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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!

200+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024

Updated 14 Jun 2024

Do you want to inspire others? Do you want to get a chance to have your voice heard? Choosing good persuasive speech topics enables you to write an amazing speech that will attract the attention of your teacher, colleagues and whoever is interested in listening to you. A lot of times students are asked to write persuasive essays for various occasions. You could be asked to write one for your graduation party or you might want to give one in front of your class.

When your speech is written properly, you know that you will be able to convince your audience with your point of view. A good persuasive speech is going to show others that you’ve studied the topic you’re talking about. It should provide enough evidence that the topic is thoroughly researched and that your point of view is valid just like a special occasion speech . But a lot of students struggle with coming up with the most relevant idea for the upcoming assignment. This article will provide you with interesting persuasive speech topics that you can use to write an incredible piece of writing.

Components of a Persuasive Speech

Every persuasive speech and essay needs to have three essential components. These components include logic, ethics, and emotion. These three are also called Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.

List of Persuasive Speech Topics

Writing a persuasive essay starts with picking the right topic. This means that you have to spend some time coming up with a brilliant idea, then use all your talent and skills to write it in a good way. A lot of students ask "What is a persuasive speech topic?" because they are confused about this type of writing. To get a clearer idea, looking at speech essay examples can be immensely helpful. This is the subject that you need to discuss in your assignment. It is either set by your teacher or professor or you might have the chance to pick a topic for your essay. If you are unable to come up with an interesting topic, your readers might not be tempted to listen to you till the very end. Spending time to pick the right topic is going to help you submit an excellent assignment.

There are 3 types of persuasive speech thesis : factual persuasive speech (brings factual evidence to demonstrate whether something is true or not); value persuasive speech (argues whether something is right or wrong from a moral perspective; and policy persuasive speech (that try to advance policies, electoral programs, laws, etc.).

There are a lot of interesting persuasive speech topics that you can use in your next academic assignment, but you need to make sure that your essay is relevant to the subject you are studying. You could write your speech about people (personalities), fictional characters, events (historical, contemporary, cultural), conspiracy theories, processes occurring in society, human mentality, etc. The choice of topics is virtually unlimited. Here are some of the best ideas and prompts that you can use in your next task.

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

How marketing affects people and their perceptions
The challenges of recycling and potential solutions
Why the water conservation is becoming an important topic?
Ways countries can reduce global warming without losing money
How can tv become educational again and bring value?
How many people actually don’t know their education options?
Political correctness is actually good if implemented properly
What are the current global issues between countries?
Why are education costs growing progressively?
Mandatory Internship Programs for College Credit
Closing the Digital Gap: Equal Access to Technology in Education
Healthy Eating Options as a Campus Standard
Defining Free Speech Boundaries in College
Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Implications in Academia
Integrating Climate Change into the Core College Curriculum
Financial Compensation for College Athletes
Community Service as a Graduation Requirement
Transitioning to Digital Textbooks to Lower Student Costs
Institutionalizing Mental Health Days in Academia
Cultural Competency Courses for All Majors
Teaching Digital Privacy Rights in College
Entrepreneurship Skills as a Core Subject
Relevance of Liberal Arts in the Modern Economy
Enhanced Campus Safety Protocols

Persuasive Essay Topics About Animals

Testing products on animals: is it ethical or not?
Is it right to keep animals in zoos?
Should we use products made with animal fur?
Euthanizing stray animals: is it ethical?
Can a companion or service animal change someone’s life?
Is it rational to be scared of harmless yet frightening or unusual animals?
Keeping wild and exotic pets away from their natural habitat. Is it ethical?
Should we spay pets to control their overpopulation?
Keeping uncommon animals at home. Is it good for them?
Ten ways we can help animals live better

Unique Persuasive Topics

Electric cars are just as harmful to the environment
Depression is overrated and we all have to deal with it
We are living better than ever, but we still complain
The prison system doesn’t create better humans
Being untidy doesn’t make you creative or special
The world needs younger politicians, not 70-year-olds
Racism will always exist no matter how hard we try
Most businesses advertise the same way and lack boldness
Bitcoin and other digital currencies are the future
Seniors shouldn’t have the right to vote

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Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Personality disorders among teens. Are they easy to identify?
How our differences make us unique
Phobias of children, teens, and adults. What are the similarities and differences?
When is it right to give children medications to overcome mental issues?
Suicide among teenagers. Is the media affecting it?
Studying psychology stresses students
Peer pressure is the cause of a lot of mental problems during the teenage years
The Necessity of Mental Health Education in High Schools
Workplace Mental Health: Employer Responsibilities
Social Media's Role in Adolescent Mental Health
De-stigmatizing Mental Health in Sports Culture
Mental Health First Aid: As Crucial as Physical First Aid?
The Impact of Sleep on College Students' Mental Health
Access to Mental Health Services for the Homeless
The Correlation Between Creativity and Mental Health
Mental Health Screenings as a Standard in Annual Physicals
The Role of Nutrition in Mental Well-being

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

The importance of people’s skills for the success of your business
Are introverts better entrepreneurs?
How can a mentor affect your success as an entrepreneur?
Understanding your position in the market. How can it affect your current and future business plan?
Social media is going to affect your marketing plan
Why should you go after your passion in business?
Starting a successful business with no money
The value of unorthodox business ideas
Using feedback from unhappy customers to enhance your sales
The importance of delegation
Employers asking for their employees’ social media accounts. Is it right or wrong?
Employers shouldn’t ask questions related to an employee’s personal life

Persuasive Speeches for Kids

Life as a teen dependent on technology
Teachers contribute more to society than a lot of other professions
Video games promote violence among children and teens
Are music videos appropriate for children and teens to watch?
Mental health and well-being should be one of the subjects studied at school
Kids under 16 years shouldn’t have their own social media accounts
Exam results shouldn’t be used to label students
Dealing with bullies. Is it suitable to punish them?
Are schoolers assigned a reasonable number of tasks?
Feeling shy to talk to others and how to overcome it
Which sport should you play to stay healthy?
How to write the best title for your speeches?
How to overcome fear when speaking in public?
What is the best way to reach a solution for challenging Math problems?

Read Also: 100 Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

A migraine is usually overlooked at school or in a workplace
Alternative medication: The truth and the myths
Infertility in couples is related to stress and unhealthy lifestyles
Mental health issues affect the whole society
The food industry is the reason behind obesity
Everyone should donate blood at least once a year
How to overcome back pain? Different treatment options
Using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth is essential for your dental health
Do cell phones affect our brains?
Non-smokers should be first on the organ transplant lists
Is biohacking good for your health?
Diet beverages do not actually make you lose weight
Using the right amount of salt in your food is going to affect your health
Keeping your immune system strong is a must
Top things to do in order to improve the way your body and brain function
Why Every Adult Needs a Nap Time Just Like Kindergarten
The Art of Procrastination: Why It’s a Skill, Not a Flaw
How Being Lazy Can Actually Make You More Efficient
Why We Should Have a National 'Talk Like a Pirate' Day
The Conspiracy Theory That Socks Disappear in the Dryer
Pets Should Have Social Media Accounts: The Pros
Why Teenagers Should Give Technology Advice to Adults
Coffee vs. Tea: The Ultimate Showdown for Morning Supremacy
How Horoscopes Can Solve All Your Work and Love Troubles
Why We Should Elect a Cat as the Next President

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

Social media affects people’s self-image and self-esteem
Competitive sports teach us a lot about life
Who is a hero? What are the “heroic” qualities?
Learning from your mistakes
Spending time with your grandparents
Brilliant ways to make money in the 21st century
Living underwater: A reality or science fiction?
Texting while driving should be illegal
Using single-use plastic containers should be banned
School days should start later in the day
Immigration laws should be more lenient
Living with refugees from other countries
Students should be able to pick their schools
Should a student be allowed to skip school if they want to?
Paying more taxes: Is it a good or a bad thing?
Should human beings control the weather?
Simple ways to overcome stress.

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

Blaming your younger sibling for the mess you made
Which music is your mind playing in the background during intense situations?
Just because we have opinions doesn’t mean they are valuable
Putting an Instagram filter on your selfie doesn’t make you a photographer
Why do stuff when you can play video games?
“Be a musician,” they said, but nobody came to my gig
Why are skinny jeans for men even a thing?
You did something wrong? blame it on your zodiac sign
I have plans for the weekend! sleep and watch movies

Video Games Persuasive Speech Topics

Video games cause a lot of stress
People who spend their time playing video games are more prone to depression
Video games can enhance people’s brain and muscles coordination
Children who play video games have faster responses
How will gaming look 10 years from now?
Virtual reality affects people’s perception
Living without computers is impossible
A video game can be the easiest way to teach kids
Watching people playing video games is as fun as watching real sports like football matches
Will playing video games cause behavior problems?
The gaming industry is affecting every aspect of our lives
Video games are not popular among kids only
Playing video games with random people online

Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

Spending money to explore space is going to improve life for humans
Using genetically modified foods is bad for our health
Using painkillers is not healthy
The scientific world is changing way too fast
Human beings should depend more on renewable energy
The power of crystal healing can improve our mental and physical health
Cancer is the most important disease that doctors should research now
How your diet can cause the onset of different health conditions
Using supplements should be controlled
Coming up with guidelines that control stem cell research
How can science be used to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals?

Education Persuasive Speech Topics

Proper research is needed to write a short essay
High-school and middle-school students should be trained to do presentations
Improving students’ presentation skills
Should uniforms be obligatory in schools?
Should there be separate classrooms for boys and girls?
Students sent to boarding schools: A responsibility and a risk
The positive possible effect of spending a year as an exchange student
Cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in schools
Taking a year off school. Can it help you?
Hilarious games in the class can help shy students get along with others
A student’s grade: Is it a fair method of evaluation?

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

Why we should consider gamers as professional athletes
Reasons why women sports don’t get that much attention
Why are sports so popular globally?
Why is soccer the most popular sport in the world?
Everyone likes sports; they just haven’t found the one they like
Physical training is objectively good for everyone
How performance-enhancing drugs are used in professional sports
Why are professional athletes paid so well
Is it ethical to sell/buy players in sports?
Are the Olympics still the most important sports event?

Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

More political and legal measures should be taken to protect the environment
Keeping an animal away from its home will affect the environmental balance
Businesses have a serious obligation towards protecting the environment
There should be a strict policy against polluting the ocean
Should there be government policies against the use of disposable diapers?
Recycling paper is going to save our planet
Are we taking the right measures to get over the global warming issue?
The Case for a Four-Day Workweek to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Why Every Neighborhood Should Have a Community Garden
Banning Plastic Straws: Just the Tip of the Environmental Iceberg
The Impact of Fast Fashion on Our Planet
Should Public Transport Be Free to Combat Climate Change?
The Role of Personal Responsibility in Global Waste Reduction
Urban Beekeeping: A Solution to Declining Bee Populations
The Environmental Cost of Cryptocurrency Mining

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

Can child abuse and traumas lead to future mental disorders?
Can family history make children more prone to stress and anxiety?
How to run a business with your family?
Should children and teens be worried more about their privacy or safety?
Can video games be used in educating children and teens?
Having an older/younger sibling. The perks and the challenges
Internet censorship for kids, is it a must?
Children will still read books if they are interesting enough
The Benefits of Family Game Night on Child Development
Should Parents Limit Screen Time or Control Content?
The Importance of Teaching Financial Literacy at Home
Family Meals: A Solution to Better Communication and Health
The Role of Grandparents in Modern Family Structures
Balancing Work and Family: A Modern Dilemma
Encouraging Children to Participate in Household Chores

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

Can the government promote non-college education for a higher income?
The problem of spending on biological weapons
Is the government really taking the right steps to eliminate cultural sensitivity?
To vote or not to vote: A question asked by a lot of people
Obesity in children is related to living a fast-paced life. What is the role of the government?
Getting a driving license: Is one test per a lifetime enough?
Should smokers pay a health tax?
Is the government spending too much on the military sector?
Should the government run a campaign to promote cultural diversity and tolerance?

Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics

How can writing a journal help you become a better person?
Reality shows affect people’s mental health
Song lyrics affect our lives in a number of ways
Should an artist comply with the rules set by the society while working on a project?
Can a movie persuade you with something you don’t believe in?
Can action movies cause stress?
Reading inspirational and humorous quotes improves your mood
Why reading an informational article in a list form is easier
Funding the Arts: Investing in Creativity as a Public Good
The Importance of Cultural Exchange Programs in Education
Preserving Indigenous Languages: Why It Matters
Art Censorship: Where Should We Draw the Line?
The Role of Public Art in Community Engagement
Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation in Fashion and Music
The Impact of Digital Media on Traditional Art Forms

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion

Why guitar music is superior to everything else
Metal is modern classical music, and you don’t know it
Why music makes everything we do easier
Pop fashion is getting influenced more and more by alternative subcultures
Digital music should be free to download and listen
Clothes don’t define a person, but it helps people look at you differently
How fashion trends differ from one culture to another
You can’t buy fashion taste no matter how rich you are
Music is becoming more repetitive, here’s how
Why are women the leaders in the fashion industry?

Religion Persuasive Speech Topics

Studying religion is motivational
Awesome stories about the ancient gods and goddesses
How to overcome conflicts and arguments between people who believe in different religions?
Should the argument that God exists be discussed in a classroom?
Emotional stories from the Bible can help people renew their belief
New age spirituality: A fact or a myth
Current vs. ancient interpretations of the Bible
Children should be allowed to choose their religion

Read also: Informative Speech Topics for College

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Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

Having the best informative speech essay ideas is not enough. There are some guidelines and tips that you can follow to help you submit an interesting inspirational speech that everyone will like. Put shortly, good persuasive speech topics are those that bring emotionally or ethically powerful arguments, solid, convincing, well-researched/ trustworthy evidence/arguments and address topics of great relevance. You need to work hard to make sure that every paragraph of your essay is clear, informative and provides value to the reader. Here are some tips to help you finish your persuasive speech in the best quality:

1. Create an Outline.

The best way to make sure that your essays and papers are written perfectly is to work following outlines. An outline serves as the frame that you can check against while working on your persuasive speech. It is the plan that will help you stay on track. It is easy and expected to get distracted while working on any writing assignment. So you need this tool to keep you focused on the ideas you want to discuss in your task. You can write down all your ideas and make sure that they are connected. If your ideas make sense, your audience, whether they are reading or listening, will stay focused till the very end. You can find a lot of online examples for speech outlines that you can follow.

2. Use the Right Vocabulary.

Using the appropriate words will keep your speech entertaining. You want people to stay motivated to listen to your speech. You should make sure that you are using the right words to express and emphasize your message. You can use different words if you want your speech to be funny, controversial, or motivational. The level of complexity of the words used should be relevant to the topic and the audience of your speech.

3. Ask for Professional Help.

You can find an interesting sample of the same topic you want to write about. But it would still be extremely difficult to write an original persuasive speech unless you are very creative. An easy solution is to look for a reliable custom writing service and buy speech online. You should know that finding a speech generator guarantees that you will be able to submit an excellent assignment on time. A professional writer is going to check your speech for mistakes and errors and make sure that you end up with an original piece of writing. This is a cool way to finish all your assignments and guarantee the best grades. A reliable academic service hires a talented group of professional authors who hold degrees from reputable colleges and universities. They are trained to provide you with all kinds of tasks starting from the elementary level to the PhD level.

4. Use a lot of Examples.

Using a lot of examples is a common way to prove your point of view and is a great method to persuade your audience and keep them engaged. This method makes people believe in what you say. You should make sure that these examples have an emotional edge to them to stimulate your audience’s hearts and minds at the same time. If you're looking for persuasive essay examples for students , you can explore various online platforms and educational resources that provide well-crafted essays to serve as inspiration for your own writing.

5. Keep on Practicing.

This is probably one of the best pieces of advice ever. Don’t worry if you are not very good at writing. Practice makes perfect. The more you experiment with various topics for persuasive speech, the better writer you will become. You can also give one of your friends a call and let them play the role of your audience. Their feedback can help you finish your assignment in better quality.

Finishing an excellent persuasive speech takes time and effort. You need to make sure that you’ve picked one of the best ideas for persuasive speech and that you’ve used the right words to prove your opinion. This is a chance to speak your mind and express what you really think and believe so don’t be scared or shy. Remember that even if you can’t get it right, you will be able to learn from your mistakes. You can also ask for professional advice and hire a speech writer online to make sure that you’ve finished your assignment the way it should be done.

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Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

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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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Go back to all articles

100+ Excellent Topics for a Stellar Persuasive Speech

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Speech?

The Ingredients of an Effective Topic

Ideas & Inspiration: 100+ Topics

Your Next Steps, Step-by-step

This comprehensive blog post serves as a vital resource for anyone looking to craft an impactful persuasive speech. It provides an extensive list of over 100 compelling topics tailored for a wide range of interests and academic fields. Additionally, it offers advanced guidance on selecting the perfect topic, structuring your arguments effectively, and employing persuasive techniques that captivate and convince your audience. Whether you're an academic achiever or an aspiring public speaker, this guide equips you with the insights to deliver a stellar persuasive speech.

Before You Pick the Perfect Topic...

If you’re struggling to find a strong topic for a persuasive speech , you’ll find 100+ ideas for subjects and topics below. Use one that grabs you, or simply find inspiration to get unstuck and come up with a topic about something you and your audience will find interesting.

To help you think about the big picture — your larger essay — we also review what makes a truly effective persuasive speech, all the ingredients of an effective topic, and how to pick the best topic for your circumstances.

Here's what's most essential as you consider your topic choices:

pick a topic that has the right scope, one aligned with your larger assignment
be sure the topic is one you're interested in researching, has meaning and relevance for your audience, and has the right level of complexity — both for your audience and for your level of speech writing prowess
remember your topic should align with themes and subjects related to your circumstances and the speech requirements

Finally, once you’ve picked your topic, and even if you know all the basics — which I’m guessing you do if you’re following posts from Crimson Education — you might still benefit from other advice in today's post, such as numerous speech writing tips and strategies designed to save you time and stress and improve the odds your final speech will exceed expectations.

Here's what you'll find:

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech
The Ingredients of an Effective Topic, and Tips for Picking Your Topic
100+ Topic Suggestions
How to Develop a Stellar Persuasive Speech — Step-by-Step!

Still feeling a bit hesitant or stuck?

Don’t worry. Once you've picked a really interesting and effective topic and start your research, you'll quickly become a subject-matter expert, regaining both motivation and confidence for all the remaining steps.

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech?

A good persuasive speech will grab the audience’s attention, help them connect with the speaker (that’s you), and guide their reasoning process — giving the speech the power to persuade your audience why your point of view is logical and compelling, and also superior to the opposing viewpoints.

The 6 Most Essential Ingredients

A strong introduction that gets the audience engaged and provides context about the subject and topic, what’s at stake (why it matters), and what issues or concerns tend to be front and center
A clear thesis in the form of a specific point of view, opinion, or argument
An orderly progression of ideas and arguments, each argument or subtopic supported by logic and evidence
An anticipation of opposing viewpoints and arguments (the counterarguments to your opinion)
Your responses or ‘rebuttals’ to the opposing viewpoints , answering the anticipated objections and adding additional support for your point of view or thesis
A conclusion that highlights the most powerful persuasive elements in your speech and reminds listeners what's at stake, including, if suitable, a call to action

The Historical Roots of Persuasive Speech

Did you know that persuasive speech assignments may be testing your mastery of concepts that go back as far as ancient Greece?

The emergence of democracy in ancient Greece (the 6th and 5th centuries B.C.) created a space for the rule of law and political governance informed by the will of the people — making persuasive speech an essential element of social life.

From courtroom trials to political campaigns and democratic assemblies, persuasive speech emerged in 5th-century Athens as an essential tool of democracy. Soon the brightest philosophers of the day became concerned with the principles of "rhetoric" — the study of orderly and effective persuasive speaking.

Now, thousands of years later, little has changed in Western democracies: "constructing and defending compelling arguments remains an essential skill in many settings" (Harvard U, Rhetoric ). In short, the principles of deliberation, free speech, and consensus building we use for governance, in school, extracurricular activities , at work, and sometimes our day-to-day life, still rely on persuasive speech.

“In every free society individuals are continuously attempting to change the thoughts and/or actions of others. It is a fundamental concept of a free society.”

- persuasive speaking, by r. t. oliver, ph.d..

How The Rhetorical Triangle Can Turbo-charge Your Speech

The 5th-century B.C. Athenian philosopher Aristotle argued that your ability to persuade is based on how well your speech appeals to the audience in three different areas: logos, ethos, and pathos, sometimes referred to as the three points of the rhetorical triangle .

From observation and reflection Aristotle understood that humans are thinking animals (logos), social and moral animals (ethos), and emotional animals (pathos) — such that appealing to all three of these pillars of human understanding and action were essential parts of an effective persuasive speech .

1. Logos — Using clear, logical, and evidence-based reasoning and argumentation to add persuasive power to your speech.

For obvious reasons, audiences will typically expect strong arguments supported by evidence and clear reasoning and logic, all elements that are often prominent on grading rubrics for persuasive speeches.

Maybe you're thinking of speeches you've heard that utterly lacked logic and evidence? It's a reminder that persuasion as such is ultimately about points of view and not always about facts. Even without logic, a speaker can persuade, through effective uses of ethos and pathos , for example. In other instances social phenomena may underlie a lack of logic and evidence, such as "group think," for example , when people are swayed or swept up by a common point of view about an issue, instead of thinking critically about it.

2. Ethos — The component of persuasive speaking that spotlights the appeal, authority, credentials, and moral standing of the speaker .

Have you ever agreed with a speaker simply because you liked the person speaking, or rejected an argument because you disliked a speaker, responding to who the speaker is more than to their arguments? That may not be very logical, but it is very natural for us humans.

Aristotle understood this, that persuasion relies not solely on logical thinking but on relational factors too, including how much we trust a speaker, how much we believe in the integrity of their motives, and the knowledge and expertise they possess (or are perceived to possess).

Take law courts, for example. One common strategy lawyers use to undermine the force of witness testimony is to “discredit” or “taint” the witness , to undermine jurors' confidence in the veracity and motives of the witness. That's using ethos, rather than logic and facts, to impact an audience (the jury).

Likewise, when an audience has a high regard for the speaker's reputation, authority, and credibility, the more convincing that person's arguments are likely to be.

Suggestions for enhancing appeals to ethos in your speech:

Share a transformative journey where you shifted from an opposing perspective to your current stance due to overwhelming evidence. This approach can demonstrate your capacity for logic and open-mindedness, helping your audience see you as very rational and impartial, potentially strengthening your credibility.
Incorporate the viewpoints and expertise of respected authorities to bolster your arguments. Referencing reliable sources and experts boosts your credibility by showing you've grounded your arguments in established facts, perspectives, and ideas.
Foster a connection with your audience. For example, rather than overwhelming them with complex reasoning to showcase your intelligence, strive to comprehend and reflect their perceptions and potential biases regarding your topic. This should make your audience more receptive to your logic and perspectives as your speech progresses.
Employ personal anecdotes or lived experiences that unveil a deeper layer of understanding and wisdom. This personal touch not only humanizes you, the speaker, but makes your arguments more relatable and persuasive.

Depending on circumstances, you may think of additional ways to bolster your credibility and trustworthiness — enhancing your standing in the eyes of the audience in order to elevate the persuasive impact of your speech!

3. Pathos — This means injecting your speech with some powerful appeals to listeners' feelings and emotions , in addition to using logic and reason.

For example, if your speech entails persuading voters to increase foreign aide to combat world hunger, you wouldn’t just want to cite cold statistics. Painting a picture of ways malnutrition is affecting real individuals is likely to have a strong impact on listeners' emotions, appealing to their innate capacity for compassion towards others and helping them more deeply appreciate the urgency of the subject . This approach impacts listeners' emotions and highlights an urgent and universal moral imperative that adds conviction to your point of view.

In most academic settings, you'll be expected to present a speech with a strong line of evidence-based, logical reasoning, often making appeals to logos prominent in persuasive speeches in school settings. That said, by injecting and balancing appeals to logos, ethos, and pathos, based on what's most suitable for your topic, assignment, and approach, you'll add a significant measure of mastery to your persuasive writing method.

A Consistent Style and Tone

What style, voice, and tone best suit your personality, the occasion, the listeners, and your subject?

Consider adopting a straightforward, clear, and succinct style , reminiscent of a newspaper editorial or a no-nonsense argument in a voter guide. This approach works well for topics and settings requiring direct communication with clear insights and persuasive arguments free from subjectivity and unnecessary analysis and complexity.
For topics, interests, or assignments that naturally entail wading through broader philosophical and ethical debates — like debating justifications for euthanasia or arguments against the death penalty — a more introspective, contemplative voice may be expected . This style allows for a deeper exploration of moral dimensions and the broader implications of the issue at hand or the underlying logical principles involved.
If your inclination is towards something more unconventional, employing humor and wit could be a chance to take the road less traveled! Whether through irony or parody, for example, by showcasing a humorous topic from the outset, such as "why dog people outshine cat people," or cleverly presenting weaker arguments to underscore your point, this strategy, while offbeat, can captivate and entertain , making your speech stand out in a large class setting. Just be sure to balance the creativity with a clear demonstration of your persuasive speech skills and consider checking in with your teacher about possibilities and expectations beforehand.

With a broader understanding of what goes into a great persuasive speech, you’re better equipped for the important step of picking the topic that will guide your speech.

Picking Your Topic — Questions to Ask

Does it interest you.

Conveying passion for a topic is infectious, adding power to your speech. The more interested and invested you are in your subject and topic, the more likely you are to make your speech the best it can be.

Will the topic interest your audience?

Understanding your audience's values, interests, and views will help you make immediate connections with their own thought processes and attitudes. Try to pick a topic that will get your listeners to perk up and move to the edge of their seats.

Is the topic or point of view fresh and engaging?

Choosing a topic that's novel, contemporary, or presents a unique angle on a familiar issue should help you captivate your audience's attention. You also want the topic to be something that matters to your audience with a point of view that challenges their thinking, so you're not just "preaching to the choir."

Are there any "triggers" or otherwise "sensitive" or "inappropriate" themes?

You might not think there’s not any problem with a topic such as Should we build a wall to keep immigrants out of the country? Or, Should same sex marriage be legal? That said, topics that delve into identity politics or areas that are so controversial that they elicit anger or hostility rather than dialogue and debate may lead to emotional hurt and harm, even if not intended. If you have any doubts, check in with your teacher or a school counselor before settling on your topic!

Finding Subjects and Topics on Your Own

Before you jump ahead and grab a ready-made topic from the list below, remember that a quick brainstorming or online search could be your preferred method to find the best, most interesting topic for your audience, setting, and individual interests or class requirements. For example, an internet search with keywords such as “biggest problems or biggest issues in the world today” will quickly uncover a host of themes and subjects that are both timely and controversial.

Search Results for Keyword Phrase Contemporary World Problems and Issues

Water contamination
Human rights violation
Global health issues
Global poverty
Children's poor access to healthcare, education and safety
Access to food and hunger
Anti-corruption and transparency
Arms control and nonproliferation
Climate and environment
Climate crisis
Combating and crime
Countering terrorism
Cyber issues
Economic prosperity and trade policy
Technology and privacy

A General List vs. Time & Place Factors

Where you live and what’s timely for you and your audience is going to depend on your circumstances. Finding a “hot topic” in your specific time and place could be an effective way to get listeners' attention and address an issue that feels highly relevant.

Is there a big policy decision that’s a hot topic at your school?
Is there a ballot initiative your community will vote on soon that your audience has strong opinions about?
Is there a current events issue in your local news headlines that offers a compelling persuasive speech topic?
What’s before congress these days, or before the Supreme Court, or the United Nations — this week (any great topics there for your speech)?

More Inspiration: 100+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

If you haven’t already navigated your way to an interesting persuasive speech topic, use the list below for even more ideas and inspiration!

You can go from top to bottom, or you can jump the line and look for the themes that most interest you, such as Art and Culture or Recreation and Tourism.

Art and Culture

1. Is digital art really art?

2. Street art: vandalism or cultural expression?

3. Is there a place for censorship in the music industry?

4. Do museums promote culture or appropriate culture?

5. Should other countries have a minister of culture or similar government office, as they do in France?

6. Can schools, or art teachers, define good art vs. bad art? Should they?

7. Censorship in art: when is it justified or necessary?

8. Does creative freedom take precedence over cultural appropriation?

9. The impact of digital platforms on the consumption of art and the value of art.

10. Is there a role for public policy and public funding in arts and culture?

1. The pros and cons of minimum wage laws and policies.

2. Cryptocurrency: the future of finance or a scam?

3. Is student loan debt relief good policy?

4. Gender wage gap: are the concerns justified or unjustified?

5. Sustainable development: Is there a way to sustain economic growth and without an environmental catastrophe?

6. The role of small businesses in the economy, do they promote prosperity or undermine efficiencies?

7. Globalization: economic boon or bane?

8. Is consumerism in the general interest or a threat to the planet?

9. The economic effects of climate change, should they be paid now or later?

10. Universal Basic Income: a solution to poverty or a disincentive to work?

1. The case for and against school uniforms.

2. Should non-citizens be allowed to vote in school board elections?

3. The impact of technology on education.

4. Should college education be free?

5. The importance of teaching financial literacy in schools: promoting independent living or consumerism?

6. Should parents have the right to home school children against their will?

7. Is the grading system improving learning?

8. Is mandatory attendance a good policy for high school?

9. Addressing the mental health crisis in schools: is it an individual problem or a social one?

10. Arts education: valuable or a waste of time?

Environmental Issues

1. The urgency of addressing climate change and what to do about it.

2. Plastic pollution: are more stringent government regulations, policies, and laws the answer?

3. Should the government subsidize clean energy technologies and solutions?

4. The importance of water conservation, but whose responsible?

5. Should there be a global environmental tax? On what?

6. Should environmental costs be factored into everyday economic activity?

7. The impact of fast fashion on the environment.

8. The necessity of protecting endangered species.

9. Deforestation: Who's impacted? Who should have power (or not) to stop it?

10. Are electric cars truly better for the environment?

1. The changing dynamics of the modern family.

2. The role of the state in protecting children from parents and guardians.

3. Should adoption records be open or sealed?

4. How can employers, or employment laws, support healthy families?

5. Is there an age when euthanasia should become universally legal and accessible?

6. How to balance parental rights with child welfare.

7. Is your child's gender something they're born with, or something they should be free to choose?

8. The responsibilities of women vs. men in addressing an unplanned pregnancy.

9. Should parents restrict children's use of technology? What is too lax vs. what is too restrictive?

10. Balancing discipline and love in parenting.

Health, Nutrition, & Fitness

1. Should junk food advertising be regulated?

2. The dangers of fad diets: free market vs. consumer protection.

3. Should junk food be banned in schools?

4. Nutrition: are schools failing to teach it?

5. Should students be graded on their fitness and nutrition levels and habits?

6. Should sports programs be replaced by fitness education?

7. E-cigarettes: should they be regulated or not?

8. The obesity epidemic: a problem of individual responsibility, genetics, or social policy?

9. Are agricultural subsidies good for health and the environment?

10. Should teens have more options for balancing school attendance and individual sleep needs and preferences?

Media, Social Media, and Entertainment

1. The effects of social media on teenagers.

2. Should there be regulations on influencer marketing?

3. The impact of video games on behavior.

4. Fake news: Its impact and how to combat it.

5. The role of media in shaping public opinion.

6. Privacy concerns with social media platforms.

7. The influence of celebrities on youth culture: is there a role for rewards and consequences to impact celebrities public behaviors?

8. Digital detox: pros and cons.

9. Media portrayal of women and its societal impact.

10. Censorship in media: necessary or oppressive?

Politics and Society

1. The importance and limits of voting in a democracy.

2. Gun control laws: balancing safety and liberty.

3. The impact of immigration: universal human rights vs. national sovereignty.

4. The death penalty: justice vs. ethics?

5. The legalization of marijuana: the right policy?

6. The right to protest vs. public order.

7. Affirmative action: whose definition of "fairness" do we use?

8. The future of healthcare in America: market solutions or a public option?

9. Climate change policy: National vs. global approaches.

10. The role of the United Nations in today's world.

Recreation & Tourism

1. The benefits of outdoor recreation.

2. Sustainable tourism: protecting nature while promoting travel.

3. The impact of tourism on local cultures.

4. The future of space tourism.

5. The effects of recreational activities on mental health.

6. The importance of historical preservation in tourism.

7. Adventure tourism: reasonable or unreasonable risks vs. rewards proposition?

8. The effects of over-tourism on popular destinations and local communities.

9. Is eco-tourism the right way to promote environmental sustainability?

10. Does international tourism help or harm indigenous peoples, cultures, and communities?

1. Do the ethical downside of genetic engineering outweigh the potential benefits?

2. The potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in society.

3. Climate change denial: is it fully within the bounds of free speech?

4. Competing views of vaccine policies and individual rights in pandemics and other health emergencies.

5. Space exploration: is it worth the investment?

6. The use of affirmative action to diversify STEM education and workforce.

7. The impact of technology on job displacement and future employment: is a universal income the right answer?

8. Do renewable energy technologies offer a feasible substitute for eliminating fossil fuels?

9. Ocean pollution: is more government regulation the answer?

10. Protecting biodiversity vs. the right to economic prosperity.

Sports and School Athletics

1. The emphasis on athletic programs in high schools: is the hype benefiting students?

2. Should college athletes be compensated?

3. Do teamwork and group activities help or hinder academic and athletic development?

4. Should schools should require more physical education or less?

5. Should there be more emphasis on non-competitive formats in high school and college athletics?

6. The influence of professional athletes as role models: good or bad?

7. Doping in sports: are athletic programs teaching the wrong values?

8. The benefits and risks of contact sports in high schools athletics.

9. Should there be absolute gender equality in school athletics?

10. What should the educational goal of school athletics be?

These topics span a broad spectrum of interests and concerns — look for one that matters to you and your audience, is likely to prompt insightful dialogue or debate, and is challenging enough to put your individual persuasive speech skills to the test!

1. Use Diligent Research to Make a Watertight Argument

To go from just any persuasive speech to a truly riveting one, you’ll want to dig around until you find compelling and authoritative research . Even if you're already knowledgeable about your topic, applying yourself with patience and perseverance at this early stage will usually pay off, allowing you to uncover some real gems when it comes to compelling facts and expert perspectives.

What to look for:

Facts, statistics, and surveys
An expert analysis of a policy or issue
Quotes from compelling experts, from books, editorials, or speeches
Anecdotal evidence in the form of isolated events or personal experiences that don’t have much statistical significance but can illustrate or capture something powerful that supports your point of view, or add emotional appeal
Graphs, tables, and charts

Riveting research will better position you to hit some home runs when you put together your speech. And remember, research is primarily to build a strong logical argument ( logos ), but citing and spotlighting reputable sources will also lend your speech greater persuasive credibility ( ethos ), just as experiential perspectives can add appeals to emotion ( pathos ).

Define Your Thesis

Clearly articulate your stance on the topic. This thesis statement will guide the structure of your speech and inform your audience of your central argument.

I like to create a "working thesis" as a planning tool, something that encapsulates and maps my point of view and essential supporting arguments, and as a way to uncover gaps in my reasoning or evidence early on. Later, it also gives me a ready guide for writing my outline.

Essential Elements of a ‘working thesis’ for a persuasive speech:

The subject (including how you'll frame the context for your topic and speech)
Your main point of view
List of principal arguments
The most important counterarguments
Key rebuttals to the counterarguments

As you can see, this kind of "working thesis" gives you a bird's eye view of your thesis along with all the key components of your speech and the reasoning you’ll deploy.

Marshaling Your Evidence

As you delve into researching your chosen topic, such as "Why space exploration is not worth the investment," you'll accumulate evidence, including data, anecdotes, expert opinions, and more. This evidence is vital for adding depth, credibility, and persuasion to your speech. You also need to strategically align the evidence with each of your supporting arguments , ensuring that each claim you make is substantiated.

You can use a simple table format to visually map out how you want to align your subtopics and evidence.

Here's an example using the topic Why space exploration is not worth the investment .

Supporting Arguments	Evidence
High Costs and Little Return on Investment	- "The average cost of a space shuttle mission is approximately $1.5 billion, funds that could be redirected to pressing Earth-bound issues." - According to Dr. H. Smith, 'the economic benefits of space exploration are speculative and materialize over very long terms, often not benefiting the current generation.”
Innovation Benefits Are Overstated	- "While proponents argue space exploration drives tech innovation, major technologies like the Internet and smartphones resulted from Earth-focused research." - "A study showed that less than 5% of technologies used in healthcare directly benefited from space research, questioning the efficiency of investment in space for technological advancement."
Resources Could Be Better Used on Earth	- "10% of the space exploration budget could significantly improve infrastructure in underdeveloped regions, showcasing immediate impact." - "An estimated 500,000 individuals become homeless in the USA each year; reallocating a fraction of space exploration funds could provide substantial aid."

This table is just for illustration, and doesn't use real data and opinions, but you can see how organizing your evidence ahead of time can help you logically present and support your arguments and subtopics . It can also help you spot gaps, in case you need to do additional research, and gives you a head start on the next step: outlining your speech!

Make an Outline

Begin with a structured outline to ensure your speech flows logically from one point to the next. Your outline should include:

introduction elements
key subtopics and the relevant arguments and evidence, examples, anecdotes, or citations, all in sequential order
key wording for any important or challenging transitions from one line of thought to the next, or from one subtopic to the next
a section for responding to opposing arguments and viewpoints, with the specific rebuttals, all in sequential order
key points for your conclusion

Drafting Body Paragraphs, Your Introduction & Conclusion

Now you're making your first rough attempts of turning the key content of your speech into phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. So, this is a could point to refocus on the tone, style, and voice you want to use, and how to use it consistently.

Pro Tip: Write your introduction and conclusion after drafting all of your body paragraphs, because you these two sections to really capture the essence of the larger speech.

Introduction : Start with a strong hook—this could be a startling statistic, a compelling quote, or a relatable and captivating (or entertaining) anecdote— then briefly preview your main points to set the stage for your argument.

Conclusion : Reinforce your thesis with concise references to the the primary evidence you presented. End with a powerful closing statement that reminds your audience of why this topic is important. As suitable, you can also call your audience to action or leave them with something significant to ponder on their own.

Balancing Pathos, Logos, Ethos

Ensure a harmonious balance among logos (logical appeal), ethos (establishing your credibility and using evidence from credible sources and quotes or perspectives from credible authorities), and pathos (emotional appeal).

Checklist for Balancing Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

Here's a rubric, adapted from a real university writing rubric for persuasive speeches, that can help you elevate appeals to logos , ethos , and pathos in your speech.

Is the thesis clear and specific?
Is the thesis supported by strong reasons and credible evidence?
Is the argument logical and well organized?
What are the speaker’s qualifications?
How has the speaker connected him/herself to the topic being discussed?
Does the speaker demonstrate respect for multiple viewpoints, and respond to them with thoughtful arguments?
Are sources credible?
Are tone, style, and word choice appropriate for the audience/purpose?
Is the speech polished and written with care?
Are vivid examples, details and images used to engage the listeners' emotions and imagination?
Does the writer appeal to the values and beliefs of the listeners by using examples the audience can relate to or cares about?

Revise & Polish

Review your speech and revise for clarity, flow, sentence structure, and word choice.

Remember to use a voice and style consistent with making a speech, with the topic and subject matter, and the specific circumstances for your speech.

Remove any jargon or unnecessary details that might distract from your message.

Sharpen your arguments, making sure they are clear, concise, and compelling.

Practice the Delivery

Dedicate ample time to practicing what it will be like giving your speech. Focus on mastering the tone, pace, and volume of your delivery. If you have time limits on the speech, be sure to time your delivery as well, and make any needed adjustments. Consider body language, eye contact, and gestures, as these non-verbal cues can significantly impact your speech's effectiveness.

The more comfortable and familiar you are with your speech, the more confidently you'll present it.

Also, being nervous, for lots of people, is normal. Practice will help; with better command of your speech you'll feel more confident. Also, practicing your delivery with a friend who can listen and give you some feedback is good way to catch helpful adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Finding a topic you like and one that your audience will be interested in is a critical foundation for an effective persuasive speech. It will also help you stay motivated and get more out of the experience!

Just remember that investing in some extra research, some thoughtful organization, anticipating counterarguments, and artfully weaving in ethos and pathos alongside a strong line of evidence-based arguments ( logos ) will help you elevate your speech and your learning experience.

With the insights we've just shared, you're more than ready to turn what is often a rote class exercise into something far more artful. In addition, your effort will help prepare you for college — for debating, editorial writing, legal argumentation, public policy advocacy, public speaking, and even running for ASB President!

If you're interested in taking on the challenge of more advanced research and persuasive writing, or even projects that involve scholarly publication, be sure to reach out to a Crimson Education Advisor for information on ways to get connected to advanced online courses and any number of cool capstone and research projects that will also connect you to networks of motivated young scholars and top-notch research and writing mentors.

About the Author

Keith Nickolaus

Keith Nickolaus is a former educator with a passion for languages, literature, and lifelong learning. After obtaining a B.A. from UC Santa Cruz and exploring university life in Paris, Keith earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and then worked for 16 years in K12 education before setting up shop as a freelance writer.

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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.

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 .

Choose Your Test

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

General Education

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.

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?

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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

Do Your Research

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

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

Consider All the Angles

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

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

Know Your Audience

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

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

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

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

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

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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

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

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

Do your research
Consider all the angles
Know your audience

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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.

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!

Can We Write Your Speech?

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

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

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

Old blue American car stopped on the right side of the road

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

Five people discussing in a meeting room

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

Abraham Lincoln seated figure at the Lincoln Memorial of Washington DC

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

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

Stock Exchange electronic board with numbers and indicators

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

Students celebrating and launching their square academic caps in the air

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

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

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

A dad and a mother walking in the grass with their two young kids

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

Wardrobe with dark, grey and blue man suits

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

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

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

Young man jumping into the Caribbean sea with floating ring

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

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

Front view of the White House with gardens and fountains

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

Doctor's hands mesuering blood presure of a patient

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

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

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

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

Gladiator helmet laid on an ancient stone bench

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

Back of a man staring at a wall covered by paper notes and draws

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

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

Close view of a gavel and its sound block

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

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

Screen with thumbnails of different medias

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

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

Young woman listening to music with phone and headset

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

Soldier standing in front of the American flag

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

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

Gloved hands lighting up a wood fire with a striker

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

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

Man and woman holding their hand and walking on the beach at dawn

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

Praying hands in front of an altar enlighten with candles

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

Gloved hand shaking a flask in a laboratory

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

Dark silhouette offering an helping hand

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

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

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

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

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

Desk with notes, papers, coffee and laptop

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!!!

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Why smoking can help you make friends

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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

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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!

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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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125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience

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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100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
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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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Deliberative Rhetoric

12 Effective Attention Getters For Your Speech

Any audience decides within the first 60 seconds whether or not you have something interesting to say. After that, they zone out and it is difficult to win back their attention. This is why there is always so much emphasis on attention-grabbing openers.

Once you take up the stage, you need to establish a presence straight away. There is no time for slow introductions. If you watch some of the more successful speakers, you can notice how they utilize their first 60 seconds of stage time. All the experts are well-versed in the art of engaging the audience right off the bat.

An attention-grabbing introduction must check the following boxes:

Grab the audience’s attention.
Establish any credibility or relatability.
Outline the thesis of the speech.
Give the audience a reason to listen.
Clear transition into the body of the speech.

Table of Contents

Ask a Rhetorical Question

Make a bold statement, state the importance , shocking statistics or facts, credentials, paint a picture, give examples, everybody loves a good story, show enthusiasm: , build relatability: , acknowledge the audience: , bonus: effective transition, “the dictionary defines” , hello, it’s me, “good morning/evening”, wrapping up,, 12 attention getters for speeches.

Effective Attention Getters For Your Speech

There is a misconception that floats around public speaking. Many people believe that their core material is sufficient to get the audience’s attention. However, without a solid introduction, chances are that the listener will already be distracted by the time you get to the main message. Public speaking is an art-form of persuasion and you will need to be aware of the technical aspects that make a great speech along with writing good content. Here are some attention getters that you can utilize for your introduction.

Questions are always a good way to pique interest. We are automatically wired to respond to a question by either having a response in our minds or being curious to hear the answer. Either way, it keeps the audience active and listening for what’s coming next. This is also a great way to establish relatability. You could begin with something along the lines of “Have you ever wondered whether school uniforms are stifling creativity?” You might connect instantly with a large portion of the audience with a similar thought process. Similarly, something like, “Is religion a dying concept?” can make for a very intriguing beginning that might catch the interest of people on both sides of the argument.

Bold beginnings make for memorable and powerful speeches. No one can deny that the infamous “I have a dream!” left a mark on millions worldwide. A bold statement is your way to convey your passion, to stress the importance of an issue, and to instantly draw eyes. Pair a bold statement with the right body language, and you will be exuding the kind of power that is sure to make your presence noticeable. You can also go for shock-value statements that will keep your audience interested. Such as “I nearly died on my way here today.”

Any topic you pick for your speech is likely important to you. As such, you might not feel like it needs further emphasizing. However, to the listener’s this is still a brand new subject. Highlighting why the issue you are covering needs to be heard will be a good way to win their attention. Any speech on environmental changes is overdone, but if you open by talking about the devastating effects and the immediate danger it poses to us, you can get them listening.

For example: “Pollution is running so rampant that people around the world are now consuming nearly 5 grams in plastic each week.” This statement, states the importance, makes it personal and makes the issue urgent.

Typically, mentioning the key highlights of the speech is done towards the end of the introduction. You can use this in conjunction with other attention-getters. All you need to do is dedicate the last few lines in your introduction to outlining the main points that will be addressed in your speech.

Humor is always an excellent ice-breaker. It breaks the tension and makes the audience feel more at ease. This is one of the best ways there is to make your audience comfortable. Once you get them laughing, they will be much more open to your message. However, this can go either way. You need to really know your audience to apply this well. If you make a joke and it falls flat, it can really hamper your stage confidence and derail the rest of your speech. Make sure you write jokes that are appropriate for the audience that you will address. There is no one-joke-fits-all in this scenario.

Depending on the setting, inside jokes are the best way to make the audience feel like they’re getting a personalized speech. Whether it is about an office incident or a particular teacher, a joke everyone is in on is always a good idea. However, if that isn’t the case then you can go to current events as something most people would be familiar with. Use it as an ice-breaker and follow it up with your main message with a smooth transition.

Many people shy away from using statistics in their speeches. They believe it is boring and will take the audience out of the speech. However, when used right they can really shake things up. For example: “Did you know that about 90% of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet?” or “Did you know that approximately 80.2 million people, aged six and older are physically inactive?” can help create intrigue. Once you surprise them, you create a space where you can emphasize the importance of your message. Make sure you strike a good balance of numbers so as to not overwhelm your audience either.

Perhaps the host will have already announced your credentials before you take up the stage. In case that they don’t, make sure to highlight any expertise you might have in a topic you are speaking about. Especially if you have worked for a number of years in a related field, it will add a lot of credibility to your words. Even if the host has mentioned it, you can highlight your expertise in a sentence or two in your introduction to get their attention.

Facts are good for a speech. It adds credibility and a sense of realness to your speech. However, too much data can make your speech seem boring. Instead, try to paint a picture with your words. Instead of having them decipher graphs and facts, you can give them a visual image or associate a relatable emotion with your abstract idea. Use directions like “imagine” or “picture this” followed by descriptive words. With a little creativity, this can work for virtually any speech topic. Instead of simply stating a problem such as “There are thousands of marine life losing their lives due to ocean pollution every day”, try “Imagine thousands of colorful species being slowly killed by their own ecosystem due to the rampant pollution we are causing.

Your job as the speaker is to make it as easy as possible for the audience to grasp your message. It is a good idea to include an example early on in your speech. Most people run over their main points and put in examples at the end. However, if you pair them immediately it will be easier for the audience to associate them.

Adding examples is also a great way to explore varying languages. It works hand-in-hand with painting a picture. You can utilize similes, metaphors, and adjectives to properly guide your audience. Remember that people will be more inclined to listen to things that they can relate to. This is why you should look to finding examples that are more personal for the audience.

Chances are, you are giving a speech amongst a line-up of speakers. As such, every speaker comes on stage with a question, example, or statistic. An interesting prop, can thus, act like a breath of fresh air for the audience. Whether it is a surprise prop that will keep the audience guessing or simply a demonstration to begin with. It will certainly pique interest and keep the audience watching.

All good speeches take up the form of a story. It does not have to take up a “Once upon a time” format. You can pick a personal story to relate to your topic. Once you begin with a story, you will automatically get your audience curious about the next turn of events. Especially if your story is relatable one, it will create a stronger connection. Similarly, you can keep your audience’s attention throughout the speech with bits of your story. Keep the audience guessing by introducing twists and turns. This is not just a good tip for the introduction but also for the body of your speech.

Quotes are a great way to spice up your script. Especially if you can find quotes given by a famous person in a related field. They can add a certain gravitas to your words and help engage the audience. Make sure you double-check the source of the quote as you don’t want to misquote them either. Similarly, you don’t want to just quote someone for the sake of quoting. Make sure it matches the theme of your speech.

Work on Your Delivery

All of the above tips are highly effective, however, delivery also plays a vital role. If you deliver these tips with a monotone attitude, chances are the audience simply won’t catch on to these attention grabbers. Make sure you monitor your enthusiasm and put a lot of it into your introduction.

Your opening sets the tone for the rest of your speech, so you want to keep it upbeat. If you are looking at the floor, looking unsure and mumbling, you will lose credibility in the eyes of the audience. You need to project confidence so the audience feels like you have something to offer. Experiment with vocal variety, pitch, energy, and hand gestures. A good mix of all these elements will create the perfect attention-grabbing introduction for your speech.

How you deliver your first sentence is important to the impact you want to create. You want to stand out. If every speaker before you comes up with a question, by the time it gets to you, your audience will be completely over it. This is why personalized delivery can make you stand out. Here are a few delivery techniques you can experiment with:

A smile is a simple yet timelessly effective way to connect to your audience. It is a universal human gesture and will make the audience warm up to you. Not just for informal speeches but even for formal ones. Make sure to have a warm smile in your delivery rather than keeping a stoic demeaner.

Have you ever met those people who’s energy is simply infectious? Being around them just brings up your own mood. As the speaker, you command the stage. It is your job to direct the audience. This is why you can lead the enthusiasm by exuding it yourself.

People are automatically drawn to people they can relate to. If you are speaking about a relatable topic, make sure you talk about the relatability factor early. No matter what the topic is, you can find a common ground to connect on.

Once you have your script and the preparation ready, you might be tempted to simply take up the stage and begin speaking at once. Believe it or not, this actually takes the audience away from the speech. Making it about them, making them feel like an important part of your speech will get them leaning in to listen.

Speak from your heart. You may have seen a lot of good speakers and naturally, you feel like picking up on their styles. However, audiences best respond to sprinkles of your own personality. So make sure, whatever style you try to incorporate, you don’t lose your honest touch.

These are just some of the ways you can grab the audience’s attention. You can pick one or more of these to make sure you maximize audience engagement. Public speaking is a subtle art and once you master it, it will become second nature to you. Content is king but your delivery, along with all these technical elements ensures your content actually reaches the listeners. The only thing left to do is practice.

As we discussed, an introduction has many roles to fulfill. One of them is to signal to the audience that the body of the speech has begun. To do so, you will need to incorporate an effective transition. Once you learn how to properly utilize these, your speech should flow smoothly from opening, body, to conclusion. Improper transitions can disrupt your natural flow and make your speech seem jumpy or choppy. If you’d like to up your transition game, you can browse our extensive coverage of Transitions in Public Speaking.

Your introduction is really only 10-15% of the total speech. Yet it can have a huge impact on audience engagement and impact. It needs to be long enough to check all the boxes of information that need to be relayed but at the same time short enough to keep it interesting. With the above tips and your awesome content, you will no doubt be able to craft something amazing.

What not to do:

While it is certainly a good idea to experiment, there are some things you should certainly avoid. Here are a few of them:

This trope is extremely overdone. Besides, people can simply google definitions. You want your speech to be authentic and interesting.

While it is encouraged to establish credibility, try not to get carried away. You can alienate the audience if you seem like you’re bragging. Make sure your introduction is concise and relevant.

Unless you’re a naturally humorous person with jokes relevant to your topic, we recommend staying off jokes. Besides you want your message to be the center of your speech. If your joke doesn’t land in the intro itself, it is also likely to affect your confidence.

While welcoming the audience is typically recommended, spending your precious few introduction moments on salutations can be seen as a lack of creativity. You are much better off using this time to grab their attention and save the thank you’s for afterward.

On average, an audience member has but one question at the beginning of every speech, “Why should I care?” It is your responsibility as the speaker to answer this question and win over their attention. Whether it is by presenting shocking information, useful demonstration, entertaining presentation, or a persuasive performance, whichever best suits your style. Take a look at your script and try on the various attention-getters we’ve listed above. Test it out by recording and listening to yourself or having a friend listen to it. Make sure you don’t cut out any practice time. All the best!

15 Powerful Persuasive Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk

The Speaker Lab
June 24, 2024

Crafting a persuasive speech that captivates your audience and drives them to action is no easy feat. If you’re hitting the books, climbing the corporate ladder, or just dreaming of rocking the stage with your speeches, having a killer set of persuasive speech examples can totally change your game. In this post, we’ve curated some of the most compelling and inspiring persuasive speech examples to help you elevate your own speaking skills. So buckle up and grab your pen, because we’re diving into the secrets behind these unforgettable speeches.

What is a Persuasive Speech?

When we talk about a persuasive speech , we refer to a form of communication that seeks to influence the audience’s beliefs or actions. In the course of a persuasive speech, a person will present compelling arguments—backed by evidence and persuasive techniques—in order to convince listeners to embrace a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. Persuasive speeches are used in many different areas of life, such as in a school or university setting, in a job, or in a social setting.

When preparing to give a persuasive speech, always choose a topic or cause you’re interested in and passionate about. If you want to convince other people to agree with your stance, you must be seen to believe in it yourself. In addition, it helps to choose a topic that people care about and hasn’t been overdone.

Funny Persuasive Speech Examples

Looking for some funny persuasive speech examples to inspire your next presentation? You’ve come to the right place. Humor is a powerful tool when it comes to persuasion. It can help you connect with your audience, make your message more memorable, and even diffuse tension around controversial topics.

One classic example comes from David McCullough, Jr.’s high school commencement speech entitled “You Are Not Special.” While the title might not sound funny, McCullough delivers a hilarious reality check to graduates, poking fun at the coddling and praise they’ve received growing up. His ultimate message—that true success comes from hard work and taking risks—is made all the more powerful by his humorous approach.

But what makes funny persuasive speeches so effective? For one, humor helps the speakers build rapport with their audiences. Laughter is a shared experience that brings people together and makes them more open to new ideas. Additionally, injecting some levity into a speech can make the overall message more palatable and less preachy.

Of course, using humor in a persuasive speech requires some finesse. The jokes should be tasteful, relevant to your overall message, and not offensive to your audience. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. After all, a flat joke is better than one that leaves listeners cringing.

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Persuasive Speech Examples About Public Policy

Policy persuasive speeches advocate for a particular course of action on a public policy issue. These speeches go beyond simply raising awareness about a problem – they propose concrete solutions and try to sway the audience to support a specific plan.

One powerful policy persuasive speech example comes from Greta Thunberg’s address to the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 . Thunberg doesn’t mince words when lambasting world leaders for their inaction on climate change. But she also lays out clear policy demands, like immediately halting fossil fuel subsidies and drastically reducing carbon emissions. Her message is clear: we know what needs to be done and we need to do it.

When crafting your own policy persuasive speech, it’s important to back up your arguments with solid evidence. Use statistics, expert testimony, and real-world examples to show why your proposed solution is feasible and necessary. Anticipate counterarguments and address them head-on. And most importantly, make a clear call to action. Ask yourself: what exactly do you want your audience to do to support your policy goals?

Value Persuasive Speech Examples

Value persuasive speeches aim to change people’s beliefs or attitudes about a particular issue. Rather than advocating for a specific policy, these speeches try to shift the audience’s underlying values and assumptions.

A classic example of a value persuasive speech is Mary McLeod Bethune’s “ What Does American Democracy Mean to Me? ” address. As an African American woman born into poverty, Bethune faced countless obstacles and injustices throughout her life. But in this speech, she reframes the narrative around American democracy, arguing that our nation’s highest ideals are worth fighting for, even if we haven’t yet lived up to them. By appealing to shared values like freedom, justice, and equality, Bethune inspires her audience to keep pushing for change.

The key to a successful value persuasive speech is tapping into your audience’s existing beliefs and values. Use vivid language and storytelling to paint a picture of the world you want to see. Make your case in moral and ethical terms, not just practical ones. And don’t be afraid to show some vulnerability. By sharing your own experiences and struggles, you can create an emotional connection with your listeners.

Persuasive Speech Examples About Social Issues

Social issues make for compelling persuasive speech topics because they touch on deeply held beliefs and affect people’s everyday lives. Whether you’re talking about racial justice, gender equality, or income inequality, these speeches require a deft touch and a willingness to engage with complex, often controversial ideas.

Talking About Mental Health

One powerful example of a persuasive speech about mental health is Kevin Breel’s “ Confessions of a Depressed Comic ” from TEDxKids@Ambleside. As a stand-up comedian, Breel knows how to get laughs, but he also knows the pain of living with depression. In this speech, he shares his own story of struggling with mental illness and calls on society to break the stigma around talking about mental health. By speaking vulnerably, Breel makes a compelling case for why we need to take depression seriously and support those who are struggling.

Addressing Physical Health

Another great example of a persuasive speech about health is Jamie Oliver’s TED Talk “ Teach Every Child About Food .” As a celebrity chef, Oliver has seen firsthand the impact of poor nutrition on people’s health. In this speech, he makes a passionate plea for better food education in schools, arguing that it’s a matter of life and death. With shocking statistics and personal anecdotes, Oliver paints a grim picture of the obesity epidemic and calls on parents, educators, and policymakers to take action.

Persuasive Speech Examples About the Environment

Environmental issues are some of the most pressing challenges we face as a society. From climate change to pollution to habitat destruction, the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s why persuasive speeches about the environment are so important. By inspiring people to take action, they make a true difference.

One of the most famous environmental speeches of all time is Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” lecture, which was later turned into an Academy Award-winning documentary. In this speech, Gore lays out the scientific evidence for climate change and argues that we have a moral imperative to act. With compelling visuals and a sense of urgency, Gore makes a powerful case for why we need to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources.

Another great example of an environmental persuasive speech is Severn Suzuki’s address to the UN Earth Summit in 1992. At just 12 years old, Suzuki delivered a heartfelt plea for action on behalf of her generation, arguing that adults were stealing children’s future by destroying the planet. Her speech went viral and helped galvanize the youth environmental movement. By speaking from the heart and calling out the hypocrisy of world leaders, Suzuki showed that you’re never too young to make a difference.

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FAQs on Persuasive Speech Examples

What are some examples of a persuasive speech.

Think climate change action, voting rights, or the importance of mental health awareness. They push for change.

What are 5 examples of persuasive essay?

Gun control laws, school uniforms debate, death penalty perspectives, animal testing ethics, and social media impacts make the list.

What’s an easy persuasive speech topic?

“Why recycling matters” is straightforward and impactful. It connects with everyday actions and broader environmental goals.

What is an example of a persuasive statement?

“Switching to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.” This urges action towards sustainability.

Persuasive speech examples show us how to inspire, motivate, and transform the way we communicate our ideas to the world. By studying these remarkable speeches, you’ve gained valuable insights into the art of persuasion and the techniques that make a speech truly unforgettable.

Remember, winning people over with your words takes more than just knowing the right things to say. It’s about practice, caring deeply, and tuning into the folks listening. Take the lessons you’ve learned from these examples and apply them to your own unique style and message. Pouring your soul into your speech can truly move an audience emotionally, altering their thinking for good.

Now your moment in the spotlight is here, so show off those persuasive speech skills. Go forth and create a speech that not only informs and entertains but also inspires and empowers your audience to take meaningful action. The world is waiting to hear your voice, so make it count!

Last Updated: June 21, 2024

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220+ Persuasive Speech Topics For All Students (Updated 2023)

Whether you’re a student preparing for a class presentation or an aspiring public speaker looking to captivate audiences, choosing the right persuasive speech topic is crucial. However, the process can be overwhelming, with countless possibilities to consider. Fear not! In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of persuasive speech topics, unravelling a treasure trove of ideas that are both impactful and easy to understand.

From pressing social issues to intriguing debates, we’ll explore a wide array of subjects that will not only engage your audience but also leave a lasting impression. So, let’s embark on this journey together, and unlock the power of persuasive speech!

What To Keep In Mind While Selecting Persuasive Speech Topics

When selecting persuasive speech topics, it’s important to keep several key factors in mind:

Audience Relevance

Consider the interests, beliefs, and concerns of your audience. Choose a topic that resonates with them and is relevant to their lives or the larger community.

Personal Interest

Select a topic that you are genuinely passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your speech and engage your audience more effectively.

Knowledge and Expertise

Choose a topic that you have a good understanding of or are willing to research extensively. It’s important to present accurate information and back your arguments with evidence.

Controversy and Debate

Opt for topics that have varying viewpoints or invite discussion. Controversial subjects often spark interest and encourage audience engagement.

Impactful and Timely

Consider selecting a topic that addresses a pressing issue or has societal relevance. Topics related to current events or ongoing debates can generate greater interest.

Strike a balance between being challenging and respectful. Avoid excessively sensitive or offensive topics that might alienate or upset your audience.

Feasibility

Ensure that the chosen topic can be effectively covered within the given time constraints of your speech. Select a topic that can be adequately explored and supported within the allocated time frame.

Remember, the ultimate goal of a persuasive speech is to inspire, educate, and motivate your audience. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can select a persuasive speech topic that captures attention, encourages thoughtful discourse, and leaves a lasting impact.

350+ to Take Your Skills to the Next Level

10+ Religion Persuasive Speech Topics

The Role of Religion in Shaping Moral Values.
Examining the Impact of Religious Freedom on Society.
Exploring the Controversy Surrounding Religion in Schools.
Addressing the Need for Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding.
Analysing the Relationship Between Religion and Science.
Discussing the Importance of Religious Tolerance and Acceptance.
The Ethics of Proselytising: Balancing Freedom of Religion and Respect for Others.
Investigating the Influence of Religion on Gender Equality.
Debating the Role of Religion in Politics and Governance.
Exploring the Challenges and Benefits of Religious Pluralism in a Globalised World.

10+ Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion

The Impact of Music on Mood and Emotions: Exploring the Power of Melody.
Fashion Industry’s Influence on Body Image and Self-Esteem: Redefining Beauty Standards.
Music Streaming Services: Revolutionising the Way We Discover and Enjoy Music.
The Cultural Significance of Fashion: Celebrating Diversity and Expression.
The Role of Music Education in Developing Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills.
Sustainable Fashion: Promoting Ethical and Eco-Friendly Clothing Choices.
Music as Therapy: Harnessing the Healing Power of Sound.
Fashion Trends: Unveiling the Social and Psychological Factors Behind Their Popularity.
The Evolution of Music Genres: Tracing the Influence of Historical and Cultural Movements.
Fast Fashion: Examining the Environmental and Social Consequences of Disposable Clothing.
Music and Memory: Exploring the Connection between Melodies and Recall.
Body Positivity Movement: Challenging Stereotypes and Promoting Acceptance in Fashion.

10+ Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics

The Importance of Arts Education in Schools.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: The Need for Funding and Support.
The Power of Music Therapy: Promoting Mental Health and Well-being.
Addressing Gender Representation in the Film and Entertainment Industry.
The Role of Art in Promoting Social Change and Activism.
Art Censorship: Protecting Freedom of Expression and Creativity.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts and Cultural Sector.
Art as a Catalyst for Economic Growth and Tourism.
Exploring the Influence of Social Media on Art and Culture.
The Impact of Art on Individual and Community Identity.
Supporting Local Artists: Building Thriving Arts Communities.
The Relationship Between Art and Science: Fostering Innovation.
Art and Healing: The Therapeutic Benefits of Creative Expression.

10+ Government Persuasive Speech Topics

The Importance of Voting: Exercising Your Civic Duty.
Implementing Stricter Gun Control Laws for Public Safety.
Addressing Climate Change: The Urgency for Government Action.
The Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
Promoting Equality: Ensuring LGBTQ+ Rights and Protections.
Combating Fake News: The Role of Government in Media Literacy.
Raising the Minimum Wage: Fighting Income Inequality.
Reforming the Criminal Justice System: Reducing Mass Incarceration.
Protecting Net Neutrality: Preserving an Open Internet.
Enhancing Access to Affordable Healthcare: A Government Responsibility.
Regulating Big Tech: Balancing Innovation and Consumer Protection.
Investing in Renewable Energy: Transitioning to a Sustainable Future.

10+ Family Persuasive Speech Topics

The Benefits of Family Dinners: Why Eating Together Matters.
Should Parents Allow Children to Use Social Media?
The Importance of Teaching Financial Responsibility to Kids.
Balancing Work and Family: Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance.
The Effects of Divorce on Children and Strategies for Coping.
Addressing Domestic Violence: How Families Can Break the Cycle.
Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling: Which is the Better Option?
The Dangers of Helicopter Parenting and Letting Kids Fail.
The Impact of Technology on Family Relationships.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Family Environments.
The Pros and Cons of Having Only One Child.
Navigating Family Conflict: Strategies for Effective Communication.

10+ Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

The urgency of reducing plastic waste and embracing sustainable alternatives.
The impact of deforestation on climate change and biodiversity loss.
The need for stricter regulations on air pollution to combat respiratory diseases.
Promoting renewable energy sources to mitigate the effects of fossil fuel consumption.
The importance of water conservation in the face of increasing scarcity.
Addressing the detrimental effects of pesticide use on ecosystems and human health.
Raising awareness about the consequences of overfishing and the need for sustainable fishing practices.
The role of individuals and communities in combating climate change through small lifestyle changes.
The significance of preserving and protecting endangered species from extinction.
The importance of recycling and waste management in reducing environmental pollution.
Promoting sustainable agriculture practices to ensure food security and protect the environment.
The impact of urbanization on natural habitats and the importance of green spaces in cities.
Advocating for stricter regulations on industrial pollution to safeguard environmental and human health.
The benefits of promoting eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative to mass tourism.

10+ Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

The Importance of Physical Education Programs in Schools.
The Benefits of Youth Sports in Character Development.
The Need for Stricter Regulations in Professional Sports.
The Impact of Sports on Mental Health and Well-being.
Promoting Gender Equality in Sports: Breaking the Glass Ceiling.
The Dangers of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Athletics.
Addressing the Issue of Concussions in Contact Sports.
The Role of Sports in Promoting Social Inclusion and Diversity.
The Influence of Sports Sponsorships on Athletes and Teams.
The Ethics of Animal Sports: Should They Be Banned?
The Debate on Paying College Athletes: Fair Compensation or Exploitation?
The Role of Sports in Fostering Teamwork and Leadership Skills.
Promoting Sports as a Tool for Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy.
The Impact of Technology on Sports: Enhancing Performance or Diminishing Fairness?
The Significance of Title IX in Advancing Women’s Sports.

10+ Education Persuasive Speech Topics

The importance of incorporating financial literacy in school curricula.
Addressing the need for comprehensive sex education in schools.
Promoting the benefits of arts education for well-rounded development.
The significance of teaching critical thinking skills in the digital age.
Implementing mindfulness and mental health education in schools.
Bridging the gender gap in STEM education and careers.
The value of inclusive education for students with disabilities.
Promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in educational institutions.
Addressing the impact of standardized testing on students’ well-being.
The role of technology in transforming traditional classroom learning.
Promoting environmental education for a sustainable future.
Advocating for comprehensive anti-bullying policies and education in schools.
The benefits of bilingual education in a globalized world.
Encouraging physical education and healthy lifestyles in schools.

10+ Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

The Importance of Vaccinations: Protecting Public Health Through Immunization.
Climate Change: Urgency for Global Action to Combat Rising Temperatures.
The Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources: Transitioning Towards a Sustainable Future.
Exploring the Potential of Stem Cell Research in Advancing Medical Treatments.
Artificial Intelligence: Balancing its Potential Benefits and Ethical Concerns.
The Role of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Addressing Food Security.
Space Exploration: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe and Expanding Human Knowledge.
The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems: Seeking Sustainable Solutions.
The Power of Meditation: Enhancing Mental Well-being and Cognitive Abilities.
Human Cloning: Ethical Implications and Scientific Advancements.
Nanotechnology: Unleashing the Potential of Tiny Innovations in Various Industries.
The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health: Promoting Digital Well-being.

10+ Video Games Persuasive Speech Topics

The Impact of Violent Video Games on Youth Behavior.
How Video Games Promote Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills.
The Benefits of Video Games in Enhancing Cognitive Abilities.
The Role of Video Games in Fostering Social Connections and Collaboration.
Exploring the Educational Potential of Video Games in the Classroom.
Addressing Video Game Addiction: Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help.
The Positive Effects of Video Games on Mental Health and Well-being.
Video Games as a Tool for Rehabilitation and Therapy.
Debunking Stereotypes: Gender Representation in Video Games.
The Influence of Video Games on Body Image and Self-Esteem.
Examining the Link Between Video Games and Increased Physical Activity.
The Ethical Implications of Loot Boxes and In-Game Purchases in Video Games.

10+ Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Schools.
The Impact of Social Media on Society.
Promoting Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future.
The Need for Stricter Gun Control Laws.
Raising Awareness about Climate Change and Its Consequences.
Addressing the Gender Pay Gap in the Workplace.
Combating Cyberbullying: Creating a Safer Online Environment.
The Benefits of Implementing Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.
The Importance of Voting: Exercising Your Democratic Rights.
Ending Animal Testing: Advancing Ethical Research Alternatives.
Tackling Food Waste: Promoting Sustainable Consumption Habits.
The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life and Ecosystems.
Encouraging Organ Donation: Saving Lives through Generosity.
Breaking the Stigma: Raising Awareness about Mental Illness.

10+ Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

The Importance of Vaccinations: Debunking Myths and Promoting Public Health.
The Ethics of Organ Transplantation: Balancing Supply and Demand.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Strategies for Prevention and Treatment.
Promoting Mental Health: Breaking the Silence and Ending Stigma.
Advancements in Precision Medicine: Personalizing Healthcare for Better Outcomes.
The Role of Telemedicine in Improving Access to Healthcare.
Enhancing Patient Safety: Preventing Medical Errors in Healthcare Settings.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Combating Obesity and Chronic Diseases.
The Benefits of Integrative Medicine: Bridging Conventional and Alternative Approaches.
Exploring the Impact of Technology on Healthcare Delivery.
Promoting Sexual Health Education: Empowering Individuals to Make Informed Choices.
The Importance of Early Detection: Screenings for Cancer and Other Diseases.
The Role of Medical Research in Advancing Treatment and Finding Cures.

10+ Business Persuasive Speech Topics

The Benefits of Implementing Flexible Work Arrangements in Companies.
Promoting Ethical Practices in Business: Combating Corruption and Fraud.
The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Building a Positive Brand Image.
Fostering Innovation and Creativity in the Workplace.
The Advantages of Embracing Diversity in Business Teams.
Harnessing the Power of Technology for Enhanced Customer Experience.
Promoting Work-Life Balance: Improving Employee Well-being and Productivity.
The Importance of Effective Leadership in Driving Organizational Success.
Addressing Workplace Gender Inequality: Achieving Gender Balance in Leadership Roles.
The Benefits of Investing in Employee Training and Development Programs.
Promoting Sustainable Business Practices: Environmental Responsibility and Profitability.
Exploring the Advantages of Implementing Remote Work Policies.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Operations and Job Market.
Nurturing a Positive Company Culture: The Key to Employee Engagement and Retention.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Effective Business Communication.

10+ Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Prioritizing Mental Health Education in Schools: Nurturing Emotional Well-being from an Early Age.
Overcoming the Stigma: Promoting Open Discussions on Mental Health in Communities.
The Need for Increased Accessibility to Mental Health Services: Breaking Barriers to Care.
Mental Health in the Workplace: Creating Supportive and Productive Environments.
Raising Awareness about Suicide Prevention: Saving Lives through Compassion and Understanding.
Addressing the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Finding Balance in the Digital Age.
Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes in Mental Health: Encouraging Emotional Expression for All.
Promoting Self-Care Practices for Mental Well-being: Nurturing a Healthy Mindset.
Combating Mental Health Stigma among College Students: Fostering Supportive Campus Communities.
The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Enhancing Mental Health: A Holistic Approach to Well-being.

10+ Persuasive Essay Topics About Animals

The Ethics of Animal Testing: Finding Alternatives for Scientific Research.
Protecting Endangered Species: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations.
The Cruelty of Animal Circuses: Advocating for a Ban on Animal Entertainment.
Animal Agriculture and Environmental Impact: Promoting Sustainable Food Choices.
The Importance of Animal Adoption: Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership.
Ban on Trophy Hunting: Preserving Wildlife and Ecosystems.
Animal Rights in Entertainment: Ending the Use of Animals in Films and Shows.
The Ethics of Zoos: Rethinking Captivity and Animal Welfare.
Animal Experimentation: Promoting Ethical Guidelines and Oversight.
Fur Industry: Advocating for Cruelty-Free Fashion and Alternatives.
Marine Captivity: Ending the Keeping of Whales and Dolphins in Theme Parks.
The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Violence Against Humans: Strengthening Laws and Awareness.
Factory Farming: Promoting Humane Treatment of Farm Animals.
The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Improving Human Well-being.
Wildlife Conservation: Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade and Poaching.

10+ Persuasive Speech Topics for College

The Benefits of Financial Literacy Education for College Students.
Promoting Mental Health Support Services on College Campuses.
Addressing the Issue of Campus Sexual Assault: Ensuring Safety and Justice.
The Importance of Ethical Consumption: Making Sustainable Choices in College.
Encouraging Diversity in Higher Education: Embracing Inclusion on Campus.
Combatting the Rising Costs of College Education: Exploring Solutions for Affordability.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Encouraging Exercise and Nutrition in College.
The Need for Comprehensive Sexual Consent Education in College.
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Innovation in College Education.
Empowering Students to Combat Fake News: Promoting Media Literacy on Campus.

10+ Unique Persuasive Topics

The Power of Empathy: Cultivating Compassion in Everyday Life.
Promoting Mindfulness: Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World.
The Benefits of Outdoor Education: Nurturing a Connection with Nature.
Exploring the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in the Modern Age.
Building Stronger Communities through Volunteerism and Civic Engagement.
The Importance of Financial Literacy: Empowering Individuals for a Secure Future.
Unveiling the Truth: The Role of Media Literacy in an Era of Misinformation.
Redefining Beauty Standards: Embracing Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance.
Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking: Cultivating a Growth Mindset.
The Impact of Arts Education: Fostering Creativity and Well-Being in Schools.

10+ Economic Persuasive Speech Topics

The Benefits of Implementing Universal Basic Income.
Exploring the Impact of Globalization on Job Markets.
Addressing Income Inequality: Closing the Wage Gap.
The Role of Government Regulation in Promoting Fair Competition.
Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth through Green Initiatives.
The Importance of Financial Literacy Education in Schools.
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Minimum Wage Increases.
The Impact of Automation on the Future of the Workforce.
The Economic Benefits of Investing in Renewable Energy.
Examining the Effects of Trade Wars on Global Economies.
The Role of Entrepreneurship in Stimulating Economic Development.
Analyzing the Economic Implications of Immigration Policies.
The Significance of Economic Diplomacy in International Relations.
The Influence of Consumer Behavior on the Economy.
Exploring the Economics of Healthcare: Challenges and Solutions.

10+ Ethics Persuasive Speech Topics

The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Today’s Society.
Animal Rights: Promoting Ethical Treatment and Protection.
Ethical Considerations in Genetic Engineering and Human Enhancement.
The Ethics of Capital Punishment: Examining the Death Penalty.
The Moral Dilemma of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.
Ethical Issues Surrounding Privacy and Data Protection in the Digital Age.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Ethical Business Practices for a Sustainable Future.
Ethical Implications of Cloning and Genetic Manipulation.
The Ethics of Animal Testing: Balancing Scientific Progress and Animal Welfare.
Ethical Considerations in Medical Research: Informed Consent and Participant Rights.
The Ethics of Privacy Invasion: Surveillance in the Name of Security.
Ethical Challenges in the Age of Big Data and Data Mining.
The Moral Debate of Physician-Assisted Death and End-of-Life Care.
Ethical Implications of Human Trafficking: Combating Modern-Day Slavery.
Ethical Issues in Globalization: Balancing Economic Growth and Social Justice.

How To Craft Persuasive Speech?


Introduction	Grab the audience’s attention, establish credibility, and present the topic and main argument.
Hook	Use a compelling anecdote, startling statistic, or thought-provoking question to engage the audience from the start.
Thesis Statement	Clearly state the main argument or position you will be advocating throughout the speech.
Body	Present supporting arguments, evidence, and examples to convince the audience of your viewpoint.
Main Argument 1	Present the first strong argument supporting your thesis statement.
Supporting Evidence	Provide facts, statistics, research findings, or expert opinions to back up your main argument.
Examples	Use relevant and relatable examples to illustrate the real-life implications of your argument.
Counter Arguments	Address potential opposing viewpoints and refute them with logical reasoning and evidence.
Main Argument 2	Present the second strong argument supporting your thesis statement.
Supporting Evidence	Provide additional facts, statistics, or examples to support your second main argument.
Visual Aids	Use visual aids such as charts, graphs, or images to enhance understanding and engagement.
Emotional Appeal	Connect with the audience’s emotions through personal stories, testimonials, or vivid language.
Conclusion	Summarize the main arguments, restate the thesis statement, and leave the audience with a memorable closing statement.
Call to Action	Encourage the audience to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint as a result of your speech.
Closing Statement	End with a powerful, thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Remember, this is just a template, and you can modify and adapt it according to your specific speech topic and requirements.

An Example Of Persuasive Speech Topic

Title: the importance of volunteering in our community.

Introduction:

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I stand before you to shed light on a topic that is close to my heart: the importance of volunteering in our community. We often get caught up in the busyness of our lives, but it is crucial to take a step back and recognize the profound impact we can have when we extend a helping hand. Through volunteering, we not only improve the lives of others but also enrich our own. Let’s explore how giving our time, skills, and compassion can make a lasting difference in our community.

Building Stronger Communities:

Volunteering fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens the fabric of our community. By working together towards a common goal, we forge meaningful connections and create a support system that benefits everyone involved. Whether it’s cleaning up local parks, organizing food drives, or mentoring youth, our collective efforts can transform neighborhoods and create a positive ripple effect.

Making a Difference in Individual Lives:

Each act of volunteering has the power to touch someone’s life in ways we may never fully comprehend. From offering a listening ear at a homeless shelter to tutoring underprivileged children, we have the ability to empower and uplift individuals facing adversity. Our actions can instill hope, provide opportunities, and inspire others to believe in their own potential.

Personal Growth and Development:

Volunteering is not just about giving; it is also an incredible avenue for personal growth. As we step outside our comfort zones and engage with diverse communities, we develop empathy, compassion, and a broader perspective on life. Volunteering allows us to hone our skills, learn new ones, and build a strong sense of self-esteem. It is an investment in ourselves that pays dividends in personal and professional spheres.

Addressing Social Issues:

Our community faces numerous social challenges, from poverty to environmental degradation. Through volunteering, we become agents of change, actively working to address these pressing issues. By dedicating our time and resources to organizations and causes that align with our values, we contribute to the collective efforts of creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, volunteering is not a mere act of kindness; it is a transformative force that can shape our community and ourselves. By embracing the spirit of giving, we build stronger communities, make a profound impact on individual lives, experience personal growth, and contribute to solving societal issues. I urge each one of you to find a cause that resonates with you, explore volunteering opportunities, and embark on this incredible journey of service. Together, let’s make a lasting difference in our community, one selfless act at a time.

In conclusion, persuasive speech topics hold immense power to shape opinions, provoke critical thinking, and inspire action. Throughout this blog, we have explored a wide range of persuasive speech topics, covering social issues, ethics, and public speaking.

Remember that when selecting a persuasive speech topic, it is crucial to consider the audience’s relevance, your personal interest, and the potential impact of the topic. Crafting a persuasive speech involves engaging the audience through a compelling introduction, presenting well-supported arguments, addressing counter arguments, and concluding with a strong call to action.

By utilizing these techniques, you can effectively deliver a persuasive speech that leaves a lasting impression and drives positive change. So, embrace the art of persuasive communication, be the voice of change, and make your words resonate in the hearts and minds of your audience.

Together, let’s harness the power of persuasive speech to create a better, more informed, and compassionate world.

Easy persuasive speech topics: examples

309 good persuasive topics + resources for writing persuasive speeches

By: Susan Dugdale

Let's be right up front about this.

'Easy' and 'persuasive' are seldom paired when it comes to speech topics! Therefore, examples of easy persuasive speech topics are a bit of a rarity, and finding them can be tricky.

However, all is not completely lost. They can, and do, come together, but only if you work at it. Let me show you how.

What's on this page

309 potentially easy persuasive speech topics.

the myth of 'easy' and an 'easy speech'
what makes a successful persuasive speech
how a persuasive speech topic can become easy
additional persuasive speech resources

The myth of 'easy' and an 'easy' speech

That word 'easy' is so very tempting. It seductively implies something you can fling together, without a lot of effort, at short notice.

Image: a tiger-budgie. Text: Easy and persuasive are seldom paired when it comes to speech topics. That makes easy persuasive speech topics a bit of a rarity. Just like this tiger-budgie.

An 'easy' persuasive speech is not going to take a lot of work to plan, research, to write, or to practice. Everything needed to prepare it will be done without hassle, because it's, 'easy'. The entire process will flow smoothly from start to finish without fuss.

When you present the speech, the audience will be spell-bound, riveted by your outstanding choice of subject and its treatment. In short, they will be amazed. Gob smacked * , and 100% persuaded!

* astounded, overwhelmed.

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What a successful persuasive speech usually takes

To give a successful persuasive speech means being able to use a compelling mix of reasoning and emotional appeal to convince whoever you are talking to that your point of view is right or at least, worth considering. Generally doing that well takes thought and effort.

You need to have chosen a subject your audience will be genuinely interested in and to use just the right combination of logical reasoning and emotional appeal to engage and hold them from the first words you say till your last. That in turn means thinking your speech through carefully, step by step, and then doing whatever is needed to make it work.

Those things include:

deciding on a specific speech purpose, (what you want people to do as a result of listening to your speech)
research to pull facts together to ground your speech, to give you a solid platform to build your speech on
understanding your audience so you know how best to shape your material to address their concerns
sorting out any additional resources you may want to use (e.g. images, graphs, handouts ...)
practice, and then more practice.

You, see? Easy and persuasive don't seem to have a lot in common.

However, there is a way through.

How a persuasive speech topic becomes easy

You'll be glad to know there are exceptions.

A persuasive topic becomes 'easy' if:

it fits with the criteria you've been given,
you already know a lot about it,
there's a readily accessible, and credible body of knowledge covering it,
you're passionate about it, and
you genuinely want to do what is required to do it well.

Difficulties miraculously melt away when you are totally engrossed!

Below are 309 good persuasive topics chosen for their broad appeal, and because they are subjects people generally feel strongly about.

69 topics based on education
135 based on aspects of health : mental health , the psychology of motivation , autism , natural medicine , the dangers of alternative medicine , current medical issues

21 food themed persuasive speech topics

53 topics based on ethics, morals and values
20 economy themed topics

Read them through, making a note of any that jump out and that you think you may be able to use. These will be the ones you'll find much 'easier' than the others because you're already interested!

69 persuasive speech topics on education

Put a group of people together who share concerns about the direction society seems to be headed and it won't be long before the hot topic under discussion is education!

Nelson Mandela quote: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

that there is no such thing as the best form of education
that some types of education are a waste of time and resources
that all education should be free
that education should be paid for by those who want or use it
that schools should provide experienced specialist support teachers to meet the needs of all their pupils
that no child should be denied an education on the grounds of gender, race, poverty or the legal status of their parents
that online learning can never replace real-time and place class room learning
that competition with other students is a necessary part of education
that different learning styles need to be to be taken into account by teachers
that a student who drops out of school has been failed by the school system
that the problems created by illiteracy are bigger than we think
that society benefits from promoting gender equality and women's empowerment through education
that it is vital to teach media literacy to combat fake news and misinformation
that scholarships for those who need them should be increased
that a college education is not the right choice for everyone
that private schools support elitism
that the advantages of project-based learning far outweigh the disadvantages
that having a bilingual education is an advantage in a globalized world
that a good education is the passport to a better life
that a school uniform helps make everyone equal
that schools need to systematically teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills
that teachers should be held responsible for the performance of their students
that the students of a teacher who is enthusiastic about their topic will always achieve better grades
that textbooks, and other school supplies, should be provided free of charge to those who need them
that there needs to a comprehensive education program on consent and sexual assault prevention in schools
that life skills, (how to cook, how to budget and manage money effectively, how to shop economically, how to garden...) should be taught in schools
that making some school subjects compulsory should be abolished
that coding and computer science should be taught from an early age
that taking a gap year should be encouraged
that an arts education fosters creativity and critical thinking
that alternative forms of education should be encouraged, and supported
that teachers should be thoroughly background checked
that teachers should have to pass a regular 'fitness to teach' test
that the school leaving age should be raised
that students should not be forced to take classes they do not want to
that there are significant advantages for using technology in the classroom
that school violence is a mirror of the society we live in
that students who take part in protests are actively learning about their rights and responsibilities
that grades do not reflect intelligence
that truancy is powerful comment on the relevancy of schools
that homework, for homework's sake, should be banned
that residential segregation has a direct impact on the quality of education students receive
that prestigious schools maintain their prestige through only admitting students who are likely to succeed
that schools should focus on the core subjects: reading, writing and arithmetic
that parents should be far more involved in their children's education
that a person who is homeschooled is not disadvantaged
that far too much importance is placed on IQ tests
that corporal punishment should never be used
that meditation and other forms of mindfulness should be taught in schools
that single sex schools are better for girls
that intelligence is more than quick accurate recall and clever problem solving
that a holistic education is best
that an education should be a right, not a privilege
that it is important to teach students about empathy and emotional intelligence
that no girl should ever be barred from school because she is pregnant
that there is no 'right, one way' to educate a child
that bullying, in any form, by anyone, should be addressed immediately and appropriately
that students need to be taught how to handle social media responsibly
that the arts are equally as valuable as the sciences
that an old-fashioned school curriculum teaches respect and values
that it is advantageous to learn at least one other language, in addition to your mother tongue
that the foundation of all education is laid down in the home
that civics and ethics should be core subjects
that extracurricular activities are an essential part of a well-rounded education
that cheating on a test or in an examination is understandable
that community service should be an essential part of education
that financial education is essential and should be taught to all students in all schools
that guns should never be taken to school
that getting top marks in an examination is not the only way to prove a person’s intelligence

135 persuasive speech topics about health

Health, according to the World Health Organization , is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." It's a huge topic! And that is an understatement!

46 mental health persuasive speech topics

Knowing your own darkness is the best method of dealing with the darkness in others. - Carl Jung

that mental health should be taken more seriously by general health practitioners
that mental health should be discussed in schools
that mental health and physical health are interdependent
that early intervention is important to prevent long-term mental health problems
that good mental health begins with a good diet
that being 'mad' does not mean a person is 'bad'
that a person can learn to become more mentally resilient
that to be vulnerable is to be strong
that laughter heals
that how the media portrays mental health issues influences public perception for better and for worse
that mental health issues are passed down from generation to generation
that mental health issues can unnecessarily limit what people choose to do with their lives
that poverty and homelessness underpin many mental health issues
that we need mental health screenings and regular check-ups to monitor our overall well-being
that prolonged lack of sleep can cause mental health concerns
that religious practices and beliefs can contribute to mental health problems
that anxiety and depression need to be more widely understood
that sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me is a lie.
that vacations are essential for good mental health
that learning to live with mental health is very different from suffering from it
that acknowledging our own struggles with mental health makes it easier to understand other people's
that teachers need training to recognize symptoms of possible mental health issues in their students
that there is a direct link between physical exercise and mental health
that substance abuse can mask mental health issues
that green environments promote good mental health
that bullying can have serious consequences
that the real reason a bully bullies is never the person who is being bullied by them
that the impact of chronic pain on mental health needs to be more widely understood
that negative self-worth beliefs are reflected in mental health problems
that treatment for mental health issues should be fully integrated with any other health service providers
that loneliness and isolation are often factors in mental health concerns
that cultural difference can underpin mental health issues
that being mentally unwell is not a sign of weakness
that shaming a person for needing treatment for mental illness is both cruel and ignorant behavior
that regular doom-scrolling significantly impacts on a person's mental health
that overlooking symptoms of mental health problems is dangerous
the pressure to 'fit in', to conform and to become someone else's idea of who you should be is unhealthy
that seeking help for mental health concerns is a positive proactive thing to do
that taking responsibility for our own mental wellbeing is vital
that to be a little bit crazy is a good thing
that understanding the cyclical link between addictive behaviors and mental health issues is critical to providing solutions
that how we talk to ourselves, about ourselves, influences our state of mind
that self-care and self-compassion are important for maintaining good mental health
that the adverse impact of traumatic events on mental health is often ignored or underestimated
that strategies for recovery from trauma and ongoing resilience should be taught in schools
that peer support groups and community networks are an important part of a person's recovery because they provide a sense of belonging and support

For 50 more mental health persuasive speech topics

24 persuasive ideas: the psychology of motivation

Why do people behave the way they do?

What makes one person deliriously happy when they're in front of a large group of people telling them what to do and another person, utterly miserable?

Why do some people absolutely have to have the latest widget-wodget? And why do others not think about widget-wodgets at all?

The answers are found in motivation.

Motivation is the driving force behind our behavior. It provides the explanation for what we do.

that personal success is motivating
that envy is a powerful motivator
that 'Fear of Missing Out' (FOMO) motivates/influences people to do things regardless of whether they really want to or not
that seeing success in significant others gives people the motivation to make positive changes
that finding out what motivates a person at a fundamental level is key to persuading them to follow a certain course of action
that social media is responsible for motivating people to strive for the unattainable
that carefully selected strategies for motivating students lead them to excel in their studies.
that fear of failure motivates many people
that the desire to be better than others, and to be seen to be better, is a powerful motivator for many people
that money makes the world go round: the need and desire for money motivates how we behave
that desire for public recognition and acknowledgment is a powerful motivating force
that the possibility and promise of becoming famous and powerful can motivate all sorts of extreme behavior
that knowing what you do is helpful, useful, and kind is motivating
that mindfulness practices increase personal motivation
that the desire to understand a particular process or to solve a specific problem is the motivation behind most innovative developments and inventions
that setting inspiring yet realistic goals motivate a person to strive to reach them
that fear of consequences motivates people to continue to do what they would rather not
that curiosity motivates exploration and experimentation
that being motivated by the acquisition of material rewards, wealth and possessions, will ultimately not be enough
that fear and anxiety motivate aggression
that serving your community the best way you can is motivating
that positive self-talk increases and sustains motivation
that people are happiest and most creative when they motivated by what they are passionate about
that being genuinely and sincerely proud of oneself is motivation to keep ourselves on track
that we need to understand and nurture what motivates us to become the best of ourselves

For more information: Motivation and What Really Drives Human Behavior (positivepsychology.com)

10 persuasive speech topics about autism

Image: jigsaw puzzle with a piece missing. Text: Persuasive speech topics on Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of mild to severe conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. A recent (2020) study revealed that 1 in 36 children (2.7%) in USA have been diagnosed with the disorder. And that number is increasing.

that promoting autism awareness matters and makes a difference
that early intervention and treatment is important
that education for students with autism should be inclusive and supportive
that the myths and stereotypes about autism need challenging
that inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations are beneficial for everyone: employers and employees.
that families affected by autism need accessible resources, services, and support systems.
that technology plays an important role in enhancing communication for nonverbal individuals with autism.
that ongoing research, and funding, is required to improve understanding and treatment options.
that there needs to be a holistic approach to autism care.
that individuals on autism spectrum have value and strengths just like any other person.

19 persuasive speech topics on natural medicine

The term 'natural medicine' is one of several used interchangeably to describe any medical product or practice that is not standard (conventional) medical care.

Other synonyms are:

alternative medicine or therapies,
holistic medicine which implies taking into account the 'whole' person rather than focusing on and treating isolated symptoms,
herbal (plant based) remedies and,
complementary medicine: a treatment regime that includes elements of conventional and alternative medical care.

'Natural medicine' polarizes people. There are those who are vehemently against any form of it and who will not consider any treatment other than what is current standard medical practice. Then there are those who resolutely choose alternative options. Either way, it's a fascinating field!

Image: chamomile daisy plants. Text: Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to aid relaxation.

that traditional herbal remedies effectively treat common ailments
that acupuncture is beneficial for pain management
that practicing meditation and mindfulness improves mental health
that chiropractic treatments effectively relieve back and neck pain
that yoga supports physical and mental wellness
that naturopathy should be used as a complementary approach to conventional medicine.
that homeopathy is effective in treating chronic illnesses.
that aromatherapy can relieve stress and enhance relaxation.
that traditional Chinese medicine should be incorporated into modern healthcare.
that good nutrition prevents disease
that massage therapy promotes physical and mental well-being.
that energy healing treatments like Reiki and acupuncture work well
that CBD (cannabidiol) oil helps people effectively manage pain and anxiety.
that the advantages of integrative medicine: combining conventional and alternative approaches should not be underestimated
that herbal supplements support good immune system health.
that holistic Ayurvedic medicine and practices are proven and promote wellness.
that the common myths about alternative health care and its potential harms are overstated
that acupuncture is an effective fertility treatment
that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for public speaking fear, smoking cessation, weight loss, and more...

14 persuasive speech topics on the possible dangers of using alternative medicine

that there are hidden risks in using unregulated alternative health care practices
that there are potential dangers in relying solely on alternative health care for serious medical conditions
that there are risks in self-diagnosis and self-treatment with alternative health care
that misinformation is a problem in alternative health care practices
that there are potential adverse effects with unproven alternative health care treatments
that there are hidden financial risks with alternative health care therapies
that evidence-based medicine is more reliable than alternative health care approaches
that we need to protect vulnerable people from the dangers of untested alternative health care remedies
that unqualified practitioners in alternative health care fields can cause harm
that relying on unverified testimonials and anecdotal evidence in alternative health care is dangerous
that there are risks of negative interactions with conventional medications while using alternative health care treatments
that unregulated supplements and herbal remedies in alternative health care could be dangerous
that alternative health care therapies for incurable diseases promote false hopes
that informed consent and transparency in alternative health care practices is important

22 current medical issues speech topics

that vaccine hesitancy must be addressed and countered
that stigmas around mental health must be challenged
that good accessible mental health care should be available for all
that cosmetic and reconstructive surgery should only be for those who genuinely need it
that comprehensive specialized mental health programs and support systems need to in schools
that the lessons for the opioid crisis must be learned
that inequal access to medical services needs addressing
that the balance between patient autonomy and a physician's responsibility needs careful monitoring
that strategies for promoting healthy aging and elderly care are essential with an aging population
that organ donation needs to be actively encouraged to overcome the shortage of organs available for transplantation
that the ethical implications of genetic testing need careful consideration
that healthy active lifestyles must be promoted to combat childhood obesity and the obesity epidemic
that the increasing role of technology in healthcare presents as many innovations as it does challenges
that pharmaceutical drugs need to be accessible and affordably priced
that the impact of social media on body image need to be countered by actively promoting positive self-perception
that developing countries need support to improve health care infrastructure and access
that precision medicine or personalized healthcare has better patient outcomes
that we should encourage conversations about end-of-life care before the need for it arises
that the legal and ethical concerns about euthanasia and assisted suicide can be humanely and respectfully resolved
that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine presents great opportunities as well as challenges
that improving obstetric care would lower maternal mortality rates
that for the good of the health of the mother, abortion on demand should be legal
that all tobacco products should be banned
that the use of medical marijuana by patients in hospitals needs careful consideration from a legal standpoint

The subject of food: its cultivation, preparation, scarcity or abundance, generates passionate debate regardless of who we are, or where we are on the planet.

Have fun with these!

Image: root vegetables growing in garden Text: 21 food-themed persuasive speech topics. Example: that a plant-based diet is healthier.

that poor nutritional health in first world countries is the result of poor food choices
that the use of unsustainably produced palm oil in food and other products should be banned
that the benefits of eating locally sourced food outweigh the disadvantages
that we must reduce food waste to lessen its environmental impact
that eating fast food long-term is dangerous
that a plant-based diet is healthier
that the negative effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food system outstrip their shorter term benefits
that organic farming has positive effects on health and the environment
that nutrition education in schools helps combat childhood obesity
that a sugar tax would help control the consumption of foods with high sugar content
that factory farming is unethical
that we need to adopt humane animal welfare practices
that advertising and marketing of unhealthy food choices makes them attractive
that food safety and strictly enforced regulations are necessary for public health
that food waste should be against the law
that food deserts (areas that have limited access to affordable and nutritious food) have an enormous impact on the health of communities
that there are workable, sustainable, affordable strategies to combat the effects of food deserts and food insecurity
that the food we eat effects our mental as well as our physical health
that producing food sustainably helps combat climate change
that there are significant health risks associated artificial food additives and preservatives
that genetically modified foods must be labeled for consumer awareness

53 topics: ethics, morals and values

The words 'ethics', 'morals' and 'values' are frequently interchanged as if they mean the same thing. However, although there is considerable overlap between them, they don't.

Diagram showing the overlap of values, morals and ethics.

Values are the core beliefs on which we center and base our lives. They are the values we have decided are important and can be personal as well as shared. Examples are honesty, service, cooperation, family, heritage, freedom of expression, independence, privacy, loyalty, integrity, or success.

Morals are based on our values. They elicit feeling or emotional responses in us. For instance, we feel good when we behave in accordance with our values, and bad when we don't. Like values, our moral codes can be either personal or shared.

For example: if one of our core values is the importance of family, then we will feel guilty and uncomfortable if we don't honor it. We make a moral judgment about our own behavior.

Ethics : These let us know what is right and wrong. For instance, many professions have a code of ethics to regulate the behavior of their members. Examples are medical practitioners, lawyers, and teachers. They are rules based on a shared moral code as are the laws governing how we function as a society.

Because life and people's experience of it, is not static, values, morals and ethics can change over time. And although there are some behaviors that have generally always been unlawful, (murder, fraud, infanticide...), what was acceptable and normal once, does not guarantee its rightness now.

For a fuller explanation please see this excellent article: What's the Difference Between Ethics, Morals and Values?

28 topics based on morals and ethics

that there are major ethical implications of the role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives
that the unmonitored use of facial recognition technology is a violation of individual rights
that corporations have a moral responsibility to address climate change
that war is never right ethically or morally
that the ethics of genetic engineering and its impact on society need careful monitoring
that it is important to fully consider the ethics in the development and use of emerging technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency need
that the ethical challenges of data privacy and protection in the digital age must be met for the safety and security of society
that the ethical implications of using animals for scientific research requires regular reviewing
that the ethical and moral implications of our current abortion laws need thorough and careful investigation
that the ethics of capital punishment need scrutinizing. Is it ever morally justifiable?
that the ethical implications and long-term impact of gene editing and designer babies need careful consideration
that it is no longer either ethical or moral to differentiate salaries or workplace benefits on the basis of gender
that the moral obligations of healthcare professionals in end-of-life decisions need to be fully considered
that whistleblowing is an ethical way of ensuring corporate accountability
that the use of drones and autonomous weapons demands a thorough review of the ethical considerations involved
that an individual has the right to choose their own death. The moral dilemma of euthanasia, if there is one, is their own to solve.
that the ethical implications of the long-term impacts of genetic testing and personalized medicine need to be thoroughly investigated
that social media platforms have ethical responsibilities in combating the spread of online harassment and misinformation
that the moral issues surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports need to examined calmly and carefully
that the ethics of factory farming and its impact on animal welfare need to be thoroughly and regularly reviewed
that the ethical and moral implication of discriminatory adoption laws should be investigated
that the ethics and impact of online advertising should be independently monitored
that the ethical considerations in the allocation of healthcare resources should always play a major role in decision making
that the moral implications of genetic cloning and its potential consequences will force our governing bodies to legislate against it
that the ethics of global wealth distribution and poverty alleviation will always be in question while inequality exists
that the ethical challenges of conducting research on human subjects is entirely justifiable
that internet censorship is both sensible and ethical
that it is ethical and morally responsible that children should have their use of social media and the internet monitored.

25 persuasive speech topic ideas on values

Image: Father Christmas. Text: 309 persuasive speech topics. Example: that we must never tell lies to children, except about Father Christmas...

that we must never tell lies to children except about Father Christmas, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Rabbit
that honesty in personal and professional relationships is best at all times
that embracing diversity is essential for a harmonious society
that team sports build good character traits
that empathy, (compassion and understanding), has the power to change lives
that education is fundamental for personal growth and the progress of society
that privacy and the protection of personal information matters more than ever
that everybody is entitled to privacy, including children and teenagers
that taking personal responsibility and promoting sustainability for our planet's environment is vital for our and its survival
that actively advocating for gender, racial and social justice promotes equality
that life was better before the influence of online social media took over
that everyone should spend several months per year working for the betterment of others in a non-profit social service organization
that regular acts of kindness and goodwill make a positive impact no matter how small
that becoming self-aware increases our emotional intelligence, which in turn, improves our relationships with others
that the lives of all living creatures should be valued and protected
that we need to celebrate, tolerate and accept differences in beliefs, cultures and lifestyles
that expressing oneself freely is more important than getting the grammar, punctuation and spelling right
that integrity, honoring moral principles, in personal and professional settings, builds trust and respect
that cooperation, volunteering and civic engagement builds strong healthy communities
that everybody should learn to cook and clean for themselves
that we need to value, understand and learn from our history
that genuinely and sincerely acknowledging and apologizing for hurtful, damaging behavior promotes healing and encourages transformation
that it is better to earn your own living rather than to be financially provided for by someone else
that money is not a meaningful measure of success

20 persuasive speech topics about the economy

Diagram of the interrelationship of economics

What is an 'economy'? What does the word mean? I hear and read it frequently and its often in different contexts.

For example, at my local grocery store there's a large sign telling me that buying 10 cakes of soap at a never to be repeated discounted rate of 33% off per cake is good economy.

On the news I hear that our economy is challenging. There have been significant rises in the price of food over the past six months and mortgage rates are set to increase.

That's two different uses. The first is implying that buying in bulk will save me money. The second suggests it refers to the ebb and flow of monetary exchange for goods and services in society.

I sought a definition for clarity and found this:

"An economy is a complex system of interrelated production, consumption, and exchange activities that ultimately determines how resources are allocated among all the participants. The production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services combine to fulfill the needs of those living and operating within the economy.

An economy may represent a nation, a region, a single industry, or even a family."

For more information: Economy: What It Is, Types of Economies, Economic Indicators (investopedia.com)

This definition covers the dynamic interconnecting web of exchanges for goods and services underpinning our daily lives, and that is the focus of the topics below.

that promoting entrepreneurship for economic growth has benefits
that investing in renewable energy for a sustainable economy is important
that there are both advantages and disadvantages of globalization on national economies
that the impact of automation on employment requires carefully thought through strategies for economic adaptation.
that multinational corporations need stricter regulations
that increasing the minimum wage to improve income equality benefits everyone
that the advantages of a universal basic income for economic stability outweigh its disadvantages
that government should play an active role in fostering innovation and technological advancements
that financial literacy education benefits both individuals and the economy
that promoting fair trade practices benefits developing economies
that income inequality impacts on social stability and economic growth
that free trade agreements have significant advantages
that investing in infrastructure for economic development is important
that implementing sustainable economic policies has benefits for long-term growth
that government has a role in reducing poverty and income disparities
that immigration and inclusive immigration policies have a positive impact on the economy
that the advantages of austerity measures during economic crises outweigh the disadvantages
that promoting small businesses is important for local economic development
that investing in education and skills training benefits economic competitiveness
that technology transforms traditional industries and creates new economic opportunities

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More persuasive speech resources

Persuasive speech topics.

105 fun persuasive speech topics : ideal for light-hearted, informal speeches
100 non-boring persuasive speech ideas - a 'tired' topic is not for you. Choose something fresh and original.
50 good persuasive speech topics with treatment examples to show you how the same topic is treated differently for different audiences.
310 persuasive speech topics for college : mental health, society, family & friends, animals, education
108 feminist persuasive speech topics : the top current women's rights & feminist issues

For assistance with planning and writing

Writing a persuasive speech - a 7 step action plan that includes how to choose a topic, analyze your audience, set a good speech purpose, decide on a structural pattern (with examples) and, more.
A persuasive speech outline example using the 5 step structural pattern: Monroe's Motivated Sequence. (With a free printable outline)
A persuasive speech example using Monroe's Motivated Sequence

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167 attention-grabbing persuasive speech topics to ensure academic success.

July 20, 2018 Education 1 Comment

Persuasive speech, as the name suggests, is a tool to persuade the audience into believing an opinion is more legitimate than the others. While there are several elements that determine the quality of a persuasive speech, it is the choice of topic that makes the most contribution to its impact.

If you’re a student who is preparing for a persuasive speech, you need to choose the topic very carefully. In most cases, the topic does half the job. However, choosing a topic that can make you a star overnight is not exactly a cake walk. You need to consider several elements before choosing a topic for your persuasive speech.

Choosing a topic you personally like can take you one step closer towards your goal. Your personal interest in the topic can be the key to success. Furthermore, you also need to consider what the audience wants to hear. If your speech is about something that makes the audiences uncomfortable, then you may need to reconsider your choice.

Lastly, you need to avoid the topics that have been discussed zillionth time. It will be a difficult task to hold your audience with a topic that sounds overdone. Explore topics that are fresh. If you are clueless about where to start, this following infographic can help you save some crucial time and energy of yours.

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Tags 167 Attention Academic Ensure Grabbing Persuasive Speech Success Topics

Academic Probation Action Plan: Strategies for Success

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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.

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.

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 .

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.

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:

Persuasive speech topics

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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100 Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience

Standing in front of an audience can send shivers down the spine of even the bravest among us. Trust me, I’ve walked that tightrope, scouring for that one topic that not only resonates but also holds the power to captivate.

From digging through research to leaning on my own experiences, I’ve pieced together a list of 100 mental health persuasive speech topics intended to ignite engagement and spark action .

These carefully chosen themes touch on everything from the depths of anxiety and depression to how our daily scrolls through social media affect our mental state. So, are you ready to dive into the world of persuasive speaking with me?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Persuasive speeches aim to change the audience’s views or actions, making them impactful for discussing mental health issues.
Crafting a persuasive speech on mental health topics requires understanding structure, engaging storytelling, and using emotional connections to influence the audience.
Mental health persuasive speech topics can touch on seeking help, stigmatization, effects of social media, and workplace well-being.
Sharing personal stories or experiences can make a strong emotional bond with the audience, driving home the importance of addressing mental health concerns.
Preparing and delivering speeches on sensitive subjects like mental health must be done carefully to avoid triggering language while fostering empathy and awareness.

Understanding Persuasive Speeches

Understanding Persuasive Speeches:

Persuasive speeches aim to influence the audience’s beliefs and actions.

They follow a structured format and use emotional appeal to sway opinions.

A persuasive speech is something I learned to craft and refine over the years. It’s a talk meant to convince listeners about a specific point or action. At its core, it should make your audience see things from your perspective, often prompting them to change their beliefs or undertake an action.

My journey in mastering public speaking taught me that the structure of these speeches plays a huge role. They usually start with an introduction that hooks the listener, followed by the body where arguments are laid out clearly and supported by evidence.

Finally, they end with a strong conclusion that reinforces the main points made throughout the speech. As someone who once dreaded standing in front of an audience, understanding this framework was crucial for engaging my listeners on topics like mental health awareness and psychological wellbeing.

When delivering a persuasive speech, it’s vital to follow a clear structure . This involves organizing your speech into three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion . For the introduction , grab the audience’s attention with a compelling opening statement or question about mental health.

Then provide an overview of what you’ll be discussing. In the body of your speech, present your key points persuasively and logically using evidence and examples related to mental health issues .

Break down each point clearly to make it easy for the audience to understand and connect with your message. Finally, in the conclusion, sum up your main arguments and leave the audience with a call to action that motivates them to consider their own attitudes towards mental health.

In my experience as someone who overcame public speaking anxiety through deliberate practice and learning effective speaking techniques at Toastmasters International , following this structure has proven crucial in delivering impactful speeches on topics like mental health advocacy.

Tips for Delivering a Persuasive Speech

Engage your audience by making eye contact and using inclusive language. Use emotion to connect with your listeners and make your argument compelling.

Engaging your audience

When engaging your audience, it’s crucial to connect with them from the start. Share personal stories or ask thought-provoking questions related to mental health. Use eye contact and body language to show confidence and build rapport with the listeners.

Engage the audience by using relatable examples and speaking directly to their emotions, making them feel invested in the topic.

By maintaining a conversational tone and addressing common concerns about mental health , you can keep your audience interested throughout your persuasive speech. This can create a supportive environment for discussing mental health issues openly and encourage active participation from the listeners.

Using emotion

When delivering a persuasive speech, using emotion can make your audience connect to the topic. As I learned in my public speaking journey, sharing personal stories or experiences can evoke feelings of empathy and understanding.

For instance, recounting a real-life struggle with mental health can help the audience resonate with the importance of seeking help or understanding mental illness stigma . By tapping into emotions, you can effectively convey the urgency and significance of addressing mental health issues, prompting your audience to take action and seek change.

Emotion is a powerful tool that I have seen work wonders in persuasive speeches. When discussing mental health topics such as stress management techniques or providing emotional support, incorporating genuine emotion can captivate and motivate your listeners.

Creating a strong argument

When crafting a persuasive speech, it’s crucial to build a compelling argument . This involves presenting clear and convincing points to support your stance on the mental health issue you’re addressing.

Use factual evidence, statistics, and real-life examples to strengthen your argument. By incorporating personal experiences or stories , you can make your case more relatable and impactful for the audience.

It’s important to anticipate counterarguments and address them with logical reasoning and rebuttals , showcasing a thorough understanding of the topic. Engage your audience by speaking confidently and passionately about the subject matter, encouraging them to see things from your perspective.

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Delivering persuasive speeches about mental health. Engaging topics for public speaking beginners.

Importance of seeking help

Seeking help for mental health issues is crucial. The right support can make a significant difference. You don’t have to navigate challenges on your own, and seeking help shows strength, not weakness .

I know from my own experience that seeking help can lead to positive change .

The article emphasizes the importance of choosing a good persuasive speech topic to effectively engage the audience. It encourages speakers to consider the impact and relevance of their chosen mental health topic.

Mental health stigmatization

When discussing mental health stigmatization , it’s crucial to understand the impact of negative attitudes and beliefs towards individuals with mental health conditions. It is estimated that about 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness each year, yet due to stigma, many may feel reluctant to seek help .

In my personal experience, I have seen how stigma can prevent people from talking openly about their struggles or seeking treatment. This topic is essential for raising awareness and challenging misconceptions surrounding mental health.

Effects of social media on mental health

The use of social media can impact mental health in various ways, influencing self-esteem and body image among teens and adults. It has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness .

Research shows that excessive time spent on social media is associated with poorer mental well-being . This highlights the importance of understanding the effects of social media on mental health.

Now, let’s discuss the next topic – “Mental health in the workplace environment.”

Mental health in the workplace environment

Transitioning from the impact of social media on mental health, we need to address mental health in the workplace environment. As a public speaking beginner, I understand that addressing mental health issues in the workplace can be challenging, but it’s crucial.

According to research, about 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year, and many of them are part of the workforce . It’s essential for employers and employees alike to recognize the significance of mental well-being at work.

As someone who has navigated through public speaking challenges and their impact on my own mental health, I know firsthand how important it is to promote a positive work environment that supports employees’ emotional and psychological well-being.

Creating awareness about this topic not only benefits individuals but also contributes to healthier workplaces overall.

Writing about mental health in a persuasive way can really make people listen. I found Dr. Emily Thompson, a renowned psychologist with 20 years of experience, to share her thoughts on this topic.

She’s taught at several prestigious universities and has dedicated much of her research to understanding how public speaking can influence attitudes towards mental health.

Dr. Thompson believes that the list of 100 Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics is a powerful tool for raising awareness . She points out that these topics cover essential issues, from stigmatization to therapy options, making them perfect for engaging an audience deeply and emotionally .

She emphasizes the importance of tackling these speeches ethically and transparently, considering their sensitive nature. According to Dr. Thompson, speakers should always respect their audience’s experiences and avoid triggering language.

In daily life or educational settings, Dr. Thompson suggests using these topics as conversation starters or as part of a curriculum designed to foster empathy and understanding around mental health issues.

While she sees many advantages in using persuasive speech for mental health advocacy, she notes some drawbacks too. If not handled carefully, discussing such personal subjects publicly may risk oversimplification or could inadvertently stigmatize certain conditions further.

Despite these potential challenges, Dr. Thompson fully endorses the collection of topics as an effective means for encouraging action and sparking dialogue about mental health care reform .

Taking her insights into account confirms my belief: These persuasive speech topics aren’t just ideas; they are gateways to deeper comprehension and compassion towards those battling psychological disorders.

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

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Warren blogs

30+ attention-grabbing persuasive speech topics to get your audience hooked.

Are you curious to know about the topics of your persuasive speech?

It’s quite an easy task if you have some basic idea about topic selection.

So, always pick out a topic that is aligned with your interest to communicate your thoughts essay writing service .

Many of the students do not have an adequate understanding of the topic selection. There are no hard and fast criteria to learn about such tactics. All you need is to take help from Write My Essay for Me to learn the essentials of topic selection. This online service will provide free guidance to compose high-quality persuasive speech.

Hence, don’t wait for an impeccable moment, just take a flash and make it impeccable. Things are easy if we manage them in an appropriate manner.

Stay Calm and incorporate amazing topics to express your views on certain things. Here is a list of more than 30 amazing Persuasive Speech Topics to help you in choosing the theme for your speech that would have a strong impression on your target audience. Definitely, it will reduce pressure on your nerves.

Speech Ideas

Should the system of class ranking be eliminated in schools?
Should students be given music classes in school?
Do safari parks assist or harm wildlife?
It is not possible to buy happiness from money
Never accept follow the request of your parents on Instagram
Use sanitizers to stop the spread of the virus
Which is more effective whether music learning or PE learning?
Is it significant to offer spring vacations to students?
Is virtual learning more significant to achieve academic success?
What are the impacts of playing candy crush on learning students?
Is it important to engage children in outdoor activities?
Should public places be banned on working days?
Is it important to make recycling mandatory to mitigate greenhouse effects?
Should social media be banned for students to excel in their academic careers?
Is it really substantial for developing countries to receive foreign aid?
Should financial understanding and risk courses be taught to students in high college essay writing service ?
What is the most crucial method for measuring the intelligence level of a student?
Does the one-child policy of China have favorable or adverse effects on the territory?
Is state security more essential than discrete privacy?
How does the low morale of employees affect the productivity of a business?
Is there authentic proof of Martian existence?
How does the excessive use of social media promote depression and suicide attempts?
Is it technology that breeds laziness?
Is it effective to remove tipping in restaurants and increase the wages of staff instead?
Is unemployment considered a major barrier to hinder the economic growth of the country?.Should public universities offer completely free education to financially handicapped students?
Should foreign language be offered to students in primary classes rather than sign free essay writing service ?
How to control cheating during class tests and final exams in school?
Is workout being a suitable tactic to overcome obesity?

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Effective communication skills are more crucial than ever, especially for this decade where persuasive communication has considered as one of your strongest traits. It empowers individuals to express their thoughts clearly and confidently, making a lasting impact on their audience.

Due to its powerful communication, academic experts have included persuasive speeches in the coursework. Whether you are a student preparing for academic challenges or seeking to ignite change, mastering the art of persuasive speeches is essential.

Persuasive speech is a form of public speaking that not only nurtures self-expression but also engages diverse audiences to express thoughts on specific subjects. It strengthens the ability to stand up for one’s beliefs. Considering the importance of persuasive speech in academics, we wrote this blog on top persuasive speech topics for 2024 to help you improve your persuasive speech skills.

In academic settings, persuasive speeches are used to present research papers, participate in debates, or deliver compelling arguments. The ability to communicate persuasively is key to achieving success in these endeavors. By developing effective persuasive speech skills, you can captivate your audience, convey your ideas with clarity and conviction, and leave a lasting impact.

Stand Out with Compelling Persuasive Speeches

This blog aims to provide you with a thoughtfully curated list of good persuasive speech topics for 2023. We understand that selecting the right persuasive topic can be overwhelming, but fear not because we have done the hard work for you. We strive to be your primary source for generating persuasive speech ideas.

Our meticulously chosen lists of topics for persuasive speech are designed to inspire you with thought-provoking ideas. Each persuasive topic reflects the pressing issues and trends of the year, ensuring that you have relevant and engaging subjects to explore. However, we don’t stop there! We also offer valuable tips and strategies to assist you in crafting a compelling speech that resonates with your audience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced speaker, this blog will be your companion in choosing the best persuasive speech topics.

Moreover, understanding your challenges to write down persuasive speeches, our experts suggest you can take the help of an Instasolving USA assignment help . The experts will help you to nail your speech.

What is a Persuasive Speech?

A persuasive speech is a special kind of speech that aims to convince the audience to accept a specific viewpoint, take a particular action, or change their beliefs or behavior on a certain topic. The main goal of a persuasive speech is to persuade, influence, or motivate the listeners by presenting a strong argument supported by logic, evidence, and emotions to pursued them to get convinced about your topic.

A persuasive speech follows a structured format, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, the speaker grabs the audience’s attention, establishes credibility, and clearly states the main argument or idea. The body of the speech provides supporting evidence, examples, and logical reasoning to strengthen the central message.

This section may also address counterarguments and refute opposing viewpoints to strengthen the speaker’s position. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the key points and restates the main argument, leaving the audience with a memorable and persuasive closing statement.

It’s important to remember that it’s unrealistic to expect everyone in the audience to adopt the speaker’s viewpoint after a single speech instantly. In a democracy, everyone has the right to their own opinion. However, a persuasive speech aims for complete understanding and agreement from the speaker’s perspective within certain limits.

Components of a Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech comprises essential components that aim to persuade the audience. These key components are Ethos, Logos, and Pathos; each plays a crucial role in crafting a compelling argument. Let’s explore the significance of each component in detail

Ethos: Ethos refers to the speaker’s credibility and trustworthiness. It involves showing expertise, knowledge, and authority on the persuasive topic. This can be achieved by presenting qualifications, personal experiences or citing credible sources. Establishing ethos helps build confidence and enhances the persuasive impact of the speech.
Logos: Logos employs logical reasoning and evidence to support the main argument. It involves presenting facts, statistics, expert opinions, and logical arguments. The use of logos appeals to rationality and intellect. Providing well-researched evidence and logical explanations strengthens the argument and convinces the audience of the viewpoint’s validity.
Pathos: Pathos aims to evoke emotions and establish a connection with the audience. It involves the use of storytelling, vivid descriptions, and emotional language. Pathos appeals to feelings, values, and empathy. By tapping into the audience’s emotions, Pathos helps create an emotional bond, making the argument more relatable and persuasive. This emotional connection can influence attitudes, beliefs, and actions.

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos form a powerful trio in a persuasive speech topic when effectively combined. Ethos establishes credibility, Logos provides logical reasoning and evidence, whereas Pathos appeals to emotions. By incorporating these components, speakers can create a persuasive argument that resonates with the audience and increases the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome.

Importance of Persuasive Speeches for Students

Persuasive speeches are highly important for students as they offer valuable skills and benefits. Firstly, they help students develop strong communication skills, enabling them to express their thoughts and ideas effectively. By crafting persuasive speeches, students learn to organize their arguments, choose compelling language, and engage their audience. These skills are not only valuable in your academic carrier but also help you in your personal and professional life.

Furthermore, persuasive speeches promote critical thinking among students. Researching the topic, gathering evidence, and analyzing different perspectives enable students to think critically and evaluate information. They learn to anticipate counterarguments and present well-reasoned viewpoints, enhancing their ability to think logically and make informed decisions.

Key Elements of a Persuasive Speech Writing

3 Types of Persuasive Speech Topics

1. factual persuasive speech: .

Factual persuasive speeches involve presenting information and evidence to convince the audience about specific persuasive topics or points of view. These speeches rely on facts, statistics, research findings, and expert opinions to support the speaker’s argument. The goal is to present a compelling case based on objective evidence and logical reasoning. Factual persuasive speeches are effective when the speaker needs to educate the audience, debunk myths, or raise awareness about important issues.

2. Policy Persuasive Speech:

Policy persuasive speeches focus on advocating for specific actions or changes in policies, laws, or regulations. These speeches aim to persuade the audience to support a particular course of action or influence decision-makers to implement a specific policy. Persuasive policy speech topics require a thorough understanding of the issue, including its implications, potential benefits, and possible drawbacks. Presenting a well-reasoned argument and proposing practical solutions are essential in this type of persuasive speech ideas.

3. Value Persuasive Speech:

Value persuasive speeches aim to persuade the audience to adopt or embrace a particular set of values, beliefs, or moral principles. These speeches tap into persuasion’s emotional and ethical aspects, appealing to the audience’s sense of right and wrong, justice, or personal convictions. Value persuasive speeches often touch upon sensitive and controversial topics, such as social justice, environmental ethics, or personal integrity. They require the speaker to deeply connect with the audience, employing storytelling, personal anecdotes, and compelling arguments to sway their values and beliefs on persuasive topics.

What Makes Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

Good topics for persuasive speeches possess several key qualities that make them engaging, impactful, and compelling to the audience. Here are three cost effective essential aspects to consider when choosing topics for a persuasive speech:

1. Simple and Easy Topic:

Good persuasive speech topics should be simple and easy to understand for both the speaker and the audience. It should be accessible to many people, regardless of background or expertise. By choosing a straightforward and uncomplicated persuasive topic, the speaker can effectively convey their message and ensure the audience can easily grasp the main points. This simplicity facilitates clarity and encourages active engagement from the listeners.

2. New Topic:

The interesting persuasive speech topics should be new and current, addressing the pressing issues and trends of the time. By selecting a relevant and up-to-date topic, the speaker can capture the audience’s attention and demonstrate the significance of the subject matter. New persuasive topics are more likely to resonate with the audience and generate a sense of relevance and urgency. They allow the speaker to tap into the listeners’ collective consciousness, fostering a connection and a sense of shared importance.

3. Interesting Topic:

The best persuasive speech topics should be interesting and captivating to both the speaker and the audience. It should pique curiosity, spark discussions, and evoke emotions. Choosing inherently interesting persuasive speech topics for the speaker will enhance their enthusiasm and passion, which will be conveyed to the audience. Interesting persuasive topics for speech often challenge conventional thinking, present unique perspectives, or shed light on lesser-known aspects of a subject. They encourage active participation and inspire the audience to think critically and engage with the speech more deeply.

How to Choose a Persuasive Speech Topic?

Choosing good topics for a persuasive speech is crucial for persuasive speech ideas that captivate your audience. Follow these steps to choose a persuasive speech topic that is engaging and impactful:

Identify your interests: Start by considering persuasive topics that genuinely interest you. It’s easier to speak passionately and persuasively about subjects you are personally devoted to.
Research current issues: Stay updated on current events and trending persuasive topics. Look for pressing issues that spark debates or controversies. These topics will likely engage your audience and make your speech more relevant.
Consider your audience: Understand your audience’s demographics, interests, and concerns. Tailor your persuasive topic to resonate with their needs and perspectives. It will also help you connect with them on a deeper level.
Brainstorm ideas: Generate a list of potential persuasive speech topics based on your interests and the needs of your audience. Don’t limit yourself at this stage; let your creativity flow freely.
Evaluate the feasibility: Assess the feasibility of each good persuasive topic by considering the availability of credible sources, relevant data, and supporting evidence. Ensure that you can gather enough information to support your arguments effectively.
Narrow down your options: Review your list and prioritize the topics for persuasive speech that align with your interests, audience, and feasibility criteria. Choose the most compelling and well-rounded options.
Test for significance and impact: Ask yourself if the chosen persuasive topics for speech have the potential to make a meaningful impact or persuade others. Consider the importance and relevance of each topic in the context of the current social, political, or environmental landscape.
Choose the final topic: Based on the previous steps, select the persuasive speech topic that ticks all the boxes: it aligns with your interests, resonates with your audience, is well-researched, and carries significance and impact.

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 in Arts

Importance of performing arts for holistic development
Should art be a compulsory discipline?
Graffiti: Art or Nuisance
Importance of art and culture
Should performing arts be made credit based
Museums are the dying reservoir of arts and culture
Entry to museums should be free
Schools should host annual arts festivals
The slow death of ancient art forms
Modern art lacks authenticity

Best Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students:

The importance of volunteering in your community
The benefits of implementing mindfulness exercises in schools
Why high school students should learn financial literacy
The need for comprehensive sex education in schools
The importance of promoting mental health awareness among teenagers

Best Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students:

The advantages of studying abroad during college
The impact of technology on higher education
The benefits of participating in internships during college
Why college students should engage in extracurricular activities
The importance of developing critical thinking skills in college
Emerging Technologies: Blockchain, AI, and Their Societal Impact
Global Health Issues: Strategies for Pandemic Preparedness
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion in the Modern World
Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Space Exploration: Benefits and Risks for Humanity
The Future of Work: Gig Economy and Remote Working Trends
Sustainable Practices in Food Production and Consumption
The Role of Youth in Shaping Political Landscapes
The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures and Economies
Mental Health Awareness in a Digital Age

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Academics

Books are the only source of learning
Computer-based learning is the most effective
Gamification and virtual reality are the future of education
MCQs are better than essay tests
Extracurriculars are a waste of time
Only main papers should be considered for grading
Academics are the only criteria for individual success
Rote learning is the best way to get good grades
Conceptual clarity beats rote learning
Sports can boost learning effectiveness

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on the Economy

Brexit will fuel the UK economy
There should be no minimum wage
Political unrest decelerates economic growth
Economics as a discipline must be mandatory
The economic growth of China is a model to follow
Free trade agreements are bad for labor
The economy is defined by a few rich industrialists
Foreign labor slows down the economy
Import duty should be removed
Exports boost economic growth

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Entertainment

Reality shows are a source of exploitation
Reality shows are anything but real
Media has a negative influence on teenagers
Media influences political decisions
TV shows influence human behavior
TV shows reflect the society around
Reality shows reduce human IQ
TV shows are a great source of motivation
Reality shows are scripted
Reality shows dilute important topics of discussion

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Ethics

Juvenile delinquency is acceptable
Prostitution should be legal
Underage driving should be punishable by law
Beauty pageants for children should be banned
Prisoner’s right to vote
Voting rights should not be universal
Guns should be banned from college campuses
The death penalty should be abolished
Substance abuse is a cause of social evils
Underage alcohol consumption should lead to prison time

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Environment

There should be strict penalties to protect endangered species
Environmental pollution is a global concern
Developed nations are to blame for global warming
The greenhouse effect threatens human existence
Limiting the use of natural resources and fossil fuels
A complete switch to renewable energy is the way to go
Using plastic is self-defeating
Humans are to blame for environmental degradation
Carpooling can save the environment
Noise pollution is detrimental to human development

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Fashion

Men shouldn’t wear pink
Eco-fashion is the future
Fashion reveals the true identity
Sustainable clothing is the way to go
Clothes define a person
Jewelry defines your worth
Fashion is an important part of society
Certain fashion brands have a negative influence on society
The fashion industry has the greatest influence on teenagers
Celebrity-endorsed fashion brands are the best

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Motivation

Following dreams is hard
Goal setting is important for success
Overcoming stage fright is crucial for success
Importance of creating a positive vibe
Sustainable living is a source of motivation
Happiness can be measured
Personal experience is more important than rote learning
Exposure to violence leads to demotivation
Video games increase motivation
Motivating teamwork and cooperation

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Travel

Airline tickets should be cheaper
Travel brings new experiences
Travel makes you more inclusive
Eco-tourism is important for sustainable development
Flying first class is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Traveling in a guided group is monotonous
Solo travel allows the best way to self-exploration
Antarctica should not be open to tourists
Environmentally endangered sites should not allow tourism
Tourism boosts the local economy

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Technology

Google is the death of libraries
Social media is an end of face-to-face conversations
AI is the future of technology
Technology is changing our lives
Limiting screen time for adults
Government should regulate internet usage
Technology has made life better
Internet chat rooms are not safe
Humans are addicted to technology
Internet fraud awareness: Must for cybersecurity

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Family:

The benefits of family meals and regular family time
The importance of open communication within families
The impact of divorce on children and ways to support them
The benefits of spending quality time with grandparents
The role of parental involvement in a child’s education

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Social Media:

The need to practice responsible social media usage
The impact of social media on mental health and self-esteem
The benefits of using social media for networking and professional development
The importance of digital literacy and online safety education
The role of social media in promoting social and political activism

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Education:

The importance of arts education in schools
The benefits of personalized learning approaches
The need for inclusive education and accommodating diverse learning styles
The impact of standardized testing on students and alternative assessment methods
The benefits of early childhood education and its long-term effects

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Sports:

The benefits of participating in team sports for physical and mental health
The importance of gender equality in sports
The impact of sports on character development and leadership skills
The benefits of including adaptive sports programs for individuals with disabilities
The role of sports in fostering community and promoting social integration

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Politics and Government:

The importance of voting and civic participation in a democratic society
The impact of climate change policies on future generations
The need for stricter gun control laws to ensure public safety
The benefits of implementing universal healthcare
The importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in political representation

Best Tips for Writing a Persuasive Speech

Understand your audience: Research and analyze your audience’s demographics, beliefs, values, and knowledge of good persuasive topics. It will also help you tailor your arguments and appeals to resonate with them.
Choose a compelling topic: Select persuasive topics that are interesting, relevant, and align with your audience’s interests and concerns. Also, make sure you are passionate about it and can effectively argue for or against it.
Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic: Gather credible and up-to-date information from reliable sources to support your arguments. You can also use sources such as books, articles, studies, and expert opinions to strengthen your speech.
Develop a clear thesis statement: Craft a concise and powerful thesis statement that clearly states your position on the topic. This will serve as the main focus of your speech and guide your arguments.
Structure your speech: Organize your persuasive speech ideas into an introduction, body, and conclusion. Start with a captivating opening to grab your audience’s attention, present your arguments logically and coherently in the body, and end with a solid and memorable conclusion.
Use persuasive techniques: Incorporate rhetorical devices, such as ethos (credibility), pathos (emotions), and logos (logic), to appeal to your audience’s emotions, intellect, and sense of credibility. You can also use storytelling, examples, statistics, and quotes to make your arguments more compelling.
Anticipate counterarguments: Address potential counterarguments and provide counterpoints to strengthen your position. Consider opposing viewpoints and refute them with solid evidence and reasoning.
Engage your audience: Use engaging language, vocal variety, and body language to keep your audience interested and attentive. Encourage interaction through questions, rhetorical prompts, or audience participation.
Rehearse and revise: Practice your speech several times to improve your delivery and ensure smooth transitions. Revise and refine your content, eliminating unnecessary information or weak arguments.
Conclude with a call to action: End your speech with a clear call to action, urging your audience to take a specific step or adopt your viewpoint. Motivate them to act upon your persuasive message by leaving a lasting impression.

For further enhancement of your persuasive speech, consider enlisting the assistance of a reputable speech writing service . Speech writers will help you refine your arguments, structure your speech effectively, and ensure your message resonates with the audience. Investing in professional speech writing greatly elevates the impact and effectiveness of your persuasive speeches as a student.

Final Verdicts on Good Persuasive Speech Topics

Choosing the best persuasive speech topics is essential for delivering impactful speeches in 2023. By exploring this blog’s discussed components, types, and tips, you can effectively engage your audience and make a meaningful impact. Remember to strike a balance between logical appeals and emotional connections to captivate your listeners.

If you find yourself in need of assistance in crafting a persuasive speech that hits the mark, consider seeking help from TutorBin. With a network of subject matter experts, we offer support in refining your arguments, structuring your speech, and engaging your audience effectively. Their expertise can provide valuable guidance, helping you deliver a compelling and persuasive presentation.

Embrace the power of persuasion, choose your persuasive topic wisely, and captivate your audience with amazing speeches in 2023. Make a difference with your persuasive voice and leave a lasting impact.

Most Popular FAQs on Persuasive Speech Topics!

How do i choose a persuasive speech topic .

Choosing persuasive speech topics involves considering your personal interests, researching current issues, and understanding your audience. It’s essential to select persuasive topics that you are passionate about and that resonate with your audience. Additionally, staying updated on current events and trends can help you identify relevant and impactful topics.

How do I make my persuasive speech engaging?

To make your persuasive speech engaging, you can incorporate storytelling techniques, use visual aids, and involve the audience through interactive elements. Balancing logical appeals with emotional connections can help capture the audience’s attention and keep them invested in your speech.

Can I get help with writing a persuasive speech?

Yes, you can seek help with writing a persuasive speech. Online homework help websites like TutorBin offer assistance from expert writers who can guide you in developing persuasive arguments, structuring your speech, and engaging your audience effectively. They can also help you refine your ideas, improve your delivery, and make your speech more impactful.

What are some good persuasive speech topics?

Climate change: Addressing the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and adopting sustainable practices.
Cyberbullying: Raising awareness about the impact of online harassment and promoting digital empathy.
Voting rights: Advocating for equal access to voting and the importance of civic engagement.
Mental health stigma: Breaking down stereotypes and promoting understanding and support for mental health issues.
Gender equality: Highlighting the importance of equal opportunities and challenging gender stereotypes.

What are the best examples of a persuasive speech topic?

The benefits of adopting a plant-based diet for personal health and the environment.
The need for stricter gun control laws to reduce gun violence in society.
The importance of early childhood education in setting a solid foundation for future success.
The impact of social media on mental health and the need for responsible usage.
The benefits of renewable energy sources in mitigating climate change and creating a sustainable future.

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15 Powerful Attention Getters for Any Type of Speech

Coming up with a great opening line has never been so easy thanks to these ideas.

Arguably, the hardest part of writing a speech is coming up with the perfect hook. The first sentence that comes out of your mouth sets the tone for everything that's going to follow. You need to pack the first few lines with attention getters to make your speech immediately engaging to the audience.

But you don't have to be inherently good at oration like Cicero or Martin Luther King Jr. Instead, you can use these clever tactics to rock your speech from start to finish.

Effective Ways to Grab an Audience's Attention for a Speech

No two orators have the same methods, so no two speeches should start the same way. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas to see which one resonates the most with your topic and delivery style.

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All beginners have to start somewhere, and these are some tried-and-true proven ways to grab an audience's attention right away:

1.Start With a Powerful Question

Asking a thought-provoking question can stimulate your audience's curiosity and get them feeling interested in hearing what you plan to follow up with.

2. Use Humor to Break the Tension

Lighthearted jokes or funny anecdotes can warm up the audience by breaking the tension. After a little laugh, they'll probably be more receptive to whatever your message is.

3. Open With an Interesting Statistic

An unexpected or shocking statistic can spark interest and emphasize a major selling point of your topic. Simple stats can also be very punchy, so they make a big impact.

4. Tell a Story

Humans love a narrative, so you can start with a personal or relevant story that makes connections to the various points of your speech in an indirect way.

5. Use a Visual Element

Incorporating graphics, videos, props, or diagrams can add a new dimension to your speech and keep your audience's short attention span locked on you.

6. Quote a Famous Person

One way to open your speech is with an impactful quote from a respected figure to lend authority to your argument or topic.

7. Incorporate Interactive Features

Polls, question-and-answer sessions, or requesting audience members to share their experiences can keep your audience involved. You know what they say - idle hands are the devil's workshop.

8. Challenge Common Beliefs

Stating a contrary opinion or debunking a common myth can be an electric way to get the audience engaged.

9. Use Powerful and Emotive Language

This can draw people in and help them connect with your message on an emotional level. After all, there's a reason one of Cicero's branches of rhetoric is pathos.

10. Relate to your Audience

People like to listen to stuff they relate to, so you can start with a few examples or scenarios that are relatable to your audience's experience.

11. Use Sound Effects or Music

Audio elements can make your presentation more dynamic and memorable. It's hard to look away from a light show or someone sauntering up to the stage with a theme song.

12. Incorporate Physical Activity

Asking your audience to stand up, high five their neighbor, or do a simple exercise can re-energize them. This is especially useful if you're in a group of speeches and need to get the audience to reconnect with you.

13. Pose a Hypothetical Scenario

Paint a picture of a possible future or situation and you can pique your audience's interest.

14. Show Your Passion

Audiences tend to pay attention when speakers display genuine enthusiasm and conviction about their topic, so don't be afraid to get passionate. Inflect in your phrases and let your facial expressions run wild.

15. Surprise Your Audience

Doing something unexpected can break the routine and instantly grab the group's attention.

Wedding Toast Examples for a Speech They'll Remember

Examples of Attention-Grabbing Phrases to Open a Speech

It's all good and well to know different methods for crafting your intro, but that doesn't magically help with putting the words together. Don't panic. We've got a whole host of attention-grabbing phrases you can use to open any speech with.

"Imagine if you could..."
"I'm going to reveal a secret that most experts don't want you to know."
"How many of you have ever experienced..."
"Let me start with an alarming fact..."
"Raise your hand if you believe..."
"Remember when you were a child and you believed in..."
"Here's a shocking statistic that will make your hair stand on end..."
"What if I told you that..."
"Let's take a journey back in time to..."
"I have a confession to make..."
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
"Picture this..."
"I bet you're wondering why I'm here today..."
"Let me tell you a story..."
"I was in your shoes once, and then something extraordinary happened..."
"There's an old saying that goes..."
"Have you ever thought about why..."
"Did you know that..."
"Who here thinks they know what it's like to..."
"It might sound crazy, but..."
"Has anyone in here ever..."
"Every second we waste, someone in the world is..."
"I want to share with you a life-changing experience I had..."
"When you wake up in the morning, do you ever feel..."
"We are standing on the precipice of..."
"There's a truth that no one talks about, and it's this..."
"Let's take a moment to reflect on..."
"The first time I ever experienced..."
"Who here is brave enough to admit..."
"Before we get started, I want to ask everyone a question..."

Use a Good Hook for a Successful Speech

People usually think about the mic drop moment towards the end of the speech and leave the opening bit for minutes before they go on. But reciting a speech isn't like performing open mic night at the comedy club.

You need a good hook to reel the audience in, and which one you use will depend on your audience, your topic, and what you want people to take away from your speech. The long and the short of it is, you might be able to procrastinate on writing your speech, but you probably don't want to leave the opener 'til last minute.

IMAGES

167 attention grabbing persuasive speech topics to ensure academic su…
167 attention grabbing persuasive speech topics to ensure academic
167 attention grabbing persuasive speech topics to ensure academic su…
167 attention grabbing persuasive speech topics to ensure academic
167 Attention-Grabbing Persuasive Speech Topics to Ensure Academic
167 attention grabbing persuasive speech topics to ensure academic su…

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COMMENTS

110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience
Add emotional connections with your audience. Make your argument more powerful by appealing to your audience's sense of nostalgia and common beliefs. Another tactic (which marketers use all the time) is to appeal to your listeners' fears and rely on their instincts for self-preservation. Address counterarguments.
112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging
112 Engaging Persuasive Speech Topics. Tips for Preparing Your Persuasive Speech. Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.
200+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Grab Attention
Here are some tips to help you finish your persuasive speech in the best quality: 1. Create an Outline. The best way to make sure that your essays and papers are written perfectly is to work following outlines. An outline serves as the frame that you can check against while working on your persuasive speech.
150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024
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 ...
100+ Excellent Topics for a Stellar Persuasive Speech
1. Logos — Using clear, logical, and evidence-based reasoning and argumentation to add persuasive power to your speech. For obvious reasons, audiences will typically expect strong arguments supported by evidence and clear reasoning and logic, all elements that are often prominent on grading rubrics for persuasive speeches.
27 Persuasive Speech Topics to Captivate Your Audience
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.
75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas
The aim of a persuasive speech is to inform, educate and convince or motivate an audience to do something. You are essentially trying to sway the audience to adopt your own viewpoint. The best persuasive speech topics are thought-provoking, daring and have a clear opinion. You should speak about something you are knowledgeable about and can ...
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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.
434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
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 ...
100 Good Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas
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 ...
50 Unique Topics for Speeches to Impress Your Audience
Persuasive speech topics cover a range of subject areas such as arts, humanities, social issues, science and technology, health and medicine, and economics. ... It must interest you and grab your audience's attention. Dr. Susan Hart, a renowned public speaking coach with over 20 years of experience, ...
125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience
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.
100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
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.
12 Effective Attention Getters For Your Speech
Outline the thesis of the speech. Give the audience a reason to listen. Clear transition into the body of the speech. Table of Contents. 12 Attention Getters for Speeches. Ask a Rhetorical Question. Make a Bold Statement. State the importance. Use Humor.
15 Powerful Persuasive Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk
Social issues make for compelling persuasive speech topics because they touch on deeply held beliefs and affect people's everyday lives. Whether you're talking about racial justice, gender equality, or income inequality, these speeches require a deft touch and a willingness to engage with complex, often controversial ideas.
220+ Persuasive Speech Topics (Updated 2023)
220+ Persuasive Speech Topics For All Students (Updated 2023) Whether you're a student preparing for a class presentation or an aspiring public speaker looking to captivate audiences, choosing the right persuasive speech topic is crucial. However, the process can be overwhelming, with countless possibilities to consider. Fear not!
'Easy' persuasive speech topics: 309 great examples
309 potentially easy persuasive speech topics. Below are 309 good persuasive topics chosen for their broad appeal, and because they are subjects people generally feel strongly about. 69 topics based on education. 135 based on aspects of health: mental health, the psychology of motivation, autism, natural medicine, the dangers of alternative ...
167 Attention-Grabbing Persuasive Speech Topics to Ensure Academic
Tags 167 Attention Academic Ensure Grabbing Persuasive Speech Success Topics. Persuasive speech, as the name suggests, is a tool to persuade the audience into believing an opinion is more legitimate than the others. While there are several elements that determine the quality of a persuasive speech, it is the choice of topic that makes the most ...
Persuasive Speeches
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 ...
100 Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience
For the introduction, grab the audience's attention with a compelling opening statement or question about mental health. ... Dr. Thompson believes that the list of 100 Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics is a powerful tool for raising awareness.
30+ attention-grabbing persuasive speech topics to get your ...
Stay Calm and incorporate amazing topics to express your views on certain things. Here is a list of more than 30 amazing Persuasive Speech Topics to help you in choosing the theme for your speech that would have a strong impression on your target audience. Definitely, it will reduce pressure on your nerves. Speech Ideas.
Top Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 Amazing Speeches
3. Value Persuasive Speech: Value persuasive speeches aim to persuade the audience to adopt or embrace a particular set of values, beliefs, or moral principles. These speeches tap into persuasion's emotional and ethical aspects, appealing to the audience's sense of right and wrong, justice, or personal convictions.
15 Powerful Attention Getters for Any Type of Speech
4. Tell a Story. Humans love a narrative, so you can start with a personal or relevant story that makes connections to the various points of your speech in an indirect way. 5. Use a Visual Element. Incorporating graphics, videos, props, or diagrams can add a new dimension to your speech and keep your audience's short attention span locked on ...
11 Best Attention Getters For a Captivating Speech
An audience may remember a successful attention getter as an important part of your speech, so picking the right attention-getter is key. Here's a list of attention getters that you can use at the beginning of a speech to generate your audience's interest: 1. Jokes. Speechwriters often use humor to stimulate an audience's interest.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Your chancing factors

112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

Steer Clear of Cliches

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

Environment

Science & Technology

Social Media

Parenting & Family

Entertainment

Arts & Humanities

Do Your Research

Understand Your Audience

Have Someone Read Your Speech

Practice Makes Perfect

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Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

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Your Next Steps, Step-by-step

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“In every free society individuals are continuously attempting to change the thoughts and/or actions of others. It is a fundamental concept of a free society.”

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A Consistent Style and Tone

Picking Your Topic — Questions to Ask

Will the topic interest your audience?

Is the topic or point of view fresh and engaging?

Are there any "triggers" or otherwise "sensitive" or "inappropriate" themes?