend
  • Why Nothing Rhymes with Orange
  • The Worst Color in the World
  • How to Ruin a Marriage: My Trip to Ikea
  • Why Hipsters Are the Worst
  • There Is No Such Thing as Too Much Caffeine
  • My Worst Hair Dye Experience
  • The Ugliest Facial Hair I’ve Ever Seen
  • The Case for Bubble Baths
  • The Worst Life Hack I’ve Ever Tried
  • That Time I Got Arrested
  • My Funniest Online Dating Story
  • How I Lost My Pants
  • The Worst Habit I Know I Have
  • The Worst Thing I Ever Smelled
  • That Time I Was a Hypochondriac
  • My Worst Experience with Rain
  • How to Make Sure He Doesn’t Call
  • How to Be Patient When You Just Can’t
  • Shoe Size: Does It Matter?
  • Why I Love You Anyway
  • The Worst Sound in the World
  • The Best Thing about Being Me
  • The Worst Song Lyric I Ever Heard
  • How to Be Lame
  • Times When Ice Cream is Appropriate
  • How Not to Decorate a Cake
  • Where Do All the Missing Socks Go?
  • Ten Things That Are Better Than Doing the Dishes
  • The Worst Chore I’ve Ever Had to Do
  • The Worst Punishment I Ever Had as a Kid
  • How I Knew I Was Done Having Children
  • Why I Don’t Bother Keeping Up with the Joneses
  • How to Pretend to Be Interested
  • How Not to Be Subtle
  • Why Are Horses the Only Animal We Ride?
  • What Your Dog Really Thinks about You
  • Best Reasons to Quit Your Job
  • The Best Thing I Ever Ate
  • The Coolest Thing I’ve Ever Seen
  • Why I Can’t Even
  • My Real Life Superpower
  • How to Win at Life
  • How to Cheat at Cards
  • How Not to Make Friends
  • Popcorn Is Underrated
  • Making the Least of Your Time
  • If I Were Invisible
  • Why I Still Use a Nightlight
  • Leaping Before You Look
  • What I Learned from High School
  • How to Be Awesome
  • Socks and Sandals Are Okay
  • If I Had A Million Dollars
  • How to Get Fired
  • When to Do the Grand Gesture
  • How to Panic
  • Relaxation Techniques that Haven’t Worked For Me
  • Reasons to Be Scared of the Dark
  • Why I Make My Bed Every Morning
  • The Perks of Being the Life of the Party
  • Changing My Mind, Again
  • My Guilty Pleasure
  • Best Places to Nap
  • Something I Thought I Knew
  • My Biggest Regret
  • The Invention of Lying
  • When I Knew I Wasn’t a Kid Anymore
  • The Kid’s Toy I Still Love to Play with
  • My Childhood Imaginary Friend
  • Hobbling Across the Finish Line
  • Finger Painting: Not Just for Kids Anymore
  • Why we don’t win the lottery.
  • Excuses for every occasion.
  • How to buy condoms discreetly.
  • Most stupid labels.
  • I am new in this place, entertain me!
  • IQ tests revealed.
  • How to impress a woman.
  • Crime does pay.
  • Breaking up isn’t hard.
  • Comparisons that won’t hold.
  • Grandchildren’s phrases.
  • Stereotypes of college students can generate lots of speech topics.
  • How to slowly drive your girlfriend crazy.
  • The male guide to selecting an outfit for a high school prom.
  • Crazy things to do in a final that doesn’t matter.
  • Chinese proverbs explained.
  • What to do when you are bored on a lazy Sunday.
  • Don’t say this to a police officer.
  • Things men would never say.
  • Extreme golf courses in the world.
  • Freudian slips of the tongue.
  • Test your popularity.
  • Marriage advice and strange counseling assistance.
  • Why Santa Claus is a woman.
  • About the French.
  • Things I learned from sports.
  • Things you wouldn’t know without watching films.
  • How to sing the blues from the heart.
  • Rare pronounciations of ordinary words and phrases.
  • The art of kissing.
  • Bad hair day solutions.
  • Shopping guide for a man.
  • Problem solving in an entertaining way.
  • Funny facts of life are popular topics for an entertainment speech.
  • Golfing at night or in the snow.
  • Lawyers and the truth.
  • Creative marriage proposals.
  • How to play the singing saw.
  • Gift wrapping tips for men.
  • How to photograph a puppy.
  • Are you ready for children?
  • Strange dress codes.
  • A man’s dilemma: beer or women?
  • Clean your house in 30 minutes.
  • Stages of a hard working employee.
  • Office work rules up side down.
  • Insults from famous people.
  • Basic rules for driving in – fill in a big city.
  • Things your mom would never say.
  • Explain baseball or football to a foreigner.
  • Applicant speaks in job letters is a great material-oil well too.

Types of Public Speaking

136 Speech Topics About Animals [Persuasive, Informative]

5 thoughts on “Entertaining Speech Topics [195 Ideas To Keep Audience Engaged]”

How useful your school stationeries can be for survival!! (e.g. permanent marker can be used as lightening)

Noice topics!

Things you don’t say to your husband!

Hi, I’m Lila. I have to write a speech and I am completely stuck! I would like a entertaining speech, but still informative. I am so stuck on the topic I should do! Do you have any ideas what to do?

How to play apex legends

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

Here’s Harrison Butker’s Controversial Commencement Speech In Full

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is facing backlash over his commencement speech to the Class of 2024 at the Benedictine College, a Catholic school in Kansas, where he criticized President Joe Biden, suggested women focus on being mothers and wives instead of pursuing careers and took a swipe at Pride Month. (Update: Benedictine’s nuns are joining the criticism .)

FILE - Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker speaks to the media during NFL football Super Bowl ... [+] 58 opening night Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in Las Vegas. Butker railed against Pride month along with President Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on abortion during a commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Butker bemoaned an erosion of traditional Catholic values in daily life, claiming that things like “abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia as well as a growing support for degenerate cultural values and media” come from “the pervasiveness of disorder.”

He criticized Biden for proclaiming his Catholic faith while being “delusional enough to make the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion rally,” accusing the president of making it appear “that you can be both Catholic and pro-choice.”

Butker told the women in the class that they’d been told “diabolical lies” about pursuing careers, and that his and his family’s success is a result of his wife’s focus on being a wife and mother, claiming that “her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”

He accused world leaders of “pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America,” and praised the students at Benedictine for embracing their religion with pride, but “not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it.”

He also criticized the Catholic church and bishops and priests for “misleading their flocks” by prioritizing familiarity with their parishioners instead of being teachers, quoting Taylor Swift—girlfriend of teammate Travis Kelce—by saying “familiarity breeds contempt.”

The speech was largely criticized on social media and prompted a change.org petition calling for him to be released from the Chiefs.

Here’s The Full Speech

Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2024, I would like to start off by congratulating all of you for successfully making it to this achievement today. I'm sure your high school graduation was not what you had imagined and most likely neither was your first couple years of college.

By making it to this moment through all the adversity thrown your way from COVID, I hope you learned the important lessons that suffering in this life is only temporary. As a group you witnessed firsthand how bad leaders who don't stay in their lane can have a negative impact on society. It is through this lens that I want to take stock of how we got to where we are and where we want to go as citizens, and yes, as Catholics.

One last thing before I begin I want to be sure to thank president Minns and the board for their invitation to speak. When President Minnis first reached out a couple of months ago I had originally said no. You see, last year I gave the commencement address at my Alma moer Georgia Tech and I felt that one graduation speech was more than enough, especially for someone who isn't a professional speaker. But of course president Minnis used his gift of persuasion and spoke to the many challenges you all faced throughout the COVID fiasco and how you missed out on so many milestones the rest of us older people have taken for granted.

While COVID might have played a large role throughout your formative years it is not unique. Bad policies and poor leadership have negatively impacted major life issues. Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia as well as a growing support for degenerate cultural values and media all stem from the pervasiveness of disorder. Our own nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith but at the same time is delusional enough to make the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion rally. He has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies that I'm sure to many people it appears that you can be both Catholic and pro-choice. He is not alone. From the man behind the COVID lockdowns to the people pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America, they all have a glaring thing in common: They are Catholic. This is an important reminder that being Catholic alone doesn't cut it.

These are the sorts of things we are told in polite society to not bring up. You know, the difficult and unpleasant things. But if we are going to be men and women for this time in history we need to stop pretending that the “Church of nice” is a winning proposition. We must always speak and act in charity but never mistake charity for cowardice. It is safe to say that over the past few years I've gained quite the reputation for speaking my mind. I never envisioned myself nor wanted to have this sort of a platform but God has given it to me so I have no other choice but to embrace it and preach more hard truths about accepting your lane and staying in it.

As members of the church founded by Jesus Christ, it is our duty and ultimately privilege to be authentically and unapologetically Catholic. Don't be mistaken: even within the church, people in polite Catholic circles will try to persuade you to remain silent. There even was an award-winning film called “Silence” made by a fellow Catholic wherein one of the main characters, a Jesuit priest, abandoned the church, and as an apostate, when he died is seen grasping a crucifix quiet and unknown to anyone but God. As a friend of Benedictine College, his Excellency Bishop Robert Barron said in his review of the film it was exactly what the cultural elite want to see in Christianity: Private, hidden away and harmless.

Our Catholic faith has always been countercultural. Our Lord along with countless followers were all put to death for their adherence to her teachings. The world around us says that we should keep our beliefs to ourselves whenever they go against the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion. We fear speaking truth because now unfortunately truth is in the minority. Congress just passed a bill where stating something as basic as the Biblical teaching of who killed Jesus could land you in jail.

But make no mistake, before we even attempt to fix any of the issues plaguing society we must first get our own house in order, and it starts with our leaders. The bishops and priests appointed by God as our spiritual fathers must be rightly ordered. There is not enough time today for me to list all the stories of priests and bishops misleading their flocks, but none of us can blame ignorance anymore and just blindly proclaim that that's what father said. Because sadly many priests we are looking to for leadership are the same ones who prioritize their hobbies or even photos with their dogs in matching outfits for the parish directory. It’s easy for us lay men and women to think that in order for us to be holy, that we must be active in our parish and try to fix it. Yes, we absolutely should be involved in supporting our parishes, but we cannot be the source for our parish priests to lean on to help with their problems just as we look at the relationship between a father and his son, so too should we look at the relationship between a priest and his people. It would not be appropriate for me to always be looking to my son for help when it is my job as his father to lead him.

St Josemaria Escriva states that priests are ordained to serve and should not yield to temptation to imitate lay people but to be priests, through and through. Tragically, so many priests revolve much of their happiness from the adulation they receive from their parishioners, and in searching for this, they let their guard down and become overly familiar. This undue familiarity will prove to be problematic every time, because as my teammate’s girlfriend says “familiarity breeds contempt.” St Josemaria continues that some want to see the priest as just another man. That is not so they want to find in the priests those virtues proper to every Christian and indeed every honorable man: understanding, justice, a life of work, priestly work in this instance, and good manners. It is not prudent as the laity for us to consume ourselves in becoming amateur theologians so that we can decipher this or that theological teaching unless of course you are a theology major. We must be intentional with our focus on our state in life and our own vocation, and for most of us, that's as married men and women.

Still we have so many great resources at our fingertips that it doesn't take long to find traditional and timeless teachings that haven't been ambiguously rewarded for our times. Plus, there are still many good and holy priests and it's up to us to seek them out. The chaos of the world is unfortunately reflected in the chaos in our parishes and sadly in our cathedrals, too. As we saw during the pandemic, too many Bishops were not leaders at all. They were motivated by fear: fear of being sued, fear of being removed, fear of being disliked. They showed by their actions, intentional or unintentional, that the sacraments don't actually matter. Because of this countless people died alone, without access to the sacraments, and it's a tragedy we must never forget.

As Catholics, we can look to so many examples of heroic shepherds who gave their lives for their people, and ultimately, the church. We cannot buy into the lie that the things we experienced during COVID were appropriate. Over the centuries there have been great wars, great famines, and yes, even great diseases, all that came with a level of lethality and danger. But in each of those examples, church leaders leaned into their vocations, and ensured that their people received the sacraments. Great saints like St. Damien of Molokai, who knew the dangers of his ministry, stayed for 11 years as a spiritual leader to the leper colonies of Hawaii. His heroism is looked at today as something set apart and unique, when ideally, it should not be unique at all. For as a father loves his child, so a shepherd should love his spiritual children, too.

That goes even more so for our bishops. These men who are present day apostles, our bishops once had adoring crowds of people kissing their rings and taking in their every word, but now relegate themselves to a position of inconsequential existence. Now, when a bishop of a diocese or the Bishops Conference as a whole puts out an important document on this matter, nobody even takes a moment to read it, let alone follow it. No. Today, our shepherds are far more concerned with keeping the doors open to the Chancery than they are saying that difficult stuff out loud. It seems that the only time you hear from your bishops is when it’s time for the annual appeal. Whereas we need our bishops to be vocal about the teachings of the Church, setting aside their own personal comfort and embracing their cross. Our bishops are not politicians, but shepherds. So instead of fitting in the world by going along to get along, they too need to stay in their lane and lead.

I say all of this not from a place of anger as we get the leaders we deserve. But this does make me reflect on staying in my lane and focusing on my own vocation, and how I can be a better father and husband and live in the world, but not be of it. Focusing on my vocation while praying and fasting for these men will do more for the church than me complaining about our leaders. Because there seems to be so much confusion coming from our leaders. There needs to be concrete examples for people to look to, and places like Benedictine, a little Kansas college built high on a bluff above the Missouri River, are showing the world how an ordered Christ-centered existence is the recipe for success. You need to look no further than the examples all around this campus, where over the past 20 years enrollment has doubled, and construction and revitalization are a constant part of life and people, the students, the faculty and staff are thriving. This didn’t happen by chance. In a deliberate movement to embrace traditional Catholic values, Benedictine has gone from just another liberal arts school with nothing to set it apart to a thriving beacon of light and a reminder to us all that when you embrace tradition, success, worldly and spiritual will follow. I am certain the reporters at the AP could not have imagined that their attempt to rebuke and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine wouldn’t be met with anger, but instead with excitement and pride. Not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it. But the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the Holy Ghost to glorify Him.

Reading that article now shared all over the world, we see that in the complete surrender of self and a turning towards Christ, you will find happiness. Right here in a little town in Kansas, we find many inspiring lay people using their talents. President Minnis, Dr. Swofford and Dr. Zimmer are a few great examples right here on this very campus that will keep the light of Christ burning bright for generations to come. Being locked in with your vocation and staying in your lane is going to be the surest way for you to find true happiness and peace in this life. It is essential that we focus on our own state in life, whether that be as a layperson or priests, or religious.

Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2024, you are sitting at the edge of the rest of your lives. Each of you has the potential to leave a legacy that transcends yourselves and this era of human existence. In the small ways by living out your vocation, you will ensure that God’s Church continues and the world is enlightened by your example. For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you, how many of you are sitting here now about to cross the stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you’re going to get in your career. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world. But I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.

I’m on this stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation. I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me. But it cannot be overstated, that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker. She’s a primary educator to our children. She’s the one who ensures I never let football or my business become a distraction from that of a husband and father. She is the person that knows me best at my core. And it is through our marriage that Lord willing, we will both attain salvation. I say all of this to you because I’ve seen it firsthand how much happier someone can be when they disregard the outside noise and move closer and closer to God’s will in their life. Isabelle’s dream of having a career might not have come true. But if you ask her today, if she has any regrets on her decision, she would laugh out loud without hesitation and say, “heck no.”

As a man who gets a lot of praise and has been given a platform to speak to audiences like this one today, I pray that I always use my voice for God and not for myself. Everything I am saying to you is not from a place of wisdom, but rather a place of experience. I am hopeful that these words will be seen as those from a man not much older than you who feels it is imperative that this class, this generation, and this time in our society must stop pretending that the things we see around us are normal. Heterodox ideas abound, even within Catholic circles. Let’s be honest, there is nothing good about playing God with having children, whether that be your ideal number or the perfect time to conceive. No matter how you spin it, there is nothing natural about Catholic birth control. It is only in the past few years that I have grown encouraged to speak more boldly and directly, because as I mentioned earlier, I have leaned into my vocation as a husband and father and as a man.

To the gentleman here today, part of what plagues our society is this lie that has been told to you that men are not necessary in the home or in our communities. As men, we set the tone of the culture. And when that is absent disorder, dysfunction and chaos set in this absence of men in the home is what plays a large role in the violence we see all around the nation. Other countries do not have nearly the same absentee father rates as we find here in the US. And a correlation can be made in their drastically lower violence rates as well. Be unapologetic in your masculinity. Fight against the cultural emasculation of men. Do hard things. Never settle for what is easy. You might have a talent that you don’t necessarily enjoy. But if it glorifies God, maybe you should lean into that over something that you might think suits you better. I speak from experience as an introvert who now finds myself as an amateur public speaker, and an entrepreneur, something I never thought I’d be when I received my industrial engineering degree.

The road ahead is bright, things are changing, society is shifting, and people young and old are embracing tradition. Not only has it been my vocation that has helped me and those closest to me, but not surprising to many of you should be my outspoken embrace of the traditional Latin Mass. I’ve been very vocal in my love and devotion to the TLM and its necessity for our lives. But what I think gets misunderstood is that people who attend the TLM do so out of pride or preference. I can speak to my own experience. But for most people I have come across within these communities. This simply is not true. I do not attend the TLM because I think I’m better than others, or for the smells and bells, or even for the love of Latin. I attend TLM because I believe just as the God of the Old Testament was pretty particular and how he wanted to be worshiped, the same holds true for us today. It is through the TLM that I encountered order and began to pursue it in my own life. Aside from the TLM itself, too many of our sacred traditions have been relegated to things of the past. When in my parish, things such as Ember Days — days when we fast and pray for vocations and for our priests — are still adhered to. The TLM is so essential that I would challenge each of you to pick a place to move where it is readily available. A lot of people have complaints about the parish or the community, but we should not sacrifice the mass for community. I prioritize the TLM even if the parish isn’t beautiful, the priest isn’t great, or the community isn’t amazing. I still go to the TLM because I believe the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is more important than anything else. I say this knowing full well that when each of you rekindle your knowledge and adherence to many of the church’s greatest traditions, you will see how much more colorful and alive your life can and should be. As you move on from this place and enter into the world, know that you will face many challenges.

Sadly, I’m sure many of you know of the countless stories of good and active members of this community who after graduation and moving away from the Benedictine Bubble have ended up moving in with their boyfriend or girlfriend prior to marriage. Some even leave the church and abandon God. It is always heartbreaking to hear these stories, and there’s a desire to know what happened and what went wrong. What you must remember is that life is about doing the small things well. So setting yourself up for success and surrounding yourself with people who continually push you to be the best version of you. I say this all the time, that iron sharpens iron. It’s a great reminder that those closest to us should be making us better. If you’re dating someone who doesn’t even share your faith, how do you expect that person to help you become a saint? If your friend group is filled with people who only think about what you’re doing next weekend, and are not willing to have those difficult conversations, how can they help sharpen you? As you prepare to enter into the workforce, it is extremely important that you actually think about the places you are moving to. Who is the bishop? What kind of parishes are there? Do they offer the TLM and have priests who embrace their priestly vocation? Cost of living must not be the only arbiter of your choices. For a life without God is not a life at all. And the cost of salvation is worth more than any career.

I’m excited for the future. And I pray that something I’ve said will resonate as you move on to the next chapter of your life. Never be afraid to profess the one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. For this is the Church that Jesus Christ established, through which we receive sanctifying grace. I know that my message today had a little less fluff than is expected for these speeches. But I believe that this audience and this venue is the best place to speak openly and honestly, about who we are and where we all want to go, which is heaven. I thank God for Benedictine College, and for the example it provides to the world. I thank God for men like President Minnis who are doing their part for the Kingdom. Come to find out you can have an authentically Catholic College and a thriving football program. Make no mistake, you’re entering into mission territory in a post-God world. But you were made for this and with God by your side and a constant striving for virtue within your vocation, you too can be a saint. Christ is King to the heights.

James Farrell

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

  • False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
  • Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
  • Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
  • Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

  • Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
  • Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
  • Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
  • Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

  • Stay on topic and share your insights
  • Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
  • ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
  • Protect your community.
  • Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

  • Share full article

For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

The Daily logo

  • May 21, 2024   •   24:14 The Crypto Comeback
  • May 20, 2024   •   31:51 Was the 401(k) a Mistake?
  • May 19, 2024   •   33:23 The Sunday Read: ‘Why Did This Guy Put a Song About Me on Spotify?’
  • May 17, 2024   •   51:10 The Campus Protesters Explain Themselves
  • May 16, 2024   •   30:47 The Make-or-Break Testimony of Michael Cohen
  • May 15, 2024   •   27:03 The Possible Collapse of the U.S. Home Insurance System
  • May 14, 2024   •   35:20 Voters Want Change. In Our Poll, They See It in Trump.
  • May 13, 2024   •   27:46 How Biden Adopted Trump’s Trade War With China
  • May 10, 2024   •   27:42 Stormy Daniels Takes the Stand
  • May 9, 2024   •   34:42 One Strongman, One Billion Voters, and the Future of India
  • May 8, 2024   •   28:28 A Plan to Remake the Middle East
  • May 7, 2024   •   27:43 How Changing Ocean Temperatures Could Upend Life on Earth

Was the 401(k) a Mistake?

Much of why americans are retiring with so little money can be traced to the reliance on the retirement account..

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Michael Steinberger

Produced by Rob Szypko ,  Mooj Zadie ,  Sydney Harper and Luke Vander Ploeg

Edited by Marc Georges and Patricia Willens

Original music by Marion Lozano and Elisheba Ittoop

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

The first generation to be fully reliant on 401(k) plans is now starting to retire. As that happens, it is becoming clear just how broken the system is.

Michael Steinberger, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, explains.

On today’s episode

Michael Steinberger , a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine who writes periodically about the economy and the markets.

A small red purse sits open in front of a white wall.

Background reading

How an obscure, 45-year-old tax change transformed retirement .

What to do when your 401(k) leaves something to be desired .

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.

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.

Luke Vander Ploeg is a senior producer on “The Daily” and a reporter for the National Desk covering the Midwest. More about Luke Vander Ploeg

Advertisement

IMAGES

  1. 🌈 Interesting speech topics for grade 4. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics

    interesting speech topics 3 minutes

  2. 10 Tips on How to Write a 3 Minute Speech

    interesting speech topics 3 minutes

  3. Easy speech topics for a 3 minute speech. 50 Topics for Impromptu

    interesting speech topics 3 minutes

  4. Best Topic For Speech

    interesting speech topics 3 minutes

  5. 3 minute speeches: topics and student task

    interesting speech topics 3 minutes

  6. Conversation Topics: 162 Great Topics to Start a Conversation in

    interesting speech topics 3 minutes

VIDEO

  1. 5 Life Changing Speeches You Need To Hear TODAY

  2. Topics for 2 Minutes Speech / English 2 Minute Speech Topics /#speech #speeches

  3. 30 Short English Conversation Topics

  4. 30 Minutes Practice Speak FLUENTLY

  5. 25 BEST SPEECH FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

  6. Best Topics for speech/Speech Topics/Topics for School Assembly/Interesting Topics/Topics for School

COMMENTS

  1. Best 3 Minute Speech Topics (How to Come Ideate)

    5. Make an outline. Write as much of your speech as you think you'll need to, word for word, then enter the phrases inside the outline. You'll be able to write your speech more quickly the less you include. However, this also requires that you feel at ease structuring logical phrases and thoughts just before speaking.

  2. 259 Interesting Speech Topics [Examples + Outlines]

    Interesting speech topics guide, including seven ways to find, and refine and precise some good subjects in the speechwriter's process. ... And then I skip the ones that are too difficult and too complex to prepare and master in 8 to 10 minutes time. 3 - Review some online books on the subject for more detailed current information about ...

  3. 150 Just a Minute Topics for Engaging and Effective Speeches

    Explanation of the game. Just a Minute is a speech game that challenges speakers to talk about a topic for one minute without hesitation, deviation, or repetition. The goal is simple: keep talking for 60 seconds straight on any given subject. Players must be quick-thinking and articulate to succeed. This exercise sharpens impromptu speaking ...

  4. 20 Short Speech Topics that Work with a Time Limit

    Short Speech Topics. You will find 20 excellent short speech topics below that work when time is limited. Choosing a meaningful short speech topic may difficult in some circumstances. As Mark Twain once said. If you want me to give a 2 hour presentation, I am ready today. If you want only a 5 minute speech, it will take me 2 weeks to prepare.

  5. 110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience

    Add emotional connections with your audience. Make your argument more powerful by appealing to your audience's sense of nostalgia and common beliefs. Another tactic (which marketers use all the time) is to appeal to your listeners' fears and rely on their instincts for self-preservation. Address counterarguments.

  6. 112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

    112 Engaging Persuasive Speech Topics. Tips for Preparing Your Persuasive Speech. Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.

  7. 333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation

    The three circles are labeled: "things I am interested in," "things my audience cares about," and "things I can research.". The center point where these three circles overlap is the sweet spot for your speech topic. When (Length): The length of your speech can drastically impact how in-depth you dive into the topic.

  8. 45 Impromptu Speech Topics and Ideas

    For an impromptu speech, you'll generally have 1-3 minutes of preparation for a speech lasting 5-8 minutes. Tougher speech events can reduce this preparation time down to 30 seconds and require you to plan your speech mentally, without any paper to write notes on. Impromptu speeches are often given as part of university and college debates.

  9. 45 Public Speaking Topics and Ideas

    24. The internet should be free for everyone. 25. Why punishing children for bullying others isn't a solution. This conversation article has some good ideas on that for you to explore. 26. The U.S. should encourage the spirit of volunteerism. 27. Society should make monopolies illegal.

  10. 3 Minute Presentation Ideas

    The key factors that matter are confidence and a crisp speech. Here are some tips that you must keep in mind while giving a presentation: ... There are many exciting and straightforward topics for a 3-minute presentation. 3 Lifehacks to apply in daily life. ... Interesting 10-minute Presentation Topics. Maria Martinez. October 20, 2021. Share ...

  11. Speech topics

    60 vocal variety & body language topics. 60 speech topic ideas to help you work with body language and gesture. They're perfect for evocative personal storytelling speeches or for either of these Toastmasters Pathway projects: Level 2: Learning Your Style: Effective Body Language or, Level 1: Mastering Fundamentals: Vocal Variety and Body Language.

  12. 75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

    The aim of a persuasive speech is to inform, educate and convince or motivate an audience to do something. You are essentially trying to sway the audience to adopt your own viewpoint. The best persuasive speech topics are thought-provoking, daring and have a clear opinion. You should speak about something you are knowledgeable about and can ...

  13. 180 + unique and interesting speech topics for students

    On this page you'll find: What makes a speech topic interesting: 3 essential elements. 180 unique speech topics for students from 5 broad areas. Social media - 50 social media themed speech topics. Visiting yesterday - 45 interesting historical speech topics focused on family and community. Just plain weird - 61 speech topic suggestions ...

  14. 25 Best 3 Minute Speech Topics

    It is time for you to pick an interesting topic for your speech. Here are some of the examples that you can choose. Always make sure you pick a speech topic that is interesting, trending, and targets your audience. Some interesting 3 Minute Speech Topics. Why manners play an important role in shaping a person? Fast food a curse for humans.

  15. 105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project

    105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech. Here's our list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. We made sure to choose topics that aren't overdone, yet that many people will have an interest in, and we also made a point of choosing topics with multiple viewpoints rather than simplistic topics that have a more obvious right answer (i.e.

  16. 50 3 minute presentation topics to get you started

    You may need 3 minute presentation topics for school or clubs. Here are a few to get you going. First a few thoughts on giving these short speeches. How long is a three-minute speech. First of all, how long is a 3-minute speech? Most people speak at around 150 words a minute. Some speakers are a little faster some are a bit slower.

  17. 160+ Best & Easy English Speech Topics for Students

    This Blog Includes: List of Best English Speech Topics for Students. 1-minute Speech Topics. 2-Minute Speech Topics. 3-Minute Speech Topics. Easy Topics for Speech in English. English Speech Topics on Environment. English Speech Topics on Technology. English Speech Topics on Independence Day.

  18. 243 Easy and Simple Speech Topics [Updated May 2024 ]

    Never borrow money from friends. Pros and cons of abstinence. Imposing a curfew on kids 17 and under. Parents should be accountable for not providing a healthy diet to their children. Kids having jam-packed schedules isn't good for them. Long distance relationships don't work. It's not good to be an only child.

  19. TED in 3 minutes

    It'll take you 3 minutes to find out. 03:14. Nilofer Merchant. Got a meeting? Take a walk. Nilofer Merchant suggests a small idea that just might have a big impact on your life and health: Next time you have a one-on-one meeting, make it into a "walking meeting" -- and let ideas flow while you walk and talk. 1.

  20. 212 Speech Topics For College Students [Persuasive, Informative

    Every college student needs a mentor. College students should start applying for jobs before they leave college. Students should spend more time enjoying their campus. It is important to be able to cook and do washing before starting college. Students need to make dorm check lists. Students should form study groups.

  21. 50 Interesting Informative Speech Topics for College

    Writing. Stage 3. Perfecting Speech Delivery. List of informative speech topics. Topics for informative speech about music. Informative speech topics about animals. Topics for informative speech about global warming. Informative speech ideas about sports. Interesting speech topics about food and drinks.

  22. 10 Killer Demonstration Speech Ideas to Wow Your Audience

    Your enthusiasm will be contagious. Break the process down into clear, logical steps. Think about what your audience needs to know and in what order. Use visual aids to clarify and reinforce your message. Props, images, and videos can make abstract ideas concrete. Practice, practice, practice.

  23. In a first, humanoid robot Sophia delivers commencement speech

    Perhaps in a sign of times to come, a humanoid robot delivered a spring commencement speech at a college in New York. In a move that generated split opinions, a popular artificial intelligence (AI ...

  24. Entertaining Speech Topics [195 Ideas To Keep Audience Engaged]

    The art of kissing. Bad hair day solutions. Shopping guide for a man. Problem solving in an entertaining way. Funny facts of life are popular topics for an entertainment speech. Golfing at night or in the snow. Lawyers and the truth. Creative marriage proposals. How to play the singing saw.

  25. Here's Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech ...

    Here's The Full Speech. Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2024, I would like to start off by congratulating all of you for successfully making it to this achievement today.

  26. Takeaways from Day 18 of the Trump hush money trial

    Donald Trump attorney Todd Blanche raised his voice and flailed his arms at Michael Cohen, accusing the prosecution's star witness of making up a phone conversation with Trump just before he ...

  27. Was the 401(k) a Mistake?

    Share full article. 104. Hosted by Michael Barbaro. Featuring Michael Steinberger. Produced by Rob Szypko , Mooj Zadie , Sydney Harper and Luke Vander Ploeg. Edited by Marc Georges and Patricia ...