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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!
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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024
April 1, 2024
Do you know that moment in your favorite film, when the soundtrack begins to swell and the main character stands up and delivers a speech so rousing, so impassioned, it has the entire room either weeping or cheering by the time it concludes? What distinguishes the effectiveness of such a speech is not only the protagonist’s stellar delivery but also the compelling nature of the subject matter at hand. Choosing an effective persuasive speech topic is essential for guaranteeing that your future speech or essay is as moving as these . If this sounds like a tall order, have no fear. Below you’ll find a list of some of the best and most interesting persuasive speech topics for high school students to tackle, from the playful (“Pets for President”) to the serious (“Should We Stop AI from Replacing Human Workers?”).
And if you’re craving more inspiration, feel free to check out this list of Great Debate Topics , which can be used to generate further ideas.
What is a Good Persuasive Speech?
Before we get to the list, we must address the question on everyone’s minds: what is a persuasive speech, and what the heck makes for a good persuasive speech topic? A persuasive speech is a speech that aims to convince its listeners of a particular point of view . At the heart of each persuasive speech is a central conflict . Note: The persuasive speech stands in contrast to a simple informative speech, which is intended purely to convey information. (I.e., an informative speech topic might read: “The History of Making One’s Bed,” while a persuasive speech topic would be: “Why Making One’s Bed is a Waste of Time”—understand?)
And lest you think that persuasive speeches are simply assigned by your teachers as a particularly cruel form of torture, remember that practicing your oratory skills will benefit you in all areas of life—from job interviews, to business negotiations, to your future college career in public policy or international relations . Knowing how to use your voice to enact meaningful change is a valuable skill that can empower you to make a difference in the world.
Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic
The ideal persuasive speech topic will inspire the audience to action via both logical arguments and emotional appeals. As such, we can summarize the question “what makes a good persuasive speech topic?” by saying that the topic must possess the following qualities:
- Timeliness and Relevance . Great persuasive speech topics grapple with a contemporary issue that is meaningful to the listener at hand. The topic might be a current news item, or it might be a long-standing social issue. In either case, the topic should be one with real-world implications.
- Complexity . A fruitful persuasive speech topic will have many facets. Topics that are controversial, with some gray area, lend themselves to a high degree of critical thinking. They also offer the speaker an opportunity to consider and refute all counterarguments before making a compelling case for his or her own position.
- Evidence . You want to be able to back up your argument with clear evidence from reputable sources (i.e., not your best friend or dog). The more evidence and data you can gather, the more sound your position will be. In addition, your audience will be more inclined to trust you.
- Personal Connection. Do you feel passionately about the topic you’ve chosen? If not, it may be time to go back to the drawing board. This does not mean you have to support the side you choose; sometimes, arguing for the opposing side of what you personally believe can be an effective exercise in building empathy and perspective. Either way, though, the key is to select a topic that you care deeply about. Your passion will be infectious to the audience.
150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
- Should tech companies regulate the development of AI systems and automation to protect humans’ jobs?
- Should we limit screen time for children?
- Is it ethical for AI models like Dall-E to train themselves on artists’ work without the artists’ permission?
- Should the government regulate the use of personal drones?
- Is mass surveillance ethical? Does its threat to civil liberties outweigh its benefits?
- Are virtual reality experiences a valuable educational tool?
- Do the positive effects of powerful AI systems outweigh the risks?
- Do voice assistants like Siri and Alexa invade individuals’ privacy?
- Are cell phone bans in the classroom effective for improving student learning?
- Does the use of facial recognition technology in public violate individuals’ privacy?
- Should students be allowed to use ChatGPT and other AI tools for writing assignments?
- Should AI-generated art be allowed in art shows or contests?
- Who holds responsibility for accidents caused by self-driving cars: the driver or the car company?
Business and Economy
- Should we do away with the minimum wage? Why or why not?
- Is it ethical for companies to use unpaid internships as a source of labor?
- Does the gig economy benefit or harm workers?
- Is capitalism the best economic system?
- Is it ethical for companies to use sweatshops in developing countries?
- Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
- Should the government regulate prices on pharmaceutical drugs?
- Should the government enact a universal base income?
- Should customers be required to tip a minimum amount in order to ensure food service workers make a living wage?
- Should someone’s tattoos or personal appearance factor into the hiring process?
- Should US workers have more vacation time?
- Is big game hunting beneficial for local communities?
- Should we legalize euthanasia?
- Is it ethical to use animals for medical research?
- Is it ethical to allow access to experimental treatments for terminally ill patients?
- Should we allow genetic engineering in humans?
- Is the death penalty obsolete?
- Should we allow the cloning of humans?
- Is it ethical to allow performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
- Should embryonic stem cell collection be allowed?
- Do frozen IVF embryos have rights?
- Should state and federal investigators be allowed to use DNA from genealogy databases?
- Should the government limit how many children a couple can have?
- Is spanking children an acceptable form of discipline?
- Should we allow parents to choose their children’s physical attributes through genetic engineering?
- Should we require parents to vaccinate their children?
- Should we require companies to give mandatory paternal and maternal leave?
- Should children be allowed to watch violent movies and video games?
- Should parents allow their teenagers to drink before they turn 21?
- Should the government provide childcare?
- Should telling your children about Santa Claus be considered lying?
- Should one parent stay home?
- Should parental consent be required for minors to receive birth control?
- Is it an invasion of privacy for parents to post photographs of their children on social media?
Social Media
- Should social media platforms ban political ads?
- Do the benefits of social media outweigh the downsides?
- Should the government hold social media companies responsible for hate speech on their platforms?
- Is social media making us more or less social?
- Do platforms like TikTok exacerbate mental health issues in teens?
- Should the government regulate social media to protect citizens’ privacy?
- Is it right for parents to monitor their children’s social media accounts?
- Should social media companies enact a minimum user age restriction?
- Should we require social media companies to protect user data?
- Should we hold social media companies responsible for cyberbullying?
- Should schools ban the use of social media from their networks?
- Should we be allowed to record others without their consent?
- Do online crime sleuths help or hurt criminal investigations?
Education – Persuasive Speech Topics
- Would trade schools and other forms of vocational training benefit a greater number of students than traditional institutions of higher education?
- Should colleges use standardized testing in their admissions processes?
- Is forcing students to say the Pledge a violation of their right to freedom of speech?
- Should school districts offer bilingual education programs for non-native speakers?
- Should schools do away with their physical education requirements?
- Should schools incorporate a remote learning option into their curriculum?
- Should we allow school libraries to ban certain books?
- Should we remove historical figures who owned slaves from school textbooks and other educational materials?
- Should we have mixed-level classrooms or divide students according to ability?
- Should grading on a curve be allowed?
- Should graphic novels be considered literature?
- Should all students have to take financial literacy classes before graduating?
- Should colleges pay student athletes?
- Should we ban violent contact sports like boxing and MMA?
- Should sports leagues require professional athletes to stand during the national anthem?
- Should sports teams ban players like Kyrie Irving when they spread misinformation or hate speech?
- Should high schools require their athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
- Should the Olympic committee allow transgender athletes to compete?
- Should high schools ban football due to its safety risks to players?
- Should all high school students be required to play a team sport?
- Should sports teams be mixed instead of single-gender?
- Should there be different athletic standards for men and women?
- In which renewable energy option would the US do best to invest?
- Should the US prioritize space exploration over domestic initiatives?
- Should companies with a high carbon footprint be punished?
- Should the FDA ban GMOs?
- Would the world be a safer place without nuclear weapons?
- Does AI pose a greater threat to humanity than it does the potential for advancement?
- Who holds the most responsibility for mitigating climate change: individuals or corporations?
- Should we be allowed to resurrect extinct species?
- Are cancer screening programs ethical?
Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics
- College education: should the government make it free for all?
- Should we provide free healthcare for undocumented immigrants?
- Is physician-assisted suicide morally justifiable?
- Does social media have a negative impact on democracy?
- Does cancel culture impede free speech?
- Does affirmative action help or hinder minority groups in the workplace?
- Should we hold public figures and celebrities to a higher standard of morality?
- Should abortion be an issue that is decided at the federal or state level?
- Should the sex offender registry be available to the public?
- Should undocumented immigrants have a path to amnesty?
- Do syringe services programs reduce or increase harmful behaviors?
- Should there be a statute of limitations?
- Should those who are convicted of a crime be required to report their criminal history on job and housing applications?
Politics and Government
- Is the Electoral College still an effective way to elect the President of the US?
- Should we allow judges to serve on the Supreme Court indefinitely?
- Should the US establish a national gun registry?
- Countries like Israel and China require all citizens to serve in the military. Is this a good or bad policy?
- Should the police force require all its officers to wear body cameras while on duty?
- Should the US invest in the development of clean meat as a sustainable protein source?
- Should the US adopt ranked-choice voting?
- Should institutions that profited from slavery provide reparations?
- Should the government return land to Native American tribes?
- Should there be term limits for representatives and senators?
- Should there be an age limit for presidential candidates?
- Should women be allowed in special forces units?
Easy Persuasive Speech Topics
- Should schools have uniforms?
- Can video games improve problem-solving skills?
- Are online classes as effective as in-person classes?
- Should companies implement a four-day work week?
- Co-ed learning versus single-sex: which is more effective?
- Should the school day start later?
- Is homework an effective teaching tool?
- Are electric cars really better for the environment?
- Should schools require all students to study a foreign language?
- Do professional athletes get paid too much money?
Fun Persuasive Speech Topics
- Should we allow pets to run for public office?
- Does pineapple belong on pizza?
- Would students benefit from schools swapping out desks with more comfortable seating arrangements (i.e., bean bag chairs and couches)?
- Is procrastination the key to success?
- Should Americans adopt British accents to sound more intelligent?
- The age-old dilemma: cats or dogs?
- Should meme creators receive royalties when their memes go viral?
- Should there be a minimum drinking age for coffee?
- Are people who make their beds every day more successful than those who don’t?
Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics
- Is the movie ranking system an effective way to evaluate the appropriateness of films?
- Should the government place a “health tax” on junk food?
- Is it ethical to create artificial life forms that are capable of complex emotions?
- Should parents let children choose their own names?
- Creating clones of ourselves to serve as organ donors: ethical or not?
- Is it ethical to engineer humans to be better and more optimized than nature intended?
- Should we adopt a universal language to communicate with people from all countries?
- Should there be a penalty for people who don’t vote?
- Should calories be printed on menus?
- Does tourism positively or negatively impact local communities?
- When used by non-Natives, are dreamcatchers cultural appropriation?
- Should companies require their employees to specify pronouns in their signature line?
- Should commercial fishing be banned?
- Are cemeteries sustainable?
- Is it okay to change the race, culture, and/or gender of historical figures in movies or TV shows?
I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?
Once you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to get to work crafting your argument. Preparation for a persuasive speech or essay involves some key steps, which we’ve outlined for you below.
How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step
- Research your topic. Read widely and smartly. Stick to credible sources, such as peer-reviewed articles, published books, government reports, textbooks, and news articles. The right sources and data will be necessary to help you establish your authority. As you go, take notes on the details and nuances of your topic as well as potential counterarguments. Research the counterarguments, too.
- Choose an angle. For example, if you chose the topic “Should we limit screen time for children?” your speech should come down firmly on one side of that debate. If your topic is frequently debated, such as abortion, capital punishment, gun control, social media, etc. try to find a niche angle or new research. For example, instead of “Should abortion be legal?” you might consider “Should you be able to order abortion pills online?” Another example: “Should the death penalty be banned?” might become “How long is it ethical for someone to stay on death row?” If you do some digging, even the most cliche topics have incredibly interesting and relatively unexplored sub-topics.
- Create an outline. Your outline should include an introduction with a thesis statement, a body that uses evidence to elaborate and support your position while refuting any counterarguments, and a conclusion. The conclusion will both summarize the points made earlier and serve as your final chance to persuade your audience.
- Write your speech. Use your outline to help you as well as the data you’ve collected. Remember: this is not dry writing; this writing has a point of view, and that point of view is yours . Accordingly, use anecdotes and examples to back up your argument. The essential components of this speech are logos (logic), ethos (credibility), and pathos (emotion) . The ideal speech will use all three of these functions to engage the audience.
How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech
- Talk to yourself in the mirror, record yourself, and/or hold a practice speech for family or friends. If you’ll be using visual cues, a slide deck, or notecards, practice incorporating them seamlessly into your speech. You should practice until your speech feels very familiar, at least 5-10 times.
- Practice body language. Are you making eye contact with your audience, or looking at the ground? Crossing your arms over your chest or walking back and forth across the room? Playing with your hair, cracking your knuckles, or picking at your clothes? Practicing what to do with your body, face, and hands will help you feel more confident on speech day.
- Take it slow. It’s common to talk quickly while delivering a speech—most of us want to get it over with! However, your audience will be able to connect with you much more effectively if you speak at a moderate pace, breathe, and pause when appropriate.
- Give yourself grace. How you recover from a mistake is much more important than the mistake itself. Typically, the best approach is to good-naturedly shrug off a blip and move on. 99% of the time, your audience won’t even notice!
Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts
The art of persuasive speaking is a tricky one, but the tips and tricks laid out here will help you craft a compelling argument that will sway even the most dubious audience to your side. Mastering this art takes both time and practice, so don’t fret if it doesn’t come to you right away. Remember to draw upon your sources, speak with authority, and have fun. Once you have the skill of persuasive speaking down, go out there and use your voice to impact change!
Looking for some hot-button topics in college admissions? You might consider checking out the following:
- Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
- Should I Apply Test-Optional to College?
- Should I Waive My Right to See Letters of Recommendation?
- Should I Use the Common App Additional Information Section?
- High School Success
Lauren Green
With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook A Great Dark House (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).
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105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Jamie Oliver persuasive speech](https://vs-static.virtualspeech.com/img/blog/jamie-oliver-ted-talk.jpg)
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 .
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50 good persuasive speech topics
Good persuasive speech topics.
By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 08-06-2022
50 persuasive speech ideas, plus example topic treatments
You want good persuasive speech topics and, fortunately I've got quite a few here.☺
My list of 50 is below.
However, whether they are good for you and your audience is something to seriously think about before making your final choice.
What's on this page:
- How to use this list of persuasive topics effectively
- What makes a good persuasive speech topic?
- How to 'angle' or position a topic to fit your audience and speech purpose
- Links to more persuasive speech resources
![Image: retro cartoon of girl exclaiming with delighted surprise: 50 good persuasive speech topics Image: retro cartoon of girl exclaiming with delighted surprise: 50 good persuasive speech topics](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/Good-persuasive-speech-topics-650.jpg)
How to be sure you are choosing the best topic
To be sure you make an informed decision, before you settle on a topic check the guidelines about what makes a good persuasive speech topic and the "how to" examples, as well as the list itself.
( Hint - a not so subtle one : The absolutely best way to use my list is as a prompt to get your own creative juices working. That tip, combined with the series questions in the infographic below will help you cut through the time you spend dithering about trying to decide what topic to do.)
What makes a persuasive speech topic good?
A persuasive speech topic is good if it:
- fits with the audience - Are they interested in it? Does it benefit them in anyway? How is it of value to them? Can you make it appealing? If it's an old topic, (one that has done a million times before), can you make it fresh and interesting?
- is a fit with you - You already know something about it, or you're really interested in finding out more, and you know what want you to achieve through giving the speech.
- can be researched and prepared within the time frame you need the speech for
- fits the criteria and the purpose of your speech - set by yourself, your teacher, club, the organization who hired you to speak ...
Use the series of questions in the infographic below to narrow down your search for a good topic. As I've said in the infographic, the winner is the topic with the highest number of YES answers.
![Infographic: How to choose the best persuasive speech topic - a series of questions to ask about each topic you consider. Infographic: How to choose the best persuasive speech topic - a series of questions to ask about each topic you consider.](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/How-to-choose-a-good-persuasive-speech-topic-v2.jpg)
How to use this list of topics effectively
Treat each idea as a starting point - a hook to give your brain something to latch on to.
As you scan the list look for the speech topics triggering more than a flicker of interest.
Stop and consider those more carefully. Examine the topic from as many angles as you can. Apply imagination. Shake, rattle and roll that idea around and u se the questions in the infographic to see whether it fits your needs.
And remember, any topic can be handled multiple ways.
Same persuasive topic - different treatment
Here are two examples to show you how the same topic can be adapted for different audiences. The topic is "Voice Matters".
" Voice Matters - the impact of a teacher's voice on students" - Example 1
![cartoon - a line of happy children cartoon - a line of happy children](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/cartoon-children-playing-compressed.png)
The Intended Audience: teachers
Speaker Credibility: many years of teaching English and drama, plus public speaking experience
Speech Angle: to persuade the listeners (teachers) that how their voices sound in their student's ears influences how they are responded to, how their students behave and ultimately how they learn.
Specific Speech Purpose: to have them sign up for a voice workshop
Main ideas:
- Voice image - how we are perceived by others is influenced by voice quality. This in turn impacts on how we are responded to. (Do check the link. It's really interesting how much voice quality influences our lives.)
- What is a good quality voice? What personality or character traits are attributed to a person who has a good voice? Use sound clips to demonstrate. Ask for suggestions from the floor. How could that affect students?
- What is a poor quality voice? What do people assume about the speaker with that type of voice? How could that affect students?
- How do you know what you sound like to others? Use prepared sound clip of self to demonstrate.
- Can voice quality or voice image be changed? Why would you do/not do that? Provide researched examples of before and after work on voice.
- Consequences of working/not working on voice image - Give results - better classroom atmosphere, more on-target behavior, less time off with voice strain ... * For sound, trustworthy information on how voice quality impacts on student learning please visit my page: How is your teaching voice? You'll find links to academic studies, and more. Voice does matter!
- How to work on voice image - outline of action and time line involved
- Sign up for workshop and ongoing public speaking course
"Voice Matters - the benefit of a good telephone voice" Example 2
![Image: retro drawing - young girl on phone. Text: "Voice Matters". Image: retro drawing - young girl on phone. Text: "Voice Matters".](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/retro-girl-on-phone-voice-matters-v2.jpg)
Someone else might come along looking for a good persuasive speech topic and pick "Voice Matters" too. This time the treatment goes like this:
Audience: job seekers
Speaker Credibility: senior recruitment specialist for a major firm in town
Speech Angle: to persuade listeners that their telephone voice, (how they say what they say), is their initial calling card to getting an interview
Specific Speech Purpose: to have the seekers sign up for course on telephone skills to get the appointment they need
Main Ideas: As illustrated in the first example above because the core material is the same or similar but the examples used to carry the persuasive argument and benefits will be relevant to the audience.
- Sport is the new religion.
- Social media affects mental health.
- There should be a law against drugged driving
- Truth and politics seldom mix.
- Protests are effective.
- All guns should be registered.
- Should single people be allowed to adopt a child.
- Exploitative advertising should be banned.
- Love is not a defense or an excuse.
- Adoption of other-race children should be encouraged.
- Space aliens exist.
- Euphemisms are dangerous.
- Children should not be allowed mind altering drugs of any sort.
- Arranged marriages have more chance of succeeding.
- The quality of our voice matters.
- Assisted suicide should be made legal.
- Government benefits weaken a country.
- Discrimination makes you stronger.
- Private education/schools promote elitism.
- Religion has no place in schools.
- Good or right thinking is a matter of opinion.
- Multi-national corporates should be outlawed.
- Immigration laws are there to protect us.
- We should buy locally to support our communities.
- To be vegan is the only right and moral way to live.
- Fashion cripples creativity
- Cars and city centers should not mix.
- Birth control should be compulsory for people with genetically inheritable diseases.
- A young single girl who has a child should give it up for adoption.
- Age gives a face character.
- The earth is smaller today.
- Swearing has lost its shock value.
- Organic farming is the way for the future.
- Plastic packaging should be banned.
- Manners are essential.
- Allowing yourself to have fun is good for your health.
- Reincarnation is the only way to explain some experiences.
- The death penalty is obsolete.
- Drones need to be regulated to protect privacy.
- Safety legislation leads to diminished personal responsibility.
- A big brand doesn't necessarily mean big value.
- Diets do more harm than good.
- Oil drilling is dangerous for the environment.
- Food does not make you fat.
- Advances in medicine are not necessarily good for us.
- Big brother is more alive and well every day.
- Death is not final.
- Community service should be compulsory for everyone.
- Everyone should have the right to wear what they wish.
- Addiction is an illness, not a crime. Alcoholics or drug addicts do not belong in prison.
More persuasive speech resources
For help turning your good persuasive speech topic into a fully fledged speech check these pages:
- Persuasive speech outline Find out how to prepare an excellent speech outline using the classic persuasive speech structure: the 5 steps of Monroe's Motivated Sequence , (fully explained with an example speech) and then download a blank speech outline to complete.
- How to write a persuasive speech Step by step easily followed instructions for refining your outline into an effective speech.
Another 822 persuasive speech topic ideas
If you haven't found the persuasive topic you want yet, check these pages:
- 100 persuasive speech ideas ,
- 309 'easy' persuasive speech topics
- 105 fun persuasive speech topics
- 310 persuasive speech topics for college
- 108 feminist persuasive speech topics
![Graphic: women with raised fists. Text: 108 feminist persuasive speech topics Graphic: women with raised fists. Text: 108 feminist persuasive speech topics](https://www.write-out-loud.com/images/feminist-persuasive-speech-topics.jpg)
- And last but not least, read a sample persuasive speech that follows the persuasive speech outline referenced above. Please note though before you go to that page the subject is somber: the impact of suicide on families.
- Return to the top of the page
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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics
434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Photo of author](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/jim-peterson-150x150.jpeg)
Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.
![what is the best persuasive speech topics persuasive speech](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/persuasive-speech-300x213.jpg)
Are you struggling to find a good persuasive speech topic ? We know – it can be hard to think of an interesting topic!
We’ve done all the hard work and created a list of 400+ great persuasive speech ideas for college students, teachers, and anyone interested in public speaking. They’re organized into categories to make it easier for you to find one that that genuinely interests you.
In addition to our collection of speech topic ideas, we also have some tips on selecting a good topic, as well as researchihng, writing, and delivering your persuasive speech.
What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?
Crafting a persuasive speech or writing a persuasive essay begins with picking the right topic. What makes a good persuasive speech topic? What are the most important factors that make it or break it when it comes to a good persuasive speech topic?
You are much more likely to be successful with your speech when you choose a topic that interests you, rather than merely picking one from a list.
Talking about something you know or would like to know more about well makes it much easier and fun!
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Some speech topics have been done to death. They are tired and stale, and are not likely to excite you or your audience (think abortion, gun control, smoking, same-sex marriage). Find a topic that grabs you and your audience, something new and fresh, unique and original.
- Interesting
A good persuasive speech topic is one that you can use to grab the audience’s attention, inform and persuade, and provide a strong persuasive argument for adopting your point of view.
You want to pick a topic that your audience cares and what to hear about.
How To Select a Good Persuasive Topic
How to narrow down this list of ideas?
First, make a rough inventory:
- Which of the speech topics are you interested in?
- What amuses you, makes you move right the way, happy or sad?
- Which topics do you know something about?
- Which topics would you like to research?
Review your inventory list and narrow your choices by answering these questions:
- Do you know global, national, state, community, job or school-related problems and solutions, issues or controversies, related to the persuasive speech ideas?
- Are you excited about any historical or current events, places, processes, organizations or interesting people?
- Do you have certain concerns, opinions, or beliefs?
- Do you think something has to change in the human attitude or social values?
- Did you see or hear something in the news or read about in library books on any of these topics?
- Is there a link with personal experiences, professional or personal goals?
All the answers on the questions above help you to find your angle of approach for a conclusive speech. So, select a few specific angles. Those can serve as the basic main points.
Best 10 Persuasive Speech Topics
Don’t have time to read our full list of 400+ topic ideas? Here is our list of 10 best persuasive speech topics.
- Money can’t buy love or happiness
- Cooking should be taught in schools
- The minimum wage should be increased
- Advertising is a mind game
- Introverts make great leaders
- Eating meat is unethical
- Anyone under 16 should not be allowed to date
- Sustainable clothes are not really sustainable
- The penny coin should be phased out
List of Persuasive Speech Topics
- Constitutional Issues
- Easy and Simple
- Environment
- Food and Drink
- Funny and Humorous
- College Students
- International Relations
- Motivational
- National Security
- Practical Knowledge
- Relationships
10 Animal Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Close Up on Cute Dog Nose and Eyes](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Animals-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should more pets be adopted than bought from a breeder?
- Are pitbulls a vicious breed?
- Should a dog that has bitten somebody be executed?
- Should we tame wild animals like lions and sharks.
- Should battery farming still be legal?
- Should ‘factory farming’ be banned?
- Adopting pets is the best choice.
- How do puppy mills affect us?
- The benefits of having pets.
- Why cats make the perfect pet.
See this page for a full list of Speech Topics About Animals .
12 Automotive Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Old blue American car stopped on the right side of the road](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Automotive-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should the public first learn how to drive a manual transmission before obtaining their license?
- Drivers should have to take three courses before getting a license.
- Should young children use booster seats in vehicles?
- Hands-free cell phone use in cars should be promoted.
- Should the driving age be 14?
- The danger of texting and driving.
- Watch out for animals when driving.
- Why police should not chase a car.
- Why you should buy a Japanese car.
- Why sports cars are dangerous.
- Driving tests should be free.
- Share the road with bikes.
10 Business Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Five people discussing in a meeting room](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Business-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
The world of business has so many aspects to it, but at the end of the day they are all about customer relations, about making money and about the relationship between employers and employees.
Below are topics that can be used to persuade your audience on a variety of business topics.
A tongue in cheek topic that can be used is “Hiring a lazy person isn’t always a bad thing”, this could be used to persuade an audience that often lazy people find the quickest solution to get something done, resulting in quickly completed work because they just want to get it over and done with.
- Advertising has tons of mind games.
- Advertising standards should be higher.
- The importance of understanding niche marketing.
- Why introverts make good leaders.
- Owning a business means you will lose your friends.
- Business will harden you.
- You should never go into business with family members.
- Just because someone knows you it doesn’t mean you owe them any discounts.
- To be a business owner you must learn to be well organized.
- It’s important that a business should have personality.
See this page for a full list of Persuasive Speech Topics for Business .
5 Constitutional Issues Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Abraham Lincoln seated figure at the Lincoln Memorial of Washington DC](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Constitutional-Issues-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Do you think it would be fair for the government to detain suspected terrorists without proper trial?
- Should flag burning as a form of protest be prohibited?
- Should every day begin with a silent prayer at school?
- Why alcohol should be illegal.
- Prayer in schools should not be mandatory.
10 Easy and Simple Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Black glasses aside of a notebook](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Easy-Simple-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
Below follow topics that should be easy enough to persuade your audience without going into too much research. There are some which can be used as ‘tongue in cheek’ topics such as ‘The paparazzi are the real stalkers’ and ‘People need to visit the dentist more often’.
- People should not text while driving.
- Celebrities who break the law should receive stiffer penalties.
- Teachers should pass a basic exam every few years to renew their certification.
- Cities should offer free bike-sharing programs.
- People should eat less junk food.
- We should do more to end poverty and world hunger.
- We should value the elders in our society and learn from their wisdom.
- Money can’t buy love or happiness.
- Children should be offered incentives for doing right, rather than punishment for wrongdoing.
- More recycling should be encouraged.
See this page for a full list of Easy and Simple Persuasive Speech Topics .
9 Economy Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Stock Exchange electronic board with numbers and indicators](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Economy-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should products manufactured outside the U.S. come with an additional tax?
- Buy products that are made in the USA.
- Free trade agreements are bad for workers.
- The trade deficit with China is dangerous.
- The minimum wage should be increased.
- Daylight savings time has many advantages for our economy.
- The oil companies are to blame for the rising energy prices.
- In most countries the economy is in the mighty hands of just a few multinational corporations.
- Hiring cheaper foreign employees hurts our economy.
10 Education Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Students celebrating and launching their square academic caps in the air](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Education-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Teachers should have to pass a test of basic skills every decade to renew their certifications.
- Should free college tuition be offered to poor children?
- Would it be better to introduce a set of skills tests for students, before they graduate high school?
- Do you believe that students who are responsible for cyberbullying should be expelled from school?
- Would it be better if high school students completed community service hours to graduate?
- Do you think elementary and high school students should be allowed to use cell phones at school?
- Should students have to be on the honor roll in order to play sports?
- Art and music programs in public schools are an essential part of education.
- Schools should have the right to search students’ personal property (backpacks, lockers, pockets) to fight drugs in schools.
- Do you think students should be allowed to listen to music during study hall?
See this page for a full list of Education Persuasive Speech Topics .
10 Environment Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Sun light through a pine forest](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Environment-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should there be stricter laws for protecting endangered species?
- Should only native plants be grown in gardens?
- More people should carpool or use public transportation.
- Should the U.S. limit the use of natural resources?
- How pollution is negatively affecting humanity.
- We should use algae to make oil instead of drilling.
- Why hydraulic fracturing should be banned.
- Why we shouldn’t use disposable diapers.
- Hybrid cars are good for the environment.
- We should keep our community clean.
See this page for a full list of Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics .
10 Ethics Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Six hands holding each others](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Ethics-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Do you think female construction workers should have the same salary as male construction workers?
- Should assisted suicide be legal for people who suffer from terminal illnesses?
- Do you think the death penalty is the best punishment for dangerous criminals?
- Should you base your perspective of people on stereotypes you have heard?
- Should product testing on animals or humans be allowed?
- Why you should not choose your child’s genetics.
- Are people morally obligated to help the poor?
- Female genital mutilation should be stopped.
- Is it ethical to eat meat?
- Wearing fur is unethical.
10 Family Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics A dad and a mother walking in the grass with their two young kids](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Family-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should underaged people be allowed to consume alcohol at home, with parental permission?
- Should children 13 or younger be allowed to watch music videos or music channels like MTV?
- Do you think those older than 13 should be allowed into R-rated movies?
- Should teenagers be allowed to purchase violent video games?
- Is it appropriate for children to watch horror movies?
- Those under 16 should not be allowed to date.
- Parental pressure on child actors and athletes is harmful.
- Why parents should not hit their children.
- Fairy tales are good for young children.
- Why kids should not play R rated games.
See this page for a full list of Family Persuasive Speech Topics . We also have a page with Speech Topics for Kids .
6 Fashion Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Wardrobe with dark, grey and blue man suits](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Fashion-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Men should wear pink.
- Choose an Eco-Fashion Fabrics Wardrobe!
- Are Sustainable Clothes Really Sustainable?
- Jewelry: Less Is More.
- Fashion Reveals Your True Identity.
- Fashion Is An Expression Of The Character
11 Financial Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Hands counting and stacking coins](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Financial-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Why banks should ban hats and sunglasses to avoid robberies.
- Student loans should be forgiven.
- Reservation casinos are only beneficial if managed correctly.
- National debt is everyones problem.
- Purchasing a car is smarter than leasing one.
- The Japanese yen is affected by the weakness of the dollar.
- The Euro currency will oust the dollar.
- The Chinese Yuan / Japanese Yen / European Euro will all surpass the Dollar as leading currency.
- Phase the penny coin out.
- Severe budget cuts are the only way to maximise good financial results.
- Keeping a close eye on personal finance is key in achieving something in life.
15 Food and Drink Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Strawberry cake and cup of coffee](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Food-Drink-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Genetically modified foods should be labeled.
- Do you believe companies who manufacture alcohol should be allowed to advertise on TV?
- Every child should learn to cook.
- Cooking should be taught in schools.
- Should we donate unused food from supermarkets?
- The history of added sugar in our food.
- We should all grow our own vegetables.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- The promise of genetically engineered food.
- Why peanuts are amazing.
- Drink more orange juice.
- Why people should cook.
- Farmers’ markets should be increased.
- Eating organic is good for your health.
- Get artificial hormones out of food.
See this page for a full list of Speech Topic Ideas On Food, Drink, and Cooking .
10 Fun Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Young man jumping into the Caribbean sea with floating ring](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Fun-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
Fun topics are a great way to get people to listen to what you have to say, because when they are entertained they listen more carefully. Fun topics also help the speaker be more at ease, because the topics are more relaxed. Below follow 100 topics that you can have fun with while persuading your audience. .
- Ghosts are not real.
- We all need to be childish.
- Smokers have more acquaintances.
- Music has the power to heal.
- Diamonds are a girls best friends.
- Couples need to live together before getting married.
- Allow kids to believe in Santa.
- Pick up lines do work.
- Cake is not cake if it is dry.
- Parents must be prepared for the ‘birds and bees’ talk.
See this page for a full list of Fun Persuasive Speech Topics .
10 Funny and Humorous Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Two men with hats laughing together](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Funny-Humorous-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
Humour is a fabulous way to get people’s attention. Below are questions and statement topics that can be used to get your points across on a variety of topics.
It is important to remember that there can be a fine line between funny and insulting. So use wit and make it fun without insulting your audience. This would be important to remember with a title like ‘The most dangerous animal out there is a silent woman’.
- Blondes are not as dumb as they look.
- Why funny pick-up lines work.
- Guys gossip more than girls do.
- You should not be Facebook friends with your mom.
- If things go wrong, your horoscope is to blame.
- Students should not have to do a persuasive speech in front of a large audience.
- Millennials should stop wearing spandex yoga pants all the time.
- Dads are more fun than moms.
- Argumentative essays are pointless.
- Shoes that don’t fit right are hazardous to your health.
See this page for a full list of Funny Persuasive Speech Topics .
16 Government Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Front view of the White House with gardens and fountains](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Government-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Do you believe there should be stricter federal restrictions regarding content on the internet?
- Should employers be required to post job opportunities on a government-run website?
- The government should provide shelter for the homeless.
- Should the state fund schools run by religions?
- Whose face should be printed on the newest bank note?
- Do you believe Puerto Rico should become a state?
- Our nation’s justice system needs to be improved.
- Should the government have a say in our diets?
- The military budget must be decreased.
- Should people get drug tested for state aid?
- How policy works in local government.
- The government should increase funding of Amtrak.
- Fixing potholes should be a priority of local government.
- Eminent domain should be used rarely.
- The war on drugs is a failure.
- Zoning laws should be common sense.
10 Health Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Doctor's hands mesuering blood presure of a patient](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Health-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Female minors should be allowed to get birth control without telling their parents.
- Should stem cell researchers be able to use cells from aborted babies to help cure diseases?
- Should doctors be allowed to prescribe contraception for girls under 16?
- Do you think it would be better if the USA had a universal health care system?
- Do you believe free condoms should be distributed in schools?
- Regular exercise will improve your health.
- Restaurants should post all ingredients to prevent allergic reactions.
- Do you believe fast food should come with a warning label?
- The use of animals in medical research is a necessary evil.
- Seat belts ensure all passengers a safer ride.
See this page for a full list of Persuasive Speech Topics on Health and Fitness . We also have a page with Medical Topics .
10 School Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Two kids writing on a school desk](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/School-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
School is a whole new world, where students discover more about themselves and life around them. These are topics that students will most likely have to deal with at some point during their elementary, middle, and high school careers.
- High school students should be allowed to have cell phones in school.
- High school students should not have to wear school uniforms.
- All high school students should learn a foreign language.
- Girls should be allowed to play on the boys’ sports teams.
- High school students should be required to do community service.
- Extracurricular activities are important for your future.
- Students should be able to stay up late, even on school nights.
- Peer pressure helps students grow as individuals.
- Students should have healthy food options.
- Students should be paid for getting good grades.
See this page for a full list of Persuasive Speech Topics for School Students .
10 College Students Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics College empty classroom with wood seats](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/College-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
The following topics are for college students and about the many different aspects that they will deal with during their time in college.
- College textbooks should be replaced by iPads.
- Mobile phones should be switched off during a lecture.
- College students shouldn’t skip classes.
- Students shouldn’t study something that they are not passionate about.
- Gap years are actually a very good idea.
- Notes should always be taken in class.
- Student loans are expensive and students need to understand what they are getting themselves into.
- Students should get to know other students.
- It’s smart to get the harder classes out of the way first.
- Taking summer classes will help students get ahead of schedule.
See this page for a full list of Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students .
10 Teens Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Group of four teenager friends](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Teens-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
The following topics are aimed at teens and subjects which are important and matter to teens.
- Teenage girls should be on birth control.
- Teenage boys are lazier than girls.
- Teens should have weekend jobs.
- Homework should not be given.
- Being popular isn’t a good thing.
- Teens are obsessed with scary things.
- Chores shouldn’t be paid for.
- Sex education must be compulsory.
- Exchange student programs for all students.
- Free time gets teens into trouble.
See this page for a full list of Great Speech Topics for Teens .
5 History Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Gladiator helmet laid on an ancient stone bench](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/History-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Did the U.S. Army provide their soldiers drugs during the Vietnam war?
- African- American achievements should be celebrated.
- Why Lincoln was the best President.
- Revisionist history is dangerous.
- The moon landing was a lie.
See this page for a full list of History Speech Topics .
10 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Back of a man staring at a wall covered by paper notes and draws](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/interesting-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
Interesting topics will always have an audience glued to every word, even when they may disagree with your point of view. Ultimately it is your job to persuade them that your view is in fact correct.
These topics have a mix of simpler speeches such as “Pick up lines do work” here both humour and a few examples of pick up lines have worked will get you going in the right direction. For a speech with a bit more research put into it there are topics such as “Stem cell research in murder”.
- The standards of beauty are never the same.
- Princess Diana was killed.
- Energy drinks are dangerous.
- School day needs to involve less sitting and more exercise.
- No credit cards for under 25.
- Healthy relationships require conflicts.
- Everyone needs medical insurance.
- Tooth whitening is out of control.
- In future air planes won’t crash.
- Business should hire more apprentices.
See this page for a full list of Persuasive Interesting Speech Topics .
13 International Relations Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics World map with pined color flags](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/International-Relations-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Do you think it is time for the United States to suspend overseas military operations?
- The U.S. should cut off all foreign aid to dictatorships.
- Why you should volunteer in a developing country.
- Should Scotland be a country of its own?
- China will be the next superpower.
- Is any nation truly independent?
- Should women drive in Saudi Arabia?
- Foreign oil dependence is dangerous.
- Weapons disarmament should be increased.
- The war in Iraq was a mistake.
- The United Nations is important in defusing international crises.
- Human rights should be advanced all over the world.
- China will be the almighty economic superpower by 2025.
10 Law Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Close view of a gavel and its sound block](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Law-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should those who are caught driving after consuming alcohol lose their driver’s license for one year?
- Should it be illegal to drive while talking on the phone?
- Should illegal music and movie downloads be prosecuted?
- Do you believe illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for a driver’s license?
- Should motorcyclists have to wear a helmet?
- People over 65 should be required to take a bi-annual driver’s test.
- Should the driving age be raised to 21?
- Should assault weapons be legal?
- Should known gang members be prohibited from public parks?
- Do you think it should be illegal for people to curse on TV during daytime?
See this page for a full list of Legal Speech Topics .
3 Literature Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Two opened books stacked](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Literature-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Why reading is more beneficial than watching television.
- Why it is a good idea to read Fifty Shades of Grey.
- Why people need to read more books.
17 Media Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Screen with thumbnails of different medias](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Media-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Why it’s wrong for the media to promote a certain beauty standard.
- Is the media responsible for the moral degradation of teens?
- Do magazines marketed to teenagers send the wrong message?
- Why Disney should not be making Star Wars movies.
- Why you should study photography.
- Should certain T.V. shows have age restrictions?
- Why the media is to blame for eating disorders.
- The media does not force us to worship false icons.
- Why the Russian should have beat Rocky.
- Television is harmful to children.
- Why comic books are good to read.
- Some TV shows are educational.
- Make TV more educational.
- We need more funding for public television and radio.
- Violence on television should be regulated.
- Cable TV monopolies destroy competition.
- Katniss Everdeen would alienate Harry Potter.
10 Motivational Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Woman rising up fists in the air](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Motivational-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- School leaders must shape high-achieving learning curricula for students.
- Set a clear goal and devote all your positive energy toward reaching it.
- What to do for people who have no motivation to live a happy life.
- The art of moral imagination is the key to intellectual and spiritual development.
- Why it is hard to follow your dream.
- What keep most of us from following the voice of your heart when it comes to love or even discovery travelling?
- Overcome your stage fright and fear of public speaking.
- Begin with forming a moral tool set when children are young and build further when they are at least 18 years old.
- Aim straightforward in whatever project you undertake, and emphasize and evaluate what you want to achieve often in between the completed parts of the total planning.
- Prudence is an effort you can turn non-believers into believers in your plans.
See this page for a full list of Speech Topics For Motivational Speaking .
6 Music Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Young woman listening to music with phone and headset](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Music-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Why the French horn should be played more.
- Should schools allow uncensored songs at school dances?
- How listening to music could improve your day.
- Why music is beneficial to society.
- MP3 music should be free.
- Rock music is better than Country & Western.
6 National Security Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Soldier standing in front of the American flag](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/National-Security-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Are intensive security screenings essential for those who travel in airplanes?
- Negotiating with terrorists is sometimes justifiable.
- Should police carry firearms?
- Homosexuals belong in the military.
- Women benefit the military in many ways.
- Should police carry toy guns?
10 Politics Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Voted stickers for American poll](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Politics-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should it be legal for politicians to accept campaign contributions from corporate lobbyists?
- Why you should vote.
- Ban abusive language in elections.
- Why you should know Bernie Sanders.
- Term limits need to be respected.
- Give Kurdistan back to the Kurds.
- Zimbabwe is the next drama in world politics.
- Central Asian states could become a threat.
- America is not the world’s policeman.
- Globalization pays off.
See this page for a full list of Speech Topics about Politics .
3 Practical Knowledge Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Gloved hands lighting up a wood fire with a striker](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Practical-Knowledge-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Basic survival skills are important to know.
- Basic camping skills everyone should know.
- Personal hygiene is important for professional success.
7 Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Dummy head with draws and notes on it](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Psychology-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Intelligence depends more on the environment than genetics.
- Human development depends primarily on environmental factors.
- Why we should not see psychologists.
- Why do we need to love and to be loved?
- Can money give you happiness?
- Why introverts make the best public speakers.
- Verbal abuse can be much more destructive than physical.
See this page for a full list of Psychology Speech Topics .
23 Relationships Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Man and woman holding their hand and walking on the beach at dawn](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Relationship-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should young people have internet relationships?
- Men and women speak a different language of love.
- Long distance relationships are possible.
- Why it is important to live together before marriage.
- Teens should live with their friends once a week.
- Jealousy can be a disease.
- Most people say they will break up with a cheating partner, but in the end most people do not.
- Counseling is the solution for working through relationship problems.
- Intimacy is the key to a successful relationship.
- Women cheat more than men do.
- Interreligious Relationships – Love between two people can never be forbidden.
- Arranged marriages must be outlawed.
- Asking someone to wear a condom shows a lack of trust.
- Celibacy is outdated.
- Cheating isn’t wrong if you do it well.
- Co-workers should never date.
- Dating behavior rules are simple for girls: No means No, not Yes.
- Living together before marriage will lower the divorce rate.
- Men and women speak different languages in love matters.
- People only need one good friend.
- Polygamy should be allowed.
- You will learn most from friends that are different from you.
- Romance works best the old fashioned way.
8 Religion Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Praying hands in front of an altar enlighten with candles](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Religion-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should public schools teach world religions?
- Students should be allowed to pray in school.
- Women should be priests.
- Religious conflict must be avoided.
- Why Islam is a peaceful religion.
- Islamic fundamentalism is not true Islam.
- Religious cults are dangerous.
- Faith in God should be protected.
See this page for a full list of Topics on Religion and Spirituality .
10 Science Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Gloved hand shaking a flask in a laboratory](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Science-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Do you think the United States government should spend more on space programs?
- Why should we be aware of what is happening in outer space?
- Why Pluto should still be considered a planet.
- Mars was the same as Earth in the past.
- Why you should donate your body to science.
- We need more scientific advancements.
- Qualitative research is more preferable than quantitative research.
- Religion and science do not mix. (Or: they do.)
- Scientists have the duty to translate their findings in normal language.
- Theories are useless if they can not be transformed into strategies.
See this page for a full list of Persuasive Science Speech Topics .
11 Self-Help Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Dark silhouette offering an helping hand](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Self-Help-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Art is a stress reliever and can reduce depression.
- With hardwork and determination anyone can be successful.
- Why we should live life spontaneously.
- Improve your time management.
- Embarrassing moments make you stronger.
- Be true to yourself.
- Dress for success.
- How to continue your personal growth.
- The importance of self- confidence.
- If you don’t give up, you’ll make it.
- Talking to yourself can be beneficial.
10 Society Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics People crossing a city street](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Society-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should larger passengers be obliged to purchase two plane tickets, or two movie tickets?
- Should American families have no more than two children, in order to control population growth?
- Should property owners be obliged to clean the snow from sidewalks on their property?
- Should there be a cop in every bar to make sure people do not drink and drive?
- Do you believe that older people should receive free bus rides?
- Should all citizens of the USA complete one year of community service?
- Do you believe it is time for America to use the metric system?
- Why it should be mandatory for all students to stand for the pledge.
- Do you believe that cities should provide free wireless internet?
- Why living in the country is better than the city.
See this page for a full list of Persuasive Society Speech Topics .
10 Sport Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics US Football player diving with the ball](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Sport-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
Some sports topics can quickly turn into an argument between fans so keep in mind that special care should be taken with some of the suggested topics.
The term soccer was used to distinguished between soccer and American football, feel free to use the term football for those countries that do not use the term soccer.
- Should some musical groups, such as marching band and show choir, be considered a sport?
- Do you think cities should have a bike sharing system?
- Should college athletes be paid?
- Why baseball players should take drug tests before playing.
- High school football programs should receive less funding.
- Female sports should be given equal coverage by the media.
- Should drug tests be mandatory for professional athletes?
- Should athletes be paid less?
- Should drug tests be mandatory for school athletes?
- Winning is not as important as trying your best.
See this page for a full list of Persuasive Sports Speech Topics .
28 Technology Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Server's rack of hard drives with LEDs](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Technology-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Google and other search engines will be the death of libraries.
- Make sure to backup your computer files several times a day.
- What kind of influence will technology have on our future?
- Printing photos is better than keeping them on a computer.
- Do you believe internet censorship is inappropriate?
- Should nuclear power be used?
- How technology will change our lives.
- Internet could do more to free deaf people from their social isolation.
- Should screen time also be limited for adults?
- Why the government should regulate technology.
- Technology is making people less creative.
- Technology has made life better.
- Why Microsoft Word products should be free.
- Why you should not buy an iPhone.
- Anti-piracy software does not work.
- Internet chatrooms are not safe.
- The amount of spam you see in your mailbox is just the tip of the iceberg.
- We are addicted to the internet.
- Put down your phone and connect with people.
- Electronics are making kids lazy.
- How does a search engine work?
- Apple music should be free.
- The importance of the internet.
- Internet gambling needs more regulation.
- Computer literacy should be increased.
- The importance of internet fraud awareness.
- Why selfies are a thing of the past.
- People who say they do not need or want to use the world wide web are insane.
12 Travel Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Hand holding a small world globe](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Travel-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Why you should go to Bermuda.
- Why airline tickets should be cheaper.
- Traveling makes you more open-minded.
- Always report travel complaints as soon as possible when back home.
- Backpacking means every day unexpected adventures if you are open for it
- If there was no tourism there would be much more poverty.
- Support eco-tourism.
- Tourism ruins historical sites and there should be placed warning signs to awake them.
- Extreme air turbulence can be fatal.
- Fly First Class at least once in your lifetime.
- The best way to travel is in a guided group.
- Antarctica should be closed for tourists and scientists
8 Workplace Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics Desk with notes, papers, coffee and laptop](https://www.myspeechclass.com/wp-content/uploads/Workplace-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
- Should large corporations hire a number of minorities that are proportionate to the population?
- Do you think 14 year olds should be allowed to hold jobs?
- Why you should choose a high paying job over a fun job.
- Why everyone should work retail once in their life.
- Tipping should be mandatory in restaurants.
- Women make better managers than men.
- The importance of office parties.
- Labor unions should be protected.
Our list of topics is by far the best list you will find online – both in terms of quantity and quality. We add and remove ideas weekly to keep the list up-to-date.
Many timely persuasive speech topics can be found on radio, TV, your local newspaper, or your Facebook and Twitter feeds. We also have Argumentative (which is a type of persuasive speech on a controversial issue) and Policy topics . If you know of a cool topic, please send it to us and we will publish it on our page with fresh topics.
For persuasive essay topic ideas have a look at our list of Interesting Research Paper topics : these can be easily adapted for persuasive speeches.
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50 thoughts on “434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics”
Thank You! 🙂 Very helpful and inspiring and you get a good laugh out of these topics, wish me luck on my test.
That was some awesome topics for my college presentation thanks for the help 🙂
Thank you so much i got a 82 on my speech! I talked about how women don’t have rights, and that they should be in the kitchen. Thank you again!!!
These topics are good I like give speech. Speech good for speaking. thank for topics
Why smoking can help you make friends
These topic are good. Thank you so much..
Really helpful, I pro-formed a speech outlining why exactly unfaithful thots should be be vanquished from our society. Got a 69.
Thanks so much! I did a speech on the unfaithful thots of our society and the plague being wrought upon the population. We need a solution. Some might say a final, solution.
These topics are great. Thank you
OMG thank you sooooo mush you literally saved my life.
Thankkkk youuuuuuuuuuuuu sooooo much these topics are amazing and thank you for saving my life my speech was why airlines should be cheeper and i got a 99
Great topics but there is no R rating for video games. (Family, Topic 10)
Thank you so much this was really helpful!!!!
these are good topics because im in 5th grade in my class right now and we are starting pursasive right now
Why sex education important
Are pitbulls a vicious breed
Germany is the best
Does Lightning McQueen have Life Insurance or Car Insurance ?
Correction: why cats make the purrfect pet.
thank you this is a very helpful and inspiring topics
These were good and helpful. This was exactly what I needed for my speech. Thanks to whoever came up with all of these.
Thank you so much. My speech on getting Belle Delphine banned got 69%
Thank you so much, this was inspiring and helpful.
ok, so I know im the only one that did this but its actually 414 speech topics so!!!!!11
This was v helpful- thank you! i did that Princess Diana was murdered and was very easy to be passionate about it – thx again!
very nice. help alot.me like moon landing one. thought was funny.
i love ThiS website SO MUCH it helped me with my speech endlessly and will be forever greatful xxx <3 <3
Why water causes cancer
Why Sped kids should have more special attention in schools?
-Tax the freaking pants off the 1%
-Only highly education education specialists should make laws regarding education
-Schools should implement standards that require more recess and P.E. and no homework
did a speach on koalas being nuclearly reactive thx sm
please tell kate to stop trying to help with my academics in writing thanks xx
Should kids be allowed to kick their parents out of the house when they get caught doing bad things
cheating isnt wrong if you do it well
i personally think that this website helped a lot i think you should add a kpop section just for who is interester ^0^ thank you 🙂
I made a speech explaining why toothbrushing should be mandatory and it got a 69
thanks so much i got a 69 on my speech about free robux
thanks bro i got a 69% on my speech about how i would eat henrique all night
Couldn’t find a topic but site was amazing! Henrique on the other hand
thanks got me a 100
Those were so helpful wish me luck on my test
henrique is kind of annoying but a good website
i’m thinking a speech on the flash sounds perfect.
Thank youuu so muchhh!!!!!! This was so helpful and rly helped me find new perspectives to look from. I wrote my speech on how men are animals, have no rights, and should be locked in mines and milked for their semen. I also found out im pregnant guys!!!! Time to find out if it’s a girl or an abortion!!!!!
I got the best speech topic.thank goodness.I only got an hour to finish.
why can’t we make toast in the bath
Why teens shouldn’t have sex before marriage.
I laughed so hard at “students should not have to do a persuasive speech in front of public audiences”
is this the real life, or is it just a fantasy?
this site was so good i found nothing! thank goodness i got a 0% my grades are rising
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107 Persuasive Speech Topics: A Comprehensive Guide
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Crafting a persuasive speech can be a daunting task, but choosing the right topic is the first step to engaging your audience and making an impact. Whether you’re a student, educator, or professional, persuasion is a valuable skill that can lead to success in various aspects of life. In this guide, we’ll explore 107 persuasive speech topics across 10 different categories, providing you with a wealth of options for your next speech.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right topic is crucial for a persuasive speech’s success.
- Understanding your audience will help tailor your message effectively.
- Research and preparation are key to delivering a compelling argument.
Table of Contents
- Environment
- Social Issues
Education Persuasive Speech Topics
The realm of education offers a rich field for persuasive speech topics, from the debate over traditional versus progressive education methods to the value of online learning.
The necessity of financial education in high schools, for instance, underscores the importance of equipping young individuals with the financial literacy required to navigate the complexities of modern economies. Advocates argue that integrating financial education into the high school curriculum can significantly reduce personal debt and increase financial stability among young adults.
On the other hand, the debate over whether college education should be free reflects broader societal values concerning access to education, equality of opportunity, and the role of government in supporting its citizens. Proponents of free college education highlight the potential to alleviate the burden of student loans and create a more educated workforce, while opponents raise concerns about the quality of education, the financial feasibility of such programs, and the fairness to those who have already paid for their education.
Speech Topics:
- The necessity of financial education in high schools
- Should college education be free for everyone?
- The impact of technology on modern education
- The benefits of bilingual education
- Homework: An unnecessary evil?
- Standardized testing: More harm than good?
- The role of arts in education
- Should schools implement a dress code?
- The importance of sex education in schools
- Charter schools vs. public schools: Which is better?
Environment Persuasive Speech Topics
With climate change and environmental degradation at the forefront of global concerns, persuasive speeches on environmental topics can be particularly impactful.
The urgency of acting on climate change is not just a matter of environmental stewardship but also survival, as rising global temperatures threaten ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide. Persuasive arguments in this realm emphasize the scientific consensus on climate change, the observable impacts already underway, and the moral imperative to act for future generations.
Similarly, the debate over banning single-use plastics tackles the broader issue of waste and pollution, highlighting the detrimental effects of plastic on marine life, water quality, and global health. Advocates for banning single-use plastics call for a shift towards more sustainable consumption patterns and the adoption of alternatives that can reduce the environmental footprint of human activity.
- The urgency of acting on climate change
- Should single-use plastics be banned?
- The benefits of organic farming
- Renewable energy: The path to a sustainable future
- The importance of conserving water
- Urban gardening: A solution to food deserts
- The impact of fast fashion on the environment
- Wildlife conservation: Why it matters
- The role of individuals in reducing carbon footprints
- Ocean pollution: A call to action
Politics Persuasive Speech Topics
Politics always provides a fertile ground for persuasion, whether it’s discussing policy changes or advocating for social justice.
The importance of voting in a democracy is a critical topic, where the argument often centers on the idea that voting is not just a right but a civic duty. Persuasive speeches in this area aim to mobilize apathy, combat voter suppression, and underscore the power of each vote in shaping policies and electing leaders who reflect the public’s will.
Meanwhile, the discussion on whether there should be term limits for politicians delves into the balance between experience and fresh perspectives in governance. Advocates for term limits argue that they prevent the entrenchment of power and encourage political renewal, while opponents suggest that such limits could undermine the expertise and continuity necessary for effective leadership.
- The importance of voting in a democracy
- Should there be term limits for politicians?
- The impact of social media on political campaigns
- Gun control laws: The need for reform
- The death penalty: A moral dilemma
- Immigration policies: Finding a humane approach
- The role of government in healthcare
- Campaign finance reform: Necessary for democracy?
- The effects of gerrymandering on electoral fairness
- Privacy vs. security: Finding the balance
As technology continues to evolve, it presents new challenges and opportunities for persuasive speeches.
The dangers of artificial intelligence (AI), for example, encompass ethical, privacy, and employment concerns, with proponents warning about the unchecked development of AI systems that could surpass human intelligence and autonomy. This debate calls for responsible development and regulation of AI to harness its benefits while safeguarding against potential threats to humanity.
On the flip side, the role of technology in education explores how digital tools can enhance learning, offering personalized, accessible, and engaging educational experiences. However, this optimism is tempered by concerns over digital divides, data privacy, and the need for a balanced approach that integrates technology without undermining the essential human elements of teaching and learning.
- The dangers of artificial intelligence
- Social media: Connecting or isolating?
- The future of work: Automation and employment
- The ethical implications of genetic engineering
- Cybersecurity: A growing concern
- The digital divide: Bridging the gap
- Online privacy: An oxymoron?
- The role of technology in education
- E-waste: A looming environmental threat
- Virtual reality: The future of entertainment
Health persuasive speech topics are always of interest to audiences, offering a chance to persuade on issues from public health policies to personal wellness.
The importance of mental health awareness is a poignant example, highlighting the societal stigma and lack of resources that often accompany mental health issues. Persuasive arguments advocate for increased funding, education, and support systems to treat mental health with the same urgency and compassion as physical health.
Vaccinations present another critical area, where the debate centers on myths versus facts, addressing vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation and emphasizing the role of vaccinations in public health and the eradication of diseases. Persuasive speeches aim to build trust in science, advocate for community health, and counteract the spread of false information that threatens public health initiatives.
- The importance of mental health awareness
- Vaccinations: Myths vs. Facts
- The obesity epidemic: A public health crisis
- The benefits of a plant-based diet
- The impact of stress on health
- Universal healthcare: A right or a privilege?
- The dangers of tobacco use
- The role of exercise in health
- Addressing the opioid crisis
- Sleep: The cornerstone of health
Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics
Social issues provide a platform to challenge societal norms and advocate for change.
The fight for gender equality is a prime example, of addressing disparities in the workplace, education, and politics. Persuasive speeches on this topic often highlight the ongoing struggle for equal pay, reproductive rights, and the eradication of gender-based violence, aiming to mobilize support for policies that promote gender parity.
Similarly, the topic of racial discrimination confronts the systemic inequalities that pervade many aspects of society, from the criminal justice system to employment and housing. Persuasive arguments in this area seek to illuminate the historical and contemporary impacts of racism, advocating for reforms that ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all, regardless of race.
- The fight for gender equality
- Racial discrimination: A persistent problem
- The importance of LGBTQ+ rights
- Poverty: A global challenge
- The impact of social media on body image
- The refugee crisis: A call for compassion
- Child labor: A modern tragedy
- The digital divide: Social inequality in the digital age
- Animal rights: A moral obligation
- The importance of cultural diversity
Economics – Persuasive Speech Topics
Economic topics can persuade audiences on issues ranging from global trade to personal finance.
The debate over the pros and cons of globalization illustrates the complexities of an interconnected world economy, where arguments revolve around the benefits of open markets and trade against the backdrop of job displacement, environmental concerns, and the erosion of local cultures. Advocates for and against globalization present persuasive arguments that weigh economic efficiency and growth against the need for sustainable development and equitable wealth distribution.
Another compelling topic is the impact of the minimum wage on the economy, where speakers might argue for increasing the minimum wage as a means to reduce poverty and stimulate economic activity, while opponents caution against potential job losses and increased costs for businesses.
- The pros and cons of globalization
- Cryptocurrency: The future of finance?
- The impact of minimum wage on the economy
- The gig economy: Freedom or exploitation?
- Consumerism: The effect on society
- The role of government in the economy
- Sustainable development: Balancing economy and environment
- The debt crisis: Solutions and challenges
- The importance of financial literacy
- Economic inequality: A growing concern
Ethics Persuasive Speech Topics
Ethical topics challenge audiences to consider their values and the impact of their choices.
The ethics of drone warfare is a contentious topic, raising questions about the morality of using unmanned aerial vehicles in conflict. Arguments might focus on the potential to reduce military casualties and target threats more precisely, against concerns over civilian casualties, the psychological impact on operators, and the broader implications for international law and warfare.
Similarly, the privacy in the digital age debate delves into the ethical considerations surrounding data collection, surveillance, and the right to privacy. Persuasive speeches on this topic might advocate for stronger data protection laws and ethical standards for technology companies, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world.
- Animal testing: Necessary evil or moral failure?
- The ethics of drone warfare
- Privacy in the digital age
- The moral implications of euthanasia
- The ethics of cloning
- Corporate social responsibility
- The ethical dilemmas of self-driving cars
- The morality of capital punishment
- Ethical consumerism: The power of choice
- The ethics of surveillance
Science persuasive speech topics can both inform and persuade, from debates on climate change to the potential of space exploration.
The reality of climate change is a critical area, where persuasive arguments are grounded in scientific evidence to counter skepticism and apathy. Speakers emphasize the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change impacts, advocating for renewable energy, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices.
Another engaging topic is the potential of stem cell research, which holds promise for treating a wide range of diseases. Persuasive speeches might explore the ethical considerations, scientific breakthroughs, and regulatory challenges associated with stem cell research, aiming to foster support for this innovative field while addressing ethical concerns.
- The reality of climate change
- The importance of scientific literacy
- Vaccines: Science vs. skepticism
- The potential of stem cell research
- Space exploration: Worth the cost?
- The future of genetic engineering
- The role of science in solving global challenges
- The ethics of human augmentation
- The impact of technology on scientific discovery
- The importance of biodiversity
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Other Persuasive Speech Topics
This category includes a variety of topics that don’t neatly fit into the other categories but are equally compelling for persuasive speeches.
The power of positive thinking is one such topic, where speakers might discuss the psychological and physiological benefits of optimism, encouraging audiences to adopt a more positive outlook on life. Persuasive arguments could highlight research on how positive thinking can improve health, resilience, and overall well-being.
The importance of personal finance management is another vital topic, emphasizing the need for individuals to take control of their financial future. Persuasive speeches might offer strategies for budgeting, saving, and investing, arguing that financial literacy is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern economy and securing a stable financial future.
- The power of positive thinking
- The importance of personal finance management
- The benefits of travel on personal development
- The impact of music on society
- The importance of historical preservation
- The role of philosophy in modern society
- The benefits of meditation and mindfulness
- The importance of community service
- The impact of literature on society
- The significance of dreams in understanding the self
- The value of lifelong learning
- The ethical implications of space exploration
- The role of social media in shaping public opinion
- The impact of global tourism on local cultures and environments
- The importance of net neutrality for the future of the Internet
- The role of art in society and its impact on well-being
- The significance of voting in local elections and its impact on communities
For further reading on the art of persuasion and speech topics, consider exploring resources at IVY’D College Prep , where you can find insights and strategies for effective communication and presentation skills.
Persuasive speeches are not just about presenting facts; they’re about convincing your audience to adopt a new perspective or take action. Here are some additional insights and resources to enhance your persuasive speaking skills.
What is the Best Persuasive Speech Topic?
Determining the “best” persuasive speech topic is subjective and depends on several factors, including the speaker’s passion, audience interest, and the context of the speech. However, the most effective topics often share common characteristics: they are timely, relevant, and resonate personally with the audience. The best topics are those that:
- Spark Interest: Choose a topic that not only interests you but also has the potential to engage your audience. A topic that evokes curiosity or an emotional response can be particularly compelling.
- Are Debatable: A good persuasive speech topic should have clear arguments for and against. This allows for a dynamic discussion and the opportunity to persuade through evidence and reasoning.
- Have a Clear Purpose: Whether it’s to inform, convince, or motivate to action, the best topics are those with a clear goal. Knowing what you want to achieve with your speech can guide your preparation and delivery.
How to Research for a Persuasive Speech
Research is crucial for building a strong foundation for your persuasive speech. Here are steps to guide your research process:
- Start with Reliable Sources: Use academic databases, reputable news outlets, and official reports to gather information. This ensures that your arguments are based on facts and credible evidence.
- Understand All Sides: To persuade effectively, you must understand the counterarguments to your position. This will allow you to address and refute opposing views in your speech.
- Use Statistics and Data: Quantifiable evidence can make your argument more compelling. Ensure your data comes from authoritative sources and is up to date.
- Incorporate Expert Opinions: Quoting experts who support your position can add authority to your speech. Look for quotes from professionals, academics, or influential figures in the field.
Tips for Delivering a Persuasive Speech
The delivery of your persuasive speech can significantly impact its effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you deliver a powerful speech:
Practice Your Speech
Familiarity with your material will boost your confidence and help you deliver a more natural and engaging speech.
Engage with Your Audience
Make eye contact, use gestures, and vary your vocal tone to keep the audience engaged. Tailoring your message to the audience’s interests and concerns can also increase engagement.
Use Rhetorical Devices
Techniques such as repetition, rhetorical questions, and the rule of three can make your speech more memorable and persuasive.
Handle Nervousness
It’s normal to feel nervous. Techniques like deep breathing, positive visualization, and focusing on your message rather than yourself can help manage speech anxiety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Persuasive Speeches
Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance the effectiveness of your persuasive speech. Some mistakes to avoid include:
Overloading with Facts
While evidence is crucial, too many facts can overwhelm your audience. Balance your speech with stories, anecdotes, and emotional appeals.
Ignoring the Audience
Failing to consider the audience’s values, beliefs, and knowledge level can make your speech less effective. Tailor your message to resonate with your listeners.
Lack of Structure
A clear and logical structure helps your audience follow your argument. Ensure your speech has a strong introduction, body, and conclusion.
Neglecting the Call to Action
A persuasive speech should motivate the audience to think, feel, or act differently. Be clear about what you want your audience to do after listening to your speech.
By choosing a compelling topic, conducting thorough research, and delivering your speech effectively, you can persuade your audience and make a lasting impact. Remember, the power of persuasion lies not only in the strength of your arguments but also in your ability to connect with and move your audience.
Enhancing Your Persuasive Speech
Understand your audience.
- Tailor your message to their values, beliefs, and experiences.
- Anticipate counterarguments and address them in your speech.
Use Emotional Appeals
- Connect with your audience on an emotional level to make your message more compelling.
- Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate your points.
Cite Credible Sources
- Support your arguments with data and evidence from reputable sources.
- This adds credibility to your speech and strengthens your position.
Practice Delivery
- Your delivery can be as important as your message.
- Practice your speech multiple times, focusing on tone, pace, and body language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do i choose a persuasive speech topic.
- Select a topic you are passionate about, as your enthusiasm will be contagious.
- Consider the interests and composition of your audience.
- Choose a topic that is timely and relevant.
How can I overcome nervousness when speaking?
- Practice your speech multiple times in front of a mirror or with friends.
- Familiarize yourself with the venue and equipment before your speech.
- Remember that feeling nervous is normal; focus on your message rather than your fear.
How do I engage my audience during a persuasive speech?
- Start with a strong hook to grab their attention.
- Use rhetorical questions to provoke thought and encourage audience participation.
- Make eye contact and use gestures to connect with your audience.
Remember, the key to a successful persuasive speech lies not only in what you say but also in how you say it. Engaging with your audience, using evidence to support your arguments, and delivering your message with confidence are all critical components of effective persuasion.
By incorporating these strategies and leveraging the resources provided, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of persuasive speech. Whether you’re advocating for social change, presenting a new idea, or persuading your audience to adopt a new perspective, the power of persuasion is a key tool in your communication arsenal.
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125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience
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Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University
Reviewed: 5/31/24
This article provides a comprehensive list of persuasive speech topics and answers to some of your frequently asked questions about speech topics.
Persuasive writing is hard, and it’s even harder to try to come up with an engaging topic that interests you and your audience.
Not only do you have to convince your audience to take your side on subjects that are often pretty divisive, but you also have to persuade them to take your side of the argument. The first step to making a successful persuasive speech that will amaze your audience is having a strong topic.
Keep reading for 125+ persuasive speech topics.
125+ Topics for a Persuasive Speech
Persuasive speech ideas are harder to come up with than you may think. There is a fine balance between interesting your audience, being interesting to you, unique, and fresh, all while being thought-provoking without being outright offensive.
Here is a breakdown of various topics for persuasive speeches, organized by categories, to inspire you.
1. Arts & Culture
Art and culture are always hot topics among individuals and groups. There are many interesting arguments and stances on both topics, and many people have strong opinions about them.
See below for prompts for persuasive speeches about art and culture:
- Is graffiti art?
- Should art classes be mandatory for all students?
- Should we keep reading classic literature that is offensive?
- Should there be a distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ literature?
- Are romcoms and erotica series like Fifty Shades of Grey empowering for women?
- Is reading actually more beneficial than watching TV or playing video games?
- Is there any benefit or relevance to teaching high school students Shakespeare?
- Should video games be considered a high form of entertainment?
- Are biographical movies of deceased musicians and artists ethical?
- Is modern music really worse than older music?
- Should paparazzi be banned and unable to sell their photos?
Topics in arts and culture are always fun to debate and discuss because you have the opportunity to talk about your favorite pieces of media!
2. Economics
Economics is a hotly debated topic. There is no shortage of compelling, engaging arguments involving economics.
Here are some good persuasive speech ideas on the topic of economics:
- Is capitalism a functional, ethical economic system?
- Should everyone, despite their income, be taxed at the same rate?
- Can we introduce another economic system to our society?
- Should each state, the federal government, or individual companies be responsible for setting a living wage?
- Should the minimum wage be doubled?
- Should everyone adapt to the four-day workweek?
- Should people who make under a certain amount per year not be taxed at all?
- Should governments encourage and reward people for shopping locally?
- Should advertisements be banned during TV and media programming aimed at kids?
- Has modern consumerism gone too far?
Economics is a great topic for a persuasive speech because it affects our everyday lives in so many ways. There are tons of research and perspectives to help support your argument.
3. Education
Many people feel strongly about education, and many sides and perspectives come into play: teachers, parents, students, student athletes, and more.
Here is a list of some engaging topics to write a persuasive speech on:
- Should post-secondary education be free?
- Should taking a year off between high school and college be mandatory?
- Is it fair to take cell phones away from kids in middle/high school while they are in class?
- Should school uniforms be mandatory in all high schools?
- Should cursive writing still be taught in schools?
- Do frats and sororities actually serve their purpose?
- Should programming and coding be introduced to young students?
- Should school lunches be free?
- Is college/university necessary anymore?
- Does the education system prepare students for adult life?
- Should gyms be mandatory for all students?
- Do schools need to do a better job at teaching students a second language?
- Should schools teach sign language?
- What age should students be taught sex ed?
- Should distant learning be encouraged or avoided at all costs?
Education is another great topic to write a speech about because it intersects with economics, culture , and politics . These topics will guarantee an engaged audience. This is a popular topic for high school students who are learning about tuition and scholarships at their top colleges!
4. Environment
Since the release of Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” and Greta Thunberg’s unapologetic activism, climate change has been at the forefront of many political, economic, and cultural conversations.
If environmental issues spark your interest, consider writing on one of the topics below:
- Can we ever live in a truly ‘green’ and environmentally friendly society?
- Should water bottles be banned?
- Are businesses responsible for implementing environmentally friendly production and products?
- Should there be a carbon tax?
- Should electric cars be mandatory in the near future?
- Should we switch over to entirely renewable energy?
- Do low-income families have the same duties to be eco-conscious as high-income families do? Should plastic bags and single-use plastic be completely banned?
- Should car racing be banned?
- Should fast fashion be banned?
The environment and climate change are becoming, if not already, some of the most pressing issues of our day.
Ethics may be one of the most difficult topics to write a persuasive speech about because they tend to involve sensitive subject matter. However, ethics are also some of the most compelling and complex topics to explore.
Here are some potential topics for a persuasive speech about ethics:
- Is animal testing ethical?
- Is drinking coffee unethical?
- Are animal shelters that allow euthanization ethical?
- Should more people try to adopt a vegetarian/vegan diet?
- Is the death penalty ethical?
- Can racism ever truly be eliminated?
- Can the prison system genuinely contribute to the improvement and rehabilitation of individuals?
- Should justice systems and incarceration facilities focus on rehabilitation over punishment?
- Should cosmetic plastic surgery be covered by insurance?
- Are morals objective or subjective?
- Should zoos and circuses be banned?
- Should fur coats be illegal?
- Are censorship laws ethical?
- Is it ethical to genetically modify an embryo?
- How should we address the homelessness crisis, and who is responsible for it?
- Should minors who commit violent crimes be charged and tried as adults?
Tackling a persuasive speech on ethics is a challenge, as many of these topics are complex and sensitive. It can also be difficult to wrap up a speech on such huge ethical debates.
However, these topics also provide some of the most riveting and energizing debates—if you’re up to the challenge, you should definitely try to tackle one of these topics.
From fitness to food prices to economic privilege, there are tons of debatable topics regarding health. Here are just some of the potential topics you can write a speech on:
- Are individuals solely responsible for their own health?
- Should prescription medications be free?
- Should sugary drinks like pop be taxed at higher rates?
- Should Starbucks be allowed to advertise its high-calorie and high-sugar drinks?
- Should the government regulate the prices of fruits and vegetables?
- Should fast food restaurants regulate and reduce their portions?
- Should gym memberships be free?
- Should the government change and restructure the work week to reduce stress?
- Should nurses be paid more?
- Should smoking be banned?
- Should insurance companies fully cover rehabilitation stays for health issues like eating disorders?
People have varying opinions and understanding of health, which makes these topics very engaging and interesting to write about.
7. Politics
It goes without saying that almost every political issue is debatable.
- Do we actually live in a truly democratic society?
- Should there be a minimum wage or a living wage?
- Should the legal voting age be decreased?
- Does the pay gap exist?
- Are younger politicians more effective?
- Should there be stricter gun laws?
- Should Presidents be able to serve more than two terms?
- Should everyone get the day off work to go vote?
- Should political party funding be regulated?
- Should political smear campaigns be banned?
- Is there a political bias in mainstream media?
- Should you date someone with opposing political views?
- Is the government spending too much on the military sector?
Politics is all about persuading people to take a side, which makes it a strategic topic for delivering a moving, persuasive speech.
Sports is another big topic that people care a lot about. There are sports-related matters that are questioned everywhere: sports on TV, the Olympics, college sports and athletics, and athletic sponsorships .
Below is a list of captivating sports topics for a persuasive speech:
- Should the pay for professional teams be based on audience viewership?
- Are professional sports getting too violent?
- Are athletes overpaid?
- Is cheerleading empowering or exploitative?
- Should children be allowed to compete in competitive sports?
- Should we continue spending millions of dollars on the Olympic Games?
- Do people put too much importance on high school and college football?
- Should alcohol and tobacco ads be banned during sports?
- Is betting on sports teams ethical?
- Should high school and college athletes be paid?
Sports is a topic that people don’t often think of as controversial. However, your audience is bound to be engaged and contemplating your argument as you present your speech.
9. Technology
As the world increasingly moves to online spaces, and technology advances faster than ever before, technology is another hot topic that people have a lot of thoughts and opinions on.
- Should all workplaces offer hybrid/remote work?
- Should we pursue Artificial Intelligence?
- Do we need to put resources into traveling to space?
- Should parents monitor their children’s online activity?
- Is it okay for phones to use facial recognition and fingerprint technology?
- Is technology actually addicting?
- Can we blame technology for increased stress and anxiety?
- Are security cameras and body cameras an invasion of privacy?
- Should the internet be surveilled or managed?
- Should video game chats be surveilled or even banned?
- Are machines replacing human labor?
- Should cloning be outlawed/banned?
As technology continues to advance and expand into our personal lives, it is a great topic to write a unique persuasive speech on.
Having a unique and creative speech topic discussing one of your interests can make it stand out more! Think about extracurriculars you participate in, podcasts you enjoy, or fascinating facts you’ve learned. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.
- What makes a hero?
- Are we headed toward World War 3?
- Did humans really land on the moon?
- Are serial killers born or made?
- Can good and evil be separated neatly?
- Is cancel culture a positive or negative thing?
- Can money buy happiness?
- How to become a millionaire
- How to become more confident
- How to live to be 100
- How to survive an apocalypse
- Do extraterrestrial beings exist?
- Why students should start investing at 16
- The true history of… (event of your choice, such as the Chernobyl disaster, the Black Plague, Salem Witch Trials, etc.)
Exploring these diverse and intriguing topics will not only capture your audience's attention but also allow you to share your passions with your peers!
What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?
The best persuasive speech topics are topics that are not overdone and that the speaker is genuinely passionate about and knowledgeable about.
Persuasive topics should also be a bit controversial (this does not mean offensive) because the topic and speech itself should be thought-provoking. The more people are emotionally invested in the topic, the better.
For example, while you can try to persuade your audience that strawberry ice cream is better than chocolate ice cream, it’s unlikely that many people have a strong emotional investment in that topic. Without an emotional investment, audiences will be sitting listening to your speech, thinking: “So what?”
On the other hand, a topic like “Should government set limits on how many children a family can have in overpopulated countries?” is emotionally charged and truly matters to people.
Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic
Let's take a look at the key components that make up a great persuasive speech topic.
Timeliness and Relevance
Consider what's on people's minds right now. Your topic should be something they care about, whether it's in the news or a long-standing issue. It needs to feel important and connected to their lives. Picking a timely and relevant topic grabs your audience's attention and makes them more interested in what you have to say.
When choosing a topic, aim for something that has layers to it. Controversial topics or ones with lots of different opinions are good because they make people think. By exploring all the different angles of your topic, you can make your speech more engaging and show that you understand it well.
In today's world, facts matter more than ever. It's not enough to simply state your opinion; you need to back it up with solid evidence. Rely on numbers, data, and information from reliable sources to support what you're saying. When you do this, people trust you more and are more likely to believe what you're saying.
Personal Connection
Passion is a powerful tool in persuasion - so choose a topic that you truly care about. Passion is evident in your speech and ultimately makes it more interesting. Your enthusiasm rubs off on the audience, and they're more likely to pay attention. Feeling connected to your topic makes your speech more powerful and convincing.
How to Create a Compelling Persuasive Speech
Let's delve into the process of creating a compelling persuasive speech.
Understanding Your Audience
Before diving into your speech, take the time to understand your audience. What motivates them? What are their goals and values? Tailoring your message to resonate with their interests and concerns will greatly enhance its impact.
Focus on Key Goals
Keep your speech focused by selecting just one to three key goals to address. Trying to cover too much ground can overwhelm your audience and dilute your message. Instead, hone in on the most important points you want to convey.
Address Objections Head-On
Anticipate objections that your audience might have and incorporate them into your speech. Acknowledging and addressing these concerns demonstrates empathy and builds credibility, making your argument more persuasive.
Start with a Compelling Story
Capture your audience's attention from the outset by starting with a compelling story. Make it relatable and relevant to your message to draw listeners in and set the tone for the rest of your speech.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The key to delivering a persuasive speech with confidence is practice. Rehearse your speech until you know it inside and out, focusing on the flow of your ideas rather than memorizing every word. This will allow you to speak naturally and authentically.
Maintain Eye Contact
Engage your audience by maintaining eye contact throughout your speech. This creates a connection and keeps listeners attentive and engaged. Don't just stare at one person; instead, scan the room and make brief eye contact with various individuals.
Reinforce Your Points with Repetition
Repetition is a powerful tool for reinforcing your message. After explaining each key point, circle back and reiterate it to drive it home. This helps ensure that your audience remembers and internalizes your main ideas.
Leave a lasting impression by ending your speech with a strong closing statement. Summarize your key points and reiterate your main message with conviction. This final flourish will leave your audience inspired and motivated.
Embrace Feedback
Be open to feedback from your audience, and graciously accept both praise and criticism. Use feedback as an opportunity to refine your message and improve your delivery. By embracing feedback, you can continuously hone your persuasive skills and become an even more effective communicator.
After reading through all the possible topics you can write a persuasive speech on, you may still have some questions before you get going. Let’s get into them.
1. What Are Some Easy Persuasive Topics?
Any persuasive topic can be easy to write about if you are passionate about your stance. The more passionate and knowledgeable you are about your topic, the easier it will be to research and write.
There are also easy, persuasive topics that are more lighthearted than controversial, which some people may find easier to debate and write about. Some easy persuasive topics include:
- Should everyone have a three-day weekend?
- Should every public place have free Wi-Fi?
- Does social media do more harm than good?
- Should kids get paid for getting high grades?
- Do we need more holidays?
These topics are all fun to debate, which makes it easy to write a persuasive speech or essay. Whereas some persuasive topics can be complex and sensitive, the topics listed above are pretty straightforward, which makes them easier to discuss than more complex topics.
2. What Is a Good Speech Persuasive Topic For School?
A good start to finding a good persuasive speech topic for school is looking for a topic that involves something related to school. For example, you can look into talking about school uniforms, class sizes, tuition and scholarships, and school sports, just to name a few.
Having a speech topic related to school is a good idea for school because your audience (teachers and peers) are directly in that environment as well. This means they will likely be more engaged as the topic, whether they agree or disagree, is relevant to their everyday lives.
3. What are Three Examples of a Persuasive Speech Topic?
Any of the above topics listed in this article are examples of speech topics. Three specific examples that have not been listed are:
- Is social media to blame for the rates of depression and anxiety among youth?
- Do young adult romance novels encourage harmful and toxic relationships with their target audience?
- Should children under 18 have total control over medical decisions made about their bodies?
These topics are examples of speech topics because you need to take a clear stance in order to answer the question. The point of a persuasive speech is to convince or persuade the audience that your side of the argument is valid and should be considered, so the topic needs the individual to take a specific stance.
As briefly touched upon before, your topic needs to interest your audience for a successful persuasive speech. While you should make sure your topic isn’t overdone, you don’t want to go with something too ‘safe’ as that will most likely bore your audience.
Final Thoughts
Coming up with a topic for a persuasive speech may be the most difficult part of the writing process.
Read over our list of topics and pick out a few topics that genuinely interest you. From there, do some preliminary research on each topic and see which one has the strongest evidence to support your argument. Then, you’ll be good to start writing your persuasive speech that will amaze your audience!
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Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas
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Persuasive speech topics can inspire an audience and influence change in your community, town, or city. Whether you are giving a presentation at a large conference or converting a college essay into a speech to be given at your high school's auditorium, delivering a persuasive speech is not an easy task. We are here to guide you through this difficult process and provide you with 150 persuasive speech topics that can help you prepare your own inspirational presentation.
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Article Contents 13 min read
The art of persuasion.
The art of oratory is one of the oldest and most compelling persuasion tactics in human history. The power of speech has been used for centuries by men and women to negotiate peace, start revolutions, and inspire generations. At the source of change, we often witness a great speaker or speech that affected people’s worldviews. King Solomon, Socrates, Cicero, Elizabeth I, Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, were all powerful speakers who changed the course of human history.
Luckily, not every persuasive speech happens on such a grand scale. You do not have to become Napoleon to change the lives of people who hear what you have to say. You might have experienced this yourself – perhaps you have had a teacher who instilled in you a great passion for the study of physics during his lectures? Or you happened to attend a political, grassroots gathering where you heard a speech that changed your attitude towards homelessness or poverty. Or maybe your classmate's presentation revealed something about a novel you were reading in class that made you reflect on your own life and the people in it.
The power of a speech lies in your conviction and delivery of the topic you choose to discuss. A persuasive speech topic can be anything you are passionate about. Yes, it is true; whether you want to discuss the repercussions of the Cuban Revolution or analyze the power of K-pop in popular culture, it is up to you to enthrall the audience with your topic. The key to any successful speech is your confidence and enthusiasm. So, let’s start by examining what makes a speech persuasive.
To deliver a speech takes a lot of guts – not everybody is comfortable with public speaking. But to deliver a good speech takes conviction. Think of it like this: you must believe in the importance of your speech topic to discuss it. This must be something you care about and believe in; otherwise, your topic must be something that drives your curiosity, and you believe that it must be examined further.
Conviction stirs your desire to share this topic with others – you are convinced that other people will similarly find this topic fascinating! Whether it is the importance of recycling or bike lanes, the conviction is what will become the backbone of a successful and persuasive topic choice, as well as drive your desire to give a speech in the first place.
With conviction comes passion. These two elements of a successful speech are intimately intertwined. If you believe in the importance of something, you will be passionate about sharing it with the public.
If we look at some of the most famous speeches in human history, you will notice that conviction and passion are the driving force that makes these speeches legendary. Whether it's Cicero's defense of the Republic in the Roman Senate or Martin Luther King's speech in the defense of civil rights almost two millennia later, both these speakers believed in the importance of their convictions and were passionate about sharing their beliefs. In these cases, even despite the threats of death.
Unbiased Expertise
Conviction and passion should also drive your need to know everything there is to know about your topic. To give a persuasive speech, you must not only show confidence and excitement but demonstrate that you are an expert in the topic of your choice. Granted, if you are a high school student or an undergraduate who's been assigned to deliver a speech in less than 2 weeks, you are not going to become a world-renowned expert in your subject matter. However, as I pointed out, your speech topic should be something you are already passionate about, so you must have done some research and have some knowledge of your topic.
A persuasive speech should be based on facts. It should deliver arguments and counterarguments to show many sides of the issue you choose to discuss. For example, if you choose to discuss the importance of bike lanes, you can present several arguments in support of creating more bike lanes in your town or city, such as safety, decrease in traffic, environmental benefits, etc. However, make sure to include arguments that also show the other side of the issue, such as having to close down several major streets in your city to reconstruct the roads to fit in the new bike lanes and the side-effects of construction for businesses. Presenting both sides of the issue will show your comprehensive knowledge of the topic and demonstrate your professionalism.
Using the bike lanes topic as an example, I want to emphasize that showing unbiased research and knowledge of your topic can win the audience’s favor. You can, and should, still have your own opinion on the matter and defend your conviction in the speech but presenting the audience with both sides of the story is a tactic that will make them trust you.
Additionally, knowing both sides of the coin shows that you have come to your conviction after long and thorough research. You are not just presenting an uneducated opinion.
Taking care of the substance of your speech is the first step. While learning how to properly deliver your speech may seem less important, even the most well-researched and factually based speech will seem weak if the orator does not engage the public.
Though they certainly help your confidence, conviction and passion do not always result in strong delivery. This is understandable since public speaking is not everyone’s forte. While you may be animated and absorbing when you speak of your topic with friends, gripping an audience full of strangers is different.
There are three potential goals of any persuasive speech:
To familiarize your audience with a topic they have never considered before and inspire them to research it on their own. "}]" code="timeline1">
When you think about it, these objectives are pretty ambitious. Delivery plays a huge part in achieving these goals. It will be hard to move your audience to pursue any of these goals without clear articulation, professionalism, and charisma.
Strong delivery can be developed. Yes, there are those to whom oratory skills come more naturally, but this is rather an exception than the rule. Many successful orators were terrified of public speaking but worked hard to overcome their fears. A good example of this is King George VI of England. Before taking the throne in 1936, he was already an infamously bad speaker. The King trained to keep his speech impediment and nerves at bay once he was crowned and delivered one of the most inspiring speeches against Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich at the beginning of World War II.
Now that you know what makes a speech topic persuasive, let's go over a step-by-step formula that will help you choose the right topic for you.
- Brainstorm where your convictions lie and what you are passionate about. You must reflect on what interests, hobbies, news, events, individuals, and activities of yours could be developed into a persuasive, strong narrative.
- Narrow these down to 2 or 3 topics that are particularly important or riveting to you.
- Now comes the practical side of the brainstorming process: take a moment to think whether preparing a comprehensive and compelling speech on this topic is feasible in the amount of time you have available. Consider the following questions: Are the topics of your choice well researched by you? Do you know these topics well? If you are not well-versed in the topic of your choice, do you have enough time to do research to present a comprehensive and complete narrative? Do you have enough time to form a well-developed stance about this topic? A thesis? Will you be able to cover several sides of this topic in the amount of time you have available?
- If you have answered “No” to these questions regarding each of the topics you had in mind, you must go back to the drawing board.
- If you have come up with a topic that results in a positive response to all the questions mentioned in step 3, you might have found the winner.
- Start by developing a thesis, i.e., the main message of your speech. Without a thesis, you will not have a strong speech.
- Develop arguments that endorse your thesis and support them with facts. Remember, a strong speech must be based on facts, rather than opinions and unsubstantiated statements.
- Research counterarguments to your thesis. While you may not personally support these, you must present a well-rounded picture of the issue you are discussing.
- You can finish off your speech by responding to the counterarguments in a way that reinforces your thesis. Don't forget to re-emphasize your main message in the closing paragraphs of your speech.
Know your audience
It is always a good idea to know who your audience is. Whether you are giving a speech in your high school, or traveling to attend an undergraduate conference, reflect on who will be listening to your speech. Before you sit down to write it, consider whether you can give yourself the freedom to use technical language, jargon, or make inside jokes on the matter. In general, I would advise you to avoid overly technical or niche language. It is never a good tactic for making a persuasive speech – this might alienate a large part of your audience.
However, if you are delivering a speech to a like-minded audience, you may use "industry lingo". For example, if you are delivering a speech at a video game convention, it is likely that many, if not most, attendees will be familiar with the terms and vocabulary you use. You will be able to strengthen your speech by using language that unites you with your audience. In this case, you are encouraged to engage the public by making inside jokes, using niche terminology, and creating a relatable experience with your speech.
Knowing your audience will allow you to develop a language for your speech. It will also allow you to gauge how deep you can delve into the topic of your choice. For example, if you are a young physics aficionado who is giving a lecture on black holes to your sophomore classmates, you might want to consider the fact that many of them have never studied physics in depth. This may help you shape your speech into something accessible and interesting for others.
If you are unsure about who your audience might be, try researching it. It is always good practice to know whom you will be addressing. Not only will it help you prepare the speech, but it will also ease your anxiety about the day of your speech delivery.
Hook the audience
Your opening sentences can hook the audience and guarantee their attention. While it will be the substance of your speech that keeps them listening to you, the opening must be captivating for your speech to have a chance for success.
So, what do I mean by hooking the audience with your opening? For example, you can state a shocking statistic about your topic. It will be especially impactful if it is related to your audience’s experiences, geographical area, community, or hot-topic issue. Here’s an example for an opening sentence for a speech about the importance of bike lanes:
“Last year, the city of Toronto recorded 715 serious accidents involving cyclists, with over 5% of these accidents resulting in a fatality."
Now, if I was living in Toronto, I would be surprised to hear such information; especially, if I have never thought about this before. I am saddened by this statistic and would like to learn how we can help prevent these accidents.
Let’s examine another opening. This time, we will consider a speech topic involving a historical event. For example, if you are captivated by the mystery of Princess Anastasia of the Russian royal family, the House of Romanov, you might start your speech thusly:
“The question of whether the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova survived the brutal execution of her entire family by the Bolsheviks is one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century.”
This sentence performs several tasks:
The opening sentence is your chance to establish yourself as the expert! You will seem like the authority on this topic, especially if you can pronounce the Princess's name without mistakes. "}]" code="timeline2">
Coming up with a strong opening sentence is not easy, but very worthwhile for delivering a persuasive speech. If you are having trouble finding the right opening sentence, you do not need to wait to start writing your speech. If you are stuck, move on to the main body of your speech and return to creating a captivating opening later.
To be persuasive, your speech must have a thesis. A thesis is the main argument you are trying to convince your audience of, or simply put, the purpose of you giving the speech. Without a thesis, your speech will be aimless, chaotic, and most likely, unengaging.
And while you can write your introduction after the main body of your speech is ready, you cannot write your speech without a thesis. It will be the landmark, the leading light, of your speech. Everything you say and every fact and argument you include in your essay must support your thesis. Certainly, you will be able to bring up alternative points of view later in the speech, but as we already discussed, your objective is to persuade the audience that your thesis is the correct one.
Let’s return to our bike lanes example. If you are a proponent of bike lanes, your thesis should be more than “Bike lanes are good”. While this can be considered a thesis, it is pretty thin. Instead, find a way to make your thesis compelling, include a supporting statistic, or a benefit of having bike lanes. For example:
“Having more bike lanes in our city will not only reduce traffic by X% but also allow our city to be at the forefront of the environmentally friendly initiatives happening all over our country.”
This thesis is clear and introduces the audience to some of the main points of the speech. The listeners get a concise prelude to what the speech is about and what it stands for.
Research and Arguments
Research is always conducted before you sit down to write. While you may have some general knowledge about your topic, remember that you are trying to be as persuasive as you possibly can be. This means that you need the latest statistics, the most up-to-date information, and the strongest support from experts in the field.
Tip: keep in mind your thesis as you are writing. All your arguments and facts must be in support of the main purpose of your essay. While you should present alternative points of view in your speech to make it well-rounded and unbiased, a strong speech must contain arguments that make it clear that your thesis is the correct one.
Concluding your speech has a twofold purpose. In addition to persuading the audience of your thesis, you must complete your narrative. Give the audience some closure about the topic. On the other hand, you must leave them even more interested in learning about your research. In other words, they must be compelled to explore on their own.
Tip: your conclusion cannot be a dry summary of your thesis and arguments. While you must restate your thesis in the conclusion, you are strongly encouraged to incite an emotional response from your audience. For example:
“More bike lanes will alleviate the heavy traffic and relieve our city from car fumes and soot. It is our responsibility to start making our city more eco-friendly. These small steps will inspire even more initiatives across our hometown and lead to a brighter, greener, future."
In this example, the audience is not only reminded of the main purpose of the speech but is also encouraged to think of other green initiatives that can help their town. The author does a good job of invoking responsibility for the future to encourage their audience to act.
Want to learn how to choose persuasive speech topics? Check out our infographic:
Now, let’s go over 150 persuasive speech topics that can inspire your own essay and presentation! Note that these are questions that should help you form ideas, arguments, and most importantly, theses. Rather than giving you the thesis upfront, we are encouraging you to come up with your own opinion and answers to these questions.
Your speech should be between 15 to 20 minutes long. Anything longer may lose your audience's attention. If applicable, don't forget to factor in some time after your presentation for questions from the audience.
The best way to approach the choice of topic is to reflect on your convictions and passions. If you are truly interested in a topic, your excitement will be felt by the audience.
Of course, you must be interested in your topic, first and foremost. Secondly, your speech must demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that will allow the audience to believe that you know what you are talking about. Thirdly, your delivery will have a great effect on whether you succeed in persuading the audience. Even a well-researched speech will suffer from poor delivery.
Firstly, only practice can really help you improve. Once you have written your speech, read it over several times. Do not memorize it, but rather, remember the structure, the flow of your arguments, your main points. Then start practicing pronouncing your entire speech in front of the mirror. Do this until you are quite confident with the content of the essay. Then, you can start practicing with family members, your friends, and classmates. Ask for their feedback: can they hear you well? Are you being articulate? Does your speech have a logical flow? Did they understand your thesis? Their feedback can help you modify not only your content, but also your presentation.
Your speech should take the form of an academic essay: introduction, main body, and conclusion.
Your speech must have a thesis, otherwise it will be meandering and pointless. A thesis will guide you and keep your essay/presentation well-structured. A thesis is what you will be arguing for (or against, if it's a negatively stated thesis) throughout your speech. And while you can include some alternative points of view in your speech, your thesis will inform every argument you make in the speech.
Typically, you should avoid using overly technical language. Even if you are presenting at a professional conference in front of peers, there is a chance that some of your audience will be unfamiliar with the professional terminology. To be inclusive, you should avoid niche language.
To be frank, there is no such thing. You can make a great speech on any topic of your choosing! Your research, your delivery, and your passion will determine whether your speech is successful.
Acknowledging opposing views and presence of debate will demonstrate your thorough knowledge of the topic. Additionally, you will demonstrate that you came to your conclusion/thesis after researching the topic, rather than simply forming an uneducated opinion.
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27 Persuasive Speech Topics to Captivate Your Audience
- The Speaker Lab
- June 13, 2024
Table of Contents
If you’ve ever written a persuasive speech, chances are you’ve struggled to choose a persuasive speech topic . It makes sense, right? You want to speak on something relevant yet unique, timely but timeless. Sometimes it feels like every good idea is already taken or too controversial. Or maybe the topic you’re considering seems too bland and won’t stir the pot enough. CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors—everyone with something important to say faces this challenge.
Well, fear not. We’ve got some fresh ideas for persuasive speech topics coming right up. These aren’t your high school debate prompts; they’re designed for individuals ready to make waves across industries and impact audiences. So if you’re on a mission to reshape perceptions and create genuine transformation, stick around.
Understanding the Power of Persuasion
Before we dive into these topics, let’s get one thing straight: understanding persuasion in speech is like having a superpower. But what makes some speeches stick with us forever? Persuasive speaking works its charm by tapping into our emotions and reasoning. It’s that perfect blend of ethos, pathos, and logos that the Greek philosopher Aristotle talked about centuries ago.
- Ethos: This is all about credibility. If the audience trusts the speaker (you), they’re more likely to be on board with your message.
- Pathos: Here’s where emotions come into play. The right emotional appeal can make an audience start to see things your way.
- Logos: Logic seals the deal. A well-reasoned argument backed by solid facts? Hard to argue against that.
This trio works together to create a kind of spellbinding effect that doesn’t just persuade, but also sticks with your audience long after the talk has ended. With these three rhetorical appeals in hand, you can do more than convince; you can transform thinking and ignite action because your persuasive speech topic resonates on a deeply personal level for each listener.
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Choosing Persuasive Speech Topics That Resonate With Your Audience
Tailoring your topic to your audience isn’t just important; it’s everything when it comes to persuasion. After all, if you don’t know who you’re talking to, how will you grab their attention? Imagine chatting about quantum physics with a room full of poets or discussing poetry at a tech conference. See the mismatch? Choosing the right persuasive speech topic means finding one that resonates deeply with your listeners’ lives and experiences.
To analyze your audience effectively, you’re going to want to do a little digging ahead of time.
- Dig into Demographics: Age, occupation, education level—these aren’t just numbers and titles; they’re clues into what might spark interest.
- Catch the Cultural Cues: What cultural backgrounds are present in your audience? Understanding their cultural fabric can influence what makes them laugh, what they hold sacred, and even the subjects that might be touchy.
- Tune into their Concerns: What keeps them up at night? Whether it’s climate change or personal finance, aligning your speech here can keep your audience engaged.
In essence, knowing your audience means respecting them enough to make sure they walk away feeling heard and understood rather than preached at or overlooked. And guess what? When folks feel respected and valued, they listen more closely.
Exploring Persuasive Speech Topics
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out on your public speaking journey, choosing persuasive speech topics that resonate with audiences can feel difficult. However, knowing who’s sitting in your audience can make that decision a lot easier. Analyzing your audience ensures that your message hits home and sparks interest and debate. Consider some of the categories below as you brainstorm your speech topic.
- Current Events and Social Issues: Hot off the press. These topics are fresh, relevant, and have everyone talking already. You’re halfway there.
- Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Questions: Moral dilemmas offer rich soil for persuasion because they invite listeners to explore their values.
- Technology and Innovation: Tech shapes our future every day. Discuss its impacts or ethical considerations for endless engagement.
- Health and Wellness: This area touches everyone’s life at some point. From diet fads to healthcare policies—if it affects well-being, people want to hear about it.
- Educational Reform and Policy Changes: Schools shape societies’ futures; thus discussions around education reforms carry weight for many listeners looking toward tomorrow’s promise.
Your chosen topic doesn’t need to be grandiose or controversial. Sometimes simplicity speaks volumes more than we give it credit for. When crafting your persuasive speech, the goal is simply to choose a topic that both informs and transforms perspectives.
Current Events and Social Issues
Diving into the realm of current events and societal debates has the power to transform a decent speech into one that lingers in memory. Why? By engaging with present-day events and societal dilemmas, we are moved, provoked, and occasionally our perspectives on life are profoundly altered.
So, let’s dive right in. Here are some persuasive speech topics that are not just timely but packed with potential to spark debate, drive change, or at least get people thinking.
- Climate Change: It’s been talked about for years, but with wildfires raging and ice caps melting it’s a more critical topic than ever. How can we not only stop but reverse the damage?
- Social Justice Movements: From Black Lives Matter to Stop Asian Hate, these movements have stirred conversations worldwide. In what ways are governments expected to step up and guarantee fairness among their citizens? How can each person pitch in meaningfully to support these vital movements?
- The Tech Takeover: Technology is shaping our future, but at what cost? Let’s talk digital privacy rights or AI ethics.
- Mental Health Awareness: With a global pandemic throwing life as we know it out of balance, mental health has taken center stage. How do we build societies that support mental wellness?
Right now, we’re smack in the middle of events that will fill history books for generations to come. Each of these topics isn’t just relevant; they’re urgent. But remember this: while diving deep into any of them could make for powerful persuasive speeches, always aim for empathy over controversy.
Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Questions
We live in an era teeming with issues ripe for debate—climate change action versus economic growth challenges; genetic engineering marvels against ethical quandaries; digital age freedoms wrestling with security needs—the list goes on. Persuasive essay topics that deal with ethical dilemmas and moral questions can be great ways to challenge your audience—and even yourself. Take a look:
- Government Surveillance: Is it a necessary protection or an invasion of privacy?
- Vaccine Mandates: Is it a public health safety net or a personal freedom infringement?
- Data Privacy vs. Technological Advancement: Where do we draw the line?
- Artificial Intelligence: Should machines have rights like humans do?
Good persuasive speeches do more than wade through facts. They spark engaging dialogues, challenge people’s beliefs, and maybe even alter their viewpoints. Exploring persuasive speech topics about ethics and morality forces us to dig deeper and frequently nudges us beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. But here’s the kicker: they also make your speech unforgettable.
Technology and Innovation
Technology’s relentless pace has us all on our toes, wondering what’s next. As a result, it gives us plenty of persuasive speech topics to consider.
- AI Ethics: Artifical intelligence can be a force for good, but it can also have negative outcomes, like the loss of jobs. Should it be regulated? If so, how?
- Data Privacy: What responsibility do corporations have to consumers when it comes to data privacy? This would be a great topic to explore data and privacy rights.
- Gene Editing: Thanks to technology like CRISPR, it’s now possible to edit genetic code. But is it ethical to edit the genes of humans, either born or unborn? How far is too far?
- Elon’s Mars Mission: Is exploring other planets our human duty or a waste of resources?
With technology moving faster than legislation can keep up, posing these questions is vital. Without scrutiny, technology can quickly become a dangerous tool, so it’s important to spend time exploring its implications. Whether you’re prepping for your next persuasive speech or simply want to stay informed, digging into these topics is a great way to keep your audience engaged and informed.
Health and Wellness
When it comes to persuasive speech topics, health-related issues pack a punch like no other because, well, who isn’t interested in living their best life? In addition, it’s a topic that everyone can easily relate to because our well-being is something that we all think about. As far the specific issue you choose, you’ll want to look back on the research you did on your audience. Are they fitness buffs looking for the next challenge or parents concerned about family nutrition? Tailor your topic accordingly.
- Effects of the Pandemic: Dive into how global pandemics reshape public health policies.
- Mental Health: In what capacity is mental health affected by technology? Is social media a concern? If so, what steps should parents take to protect themselves and their children in an increasingly digital world?
- Artificial Intelligence: Chat about wearable tech transforming personal wellness or AI’s role in advancing healthcare solutions.
- Educational Reform & Policy Changes: Debate the necessity of nutritional education in schools or argue for more accessible healthcare services.
Health is a great topic for persuasive speeches because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s wanting good health—not just for us but generations to come.
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Education Reform and Policy Changes
Schooling serves as the cornerstone for nurturing groundbreaking advancements, fostering fairness, and upholding democratic values. However, these days, many are calling for education reform . These voices challenge us to question norms, imagine new possibilities, and rally for collective action. Of course, not everyone sees eye-to-eye on what needs changing in our schools or how to do it. So before you pick one of the topics below, again, make sure you understand who you’re talking to. That’s step one towards making an impact.
- Standardized Testing: How necessary is it and who really benefits from it?
- Educational Funding: What is causing funding inequities between rich and poor districts? How might this be addressed? What solutions have been tried and have they worked?
- School Curriculum: How should schools implement inclusive curriculums reflecting diverse histories and experiences?
Before change can occur, questions must be asked. By posing questions about the state of education in the U.S., you can challenge what people really know about the system in place. And who knows? You just might surprise yourself by what you find.
Exploring persuasive speech topics is the first step towards delivering a memorable speech. When you understand the power behind every word and meet your audience’s expectations, you can craft messages that resonate.
Potential topics range from current events to technology and innovation. Even ethical dilemmas can turn into a great persuasive speech when handled carefully. Similarly, speaking on health and wellness turns personal goals into universal concerns that are sure to grip your audience. Last but not least, educational reform provides plenty of room for conversation, as it’s sure to affect generations to come.
These aren’t just topics, though. When you stand before an audience next time around, remember: you’re not just delivering a speech—you’re igniting change one word at a time.
- Last Updated: June 12, 2024
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237 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics and Guide
A persuasive speech is a speech written and delivered to convince people of the speaker’s viewpoint. It uses words to make the audience ‘see’ the speaker’s point of view and to ‘sway’ them into agreeing with it.
It is not a simple matter of presenting gathered facts and evidence. More than just seeing why the speaker thinks that way, a persuasive speech tries to persuade the audience in accepting that line of thought and make it the way they, too, think.
To jump to the persuasive speech topic section, click here .
This is where it differs from an argument. The difference between an argumentative and persuasive speech is that one tries to prove a point while the other tries to affect the listener’s perspective.
- Informative Speech Topics and Ideas
- Toastmasters Project 9: Persuade With Power
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Visualization, writing introduction for persuasive speech, persuasive speech videos, persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics about animals and pets, persuasive speech topics about automobiles, persuasive speech topics about education, persuasive speech topics about environment, persuasive speech topics about ethical issues, persuasive speech topics about food, persuasive speech topics about health.
Some examples of a persuasive speech are sales pitch, the speech of politicians, the speech of environmentalists, the speech of feminists, the speech of animal activists, etc.
In the above examples, you must have noticed that all these kind of speech has a goal. A sales pitch is to get you to buy something, politicians give speeches to get you to vote for them, and environmentalists, feminists, and animal activists have a cause to advocate. They all want you to ‘do’ something.
Action is a persuasive speech’s end goal. Ultimately, the speaker wants to persuade you to do something. And why would you do that?
Say, an environmentalist wants people to re-cycle because they think or know that it is good for the environment. Now, it is the people who need to know and think recycling is good for the environment. Only then they would recycle.
Therefore, a more complete definition of a persuasive speech would be “Speech that convinces the audience of a certain idea to inspire them into the desired action.”
Art of Persuasion
Persuasive speech is an art form.
Take an example of a man who was begging in the street. He had a hat in front of him and a sign that said “I am blind, please help” He got a few coins. Then, a lady came along, turned the sign around, and wrote something. A lot more people started to give the man money. His hat was filled with coins. What did that lady write? What persuaded people to give?
“Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.”
The second line got him more money because it ‘affected’ people, it appealed to their emotions more than the straightforward “I am blind, please help.” This is called pathos.
According to Aristotle, there are three components of or modes to affect people. They are Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.
Ethos in layman’s terms is credibility or authority. The dictionary defines it as “the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.” So, you need to have that disposition that makes you a reliable or trustable person.
For example, a woman talking about women’s problems is more likely to have an effect on the audience than a male speaker. The principal comes into the class and tells you ‘Tomorrow is a holiday and no questions will be asked. But if your teacher says so, you will investigate first. You will be more eager to listen to a popular person in the field than to a newbie.
It is having an effect on people by your person so that they would be more receiving of you.
Pathos in Greek means ‘suffering’ or ‘experience’. It is generally defined as an appeal to people’s emotions. Like in the story of the blind boy above, Pathos is to tap into people’s experience of suffering in order to move them towards a certain action.
Of course, those people have not experienced blindness but they can imagine losing the privilege of sight that they now possess. In simple words, it is to evoke feelings of pity, fear, anger, and such.
Logos is the logical appeal. This is to persuade by the means of reasoning. If the speaker makes a claim such as ‘polythene bags should be banned, then he should give a reason as to ‘why’ like ‘polythene bags do not biodegrade and continue to pollute the environment or facts like ‘Thousands of bags are produced every week and are dumped somewhere after use’ or ‘every bag produced since 19_ still exists somewhere on earth today.’
Presentation- Monroe’s motivated sequence
Presentation is very important. It is the backbone. How you perform your speech, how you deliver the words have the maximum effect on people. Therefore, a speech needs to be organized.
Monroe’s motivated sequence is a technique for organizing persuasive speech. It consists of the following steps.
Grab their attention. Start with a startling statement, an intriguing story, a dramatic action, anything that will make the audience take notice of you. This is also the introduction part. Hook them. Build their interest.
Now, convince the people that there is a problem. More than that, convince them that action needs to be taken against the problem, that it will not go away by itself. Tap into their imagination to show how this problem affects them. Use reasons and facts to support your claims and to impress upon them the need for change.
The audience should be looking forward to the ‘solution’ to the problem. They should want to know what they can do. In this step, introduce your solution. Demonstrate or give examples to make the audience understand how it works and how it solves the problem. Use testimonials or statistics to prove the effectiveness of that solution.
Paint a world where nothing was done and how it affected them. Also, paint a world where they did as you suggested and how it changed the situation for the better. Use vivid imagery to make them ‘feel’ the troubles and relief of not doing and doing as you said. Create a viable scenario. It should be relatable and believable.
Call to action. Strike when the iron is hot. It should be something that they can readily do and immediately. More the time passes less they are likely to follow with it as other things in life take precedence and the feeling of urgency is lost. Make it easy too. Do most of the handiwork so they have to put the least effort.
This is a classic technique developed by Alan Monroe in the mid-1930s. It is still the most effective basis for many persuasive speeches.
Some people are born with the skill of persuasion while others can build on it by applying such techniques and practicing. Here are some Persuasive Speech Topics that you can practice with.
Take a look at the video below. It explains how to write an introduction for a persuasive speech.
Below are 6 sample videos of persuasive speeches.
- Why homeschooling is good and should be promoted. (School)
Some students do better in a group with a healthy competition to keep them motivated. Some children are better off studying on their own, continuing at their own fast or slow pace which is hindered when moving along with other children.
- Students should get minimum of 45 minutes tiffin break. (School)
All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Keeping children cooped up in a room for a long is not good. They need regular refreshing breaks to revitalize, to talk with their friends…
- Is it racism to ban Marijuana when smoking tobacco is legal? (Funny)
Everybody knows cigarettes are harmful and addictive. Yet, there are big industries manufacturing these drugs on a large scale. Then there is Marijuana that is less harmful, less addictive, and has dozens of use; is it not racism to ban it?
- Some juveniles needs to be prosecuted as adults. (School?)
More and more teenagers are committing heinous crimes. They know they will get off easy, that they will not face serious consequences. According to the level of savagery committed, juveniles should at times be prosecuted as adults.
- Are pretty or handsome students really dumber? (School)
This is just a stereotype, just like saying women are less logical and others. Or. That appears to hold true in most cases. As time is limited, people who spend more time on appearance spend less time learning and those who spend time learning fails to look after their appearance.
- Proficiency in academics is not the only measure of intelligence. (School)
Are grades everything? Different people possess different types of intelligence but grades measure only a few kinds. Is it not like judging a fish on its ability to climb a tree?
- What is the right age to start owing a mobile phone? (Parenting)
Most parents believe that the right age to own mobile is when children can pay for it so that they can be aware of their expenditure. Else, they might engage in long, unnecessary conversation and…
- Should children be bought a mobile phone for emergencies? (Parenting)
Mobiles or cell phones are the fastest means of communication. Should children, therefore, be allowed to owe mobiles so that they can contact their guardians in case of emergency?
- Homework should be banned. (School)
Children spend most of their waking hours in school. They have only a few hours at the home to do things other than academics. But homework is the tag along with that…
- Should men pay child support even if pregnancy was a one sided decision? (Feminism)
If a woman decides to bear a child despite her partner’s protest, is he still obligated to provide monetary support upon divorce for the same reason?
- Laws should not be based on religion.
There are many religions. Their ideas vary. But the law should be uniform. Basing laws on certain religions is like forcing the ideas of that religion on every citizen.
- Birth controls should be free and easily available. (Feminism?)
If teen pregnancy is to be avoided, birth controls should be free and easily available with no parental permission required. Imagine asking your parents if you can have sex or parents permitting it. It is the same as unavailability of the contraceptives which takes us back to square one.
- Honking unnecessarily should be punishable.
Honking during a traffic jam is not going to clear it up. It only disturbs and aggravates everyone else. Honking at girls is offensive. Honking to bully is wrong. Honking unnecessarily like this should be considered criminal and punished.
- Divorced and happy parents is better for the children than living in a conflicted home.
Some parents stay together for the sake of their children but fail to get along. This creates a very tense environment and that is not how a home should be.
- Hiding your HIV status in a relationship should be punishable by law.
HIV is a serious disease with no cure available. If a person is aware of his/her HIV positivity, withholding the information and therefore transmitting it to the unsuspecting partner in the process is criminal.
- Legalization of prostitution has more positive effects than negative.
Stopping prostitution is impossible. They will continue to operate underground where they face many problems. Girls get trafficked, tricked, or forced into it. Making it legal will at least ensure safety and justice to the sex workers and will also help control forced labor.
- Schools should take bullying more seriously. / Why bullying is a serious offense. (School)
Bullying is very damaging to the victim and can take a very dangerous turn. But it is dismissed as children’s play in most cases. We don’t realize its seriousness until it is too late…
- Partial Birth Abortion is a sin.
In this method of abortion, a living baby is pulled out from the womb feet first. The base of the skull is punctured and the brain is removed with a powerful suction machine. This is no different from murder. It is usually allowed by law only in order to save the mother’s life but many healthy mothers’ babies are aborted this way every year…
- All institutions like schools, colleges and offices should start only after 10.
When such institutions start early, people need to wake up earlier for preparation. Waking up feeling unrested can make a person inactive, irritable, and unproductive. Scientists say that a person’s mind is not fully awake until 10 in the morning…
- Sexual relationship before marriage is not a crime.
Sex is a biological need and a healthy sex life has a lot of mental and physical benefits. If the partners involved are adults and there is mutual consent…
- School and teachers should stay away from student’s personal life. (School?)
Every institution has some rule. This rule should govern the members within the institution. But some schools like to take this beyond the school grounds and have control over what students do and do not in their personal time.
- Energy drinks should be considered borderline medicines. (Health)
Energy drinks provide added energy. So, it should only be consumed when your body lacks energy, in a weakened state, like medicine. Plus, it contains a lot of caffeine that does more harm than good…
- Parents should properly answer their children’s curiosities. (Parenting)
‘How does a baby come?’ children ask and parents tell them about gods and storks. This raises more questions and does nothing but confuse the child. Try to give an anatomically correct answer without being graphic. Never try to dismiss any of their questions or scold them…
- Euthanasia, is it ethical?
A person should get to choose whether they want to live or die in dire conditions. Or. Euthanasia is no different from suicide. Supporting euthanasia is like supporting suicide.
- Prospective parent(s) should get a psychiatric approval before adoption. (Parenting)
We want to find a home for every orphaned child but we want a happy home. There are many sick people out there who want to adopt a child only to abuse them or for some other kind of personal gain…
- Cigarettes should be illegal.
Cigarettes are like drugs and they should be illegal just like drugs are. It has adverse health effects on the smoker as well as people around him…
- Smoking in public places should be fined.
Cigarettes are very harmful and their harmful smoke does not affect the smoker alone. It affects the surrounding people as well. Not all people are suicidal that way. Why should they suffer? When one’s action harms the other, it is an offense.
- Are uniforms necessary?
Uniform brings uniformity. It eliminates frivolous fashion competition which is not what school is for… Or. Clothes are a form of expression. Students spend most of their time in school. They should be comfortable with what they wear…
- Number of children one can have should be limited and children with previous partner(s) counts.
Four from two, eight from four; population multiplies that way. Already, the earth has become so crowded. If this is to continue, we will rid this world of ourselves.
- Would it be ethical to genetically design babies? (Technology?)
Yes. Why not use science to cure diseases and eradicate the possibility of a child’s suffering? Or. This method can be misused to alter more than just a threat of diseases and that will disturb the diversity in the gene pool…
- ‘Living together’ relationships, good or bad?
Marriage cannot keep together those who want to go their separate ways and those who want to together do not need such a constitution.
- ‘Early to sleep, early to rise’ benefits.
They say ‘Early to sleep and early to rise makes a man healthy and wise.’ This was not said without a reason. Going to bed early and waking up early the next day have many benefits, for both our mind and body.
- Every property should compulsorily have trees. (Environment)
Trees produce oxygen and filters air. We need more trees. But the population is increasing. We are cutting down trees to erect concrete buildings instead…
- Fast foods are overpriced.
Fast foods like French fries, burgers, pizza, etc. cost way more than they actually should. The restaurants are ripping us off. Take fries for example…
- Using animals as test subjects is cruel and unfair. (Animal rights)
For you, it is one animal among many. But for that particular animal, one life is all it has and you have no right to play with it.
- Why Gay Marriage should be legalized. (Gay rights)
Homosexuality is not a disease. It is how people are. They want to marry their partner for the same reasons heterosexual couples do. Not legalizing gay marriage is discrimination…
- Marriage is not about procreation. (Gay rights)
One, almost logical, reason people give against gay marriage is that they cannot bear kids because of which it is definitely not natural/ biological or ‘how god intended’. But marriage is not about procreation. It is about you and your comfort or happiness, about who you want to spend the rest of your life with.
- Electronics are stealing childhood.
These days, children spend a lot of time on mobile phones, computers, or other electronic devices instead of running around, going out, and playing as a child should.
- Teens cannot be good parents. (School/ Parenting)
Some teens decide to start a family when the female partner gets pregnant. While this is seen as an admirable option against abortion, are teen parents really good for the kid?
- Ads should be tested for sexist messages before being aired. (Feminism)
Not only children but everyone learns from what they see and hear. The subliminal sexist messages in ads impart gender roles on their minds, undoing a lot of feminists’ efforts. But mostly, it brainwashes the coming generation and we should not allow that.
- Protection and breeding of white tigers is illogical; why hinder natural selection? (Environment/ Animal rights)
White tigers do not fare well in the wild due to their color. It was a case of mutation that would have naturally been eliminated if humans had not interfered. I am not saying all living white tigers must be killed but why are people breeding it in captivity instead of letting it die out? Just because they’re pretty and we like pretty?
- Exotic pets are not pets. (Animal rights)
Exotic animals belong in the wild. They need to be with their own kind, living in their natural habitat. They should not be isolated in people’s homes where their mobility is limited.
- Feminism should be made a compulsory subject in high school and college. (Feminism)
Feminism is an eye-opener. It is something every man and woman should know of. Thus, it should be a compulsory and common subject instead of being exclusive to Arts or few other faculty.
- Age 16 is not juvenile. (School?)
Are 16-year-olds really kids? Can they not be expected to know the difference between right and wrong? Maybe they do not know it is a crime to download songs and movies but what about rape and murder? If 16 is old enough to drive in most countries, it is old enough to be tried as an adult.
- Playing Video games for few hours does good. (School/ parenting?)
It has been found out that playing a few hours of video game help improve people’s hand-eye coordination and enhances cognitive power. Also, games based on real history or science can impart knowledge…
- Read before agreeing to sites and applications.
We download apps and software and signup on different sites. Each of these requires us to click ‘I agree’. We click this ‘I agree’ without actually reading the agreement. This can later cause problems…
- Is death penalty ethical?
It is not ethical to eliminate people like we try to eliminate diseases. What about human rights? Or. What kind of rights for the person who does not respect others’ rights and freedom? It is a befitting punishment.
- Send drug dealers to prison but addicts for rehabilitation.
Drug Addicts are victims too. They need rehabilitation, not prison. Dealers are the real criminals.
- Parents should cook tastier option instead of making children eat the healthy foods they don’t want.
If not meat then milk and pulses. There is a range of choices for the required nutrition. So why should children have to eat something they don’t like? Just give them a tastier option.
- If girls can wear pants, boys can wear skirts. (Funny?)
Is all equality fighting for girls only? What about boys’ rights? When girls can wear boys’ clothes why can boys not wear that of girls?
- Being slim is not just about looks but health too. (Health?)
Beauties were those who were plum. Now, skinny is the fashion. But to those who want to be ‘comfortable’ in their size, know that a slim body is more than just looks.
- There should be one holiday in the middle of workdays.
Saturday and Sunday’s rest do not keep us charged up to Friday. This makes people less productive by Thursday and Friday. A break in the middle would be wonderfully refreshing…
- Considering the real meaning behind Nursery Rhymes, should they be taught to children? (School)
The fun nursery rhyme “Ring around the Rosie” is actually about the bubonic plague that killed nearly 15% of the country. This is only an example among many. Consider the lyrics of “Three blind mice” that goes “… Who cut off their tails, With a carving knife.” Is it okay to teach these to the children?
- Countries should provide free Wi-Fi in tourist destinations.
Doing this will help tourists as they will be able to contact their people without wandering around confused in a foreign land. This will definitely increase the flow of both national and international tourists. It will be most helpful to students from abroad.
- Know the woes of genetically modified Chickens.
To meet the demand of the growing population, chickens are fed hormones and other drugs to make them grow faster and fat, especially the meat in the breast area. Because of this, the chickens cripple under their own weight. They suffer terribly…
- Children should be allowed to use electronics like mobile, notebooks etc. during breaks. (Students)
Using electronics during class is certainly bad and for a number of reasons. But break times belong to the students. Breaks are for recreation. If students choose to enjoy electronics, what is wrong with that?
- Teachers, too, should keep their mobiles in silent during class.
Class time is for teaching and learning. Students should keep their mobile in silence so as to not disturb the class. But, so should the teacher. They shouldn’t pick up their call during class.
- Humans are consuming way more salt than necessary. (Health)
Sodium is important. But the larger amount of sodium intake has often been associated with an increase in blood pressure that leads to strokes. 1500 to 2300mg is the maximum amount per day.
- Benefits of donating blood.
Donating blood is the right thing to do. It saves lives. There are a few moral reasons as such to donate blood but do you know that you are not losing anything either? Donating blood is good for your own health too…
- Why become an organ donor?
Perfectly healthy people die when trying to donate their organs to their loved ones. Even if they survive, they may have to face complications and they are now, somehow, deficient. If an organ could be got…
- Original organic fruits taste better than the hybrids.
Hybrid fruits are larger and juicer but it lacks in terms of taste. The taste tastes diluted…
- Why people who have should give.
Many people suffer from poverty. They have a hard time meeting basic needs like food, shelter, and clothes.
- Why suicide over ‘love troubles’ is stupid. (Students)
Life moves on. Time heals. Things will happen if you continue to live. But the exaggerated fictional idea of love that the movies market has…
- Why women should earn irrespective of their husband’s economic status. (Feminism)
Be independent. Money is power. Do not let anyone have an upper hand and be vulnerable to possible abuse…
- Recycle e-waste. (Environment)
E-waste contains many recoverable materials such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver etc. Reusing this will take a load off of natural resources. E-waste also contains toxins like mercury, lead, beryllium, and others that will inevitably infuse into soil and water.
- Do not tolerate abuse, speak out. (Feminism)
Certainly, nobody enjoys abuse? Then why do women continue to stay in abusive relationship despite being educated and holding a good job? Why do they tolerate other kinds of abuse as well? There are many reasons for this…
- Every citizen should be required to, at least, pass high school. (School)
Up to high school, the education is basic. Imagine needing to stop ocean pollution. An educated person would be more easily persuaded or would know why ocean pollution is bad. Or. There are good and bad people. Education will teach the good how to be good and may persuade the bad…
- Hostels, is it good or bad for children? (Parenting)
Hostels teach children independence. They learn to do a lot in their own. Or. No one can take better care of children than their parents. Children need parents’ love and support. Away in the hostel, surrounded by children no wiser than themselves…
- Teachers should discuss among themselves to avoid giving too much homework. (School)
After studying for hours in school, spending all the hours in-home doing homework will mentally tire the student. Homework should be very light. But light homework of all the teachers added will take up all of the students’ time. So…
- Importance of clubs in school or colleges. (School)
School and college clubs are the best way to learn different valuable skills in. In school and college-level clubs, the eligibility for membership is less strict and one gets to learn from the more skilled seniors.
- Should plastic surgery be so commercial?
Everyone wants to look good. When accidents or attacks disfigure us, we can turn to plastic surgery to try and gain back our lost selves. But intentionally altering ourselves to…
- Online piracy should be monitored more strictly.
People have a right to their intellectual property. It is so easy to find and download pirated materials that it seems non-criminal…
- Are single-sex schools better than coed? (School)
According to research done in Korea, students from single-sex schools scored better than those from coed and had more chances of pursuing college-level education. However, this is from a general viewpoint. When considering students at an individual level, it really depends on what kind of environment that particular student does better in.
- Spaying or neutering pets is good or bad? (Animal right)
Some say that neutering or spaying pets have a lot of benefits, both for the animal and the owner. Others say that neutering or spaying does not change much but only invites diseases upon the poor animal.
- Are master’s degree or doctorate really necessary? (Students)
High School teaches us the basics and a bachelor is more career-oriented. We can get a good job after bachelor and hone our skills for a better position. Is a master’s and higher degree really important when we can learn more in the field?
- Who is more responsible for poaching? Poachers or buyers? (Animal right)
This may be an ‘egg first or chicken question. Scientists have now found out that chickens come first but the question ‘Poacher or buyers’ remains.
- What kind of food should school or college canteen offer? (Student)
From unhealthy commercial food items to unappetizing bland gibberish; can school or college canteens not offer an in-between option? What would be best for the students?
- What age is proper to talk about the birds and the bees? (Parenting)
From the time a child starts asking about sex is the time from when to start talking about the birds and the bees. Children as young as 4-5 years old are curious about where a baby comes from. Answer them truthfully but avoid being graphic. Also, answer only what they ask.
- Fee for facilities aside, the tuition fee should be fixed by the government. (Student)
Schools and colleges take a ridiculous amount of tuition fees. It is understandable that according to the facilities provided, the fee may be less or more but the tuition fee, at least, should be a fixed amount that greedy schools cannot increase as they wish.
- How long should a drunk driver lose his license for?
Drinking and driving can be fatal to both the driver and an innocent passerby. But people do not take it seriously. They think they can handle their liquor and end up causing accidents. This is absolute carelessness.
- The amount of water one should drink per day. (Health)
About 60% of the human body is water. We continually lose this water through skin and urine. This causes dehydration…
- Aliens exist. (Paranormal)
There have been many UFO sightings and stories of alien abduction. Even in the old age paintings, cave paintings, Sanskrit scrolls, the extraterrestrial life form is evident. Scientists have found other habitable planets. An intelligent life form somewhere other than Earth is no longer an idea of a fantasist…
- White meat over red meat or the other way around? (Health)
White meat is less fatty but red meat contains more vitamins like zinc, iron, and B vitamins…
- Why religion and science should go hand in hand. / Why religion should evolve with scientific discoveries. (Philosophy)
Science explores the universe for answers while religion makes claims about it. Science is open to change, it acknowledges that it can err and backs its claims with evidence. Religion on the other hand is a ‘belief’ system
- Should astrologers, mediums and the likes be arrested for fraud? (Paranormal)
Do heavenly bodies really affect our personality or future? Do dead ones really become spirits and can be contacted through mediums? Or are these all just a big hoax?
- Cats or dogs?
Are you a cat person or a dog person? Say why a dog is better than a cat as a pet or that cat makes a better pet.
- Benefits of eating fruit over drinking its juice. (Health)
There is a whole fruit and we throw away more than half of the substance when choosing to drink its juice even though eating the fruit itself is healthier because of the fiber it contains.
- Women shouldn’t have to change their last name after marriage. (Feminism)
Having to change our last name after marriage is sexist. It confirms the power males hold over the women in our patriarchal society.
- Internet promotes communication, not kill it.
Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, messenger, and others keep us in contact with many friends that we would otherwise have forgotten. It is an easy means of communication…
- Does pressure build or break a person?
Pressure is healthy. It drives us. Or. Yes. Pressure drives us. It drives us nuts.
- Hiring volunteers on zero pay is cruel.
Volunteers are those who want to donate labor. They need not be paid for their work but what about their expenses like transportation and others? These kinds of expenses, at least, should be covered.
- Learning multiple language widens our perception of the world.
There are always those words that cannot be exactly translated to another language. This is because that way of thinking does not exist in that other language. It is like the egg of Cristopher. We discover a new way of expressing ourselves, one we couldn’t think of in the limitation of our own language.
- Oceans are not trash bins. (Environment)
Tons of human waste are thrown into the ocean. This is creating a big problem in the ocean ecosystem…
- Killing for fun is inhuman, hunting is inhuman. (Animal rights)
How to have fun with animals? By playing with them, baby talking to them, watching them in their weird but fun action. Not by chasing them down and killing them.
- Cigarette, alcohol or drugs are not the answer for stress or other problems in life.
People tend to depend on harmful substances like cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs when faced with a problem or when under stress. These substances do not cure stress but could be a self-harming method of coping with problems. People under stress tend to show more unhealthy behaviors such as these…
- Music heals.
On hearing good music, the brain releases dopamine. Dopamine is an essential chemical that plays a number of important roles in the brain and body. Music has also proven effective against stress…
- Why breakfast is the important meal of the day. (Health)
Breakfast is the first meal after a long gap during the night. It provides us with vital nutrients like calcium, vitamins, minerals, and energy…
- Fairytales should be re-written for the next generation children.
Fairytales often star a damsel in distress who not only ‘waits’ for a handsome rescuer but also possesses subjugating qualities like obedience, daintiness, etc. It imparts sexist values in young minds…
- How a time table can help manage our daily lives.
People do not realize how time table can make our day-to-day lives much more manageable and therefore fruitful or efficient. Some find it tedious and some pretentious…
- Everyone should learn swimming.
Swimming is not just for fun like cycling. It could save someone’s life. It is an important survival skill that everyone should know of.
- Good thoughts lead to good actions.
Our actions result from our thoughts. Action is a mind’s reflection…
- Benefits of meditation. (Health)
Meditation has a lot of benefits, both on body and mind. It reduces stress, improves concentration, reduces irritability, increases perseverance, etc…
- Zoos are not big enough for wild animals. (Animal rights)
How large can you make a zoo? And how can it mimic nature when different animals are confined separately. Wild animals belong in the wild.
Some more Persuasive Speech Topics:
- Why is adopting a pet better than buying one?
- How does having a pet better your everyday life?
- Having a snake as a pet is as cool as it sounds
- Should you get rid of a pet that harms another person?
- Is breeding pets for sale unethical?
- Selfies with animals in tourist locations should be made equal
- A dog is the perfect pet
- Why a pet is essential for a growing child
- Owning a pet makes you healthier
- Slaughterhouses are unethical
- Animals are facing extinction, we should do something about it
- Why wild animals should be left in the wild
- Petting exotic animals should be made illegal
- Why dolphin farming is horrific
- The Yulin Dog festival displays one of the worst sides of humans
- Why neutering your pets is wrong
- Advantages of owning a horse(besides looking fantastic)
- People need to stop fueling pug markets.
- Is animal slaughter for religious purposes ethical?
- Manual drivers are unnecessarily aggressive about their cars
- Why you should not drive without a kid seat
- Why sports cars are not worth it
- If you can’t call while driving, then why is there a hands-free mode?
- New ideas for lessons drivers have to take before getting a license
- Should you charge people for driving tests?
- Why cycling is cooler than driving
- Why traffic rules are designed against bike rides
- Driving licenses should need a renewal every 5 years
- Why co-ed education is the best way to teach
- GPA isn’t everything
- 9.30 is too early
- Why teachers need to be recertified
- Listening to music during exams should be allowed
- Should sports and arts be mandatory?
- Does our school curriculum need obligatory life skill classes?
- Phones in classes are beneficial and convenient
- Every student should be encouraged to take a gap year
- Cyber-bullying should be punished the same as bullying
- Why art classes are just as important as science
- School canteens need to serve healthier alternatives
- More institutes should promote nternational exchange programs
- Curriculums should be designed with the job market in mind
- Textbooks are overpriced and should be replaced with digital alternatives
- Should religion be taught in schools?
- Is repeating classes beneficial for underperforming students?
- Students should not have to ask to use the restroom
- Is having a handwriting class beneficial?
- Is there a point to giving homework?
- Education needs to be available in prisons
- We are being overcharged for education
- Online learning should be held to equal importance as schools
- Are teachers paid enough?
- Is there room for commercial advertisement in schools?
- Are study halls still relevant?
- Are our children safe at school?
- School trips are a waste of money
- Educational institutes should be more welcoming to technological changes
- Schools should teach multiple languages
- Public schools are better than private schools
- Why meditation should be included in the daily curriculum
- Are scholarships reaching the right people?
- Current environmental laws are insufficient
- Green energy is the future
- The environmental impact of palm oil
- The environmental impact of single-use bags
- Fishing restrictions need to be stricter
- Oil spills are deadly to marine life
- Leaving fossil fuels behind
- Pollution has reached alarming levels
- Garden owners should be allowed to grow exotic plants
- Switch to hybrid cars to help the environment
- Rainforests are going extinct at an alarming rate
- Why natural resources are quickly going extinct
- Alternative energy sources should be pushed by governments
- Euthanasia should be legalized
- Why eating meat does not make me a bad person
- Can true equality ever really be achieved?
- Is messing with unborn children’s genetics ethical?
- Stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason
- Animal testing is a necessary part of production
- Why we need to stop producing and buying fur
- Prostitution should be legalized
- Doping and it’s place in sports
- Why workplace relationships should be avoided
- Is religion a cult?
- Should prayers be included in schools?
- Parents should not be able to choose the sex of their unborn child
- Donating to charities is a scam
- Aborting fetuses with birth defects is not immoral
- Wars have positive consequences as well
- Why genital mutilation in infants needs to be stopped
- Conventional beauty standards are misleading
- China’s One-child policy was a good idea for population control
- Animal testing and why it is immoral
- Why banning cigarettes and alcohol from advertisements is not effective
- Sugar is added to everything we eat
- Children should be taught to cook
- Why growing your own food will help both you and the environment
- Peanuts: The secret superfood
- We should be more open to genetically engineered food products
- The proper way to dispose your food waste
- The loopholes in labelling laws
- Keto goes against the natural human evolution
- Artificial chemicals in our food products is harming us
- The legal age for contraceptive treatment should be lowered
- Fast food is slowly killing you
- How positive thinking can change your life
- Breakfast isn’t the most important meal of the day
- Stomach stapling should not be normalized
- If you don’t wear a seat belt, you are putting yourself at great risk
- How diabetes can affect your work
- How daily exercise can change your life
- Stress as the leading cause of teen suicide
- Diet pills are a scam
- Body shaming is putting lives at risk
- Contraceptive education is an effective solution for teen pregnancy
- There is such a thing as too much soda
- Free condom distribution at schools is better than teaching about abstinence
- The toothpick you pick matters
- Surrogacy should be more widely accepted
- Why insomnia should be taken as a more serious health concern
- Helmets and seatbeat save lives
- Restaurants need to be more vigilant about handling allergies
- How Big Pharma is controlling your life
- The medical field is criminally underfunded
- We are eating too much salt
- Organ donation should be an opt-out system
- The dangers of an anti-vaxxers movement
- Why fire drills are ineffective
- Why you need to take that vacation
- Good sleep is underrated
- Why vaping is not a better alternative
- Your stress is killing you
- It is not healthy for children to be vegetarians
- Parents don’t need to be informed about underage abortions
- Donating blood should be encouraged early
- How much do you know about what’s in your food
I hope you find the tips for persuasive speech and persuasive speech topics useful. Let me what you think of them by commenting below.
100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
- Homework Tips
- Learning Styles & Skills
- Study Methods
- Time Management
- Private School
- College Admissions
- College Life
- Graduate School
- Business School
- Distance Learning
- M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
- B.A., History, Armstrong State University
If you are planning a persuasive speech, you should think about a topic that can engage your audience. For this reason, you may want to consider a few topics before settling on the one that allows you to be more descriptive and entertaining.
Another important factor when picking a persuasive speech topic is to choose one that can provoke your audience. If you stir up a little emotion in your audience members, you'll keep their attention.
The list below is provided to help you brainstorm. Choose a topic from this list, or use it to generate an idea of your own. It could even be an idea that opposes the proposed example. For instance, instead of arguing American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law, you could argue why this shouldn't be the case.
How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic
Persuasive speeches are generally meant to convince an audience to agree with an idea you present. The topics can range from political to scientific or societal, and professional to personal—or even fun. They can be almost anything.
Just remember, a persuasive speech is different than a persuasive essay because you are presenting to an audience. So as you decide on a topic, think about your audience and decide on a subject matter that will be appropriate, compelling, and engaging to discuss. Perhaps it's a timely issue attracting a lot of news coverage, or maybe you want to be motivational and encourage a healthy activity. Whatever it is, structure your argument with a hook to capture attention , a clear definition of the topic or issue, and finally, your proposed solution or opinion.
100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics
- Studying martial arts is good for mind and health.
- Competitive sports can teach us about life.
- Reality shows are exploiting people.
- Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students.
- The characteristics that make a person a hero.
- It's important to grow things in a garden.
- Violent video games are dangerous.
- Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.
- Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
- Journal writing is therapeutic.
- You should spend time with your grandparents.
- A laptop is better than a tablet.
- Religion and science can go hand in hand.
- School uniforms are good.
- All-female colleges and all-male colleges are bad.
- Multiple-choice tests are better than essay tests .
- We should not spend money on space exploration.
- Open-book tests are as effective as closed-book tests.
- Security cameras keep us safer.
- Parents should have access to students' grades.
- Small classes are better than big classes.
- You need to start saving for retirement now.
- Credit cards are harmful to college students.
- We should have a royal family.
- We should protect endangered animals.
- Texting while driving is dangerous.
- You can write a novel.
- Recycling should be required in the U.S.
- State colleges are better than private colleges.
- Private colleges are better than state colleges.
- We should do away with penny coins.
- Fast food containers hurt the environment.
- Plastic straws are harmful to the environment.
- You can eat and enjoy healthy snacks.
- You can become a millionaire.
- Dogs are better pets than cats.
- You should own a bird.
- It's unethical to keep birds in cages.
- Liberal arts degrees prepare graduates to be better workers than other degrees.
- Hunting animals should be banned.
- Football is a dangerous sport.
- School days should start later.
- Night school is better than day school.
- Technical training is better than a college degree.
- Immigration laws should be more lenient.
- Students should be able to choose their schools.
- Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
- Grass lawns should be prohibited.
- Sharks should be protected.
- We should do away with cars and go back to horse and carriage for transportation.
- We should use more wind power.
- We should pay more taxes.
- We should do away with taxes.
- Teachers should be tested like students.
- We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries.
- Every student should join a club.
- Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
- People should stay married for life.
- Smoking in public should be illegal.
- College students should live on campus .
- Parents should let students fail.
- Giving to charity is good.
- Education makes us happier people.
- The death penalty should be outlawed.
- Bigfoot is real.
- We should increase train travel to save the environment.
- We should read more classic books.
- Fame is bad for young children.
- Athletes should stay loyal to teams.
- We should reform our prisons.
- Juvenile offenders should not go to boot camps.
- Abraham Lincoln was the best president.
- Abraham Lincoln gets too much credit.
- Students should be allowed to have cell phones in elementary, middle, and high school.
- College student-athletes should be paid for playing.
- Elderly citizens on fixed income should receive free public transportation.
- Colleges and universities should be free to attend.
- All American citizens should complete one year of community service.
- Students should be required to take Spanish language classes.
- Every student should be required to learn at least one foreign language .
- Marijuana should be legal for recreational use nationwide.
- Commercial testing of products on animals should no longer be allowed.
- High school students should be required to participate in at least one team sport.
- The minimum drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
- Replacing fossil fuels with cheaper alternative energy options should be mandated.
- Churches need to contribute their share of taxes.
- The Cuba embargo should be maintained by the U.S.
- America should replace income taxes with a nationwide flat tax.
- Once they reach the age of 18, all U.S. citizens should be automatically registered to vote .
- Doctor-assisted suicide should be legal.
- Spammers—people who bombard the internet with unsolicited email—should be banned from sending junk mail.
- Every automobile driver should be required to take a new driver's test every three years.
- Electroshock treatment is not a humane form of therapy.
- Global warming is not real.
- Single-parent adoption should be encouraged and promoted.
- Gun companies should be held accountable for gun crimes.
- Human cloning is not moral.
- Religion does not belong in public education.
- Juveniles should not be tried as adults.
- American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law.
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121 Top Persuasive Speech Topics
Ever found yourself tongue-tied when trying to convince someone of your brilliant idea? Or maybe you’re just looking for a topic that will spark lively debate in your next class or meeting. A powerful persuasive speech can change minds, influence decisions, and even inspire action. But where do you start?
This blog features 121 persuasive speech topics carefully selected to cover a wide range of interests, from current events and social issues to personal beliefs and ethical dilemmas.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?
A good topic is one that you, as the speaker, are passionate about. Your enthusiasm will naturally shine through, making your speech more engaging and persuasive. If you genuinely believe in what you’re saying, your audience is more likely to be swayed by your arguments. A persuasive speech is not just about presenting facts; it’s about connecting with your audience on an emotional level and inspiring them to see things from your perspective.
A good persuasive speech topic sparks interest and encourages critical thinking. It should be a subject that people care about, with actual implications and potential for debate. A complex topic with multiple facets allows for deeper exploration and the opportunity to present a well-rounded argument. Controversial topics that aren’t black and white are particularly effective as they invite diverse perspectives and encourage the audience to question their assumptions.
Equally important is the availability of credible evidence to support your claims. A strong persuasive speech relies on factual information from reputable sources, not just personal opinions or anecdotes. The ability to back up your arguments with solid evidence adds weight to your message and makes it more convincing.
121 Persuasive Speech Topics
Crafting a truly compelling persuasive speech requires a delicate balance. It’s a challenge to discover a topic that both captivates your audience and genuinely excites you. Your chosen subject should be fresh, unique, and thought-provoking, yet it must avoid crossing the line into offense. This balancing act can make finding the perfect topic feel like an elusive pursuit.
To help you on this journey, we’ve curated a list of persuasive speech topics, thoughtfully organized by category. This diverse assortment aims to spark your creativity and lead you toward a subject that resonates deeply with both you and your listeners.
Arts and culture
- Is graffiti art?
- Should art classes be mandatory for all students?
- Should we continue reading classic literature that is offensive?
- Should there be a distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ literature?
- Are romcoms and erotica series like Fifty Shades of Grey empowering for women?
- Is reading actually more beneficial than watching TV or playing video games?
- Is there any benefit or relevance to teaching high school students Shakespeare?
- Should video games be considered a high form of entertainment?
- Are biopics of deceased musicians and artists ethical?
- Is modern music really worse than old?
- Should paparazzi be banned and unable to sell their photos?
- Should post-secondary education be free?
- Should a year between high school and college be mandatory?
- Is it fair to take cell phones away from kids in middle/high school while they are in class?
- Should school uniforms be mandatory in all high schools?
- Should cursive writing still be taught in schools?
- Do fraternities and sororities actually serve their purpose?
- Should programming and coding be introduced to young students?
- Should school lunches be free?
- Is college/university necessary anymore?
- Does the education system prepare students for adult life?
- Should gyms be mandatory for all students?
- Should schools do a better job teaching students a second language?
- Should schools teach sign language?
- What age should students be taught sex education?
- Should distant learning be encouraged or avoided at all costs?
- Is animal testing ethical?
- Is drinking coffee unethical?
- Are animal shelters that allow euthanization ethical?
- Should more people try to adopt a vegetarian/vegan diet?
- Is the death penalty ethical?
- Can racism ever truly be eliminated?
- Can the prison system genuinely contribute to the improvement and rehabilitation of individuals?
- Should justice systems and incarceration facilities focus on rehabilitation over punishment?
- Should cosmetic plastic surgery be covered by insurance?
- Are morals objective or subjective?
- Should zoos and circuses be banned?
- Should fur coats be illegal?
- Are censorship laws ethical?
- Is it ethical to genetically modify embryos?
- How should we address the homelessness crisis, and who is responsible for it?
- Should minors who commit violent crimes be charged and tried as adults?
Environment
- Can we ever live in a truly ‘green’ and environmentally friendly society?
- Should plastic water bottles be banned?
- Are businesses responsible for implementing environmentally friendly production and products?
- Should there be a carbon tax?
- Should electric cars be mandatory in the near future?
- Should we switch to entirely renewable energy?
- Do low-income families have the same duty to be eco-conscious as high-income families do? Should plastic bags and single-use plastic be completely banned?
- Should car racing be banned?
- Should fast fashion be banned?
- Is capitalism a functional, ethical economic system?
- Should everyone, despite their income, be taxed at the same rate?
- Can we introduce another economic system to our society?
- Should each state, the federal government, or individual companies be responsible for setting living wages?
- Should the minimum wage be doubled?
- Should everyone adapt to the four-day workweek?
- Should people who make under a certain amount per year not be taxed at all?
- Should governments encourage and reward people for shopping locally?
- Should advertisements be banned during TV and media programming aimed at kids?
- Has modern consumerism gone too far?
- Do we actually live in a truly democratic society?
- Should there be a minimum wage or a living wage?
- Should the legal voting age be decreased?
- Does the pay gap exist?
- Are younger politicians more effective?
- Should there be stricter gun laws?
- Should presidents be able to serve more than two terms?
- Should everyone get the day off to vote?
- Should political party funding be regulated?
- Should political smear campaigns be banned?
- Is there political bias in mainstream media?
- Should you date someone with opposing political views?
- Is the government spending too much on the military sector?
- Are individuals solely responsible for their own health?
- Should prescription medications be free?
- Should sugary drinks like pop be taxed at higher rates?
- Should Starbucks be allowed to advertise its high-calorie and high-sugar drinks?
- Should the government regulate the prices of fruits and vegetables?
- Should fast-food restaurants regulate and reduce their portions?
- Should gym memberships be free?
- Should the government change and restructure the workweek to reduce stress?
- Should nurses be paid more?
- Should smoking be banned?
- Should insurance companies fully cover rehabilitation stays for health issues such as eating disorders?
- Should the pay for professional teams be based on audience viewership?
- Are professional sports getting too violent?
- Are athletes overpaid?
- Is cheerleading empowering or exploitative?
- Should children be allowed to compete in competitive sports?
- Should we spend millions on the Olympic Games?
- Do people place too much importance on high school and college football?
- Should alcohol and tobacco ads be banned during sports?
- Is betting on sports teams ethical?
- Should high school and college athletes be paid?
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 use damaging real-life interactions?
- Is social media distorting democracy?
Science and 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 in cancer research?
- Should cloning be illegal?
- Should societies colonize other planets?
- Should there be legal oversight of technology development?
- Should students sing Christmas carols, say the pledge of allegiance, or perform other tangentially religious activities?
- Should nuns and priests assume 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?
- What makes a hero?
- Are we headed toward World War III?
- Did humans really land on the moon?
- Are serial killers born or made?
- Can good and evil be separated neatly?
- Is canceling culture a positive or negative thing?
- Can money buy happiness?
- How to become a millionaire?
- How to become more confident?
- How to live to be 100?
- How to survive an apocalypse?
- Do extraterrestrial beings exist?
- Why should students start investing at 16?
- The true history of… (events of your choice, such as the Chernobyl disaster, the Black Plague, Salem Witch Trials, etc.)
How to Choose a Persuasive Speech Topic?
It’s essential to choose a topic that not only interests you but also resonates with your audience. Begin by brainstorming ideas that you are passionate about or issues you feel strongly about. Consider current events, social issues, or controversial topics that spark debate.
Narrow down your options by researching the potential topics. Gather information from reputable sources to ensure you have enough material to support your arguments. Evaluate the relevance and significance of each topic for your target audience. A persuasive speech should aim to inform, influence, or motivate the listeners, so choose a topic that will engage them.
After narrowing your choices, analyze the feasibility of each topic. Consider the time limit for your speech and the resources available for research. Choose a topic that you can adequately address within the given time frame and for which you can gather sufficient evidence to support your claims.
Most importantly, choose the topic that you believe will have the most impact on your audience. A persuasive speech should leave a lasting impression, so choose a topic that you can present with conviction and enthusiasm. Consider the potential counterarguments and be prepared to address them effectively. With careful consideration and research, you can choose a persuasive speech topic that will captivate your audience and leave them pondering your message.
10 Elements of a Good Persuasive Speech Topic
A persuasive speech aims to convince the audience to agree with your viewpoint. To achieve this, a well-written persuasive speech incorporates several key elements:
1. Compelling topic
The foundation of a persuasive speech lies in choosing a topic that is relevant, interesting, and has the potential to spark debate. It should be a subject you are passionate about and knowledgeable about, as this will enhance your credibility and enthusiasm.
2. Clear thesis statement
A concise and well-defined thesis statement serves as the backbone of the speech. It clearly outlines your stance on the topic and provides an outlook for the arguments that will follow.
3. Strong introduction
The introduction is crucial to capture the audience’s attention and establish your credibility. It should begin with a hook, such as a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, or a relevant anecdote, to pique the audience’s interest.
4. Well-structured body
The body of the speech is where you’ll present your arguments and supporting evidence. Each argument should be logically organized and supported by credible sources, statistics, examples, or personal anecdotes.
5. Effective use of rhetorical devices
Rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, rhetorical questions, and analogies can enhance the impact of the speech and make it more persuasive. They help to emphasize key points, create emotional appeal, and engage the audience.
6. Appealing to emotions (pathos)
Connecting with the audience on an emotional level is important for persuasion. The speaker (you) can evoke emotions such as empathy, fear, hope, or anger by using vivid language, personal stories, or powerful imagery.
7. Establishing credibility (ethos)
Your credibility is critical to gaining the audience’s trust. This can be achieved by demonstrating expertise on the topic, citing credible sources, and presenting oneself as confident and knowledgeable.
8. Logical reasoning (logos)
A persuasive speech should be grounded in logical reasoning. The arguments presented should be coherent, well-supported, and free of fallacies. Using data, statistics, and expert opinions can reinforce the logical appeal of the speech.
9. Addressing counterarguments
Acknowledging and addressing opposing viewpoints shows that you have considered different perspectives and strengthened your argument. By refuting counterarguments effectively, you can further convince the audience of your stance.
10. Strong conclusion
The conclusion is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the audience. It should summarize the main points, reiterate the thesis statement, and end with a call to action or a powerful closing statement that resonates with the audience.
How to Create a Persuasive Speech
Creating a persuasive speech involves a strategic approach that combines compelling content, effective delivery, and a deep understanding of your audience. It’s not just about stating your viewpoint; it’s about addressing an argument that resonates and motivates others to see things your way.
Begin by choosing a topic that you’re passionate about and that holds relevance for your audience. Thoroughly research your topic to gather credible evidence, statistics, and expert opinions to support your claims. A well-informed speech is more likely to persuade.
Organize your speech into a clear and logical structure. Start with a strong introduction that grabs attention and establishes your credibility. State your thesis clearly, outlining the main points you’ll address. The body of your speech should coherently present your arguments, using evidence and examples to back up each point. Conclude with a summary and a call to action that inspires your audience to adopt your viewpoint.
Practice your speech beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with the material and can speak with confidence and conviction. Maintain eye contact with your audience, use appropriate gestures, and modulate your voice to keep them engaged. Consider using visual aids, such as slides or props, to enhance your presentation.
Tailor your language and approach to your specific audience. Consider their demographics, beliefs, and values to ensure your message resonates with them. Use persuasive techniques such as emotional appeals, logical reasoning, and personal anecdotes to connect with your listeners on a deeper level.
From the Desk of Yocket
Persuasive speech topics are the heart and soul of any effective discourse that aims to influence an audience’s beliefs or actions. A well-chosen topic can spark curiosity, start a debate, and leave a lasting impact on listeners. It’s important to choose a subject that not only resonates with your passions and knowledge but also holds relevance and interest for your intended audience.
Finding the balance between personal connection and audience appeal is key. A topic that genuinely excites you will naturally translate into a more engaging and persuasive presentation. Whether it’s a pressing social issue, a controversial policy, or a lesser-known historical event, the right topic can be a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and inspire others to see the world from a new perspective. The possibilities are vast, and the power to influence through persuasive speech is invaluable for anyone seeking to make a difference.
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- July 15, 2024
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The Admissions Strategist
191 best persuasive speech topics: give an amazing speech.
Does the thought of public speaking make you cringe?
While almost everyone experiences some stage fright speaking in front of an audience, there are ways to tame this debilitating fear.
Half the battle of giving a speech is selecting a topic that engages your audience.
For any speech, whether informative or persuasive, your speech idea should meet these criteria:
- Well-researched with solid examples and evidence
- Broad enough to be universal, narrow enough to be original
- Meaningful and customized to your audience
Additionally, you should possess a measure of expertise on your topic.
Understanding the nuances of what you are speaking about is a sure way to ease those jitters. This is how you come up with the best speech idea.
When choosing a persuasive speech topic, all of the above criteria apply, along with a few additional requirements.
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Click above to watch a video on Speech Topics.
What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?
While an informative speech merely presents factual information, a good informative speech topic goes a step further.
- The goal of a persuasive speech is to convince the audience that your perspective is valid.
This does not mean that the audience will agree with every opinion you present, but a good persuasive speech makes the audience think* .
A great persuasive speech makes an audience act.
As transcendentalist writer Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”
Therefore, a strong persuasive speaker will:
- Present a clear and sincere perspective. The audience should not be questioning your stance on an issue.
- Exhibit passion that inspires others to think or act.
- Be confident in both your perspective and topic.
Not all persuasive speeches need to be deeply controversial, but there should be some gray area in your chosen topic.
Political , social and ethical issues make compelling persuasive speech topics for this reason.
The persuasive speech should address a burning question that incites intellectual debate:
- Should strict gun control laws be implemented?
- Is it possible to be an animal lover and a carnivore?
- Is the government at fault for the increasing homeless population?
Such questions may seem divisive, but, in a civilized society, they are essential to ask.
Posing such questions directly to your audience during your speech engages a group in the Socratic Method of critical thinking.
Furthermore, if a topic isn’t inherently controversial, then it might not make the most powerful speech.
Your job as a persuasive speaker is to argue your point, which is not necessary to do on topics that most people agree on.
In that vein, here are a handful of topics that would not make for good persuasive speeches.
- Learning a foreign language is important.
- Fighting in overseas wars can be dangerous.
- Social Security income is not sufficient for many retired Americans.
- Technical skills are crucial in the 21st-century job market.
- Cardiovascular fitness improves longevity.
…And you get the picture. So, what does make a good persuasive speech topic? Well, there are at least 191 answers to that question.
Get personalized advice!
191 best persuasive speech topics.
Before we reveal the 191 best persuasive speech topics, let’s preview each of the categories:
- Politics and law : This topic revolves around pressing issues including voting, Supreme Court decisions, political leadership, and criminal justice.
- Environmental activism : Climate change, offshore oil drilling, and green technology are just a few of the hot-button issues you’ll discover in this category.
- Social justice : Covering all issues of equality, social justice topics invite debate – and demand solid supporting facts or powerhouse emotional appeals .
- Ethics : Comprising our basic morals and values that drive our behaviors, the ethics category examines how to deal with issues like animal abuse, abortion, and stem cell research.
- Health : Regarding important issues like our food supply, how should we best protect and promote human health in the 21 st century?
- Potpourri : And now we come to the miscellaneous category of “everything else.” You’ll find engaging or even entertaining ideas related to music, movies, curriculum, and more.
Take a deep breath and read on!
Politics and Law
- Alternative political parties (i.e., Green Party, Libertarian Party, etc.)
- Declaring “Independent” or “No Party Affiliation” on voter registration.
- Should voters with no party affiliation be allowed to vote in primary elections?
- Are newly proposed voter registration laws discriminatory?
- How many terms should politicians be allowed to serve?
- Popular vote vs. Electoral College
- Are women underrepresented in Congress?
- Swing states (i.e., Florida and Ohio)
- Do current proposed abortion laws violate Roe v. Wade?
- Political correctness versus freedom of speech
- Terrorist watch lists – safety precaution or blatant prejudice?
- Corporate lobbyists and campaign contributions
- Are laws too lenient on violent criminals?
- Tax responsibility: income tax, property tax, sales tax.
- Should the voting age be increased or decreased?
- Capital punishment: right or wrong?
- DNA evidence in criminal cases: is it enough?
- Should criminal minors be prosecuted and sentenced as adults?
- How to deal with the issue of illegal immigration
- Should cigarettes be taken off the market and made illegal?
- Legalization of Marijuana
- Should health insurance be mandatory by law?
- Is the death penalty obsolete?
- Private vs. Public Prisons
- Should politicians be allowed to use private donations to campaign?
- Is it right for the government to fund partisan organizations?
- Appointment of Supreme Court Justice
- How can the mass shooting crisis be solved?
- Minimum wage: should it exist or be forgotten?
- Should citizens be required to serve in the military for a period of time?
- Gun rights on school campuses: is it safe?
- Military members and income tax
Environmental Activism
- Hybrid and electric cars on the road
- Oil spills and world wildlife
- Saving rainforests and their indigenous species
- Palm oil: should it be outlawed?
- Make all bills and business correspondence paperless.
- Dangers of drilling for oil
- Replacing plastic with glass and cardboard
- Trophy hunting: should the penalties be harsher?
- Banning disposable diapers in favor of cloth diapers
- Benefits of public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling
- Conserving water in our everyday lives
- Wildfires on the rise in California
- Greenhouse gas emissions in Asia
- Global climate change and increased severity of storms
- Growing food as a homesteader
- Impact of big box stores on the environment
- Impact of online retailers’ packaging and shipping on the environment
- Turning the practice of recycling into a law punishable by hefty fines
- Overfishing and dwindling populations of marine wildlife
- Factory farms and greenhouse gas emissions
- Controlling E. Coli and other food borne illnesses
- Are is worth it to ban plastic straws?
- Drones and the environment
- Should hunting be outlawed in national parks to protect its wildlife?
- Hair care and air quality
- Better education for at home waste management
- Should it be illegal to flush certain things into the sewage system?
- Is it right to cut down a tree for the holidays?
- How do marijuana farms affect the surrounding area’s environment?
- Water contamination: What preventative measures can be taken?
- How to reduce your carbon footprint
- Should new homes support solar energy only?
- Organic farming practices
Social Justice
- Do you agree with the research on equal pay between men and women?
- Should government employees go without pay during a shutdown?
- Police brutality and shootings (in general or a specific case in the news such as Philando Castile in Minnesota)
- Should all policemen wear body cameras?
- Is racial discrimination on the rise? Why or why not?
- Scholarship opportunities for minority students
- The benefits (or challenges) of a multicultural society
- Should bullies be expelled from school?
- What can be done about anonymous online bullying?
- Unrealistic beauty/body standards and self-image
- How to create a strong community
- Welfare, SNAP, and other social assistance programs
- The 40-hour work week is too long.
- Comparing the work week in Europe to the work week in the United States
- Caring for an aging population: are Social Security and Medicare enough?
- Civil lawsuits should not receive so much attention in the media.
- Racial and ethnic profiling (including FBI criminal profiling)
- Being a foster or adoptive parent
- Buying local builds up the community.
- Refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance
- Battling stereotypes and making them obsolete
- Mandatory community service for all U.S. citizens
- Is common law marriage outdated?
- Should companies be allowed to deny service to anyone?
- Changing gender on a driver’s license
- Affirmative Action today
- DACA DREAMers Movement
- Legalization of gay marriage
- Should individuals be allowed to adopt?
- Re-sentencing for crimes involving marijuana in states where it is now legal
- Unlimited Paid Time Off vs Accrued time off
- License revoking for older drivers: is it against their rights?
- Wearing fur or using fur for any profit
- Mistreatment of farm animals: what is the solution?
- How do we address the increasing problem of homelessness?
- Tithing – how much should each person give?
- Euthanasia for terminally ill individuals
- Was it right for Dr. Kevorkian (assisted suicide physician) to be imprisoned?
- Pet shops and breeders versus shelters
- Returning or rehoming pets: is it right?
- Preselecting the gender and other aspects of an unborn baby
- Abortion: pro-choice or pro-life?
- Product testing on animals in labs
- Stem cell research
- Protecting children from inappropriate websites
- When should a child be allowed to have a smartphone?
- Should children be allowed into an R-rated movie even with a guardian?
- Should violent movies and video games be banned?
- Do zoos and circuses abuse animals?
- Arranged marriage: a cultural tradition or outdated practice?
- Raising children without being married
- How to impart ethical behavior to the next generation
- Ethics as a mandatory high school class
- Do parents deceive children by telling tales of Santa Claus?
- Should pharmaceutical patents be removed so affordable generics can be made?
- 13 Reasons Why: Did it glorify suicide?
- Wrongful termination case study
- Is the borrowing limit for student loans too high?
- Pay for play in college athletics
- Performance enhancing steroids in competitive sports
- Is it right to own a gun for personal protection?
- Mandated reporting (Mandated reporters are individuals who are required to report any information they receive about abuse, suicidal ideation, etc.)
- Can an influencer be held responsible if they promote a harmful product unknowingly?
- Conventional versus organic produce
- Food additives, preservatives, and cancer rates
- Meat consumption and its effects on life expectancy
- Dangers of sitting at a desk all day
- Fast food industry and obesity rates
- Medical marijuana to treat chronic conditions
- GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in foods: to label or not to label?
- Mandatory CPR and First Aid training for new parents
- School cafeteria food and children’s health
- Alternative uses of oral contraceptives
- Restaurant responsibility with peanut, gluten, and other allergies
- Everyday products that could be dangerous: deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
- Teaching yoga and meditation in public schools
- Moving from the “medical model” to holistic health
- Massages as necessities rather than luxuries
- Which vitamin supplements are worthless and should go off the market?
- The mind-body connection and its influence on health
- Social media and mental health
- The cumulative effects of poor sleep (and how electronics impact our sleep)
- IVF (Invitro fertilization): Should becoming a parent be covered?
- Should there be more physical education in schools?
- Is diabetes reversible?
- Doctors and insurance: should they accept all insurance?
- Do detox diets really work?
- Is binge-watching Netflix bad for our health?
- Keto vs Paleo vs Vegan: which is better?
- Should a patient be allowed to deny medical care?
- Pre-existing conditions and insurance rates
- Employers should offer mental health days without question
- Alternative sex education (not abstinence-only and inclusive of LGBT lifestyle)
- Mind-body fitness versus traditional Western sports
- Best genre and time period of music
- Healthiest world cuisine
- Uneven distribution of wealth: the top 1% versus everyone else
- Cost of living versus average salaries
- What to do about cults, gangs, and similar groups
- How to get accepted into an Ivy League school
- Religion versus spiritualism
- Survival skills should be taught in school.
- Benefits of forest schools for children
- The best U.S. President in history
- The most influential leader or figure in history
- Most effective ways to manage stress
- Obscure movies that people should watch
- Multitasking: fact or fiction?
- Buying a house versus renting an apartment
- Most exciting travel destination
- How to ace any test
- Overcoming social anxiety
- How our phones are hurting our eyes
- Are multi-level marketing companies really pyramid schemes?
- Protests: are they effective?
- Is a wedding reception worth the price tag?
- Should catfishing be a criminal offense?
- Mandatory study abroad semester in college
- Student loan borrowing: should it ever be forgiven?
- Responsible credit card strategies
- Living with parents to save money
- Can someone find true love on The Bachelor?
- Telemarketers and Harassment
- Marvel vs DC
And there you have it – 100+ unique topics to stoke your imagination and help you identify your passion.
Feel free to go beyond these springboard ideas or customize them to your perspective.
Advice from Persuasive Speech Experts
To help you out even more, we asked the experts on the best tips for giving a persuasive speech.
From Melora Kordos, visiting assistant professor of theatre arts at Sweet Briar College:
When selecting a persuasive speech topic, a student should first look to her own interests and passions. If she chooses something that she cares deeply about or has great interest in, then she will be able to more easily identify the best three points that support her argument and focus on those in her speech. If she is not already engaged in the topic, it will be much harder to persuade others to agree with her point of view. She should use both logical and emotional appeals throughout her speech, giving her a better chance of resonating with a larger percentage of her audience.
From Dr. Allison Beltramini, associate professor of communications at Waubonsee Community College:
When doing a persuasive speech , it’s helpful to choose a topic that you personally believe in or support. It’s much easier to speak on something that you have a connection to. The next tip is to do your homework. This includes exploring the opposite side of the issue. Your audience needs to know that you are well-versed in the topic. Incorporate this research to support the claims you are making. Curate your sources carefully. Know who/what organizations are behind the sources you are using. And please, verbally cite your sources. Using research without the verbal citations in your speech is plagiarism. Persuasion is incremental. You can’t just tell someone something and expect they will believe you. You have to set up the issue, show how the problem effect people, talk about what will help or fix the problem and show why the solutions will work. All of these steps are vital. Finally – practice is essential. Your speech should be prepared but conversational. Reading to an audience word for word is not a good idea.
From Nate Masterson, HR manager of Maple Holistics :
The key to giving a persuasive speech is to engage your audience, and there are several ways to do this. Firstly, make eye contact with different people in the audience, but make sure to scan the whole room and not just focus on one area. Also, research the group of people you will be addressing so that you better know their priorities, cultural norms, inside jokes, etc. To make sure that your speech is sufficiently compelling, stick to just a few main talking points or objectives. This will ensure that your speech stays focused and that you can spend adequate time and energy backing up these main points without boring your audience.
From Jeffrey Davis, executive speech coach at Speak Clear Communications :
First, the best speakers build their argument emotionally as well as logically. Every point has a complelling story attached to it. Second, they make arguments that are novel and innovative. The “how” of the argument is as important as the “why.” Lastly, great speakers do not hold back on hand gestures! Gesturing is scientifically proven to enhance a speaker’s impression with the audience.
From Bridgett McGowen, CEO of BMcTALKS :
While it’s important your audience has a memorable experience during your presentation and that it learns something new or gains a new perspective on something it already knew, it is equally important to move the audience to actually do something with what you shared … something that will inspire or change their lives, professions, or communities … because you are there to persuade! Remember any time you present, consistently think to yourself “In what difference-making endeavor do I want my audience to join?” or “Now that everyone has heard this, now what?” Give them the answers to those questions to further your persuasive message.
From Martha Krejci, business coaching leader :
Don’t write everything out! The last thing you want to do is look like you’re reading a speech verbatim. You want to illuminate your authority in the field you are speaking about. Reading does not do that….at all. So, here’s what I do. I think about the end goal of what I’m trying to communicate. Then, reverse engineer the points that take us there. Write the points out on a notecard if you need it, or if you’re lucky enough to have a teleprompter, use that. And finally, above all…tell stories! Don’t just have a bunch of dry information that anyone with a wifi signal could google. Tell stories that bring your audience into your problem, but also your solution you propose. If you can master storytelling, you may just be surprised by how good you can get at public speaking.
From Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek :
Telling an easy-to-follow story is crucial in being persuasive. If people have to think too hard to understand what you’re talking about, they’re less likely to listen. If they don’t listen, you won’t have a chance to persuade them. If there are studies, surveys, or other types of data that can vouch for what you’re saying, that’ll also go a long way to persuading others. Lastly, you have to believe what you’re talking about. If you truly believe your message, it’ll shine through and people will be inclined to believe you, too.
From Adam Cole, expert writer and author:
Number one is the invitation to listen. It ensures that the listener has a context in which to understand what you are presenting so that everyone is on the same page when the important information comes. The invitation may contain relevant humorous anecdotes to break the tension and present the speaker as appealing, and it must be accessible enough that the listener will at least know what the topic is and why they should care. Number two is the topic. Depending on the complexity of the topic, it should be structured for maximum clarity. While humor and anecdotes can be used to illustrate the point, they should not distract from it or become the focus (unless the task is to highlight the speaker, rather than the topic, which is ok). Number three is the follow-through. If the listener has learned something, a good summation will help them retain the most important points from the learning so that they can remember it and follow up with more learning (perhaps from the speaker’s books, videos, or other appearances!) Taking the topic and framing it in terms of an action step for the audience may be a powerful way for them to keep the presentation (and the speaker) in their heads.
Conclusion: Best Persuasive Speech Topics
Remember, your passion and expertise on the topic will translate to audience engagement – and hopefully a good grade!
- Delivering a persuasive speech doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience if you’re prepared and passionate.
In the words of Cicero: “A good orator is pointed and impassioned.”
To follow the advice of the great Roman orator, find your passion and then express it through your persuasive speech.
The skills you develop now in this area will benefit you throughout your professional and personal life.
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50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech
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- 5-minute read
- 13th January 2023
Some find writing a persuasive speech to be intimidating, but it’s an opportunity to share your position on a topic you care about and to invite listeners to support (or at least appreciate) your way of thinking. You’ll benefit from a clear position, credible evidence, and careful consideration of your audience.
Your first step is to pick a topic. Whether you’re a teacher creating an assignment or a student deciding what to speak about, our list of 50 suggested persuasive speech topics and tips are a good starting place.
Choosing a Topic
● It’s more enjoyable to research and write a speech about a topic that genuinely holds your interest. It’ll make for better delivery, too. Passion is contagious! On the other hand, boredom and a lack of enthusiasm come through easily in vocal tone.
● Avoid tired, overdone issues. If you’ve heard it all before, there’s a good chance your audience has, too. Pick something current and relevant to your listeners . If you go with a popular topic, try to approach it from a fresh angle.
● Issues that contain multiple viewpoints are preferable to simplistic good/bad debates. Most reasonable people would agree that “bullying is bad.” But they might learn something new if you share recent research on bullying and offer different approaches to tackling it.
Let’s look at some interesting speech topics, categorized by subject.
Should free speech on the internet be restricted?
At what age should children have access to smartphones?
Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?
Should parents limit their children’s screen time?
Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?
Is there a link between device usage and decreased mental health?
Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?
Should voting be compulsory?
Should Election Day in the US change from Tuesday to the weekend?
Should the electoral college system be abolished?
Should election procedures be standardized in all states?
Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?
Should the death penalty be legal?
Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?
Should the legal age to own an assault rifle be raised?
Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?
Are governments doing enough to address climate change?
Is student loan forgiveness fair?
Should the US invest in high-speed rail similar to those in Japan and Europe?
Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?
What is the greatest threat to international stability?
What can be done to prevent cyber threats?
Is the two-party political system of the US failing?
Should the US adopt a single-payer universal health care system?
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Should minimum wage be a factor in the cost of health care?
Is healthcare a human right?
Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?
Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?
Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
Should employers offer incentives and bonuses to employees who bike or walk to work?
Do school uniforms offer any advantages?
Are school dress codes gender biased?
Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?
Do college entrance exams privilege those with higher socio-economic status?
Should teachers be allowed to keep firearms in their classrooms as protection against active shooters?
Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?
Should immigrants have access to free language classes?
Should books ever be banned in schools?
Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?
Should schools be cellphone free?
Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?
Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?
Should parents let their children play tackle football?
Should college sports teams receive less money?
Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?
Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?
Should all priests be allowed to marry?
Should prayer be permitted in public schools?
On balance, does religion create more conflict or foster peace?
Should there be exceptions to the freedom to practice any religion?
Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing
People often think persuasion means getting others to agree with you, but persuasion is more nuanced than that. You might persuade someone to go beyond sympathy and act. You might highlight the gray areas of a typically black and white debate.
When total agreement is out of reach, you can settle for agreement in part. Consider your audience thoughtfully when you decide on your goals and remember that you have options.
Step Up with Confidence
We hope these suggested persuasive speech topics have the wheels of your mind turning. Whether it’s for a speech or an argumentative essay , getting your ideas on paper and editing them is a necessary part of the process. Our editors are here to help you confidently put out your best work. Submit a free sample today .
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125 Persuasive Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience
![what is the best persuasive speech topics A successful persuasive speech starts with an engaging topic.](https://homeschooladventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/student-giving-persuasive-speech-1024x512.png)
Does writing a persuasive speech feel intimidating?
Since you’re reading this today, I imagine you might be stuck at the very beginning—picking a topic.
The freedom to choose your own speech topic can be both liberating and overwhelming. Out of all the subjects in the world to discuss, which one is right for your speech?
The good news is that there is no one right topic, but there are topics that work better for persuasive speeches than others.
![what is the best persuasive speech topics](https://homeschooladventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/future-of-freedom-600.png)
What Is a Persuasive Speech?
When you deliver a persuasive speech, you’re trying to convince your audience to agree with your position on a debatable topic.
You achieve this goal by delivering informed, educated arguments that support your side.
That said, before you present your position, you must first choose a significant topic that sets the stage for success.
The best persuasive speeches center around meaningful, thought-provoking topics.
What Types of Topics Lend Themselves Well to Persuasive Speeches?
A bland, overdone, or boring topic threatens the success of your speech—no matter how masterfully you wield your words.
You need to reach your audience from the first sentence, so a good persuasive speech topic must be relatable to the audience .
If possible, discover who your audience will be, and ensure your topic is one that resonates with them.
A successful topic should also pique your audience’s interest. You can achieve this by choosing a controversial topic or one with “fence-sitters” who need to choose one side or the other.
Whatever topic you choose , it will fall into one of the three types of persuasive speech :
Fact : In this type of persuasive speech, you are asserting that your claim is true or false then backing up that claim with proof.
Policy : In a speech regarding policy, you’ll be arguing for a specific solution to a problem.
Value : In this type of speech, your goal is to elicit a decision or judgment from your audience. You are asking them to agree on something subjective.
Now that you have a general idea of worthwhile subjects, let’s brainstorm together.
125 Topics and Ideas for an Unforgettable Persuasive Speech
To assist you in your quest for an interesting topic, we’ve come up with a list of persuasive speech topics for teens and students .
We tried to provide topics to suit any style:
- Fun (or even funny)
- Unique and interesting
- Easy (conducive to short speeches)
- High school-friendly
Check out our list of 125 persuasive speech ideas to find the perfect topic for your audience!
- Are rising wages a major cause of inflation?
- Are there any benefits for the consumer who buys from local businesses?
- Large corporations should pay the same percentage of taxes as small businesses.
- Should credit card companies be allowed to market to unemployed college students?
- Should fast-food servers and those in other low-income professions be guaranteed a living wage for their work?
- Should religious organizations pay taxes?
- Should the penny be discontinued from our currency?
- Should large business such as Walmart have to follow minimum pricing laws to give small businesses a chance to compete?
- Should you be expected to tip counter or cashier servers before you receive your food?
- Should the government subsidize electric cars?
- Are family values declining?
- Is it healthy for small children to become famous?
- Is it acceptable to limit the number of children families can have to control the world’s population?
- Should kids be required to help around the house?
- Should parents be held responsible for crimes their kids commit?
- Should parents be required to feed young kids a healthy diet or face charges of neglect?
- Should parents give kids an allowance based on work they do around the house?
- Should parents restrict screen time?
- Should teens be able to acquire medication without parental consent?
- Should teens be able to work without their parents’ permission?
- Are grandparents responsible for raising their grandchildren in cases of parental neglect?
- Do pets make you happier and healthier?
- Do babies in the womb possess the right to life?
- Is it okay to erase parts of history you don’t like?
- Is cancel culture helpful or harmful?
- Is life overall better today than it was 100 years ago?
- Is reality television detrimental?
- Should classic literature and art be edited to align with modern ideals?
- Should everyone be required to volunteer in their communities?
- Is war justifiable under certain circumstances?
- Should non-government-owned businesses be allowed to exclude customers who don’t meet their values?
- Should schools punish students who cyber bully other students outside of school?
- Should restaurants be expected to donate leftovers to shelters?
- Should single people be allowed to adopt children?
- Are open-book tests effective?
- Do school uniforms encourage a better educational experience for students?
- Do students who pay for their own college make higher grades than those who are parent-funded?
- Is college necessary to be a successful adult in today’s society?
- Is cursive handwriting still a relevant subject in modern classrooms?
- Is it better for college students to commute or live on campus?
- Is it better to keep kids in school year-round?
- Is education a human right?
- Should all high school graduates spend at least one year working full-time before entering college?
- Should college be free to anyone who meets its academic standards?
- Should physical education be a graduation requirement?
- Should a teacher’s beliefs define his or her lesson plan?
- Should school taxes be evenly divided across state school districts instead of staying local?
- Should Spanish be a required language class in areas with a significant Hispanic population?
- Should special needs students be educated separately from other students?
- Should teachers get bonuses based on results?
- Should virtual school be an option for all students, regardless of location or grade level?
- Which one is better for the family—homeschooling or traditional schooling?
- Does the Electoral College still make sense?
- Is it okay for the government to strip away constitutional rights of anyone suspected of terrorism?
- Should public smoking be outlawed?
- Should a DUI result in permanent loss of your driver’s license?
- Should anyone with a felony record ever be allowed to vote again?
- Are laws always right?
- Should bloggers be held to the same ethical standards as journalists?
- Should drivers be road-tested regularly to retain their licenses?
- Should handguns be outlawed in the US?
- Should illegal aliens be cared for by public taxes?
- Should it be legal to harm or sell your body if it’s your choice?
- Does the government have the right to dictate what homeschoolers teach?
- Should medical marijuana be legal for use in all states?
- Should non-violent criminals who’ve served their time have their records expunged after a period of good behavior and, therefore, not have to disclose previous convictions to employers?
- Should Puerto Ricans be covered under the American Bill of Rights?
- Should the government place tighter restrictions on the types of food reimbursed by food stamps?
- Should we allow any and all immigrants to enter the US and become citizens?
- Do all people have the right to demonstrate in public areas?
- Should workers who carpool, walk, or ride bikes to work get a tax break?
- Was JFK’s assassination a conspiracy?
- Which is better for the people—a democracy or a dictatorship?
- Are the costs associated with electric cars worth the savings in gasoline?
- Should smart phone users have the right to remove all social media apps from their phones, even if factory-installed?
- Should there be restrictions on technology use in public areas?
- At what age should children be allowed to use devices with screens?
- Do “Ring” doorbells make us safer?
- Do video games make kids violent?
- Is technology bringing families closer or splitting them apart?
- Is technology making us smarter or dumber?
- Should altered photographs of celebrities or influencers have a disclaimer noting what was done to the photo?
- Should elementary-age kids have cell phones?
- Should municipalities be required to extend internet and cell service access to all residents?
- Should schools return to restricting the use of personal electronic devices?
- Should social media companies be forced to follow the same government regulations as traditional news agencies?
- Can a person stay mentally healthy if he never interacts with other people?
- Should assisted suicide be legal?
- Should cigarettes and other forms of tobacco be outlawed?
- Should organ donation be opt-out rather than opt-in?
- Should we have access to any treatment we want to pursue whether it’s approved by the FDA or not?
- Should unhealthy food be restricted and/or taxed as a health hazard?
- Should there be more conservative limits on radiation levels produces by cell phones?
- Should schools allow parents to send sugary foods to share?
- Should the government of the US take full control of healthcare and make it the same for everyone—regardless of income?
- Should the US require that employers offer paid maternity and paternity leave to all expectant parents who work full-time?
- Should potential cancer-causing, high-transmission power lines be allowed close to a school?
- Should masks still be required in public spaces?
- Should French fries be banned from kiddie meals at fast food restaurants?
- Are the lives of ten people worth more than the life of one person?
- Is capital punishment murder?
- Is it ethical to keep exotic fish in fish tanks?
- Is it ethical to own an animal that is usually found in the wild?
- Is it fair to transfer income from richer people to poorer people in the name of “equality”?
- Is lying acceptable when it’s a matter of survival?
- Is there an acceptable reason to take another human life?
- Is torture ever an acceptable means to an end?
- Should animal breeding be outlawed in areas where stray populations are out of control?
- Should future parents be allowed to shop for the genetically perfect child?
- Is human cloning ethical?
- Should animal breeders be restricted to a set number of puppies they can produce?
- Is it ethical to eat or wear animal products?
- Should we be careful of the music we listen to based on its effects on the brain?
- Do flat-Earth proponents have a good argument?
- Does the use of plastic straws significantly impact the environment?
- Is artificial intelligence beneficial to the future of mankind?
- Is colonizing other planets the answer to overpopulation on Earth?
- Is global warming mankind’s fault?
- Is wind power the answer to the energy crisis?
- Should NASA receive more funding?
- Should NASA reinstate the Space Shuttle program?
- Should the US convert to the metric system to be in line with the rest of the world?
- Was the moon landing faked?
- What form of energy is the best?
- Can earthquakes be predicted?
Outlining Your Persuasive Speech Based on Your Chosen Topic
Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to organize and outline your speech. When you’re ready to start, try this simple persuasive speech outline:
- Details and evidence
- (Repeat for remaining arguments)
- Strong conclusion
Three to four arguments is typical. As you organize your speech, remember that it is important to finish strong.
As you write your speech, these methods for writing a persuasive essay may be helpful.
When you’re ready to craft and deliver your speech, keep these persuasive speech tips in mind:
- Be concise. Your audience can skim an essay. They can’t skim your speech.
- Don’t tell your audience background information if you can assume they already know it. You risk boring them—or sounding condescending.
- Use anecdotes and stories to keep your audience interested.
- Even though you’re trying to relate to your audience, avoid the phrase, “Can you relate?”
- When addressing the opposing viewpoint, keep an even, non-judgmental tone. If you appear rude, you may lose the support of people with that viewpoint.
Choosing a relatable, compelling, and debatable persuasive speech topic helps ensure your speech hits the ground running.
Then, by organizing it, following a solid structure, and keeping it concise and interesting, you are more likely to win the ears (and hearts) of your listeners.
![what is the best persuasive speech topics](https://homeschooladventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pav1-mockup-600.png)
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250 Best Persuasive Speech Topics For All
![what is the best persuasive speech topics persuasive speech topics](https://thesisgeek.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/persuasive-speech-topics.jpg)
Some students struggle to find persuasive speech topics. That’s because they must have the audiences’ interest in mind. They must also consider their interest level. Nevertheless, learners can find engaging persuasive topics for speech. They only need compelling and unique ideas to help them generate the best topics for persuasive speech.
What are Persuasive Speech Topics?
Good topics for persuasive speech, persuasive speech topics about animals, simple persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics for college, persuasive speech topics for teens, health persuasive speech topics, funny persuasive speech topics, environmental persuasive speech topics, problem solution persuasive speech topic, sports persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics about music.
The purpose of a persuasive speech is to educate the target audience. Therefore, good persuasive speech topics focus on educating a target audience about a specific issue. Writing a speech about these topics is mainly about convincing the audience to agree with your viewpoint.
Topic selection is an essential thing to recall when writing a persuasive speech. A learner can write about a specific idea that will engage the audience. The topic should also be interesting and help the audience to understand the idea and the viewpoint. In simple terms, students should look for engaging, interesting, and compelling topics for a persuasive speech. Here is a list of persuasive speech topics ideas that students should consider.
Some persuasive speech topics college and high school students write about are just good. That’s because they are engaging and interesting to read about. Here are examples of good topics to do a persuasive speech on.
- Should people continue to use plastic bags when buying groceries?
- NASA’s budget should be increased
- Should tourists be allowed to continue taking selfies with animals?
- Is coffee consumption harmful?
- Plastic surgery is no longer a medical procedure but a habit
- The disadvantages of social networks outweigh their advantages
- Patients’ dedication influences the outcome of a therapy
- Men can’t understand women
- Governments should abolish the death penalty
- Free media needs some control
- Lack of finances is a major challenge for people that need education
- People should embrace and promote surrogacy more
- Artificial intelligence has improved the daily lives of many people
- Religious-related animal slaughter should be prohibited
- Self-driving vehicles should be illegal
- People should avoid using cell phones while driving
- Celebrities should get stiffer penalties when they go against the law
- The basic exam should be mandatory for teachers to refresh their knowledge
- Every city should have a free bike-sharing program
- Humans have a lot to do to end world hunger and poverty
- Money cannot buy happiness or love
- Junk food outlets should be banned
- Society should value elders and learn more from them
- Parents should provide incentives to their children when they do right instead of punishing them for wrongdoing
- Governments should encourage recycling.
These are easy persuasive speech topics that most learners can research and write about. Nevertheless, each of these topics requires creativity to come up with an interesting speech that people will be glad to listen to from the beginning to the end. Some of these history research topics may also be helpful.
Students can also write interesting speeches about animal topics. Here is a list of interesting persuasive speech topics about animals you can consider.
- Some pets are dangerous to the community
- Owners should be held responsible if their pets hurt the health of another person
- Humans should tame more animals and turn them into their household pets
- Battery farming is unethical
- Factory farming is too cruel and should be illegal
- Adopting a kitten versus buying one
- Is breeding pets and selling them a good idea?
- Keeping a pet can make your life better
- The government should do more to save the animals that are facing the extinction threat
- What should humans do to save some animal species from extinction?
- Why humans should adopt more forest animals
- Humans should safeguard the dolphin populations
- Keeping a cat is beneficial to humans
- Advantages of keeping a horse
- Why you should neuter your cat
- Benefits of keeping a snake pet
- Effects of a pet on a child
- A cat is a perfect pet
- Effects of puppy mills on humans
- Wild animals like sharks and lions should be tamed
- Is excluding a dog for biting somebody ethical?
- Pit bulls are a vicious breed
- People should adopt more pets instead of buying them from breeders
- The government should close all aquariums and zoos
- The government should legalize the ownership of monkeys and other exotic animals
- The government should ban animal hunting ]
- Dogs are the best pets
- Every high school student should have a pet
- Children are not safe in zoos
- A mosquito is the most annoying bug
These are undoubtedly fun persuasive speech topics to research and write about. Nevertheless, students should be ready to spend time researching before writing about some of these topics.
Maybe you want to write about something simple. In that case, consider any of these easy persuasive speech topics for college.
- Learning and practicing martial arts benefits the body and mind
- Reality television shows exploit the audience
- People can learn more about life from competitive sports
- What makes an individual a hero?
- All high school graduates should provide community service after graduating
- Benefits of growing plants in the garden
- The world is an interesting place to live due to human differences
- How song lyrics affect our lives
- Benefits of studying and traveling abroad
- Therapeutic benefits of journal writing
- How learning a second language benefits a person
- People should travel to different countries to learn outside the classroom
- All countries should use the same currency
- Every kid should have a friend outside their country
- Taking cereal for breakfast is not healthy
- A daily shower is not important
- Kids should design their clothing
- Boredom is beneficial for kids
- Every human is unique
- Benefits of growing in a city
- Why being the only child for your parents is good
- Every kid should have a television in the bedroom
- Men should not wear pink clothing
- Following your dreams is not easy
- Setting goals is important for human success
These are some of the easiest public speaking persuasive speech topics to write about. However, they also require some level of research to gather relevant information that the audience will be interested to listen to.
If in college, consider any of these topics for your speech.
- The major changes in the cost of education over the past decade
- The government should legalize gambling
- The impact of corporate corruption
- What are the effects of zoning laws
- Popular election reforms
- Causes of corruption among the police officers
- The most essential women rights
- Advantages of purchasing products made in your country
- Is copying or downloading copyrighted materials legal?
- The major causes of inflation
- How people become young billionaires
- Why is the education cost always increasing
- Describe the primary economic principles
- What is the principle behind funding medical research?
- Describe the most effective investment strategies
- Books are the best learning materials
- Sports can enhance learning effectiveness
- Why online learning is becoming increasingly popular
- Virtual reality is education’s future
- Extracurricular activities waste a lot of time
These are some of the top persuasive speech topics for college students. Nevertheless, you should be ready to research extensively if you opt to write about any of these persuasive speech topics for college students.
If you’re in high school and you want to write a persuasive speech, you need topics your target audience can relate to. Here are some of the best persuasive speech topics for teenagers.
- The government should allow kids to divorce their parents
- Kids should be allowed to pick their families
- Why it’s good to have siblings
- Teens should be allowed free therapy sessions after breakups
- Schools should allow students to choose what to pursue at an early age
- Boys and girls should belong to the same sport teams
- Talking to pets is sometimes better than talking to parents
- Students need tablets and iPads more than books
- Teaching sex education is useless and awkward
- Every teen should have a pet
- Teens should be allowed more time to sleep
- Parents are not giving teen suicide enough attention
- Personality is better than beauty
- Teens should be comfortable to share everything with their parents
- High school students should be allowed to study abroad
- Students should be allowed to eat at any time at school
- Home-schooling make some teens socially awkward
- Teen girls and boys should have separate classes
- Teens should not be allowed to have tattoos
- Bullied teens behavior changes forever
- Teens should be allowed more time to hang out with their elderly
- Beauty contests do more harm than good
- Teens should not start dating at an early age
- Mental illnesses cause eating disorders
- No parent should embarrass a teen
- More teens should participate in volunteer activities
- All teens should participate in cooking lessons
- Influence of TV shows on teens
- Why teens should wear a uniform in school
- Teens should be allowed more quiet time
Most teens will most likely enjoy writing about these topics. This list also has some of the best persuasive speech topics Reddit audiences will be glad to read about.
Perhaps, you want to write a speech on a health topic. In that case, this list has some of the best health and medical persuasive speech topics to consider.
- How to eat healthily
- Overcoming stress and leading a healthy life
- The government should prohibit drug advertisements
- Why wearing pajamas when sleeping is good for human health
- Using aborted fetuses for medical research should be legalized
- What is the best age to learn about medical treatment for contraception?
- Fast food is to blame for most cases of child obesity
- Is vegetarianism good for children?
- Advantages and disadvantages of medical marijuana
- Are placebos important in medicine?
- Are there animal testing alternatives?
- How to prevent and treat child violence
- Reasons and solutions to mental illnesses
- How different music genres affect the human brain
- Impacts of depression on a person’s immune system
- Impact of insomnia on the overall health of a person
- How dieting helps a person lose weight
- Effects of meat consumption on health
- The government should legalize assisted suicide
- Acupuncture as a medical technique
- Governments should increase taxes on sugary drinks
- Revenue collected from taxes on sugary drinks should be used in promoting public health
- The fast-food industry is legally accountable for most obesity cases
- School cafeterias should provide healthy foods only
- Birth control should be legal for female minors
- The government should allow doctors to prescribe contraception to teens under 16 years
- Every country should provide universal health care to its citizens
- Regular exercise improves human health
- Should schools distribute free condoms?
- Is using animals for medical research a necessary evil?
This list also has controversial persuasive speech topics that can elicit different reactions from the audiences. Nevertheless, you need to come up with evidence to support your standpoint. What’s more, this category also has call to action persuasive speech topics in which the writer ends by asking the audience to do something or take a specific stance.
Maybe you want to write a funny but persuasive speech for your audience. In that case, choose one of these humorous persuasive speech topics.
- How to make somebody stop their annoying behaviors
- Why males don’t consider females funny
- Do vegetarians love animals?
- Colleges should add parking fees to the tuition
- Christmas is more of a pagan holiday rather than a Christian celebration
- Procrastinating is a way to avoid working
- Playing by the set rules is for losers and boring
- People choose to grow up
- Having cupcakes in both hands is a balanced diet
- Acting on rage should not be your thing
- The more you’re honest with your partner the more you get in trouble
- Girls and boys are equally smart
- Life is an exam without retakes and preparations
- First sight love doesn’t exist
- Men should always be prepared with pick-up lines
These are hilarious persuasive speech topics to research and write about. Nevertheless, you need to be creative to compose a great speech on these topics.
If you love conserving the environment, you may want to write a speech about this issue. This category also has agriculture persuasive speech topics because farming can affect the environment. Here are environmental topics to consider for your persuasive speech.
- How agricultural practices ruin the environment
- The current environmental protection regulations are not enough
- Garden owners should grow more exotic plants
- The government should regulate the use of vehicles to protect the environment
- Effects of disposable diapers on the environment
- Why governments should enforce recycling
- How single-use bags affect the environment
- The current fishing restrictions are not sufficient
- Governments should do more to protect rare species
- Governments should do more to protect the ocean life
- How the environment will benefit from a reduction in paper usage
- Humans should stop using natural resources recklessly
- How noise pollution affects human development negatively
- Humans are responsible for environmental degradation
- Humans should use renewable energy more
- Governments should limit the use of fossil fuels and natural resources
- Effects of greenhouses on humans
- Developed countries are responsible for global warming
- Every country should be concerned about global warming
- Governments should implement strict penalties to conserve endangered species
- Governments should encourage more people to use public transport
- Negative effects of pollution on humans
- Benefits of hybrid cars for the environment
- Everybody is responsible for keeping their community clean
- How carpooling protects the environment
This list also has political persuasive speech topics because governments are responsible for making policies that conserve the environment.
This category comprises topics that present a problem and a solution. For instance, you can find business persuasive speech topics that present problems and solutions in this category. Here are examples of problem solution topics for persuasive speeches.
- How students can become better at tests and exams
- How to make college environments safer
- Best criteria for selecting a college
- How to help your suicidal friend
- Ways to reduce stress among students
- How to balance study, work, and active social lives
- How to reduce student procrastination
- How to deal with homesickness
- How to improve your college or school
- How to prepare home-schooled learners for college
- How to help a depressed person
- What schools can do to improve literacy
- Best ways to deal with illegal immigration
- Best ways to deal with terrorism
- How to punish people caught using cell phones while driving
- How to make driving a more pleasant and less stressful experience
- How to reform the school system
- How to deal with the identity theft problem
- How governments should deal with advertisements that target children
- How to deal with cyber-attacks
- How to prevent deaths that arise from drunk-driving
- Effective ways to manage college class attendance in college
- How to help college students that fail and don’t want their parents to know
- Ways to manage student finances
- How students can stay healthy and fit
Pick any of these topics if you want to present a problem and a solution in your speech.
If you’re a fan of sports, you may want to write a persuasive speech about this subject. This category can also include video game persuasive speech topics. Here are some of the ideas to explore in this category.
- Drug tests should be more frequent among professional athletes
- What are the impacts of violent video games on the youth?
- How do gaming consoles benefit the youth
- Gender should not be a factor in sports
- Male athletes should compete with female athletes
- Female and male athletes should be paid equally
- Marching band should be considered a sport
- Boxing should be illegalized
- Effects of parental pressure on athletic kids
- Every student should learn to swim in the school
- Cheerleading is not a sport
- Fan-girls know nothing about sports
- Comparing footballers is foolish
- People should stop being mean to opposing teams
- Home workouts are not effective
Pick any of these topics if you love writing about sports.
If you love music, pick your speech topic from this list.
- Rap is a violent music genre
- Jazz music is almost extinct
- Music country is less famous
- Pop music is undergoing a tough transformation
- White people don’t love rap music
- Anybody can write good music
- Governments should ban loud music
- Not every piece of music soothes the mind
- Music is not always positive
- How music and psychology are related
Pick and research about any of these topics to write a speech your audience will love to listen to. You can also contact our professional dissertation writers who are ready to help you with topic selection, writing, editing, and other things.
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Persuasive Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples
What is a persuasive speech.
In a persuasive speech, the speaker aims to convince the audience to accept a particular perspective on a person, place, object, idea, etc. The speaker strives to cause the audience to accept the point of view presented in the speech.
The success of a persuasive speech often relies on the speaker’s use of ethos, pathos, and logos.
![Success of a persuasive speech Success of a persuasive speech](https://static.tutors.com/assets/images/content/tutors-persuasive-speech-success.jpg)
Ethos is the speaker’s credibility. Audiences are more likely to accept an argument if they find the speaker trustworthy. To establish credibility during a persuasive speech, speakers can do the following:
Use familiar language.
Select examples that connect to the specific audience.
Utilize credible and well-known sources.
Logically structure the speech in an audience-friendly way.
Use appropriate eye contact, volume, pacing, and inflection.
Pathos appeals to the audience’s emotions. Speakers who create an emotional bond with their audience are typically more convincing. Tapping into the audience’s emotions can be accomplished through the following:
Select evidence that can elicit an emotional response.
Use emotionally-charged words. (The city has a problem … vs. The city has a disease …)
Incorporate analogies and metaphors that connect to a specific emotion to draw a parallel between the reference and topic.
Utilize vivid imagery and sensory words, allowing the audience to visualize the information.
Employ an appropriate tone, inflection, and pace to reflect the emotion.
Logos appeals to the audience’s logic by offering supporting evidence. Speakers can improve their logical appeal in the following ways:
Use comprehensive evidence the audience can understand.
Confirm the evidence logically supports the argument’s claims and stems from credible sources.
Ensure that evidence is specific and avoid any vague or questionable information.
Types of persuasive speeches
The three main types of persuasive speeches are factual, value, and policy.
![Types of persuasive speeches Types of persuasive speeches](https://static.tutors.com/assets/images/content/tutors-persuasive-speech-types.jpg)
A factual persuasive speech focuses solely on factual information to prove the existence or absence of something through substantial proof. This is the only type of persuasive speech that exclusively uses objective information rather than subjective. As such, the argument does not rely on the speaker’s interpretation of the information. Essentially, a factual persuasive speech includes historical controversy, a question of current existence, or a prediction:
Historical controversy concerns whether an event happened or whether an object actually existed.
Questions of current existence involve the knowledge that something is currently happening.
Predictions incorporate the analysis of patterns to convince the audience that an event will happen again.
A value persuasive speech concerns the morality of a certain topic. Speakers incorporate facts within these speeches; however, the speaker’s interpretation of those facts creates the argument. These speeches are highly subjective, so the argument cannot be proven to be absolutely true or false.
A policy persuasive speech centers around the speaker’s support or rejection of a public policy, rule, or law. Much like a value speech, speakers provide evidence supporting their viewpoint; however, they provide subjective conclusions based on the facts they provide.
How to write a persuasive speech
Incorporate the following steps when writing a persuasive speech:
Step 1 – Identify the type of persuasive speech (factual, value, or policy) that will help accomplish the goal of the presentation.
Step 2 – Select a good persuasive speech topic to accomplish the goal and choose a position .
![How to write a persuasive speech How to write a persuasive speech](https://static.tutors.com/assets/images/content/tutors-persuasive-speech-how-to.jpg)
Step 3 – Locate credible and reliable sources and identify evidence in support of the topic/position. Revisit Step 2 if there is a lack of relevant resources.
Step 4 – Identify the audience and understand their baseline attitude about the topic.
Step 5 – When constructing an introduction , keep the following questions in mind:
What’s the topic of the speech?
What’s the occasion?
Who’s the audience?
What’s the purpose of the speech?
Step 6 – Utilize the evidence within the previously identified sources to construct the body of the speech. Keeping the audience in mind, determine which pieces of evidence can best help develop the argument. Discuss each point in detail, allowing the audience to understand how the facts support the perspective.
Step 7 – Addressing counterarguments can help speakers build their credibility, as it highlights their breadth of knowledge.
Step 8 – Conclude the speech with an overview of the central purpose and how the main ideas identified in the body support the overall argument.
![How to write a persuasive speech How to write a persuasive speech](https://static.tutors.com/assets/images/content/tutors-persuasive-speech-how-to-2.jpg)
Persuasive speech outline
One of the best ways to prepare a great persuasive speech is by using an outline. When structuring an outline, include an introduction, body, and conclusion:
Introduction
Attention Grabbers
Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way; ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic without requiring a response.
Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.
Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, typically done using data or statistics.
Provide a brief anecdote or story that relates to the topic.
Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.
Provide information on how the selected topic may impact the audience .
Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.
Give the thesis statement in connection to the main topic and identify the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose.
Identify evidence
Summarize its meaning
Explain how it helps prove the support/main claim
Evidence 3 (Continue as needed)
Support 3 (Continue as needed)
Restate thesis
Review main supports
Concluding statement
Give the audience a call to action to do something specific.
Identify the overall importan ce of the topic and position.
Persuasive speech topics
The following table identifies some common or interesting persuasive speech topics for high school and college students:
Benefits of healthy foods | Animal testing | Affirmative action |
Cell phone use while driving | Arts in education | Credit cards |
Climate change | Capital punishment/death penalty | Fossil fuels |
Extinction of the dinosaurs | Community service | Fracking |
Extraterrestrial life | Fast food & obesity | Global warming |
Gun violence | Human cloning | Gun control |
Increase in poverty | Influence of social media | Mental health/health care |
Moon landing | Paying college athletes | Minimum wage |
Pandemics | Screen time for young children | Renewable energy |
Voting rights | Violent video games | School choice/private vs. public schools vs. homeschooling |
World hunger | Zoos & exotic animals | School uniforms |
Persuasive speech examples
The following list identifies some of history’s most famous persuasive speeches:
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address: “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You”
Lyndon B. Johnson: “We Shall Overcome”
Marc Antony: “Friends, Romans, Countrymen…” in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
Ronald Reagan: “Tear Down this Wall”
Sojourner Truth: “Ain’t I a Woman?”
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99 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics
![what is the best persuasive speech topics](https://www.presentationskills.me/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Easy-Persuasive-Speech-Topics.jpg)
Persuasive speech topics are vast and varied. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted topic to entertain an audience or something more serious to inspire action, there are plenty of easy persuasive speech topics to choose from.
Take a look at this list of easy persuasive speech topics and see if any of them pique your interest!
- Importance of Wearing Sunscreen
- Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness
- The Power of Connection: Why Strong Social Support Is Essential for Well-Being
- Dangers of Social Media Addiction
- The Need for Renewable Energy Sources
- The Benefits of Self-Care: Why It’s Essential for Your Health and Happiness
- The Benefits of Adopting a Plant-Based Diet
- The Importance of Financial Literacy and Budgeting
- Benefits of Learning to Code
- The Need for Stricter Animal Cruelty Laws
- Dangers of Fast Fashion and the Importance of Sustainable Fashion
- Living Life: Traveling and Experiencing Different Cultures
- The Importance of Mental Health Awareness and Seeking Help When Needed
- Benefits of Having a Diverse and Inclusive Society
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Simple Practices for Reducing Stress and Improving Mental Clarity
- The Need for Equal Pay for Equal Work
- Benefits of Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
- Dangers of Substance Abuse
- The Power of Exercise: How Regular Physical Activity Can Improve Your Physical and Mental Health
- Benefits of Using Public Transportation
- The Importance of Water Conservation
- Self-Reflection and Introspection: The Path to Personal Growth
- Learning a Musical Instrument is Beneficial
- Sleep: The Importance of Getting Enough Rest for Your Health and Productivity
- The Need for Better Gun Control Laws
- Dangers of Texting While Driving
- Setting Boundaries and Taking Care of Your Needs
- Benefits of Reading for Pleasure
- The Importance of Protecting Civil Liberties
- Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
- Nourish Your Body: The Benefits of a Healthy Diet
- The Need for More Affordable Housing Options
- Dangers of Cyberbullying
- Supporting Small Businesses
- Taking Breaks and Giving Yourself Permission to Relax
- The Importance of Protecting Endangered Species
- Benefits of Reducing Screen Time
- The Need for Universal Healthcare Access
- The Importance of Engaging in Things That Bring Fulfillment
- The Benefits of Scheduling and Planning: How to Get More Done in Less Time
- The Power of Time Management for Achieving Work-Life Balance
- The Power of Saying No
- Benefits of Delegating and Asking for Help
- The Importance of Setting Priorities and Managing Time Effectively
- Maximizing Productivity Through Time Management Strategies
- The Benefits of Scheduling and Planning for Success
- The Power of Setting and Achieving Goals
- Benefits of Time Blocking and Focus Time
- Importance of Being Organized and Streamlining Processes
- Equal Education for All: The Importance of Providing Opportunities for Every Student
- The Importance of Homework and Its Impact on Student Learning
- The Benefits of a Later Start Time for High School Students
- Benefits of a Dress Code or Uniform Policy in Schools
- The Importance of Physical Education and Recess in Schools
- Benefits of Offering a Wider Variety of Elective Courses in Schools
- The Importance of Financial Literacy Education in Schools
- The Benefits of Incorporating More Hands-On, Experiential Learning Opportunities in Schools
- Importance of Mental Health Resources and Support in Schools
- Benefits of Implementing Restorative Justice Practices in Schools
- Importance of Providing Equal Educational Opportunities for All Students, Regardless of Their Socio-Economic Background.
- Importance of Spending Quality Time With Family
- Benefits of Regular Family Dinners
- The Benefits of Family Vacations
- Importance of Open and Honest Communication Within Families
- The Benefits of Teaching Children About Financial Responsibility and Budgeting
- The Benefits of Having a Strong Support System Within the Family
- Importance of Setting Boundaries and Establishing Rules Within Families
- The Benefits of Forgiveness and Reconciling Relationships Within Families
- The Importance of Showing Gratitude and Appreciation Towards Family Members
- Benefits of Implementing a “Digital Detox” and Disconnecting From Technology Within the Family
- The Importance of Reading Food Labels and Understanding Ingredients
- Dangers of Excessive Sugar Intake and Strategies for Reducing Sugar Consumption
- Benefits of Home Cooking and Meal Planning
- Environmental Impact of Food Waste and Strategies for Reducing Waste
- The Benefits of Incorporating More Whole Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables Into Your Diet
- Dangers of Fast Food and the Benefits of Eating More Home-Cooked Meals
- The Benefits of Eating Locally-Grown, Seasonal Produce
- Importance of Breakfast for Maintaining a Healthy Weight and Improving Cognitive Function
- Dangers of Dieting and the Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Relationship With Food
- The Importance of Being Punctual and the Consequences of Being Late
- The Importance of Being Honest and the Consequences of Lying
- Benefits of Volunteering and Giving Back to the Community
- The Importance of Being Respectful Towards Others and the Consequences of Being Disrespectful
- Benefits of Taking Responsibility for One’s Actions and the Dangers of Avoiding Responsibility
- Importance of Being Prepared and the Consequences of Being Unprepared
- Benefits of Being Organized and the Consequences of Being Disorganized
- Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance and the Consequences of Neglecting Personal Relationships
- Importance of Communication in a Healthy Relationship
- Benefits of Forgiveness in a Relationship
- Dangers of Codependency and the Importance of Maintaining a Sense of Self in a Relationship
- The Benefits of Setting Boundaries in a Relationship
- The Importance of Trust in a Relationship and the Consequences of Betrayal
- Benefits of Compromise in a Relationship
- The Importance of Respecting Each Other’s Differences in a Relationship
- Benefits of Regular Date Nights and Keeping the Romance Alive in a Long-Term Relationship
- Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Romantic Life in a Relationship
- Benefits of Seeking Therapy or Counseling to Improve a Struggling Relationship
- Dangers of Smoking and the Need for Stricter Laws on Tobacco Advertising
- Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement
Final Thoughts
Remember, when choosing a topic for a persuasive speech, it’s important to choose something that you are passionate about and that you can argue convincingly. You should also consider your audience and whether the topic will be of interest to them.
Related Posts:
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110 interesting persuasive speech topics. Now for the fun part! We've compiled a list of 110 persuasive speech topics—broken down by category—for you to choose from or use as inspiration. Use the set of three questions we shared above to determine which of these interesting persuasive speech topics is right for you. Art, Media, and Culture
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.
How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech. Talk to yourself in the mirror, record yourself, and/or hold a practice speech for family or friends. If you'll be using visual cues, a slide deck, or notecards, practice incorporating them seamlessly into your speech. You should practice until your speech feels very familiar, at least 5-10 ...
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 ...
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 ...
What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic? There are multiple factors that make some persuasive speech topic ideas better than others. Three major things to think about when choosing a persuasive ...
100+ persuasive speech ideas grouped by theme: animals/birds, arts/culture, automotive, business/economy, social/community, environment, education, ethics, global/world, sports... Notes covering: what makes a speech topic 'good'. why some topics are potentially boring for an audience to listen to and best left alone.
50 good persuasive speech topics. Sport is the new religion. Social media affects mental health. There should be a law against drugged driving. Truth and politics seldom mix. Protests are effective. All guns should be registered. Should single people be allowed to adopt a child. Exploitative advertising should be banned.
10 Fun Persuasive Speech Topics. Fun topics are a great way to get people to listen to what you have to say, because when they are entertained they listen more carefully. Fun topics also help the speaker be more at ease, because the topics are more relaxed. Below follow 100 topics that you can have fun with while persuading your audience. .
The best topics are those that: Spark Interest: Choose a topic that not only interests you but also has the potential to engage your audience. A topic that evokes curiosity or an emotional response can be particularly compelling. Are Debatable: A good persuasive speech topic should have clear arguments for and against.
Here is a breakdown of various topics for persuasive speeches, organized by categories, to inspire you. 1. Arts & Culture. Art and culture are always hot topics among individuals and groups. There are many interesting arguments and stances on both topics, and many people have strong opinions about them.
Persuasive speech topics can inspire an audience and influence change in your community, town, or city. Whether you are giving a presentation at a large conference or converting a college essay into a speech to be given at your high school's auditorium, delivering a persuasive speech is not an easy task. We are here to guide you through this difficult process and provide you with 150 ...
Technology and Innovation. Technology's relentless pace has us all on our toes, wondering what's next. As a result, it gives us plenty of persuasive speech topics to consider. AI Ethics: Artifical intelligence can be a force for good, but it can also have negative outcomes, like the loss of jobs.
Here are some Persuasive Speech Topics that you can practice with. Writing Introduction for Persuasive Speech. Take a look at the video below. It explains how to write an introduction for a persuasive speech. Persuasive Speech Videos. Below are 6 sample videos of persuasive speeches.
100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics. Studying martial arts is good for mind and health. Competitive sports can teach us about life. Reality shows are exploiting people. Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students. The characteristics that make a person a hero.
1. Compelling topic. The foundation of a persuasive speech lies in choosing a topic that is relevant, interesting, and has the potential to spark debate. It should be a subject you are passionate about and knowledgeable about, as this will enhance your credibility and enthusiasm. 2. Clear thesis statement.
191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics. Before we reveal the 191 best persuasive speech topics, let's preview each of the categories: Politics and law: This topic revolves around pressing issues including voting, Supreme Court decisions, political leadership, and criminal justice.; Environmental activism: Climate change, offshore oil drilling, and green technology are just a few of the hot-button ...
Choosing a Topic. It's more enjoyable to research and write a speech about a topic that genuinely holds your interest. It'll make for better delivery, too. Passion is contagious! On the other hand, boredom and a lack of enthusiasm come through easily in vocal tone. Avoid tired, overdone issues. If you've heard it all before, there's a ...
49 Persuasive Speech Topics. I've divided this list of 49 topics into seven categories. I've also included links to sample persuasive speech outlines, persuasive essays, and argumentative essays to give you a few ideas of how you might develop ideas for your persuasive speech.
Argument 1. Details and evidence. Argument 2. Details and evidence. (Repeat for remaining arguments) Strong conclusion. Three to four arguments is typical. As you organize your speech, remember that it is important to finish strong. As you write your speech, these methods for writing a persuasive essay may be helpful.
Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals. Students can also write interesting speeches about animal topics. Here is a list of interesting persuasive speech topics about animals you can consider. Some pets are dangerous to the community. Owners should be held responsible if their pets hurt the health of another person.
Step 2 - Select a good persuasive speech topic to accomplish the goal and choose a position. How to write a persuasive speech. Step 3 - Locate credible and reliable sources and identify evidence in support of the topic/position. Revisit Step 2 if there is a lack of relevant resources. Step 4 - Identify the audience and understand their ...
99 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics. December 19, 2022 by Jessica Scott. Persuasive speech topics are vast and varied. Whether you're looking for a light-hearted topic to entertain an audience or something more serious to inspire action, there are plenty of easy persuasive speech topics to choose from. Take a look at this list of easy persuasive ...
Asked at that meeting about his relationship with Trump, and Trump having nice things to say about Tesla even as he attacks EVs, Musk replied, "I can be persuasive."
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The substance of his speeches no longer matters. Everyone is watching to see if he stumbles — or rather, how frequently. Many Americans have deeply personal experience of watching relatives fade.