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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!

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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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 .

My Speech Class

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.

Write a Gripping Personal Narrative Essay Using Our Cheat Guide

Vote of Thanks Examples

50 thoughts on “434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics”

Thank You! 🙂 Very helpful and inspiring and you get a good laugh out of these topics, wish me luck on my test.

That was some awesome topics for my college presentation thanks for the help 🙂

Thank you so much i got a 82 on my speech! I talked about how women don’t have rights, and that they should be in the kitchen. Thank you again!!!

These topics are good I like give speech. Speech good for speaking. thank for topics

Why smoking can help you make friends

These topic are good. Thank you so much..

Really helpful, I pro-formed a speech outlining why exactly unfaithful thots should be be vanquished from our society. Got a 69.

Thanks so much! I did a speech on the unfaithful thots of our society and the plague being wrought upon the population. We need a solution. Some might say a final, solution.

These topics are great. Thank you

OMG thank you sooooo mush you literally saved my life.

Thankkkk youuuuuuuuuuuuu sooooo much these topics are amazing and thank you for saving my life my speech was why airlines should be cheeper and i got a 99

Great topics but there is no R rating for video games. (Family, Topic 10)

Thank you so much this was really helpful!!!!

these are good topics because im in 5th grade in my class right now and we are starting pursasive right now

Why sex education important

Are pitbulls a vicious breed

Germany is the best

Does Lightning McQueen have Life Insurance or Car Insurance ?

Correction: why cats make the purrfect pet.

thank you this is a very helpful and inspiring topics

These were good and helpful. This was exactly what I needed for my speech. Thanks to whoever came up with all of these.

Thank you so much. My speech on getting Belle Delphine banned got 69%

Thank you so much, this was inspiring and helpful.

ok, so I know im the only one that did this but its actually 414 speech topics so!!!!!11

This was v helpful- thank you! i did that Princess Diana was murdered and was very easy to be passionate about it – thx again!

very nice. help alot.me like moon landing one. thought was funny.

i love ThiS website SO MUCH it helped me with my speech endlessly and will be forever greatful xxx <3 <3

Why water causes cancer

Why Sped kids should have more special attention in schools?

-Tax the freaking pants off the 1%

-Only highly education education specialists should make laws regarding education

-Schools should implement standards that require more recess and P.E. and no homework

did a speach on koalas being nuclearly reactive thx sm

please tell kate to stop trying to help with my academics in writing thanks xx

Should kids be allowed to kick their parents out of the house when they get caught doing bad things

cheating isnt wrong if you do it well

i personally think that this website helped a lot i think you should add a kpop section just for who is interester ^0^ thank you 🙂

I made a speech explaining why toothbrushing should be mandatory and it got a 69

thanks so much i got a 69 on my speech about free robux

thanks bro i got a 69% on my speech about how i would eat henrique all night

Couldn’t find a topic but site was amazing! Henrique on the other hand

thanks got me a 100

Those were so helpful wish me luck on my test

henrique is kind of annoying but a good website

i’m thinking a speech on the flash sounds perfect.

Thank youuu so muchhh!!!!!! This was so helpful and rly helped me find new perspectives to look from. I wrote my speech on how men are animals, have no rights, and should be locked in mines and milked for their semen. I also found out im pregnant guys!!!! Time to find out if it’s a girl or an abortion!!!!!

I got the best speech topic.thank goodness.I only got an hour to finish.

why can’t we make toast in the bath

Why teens shouldn’t have sex before marriage.

I laughed so hard at “students should not have to do a persuasive speech in front of public audiences”

is this the real life, or is it just a fantasy?

this site was so good i found nothing! thank goodness i got a 0% my grades are rising

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Persuasive Advertising: What It Is & How to Do It [+Examples]

Published: September 28, 2021

What are some advertisements that live rent-free in your mind? As a millennial, ads that will always have a place in my heart include Britney Spears' iconic run as a Pepsi spokesperson, the enduring"got milk?" campaign (which is ironic considering myself and many others now prefer non-dairy alternatives), and the classic iPod silhouettes.

group of marketers creates a persuasive advertising campaign

These ads were not only compelling, but they were also incredibly influential. As marketers, we know that if we want to persuade an audience , we need to evoke an emotional response from them. But how do you actually do that?

Before we discuss how to refine your persuasive advertising strategy, let's review what it is.

What is persuasive advertising?

Persuasive advertising leverages the desires and interests of consumers to convince them to purchase a product or service. This form of advertising often focuses on the benefits the product or service can offer the end-user.

Below, we’ll examine key persuasive advertising techniques you can use in your advertisements, examples you can reference if you ever need some inspiration and informative advertisement examples that are surprisingly just as compelling as the persuasive advertising examples.

Persuasive Advertising Techniques

The Carrot and The Stick
The Scarcity Principle
One Message Per Advertisement
Write in the Second Person
Give Your Audience a Sense of Control
Use a Call-to-Value Instead of a Call-to-Action

1. The Carrot and The Stick

Humans are hardwired to move towards pleasure, like a horse towards a carrot, and away from pain, like a donkey avoids a stick. When people read or watch your advertisements, "carrots", or promises of gain, can fill your prospects with hope and compel them to pursue that potential feeling of pleasure. "Sticks", possibilities of loss, evoke fear in your prospects, which will compel them to flee from that potential feeling of pain.

Both tactics can pull your prospects into a narrative and evoke emotions that inspire your desired action. Carrots, like a product’s benefit, entice people to take the desired action. Sticks, on the other hand, like anti-smoking campaigns, evoke fear in people to stop doing a certain action and start doing the alternative. To better understand how to craft advertisements that feature a carrot or stick, check out these insurance copywriting examples below.

Carrot: "15 minutes could save you 15% on car insurance." — Geico

Stick: "Get All-State. You can save money and be better protected from Mayhem like me." — All-State

As you can see, Geico's ad uses a small-time investment that could potentially produce big gains as a lure to get you to buy their product. Conversely, All-State’s ad uses the character"Mayhem" to evoke fear into people to stop using their"inferior" insurance and start using All-State’s.

2. The Scarcity Principle

People value objects and experiences that are rare — having something that most people want but can’t have, boosts our sense of self-worth and power . If you use words and phrases that imply scarcity and evoke a sense of urgency, like"Exclusive offer" or"Limited availability", you can skyrocket your product’s perceived scarcity and consumer demand.

3. One Message Per Advertisement

To immediately hook people and persuade them to read or watch the rest of your advertisement, try sticking to only one message. Spotlighting your product or offer’s main benefit or feature will make it easy for your customers to understand its value and increase the likelihood of their conversion because you’re only conveying one message to your audience: your product’s main feature will benefit your customer’s life somehow, someway.

4. Write in the Second Person

Since your prospects primarily care about how you can help them, and pronouns like "you" and "your" can engage them on a personal level and help them insert themselves in the narrative you’re creating, writing advertisements in the second person can instantly grip their attention and help them imagine a future with your product or service bettering their lives.

5. Give Your Audience a Sense of Control

According to a research study conducted by three psychology professors at Rutgers University, the need for control is a biological and psychological necessity. People have to feel like they have control over their lives.

If you want to give your audience a sense of control, you need to give them the ability to choose. In other words, after reading or watching your advertisement, they must feel like they can choose between the option you suggest or another path. If they feel like you’re trying to force them to buy your product, they’ll get annoyed and disengage from your message.

To give your audience the ability to choose, and in turn, a sense of control, use phrases like "Feel free" or "No pressure" in your advertisements, like this example from Hotwire.com below.

6. Use a Call-to-Value Instead of a Call-to-Action

Call-to-actions are crucial for getting prospects to take the next step, but a "Download Now" or "Call Now" CTA isn’t always going to convince the more skeptical prospects to take your desired action. You need to make sure your ad’s last line of copy or quip is the best of them all.

So instead of writing an uninspiring, final line of copy like "Download Now", write one that clearly communicates your offer’s value and gives a glimpse into your prospects’ potential life if they take your desired action, like this call-to-value prompting readers to download a blogging eBook: "Click today and be a blogger tomorrow."

Persuasive Advertising Examples

Ready to see persuasive advertising in action? Check out these examples.

Showing — not telling — your audience about your product’s benefits is one of the best ways to capture attention and get an emotional response. Obviously, Nikol’s paper towels can’t actually turn grapes into raisins, but this ad highlights the product's absorbent powers in such a clear and clever way, they didn’t need to write a single line of copy.

Persuasive Advertising - Nikol Paper Towls

"More Than OK" poked fun at how Pepsi usually takes a back seat to Coke, especially at restaurants. And by featuring a star-studded cast that included Steve Carell, Lil Jon, and Cardi-B (who hilariously and fervently backed up Pepsi’s OKness) their boldness to call people out for undermining Pepsi’s quality got a lot of laughs and persuaded a massive audience to reconsider their own perception of the soft drink.

7. Match.com

The year 2020 was challenging for countless reasons. Online dating company Match.com channeled the collective feeling towards the year with an ad depicting Satan meeting his perfect match – 2020.

Informative Advertising

Informative advertising is a form of persuasive advertising that focuses more on the facts. The main goal of informative advertising is to educate the audience on why they need your product instead of appealing to their desires.

It highlights how your product’s features and benefits solve your customers’ problems and can even compare your product to your competitors' products. Although this type of advertising relies on facts and figures to trigger the desired action, the ad’s message is usually framed in a compelling way.

To better understand the difference between informative and persuasive advertising, check out these examples.

Informative Advertising Examples

Miller Lite
Siskiyou Eye Center
Burger King

1. Miller Lite

After Bud Light took some jabs at Miller Lite for using corn syrup in their beer during their Super Bowl 53 ads , Miller Lite decided to throw a few punches back. A day later on Twitter, they revealed that their beer actually has fewer calories and carbs than Bud Light, which helped them persuade people that drinking Bud Light and Miller Lite actually have similar health benefits.

2. Siskiyou Eye Center

There’s an old folk tale that carrots can improve your eyesight, but science has actually debunked this myth . That’s why this Siskiyou Eye Center ad is such a creative informative advertisement.

While it pokes fun at this common fable, it’s still relying on the facts of carrots not being able to improve your vision and the Eye Center’s ability to provide quality treatment for your eyes to persuade people to do business with them.

Informative Advertising - Siskiyou Eye Center

Popular meditation app Calm experienced an increase in downloads by sponsoring CNN's coverage of the 2020 US Presidential Campaign. Through clever product placement in front of an audience that was experiencing stress, the app was positioned as helpful a resource ready to educate on mindfulness during a turbulent time.

In addition to creating popular body and skincare products, Dove has set out to educate its audience on the importance of body confidence, and the harmful impact fabricated social media imagery can have on the self-esteem of young people.

In the reverse selfie campaign, Dove depicts how social media users may be inclined to change their appearance for public approval. Other materials provided by Dove also share facts and statistics related to social media usage and body image.

Last year, Google released a Black History Month ad called "The Most Searched" that was equally informative and inspiring. Showing clips of famous Black figures, each clip read "most searched" to indicate each person shown and event shown was a history-maker.

Persuasive advertising vs. informative advertising: which one is better?

Persuasive advertising and informative advertising definitely focus on different aspects of persuasion, but they still aim to achieve the same goal: convincing your audience to take the desired action. So whether you pursue one advertising strategy or another, remember that if you can trigger an emotional response, regardless of the stimuli, your ad will be a success.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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120 PERSUASIVE SPEECH TOPICS

In today’s post we will be sharing tips on what you should consider before choosing a persuasive speech topic, and give you over a hundred and twenty persuasive speech topics and ideas you can explore across different niches such as business, health care, college, and high school education, government, politics and policy, religion, technology and much more. I hope you’ll be getting some sweet ideas for your next speech.

Why do we use Persuasive Speeches?

Persuasive speech topics are typically thought of as brain-teasing, thought-provoking, insightful, and very concise about its position on the matter at hand. As a result, you are advised to only make persuasive speeches on topics you are quite conversant and knowledgeable about, so you can hold down a solid argument and be always ready to field questions that crop up.

How to choose a persuasive speech topic?

There are several types of speech you can deliver to an audience, however choosing a persuasive speech topic is not always an easy thing to do as there are a ton of factors, other than you being conversant with the topic, that usually comes into play when trying to come up with a compelling topic. Some of these factors, we will be addressing below. (If you are curious about the other kinds of speech , please visit this other post ).

1. Choosing A Topic Of Interest

A great way to select a topic is researching an area you have the most interest in. This is because the mind is more attuned to what it naturally enjoys doing, and as such, you will find out that the process because very easy and flows smoothly. You will most likely feel a rush of ideas when you are passionate about a particular subject, that coming up with bullet point topics will be in a timely order.

When you stick to only topics that fancy your interest, the audience will naturally see and share your enthusiasm too when you are making your presentation, which ultimately makes your speech more convincing.

2. Visualize The Topic

Now you might want to consider picking out topics that let you spread your tentacles and be as expressive as possible. What this means is, you will need a topic that allows you to be very descriptive. This way, you can communicate your presentation to the audience properly.

3. Have The Audience’s Interest In Mind

4. touch on emotional topics.

One of the greatest catalysts for making a successful public speech is building up emotions. Being able to sway the emotions of an audience is a great skill, because emotions act as deep motivators, so much that the audience is incited and is more likely to be sentimentally tilted towards your standpoint or request.

5. The Topic Should Be Relatable

6. avoid being generic.

Of course, they can be a few exceptions in this case. Where the topic of discussion is one that has been over flogged, you can add a little twist by coming up with a fresh idea from your own personal understanding of the topic. Ensure that you are adding something new and unique to what is already established. Otherwise, steer clear of such subjects.

7. Have A Goal In Mind

Finally, it would be best if you had a goal in mind. This should entail what you expect of your audience after listening to your speech. Come up with a call-to-action conclusion . Like when convincing people to adopt eco-friendly habits to curb climate change, you can point them towards adopting new small but conscious day-to-day habits that are beneficial to the environment, like recycling plastic, using energy saving bulbs, taking a walk instead of driving, or opting for a more vegan diet, etc

120 Persuasive Speech Topics You Can Use

Below is a list of persuasive speech topics broadly spaced out across different niches.

BUSINESS & WORK PERSUASIVE SPEECH TOPICS

Persuasive speech topics on high school education, persuasive speech topics on environment & nature, government persuasive speech topics, college students & life persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics on politics & policy, religion & faith persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics on fundraising, technology-related persuasive speech topics, tv & media persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics on health care, motivational persuasive speech topics.

There are a ton of other persuasive speech topics ideas that we could add to the list, and hopefully, I will be doing that in the future. Please remember that the value of a great speech is in it being able to move, touch, and spur emotions that lead to action from the audience, and you can not achieve that without proper audience analysis , and ensuring that your topic of choice connects with the audience.

The second thing I want you to remember is that more than any other type of speech, the persuasive speeches must be prepared very carefully in order not to cause any unintended offense. Be selective with your choice of words, write your speech opening and speech ending with that in mind, and mix in some great stories (related to the topic) to increase the effectiveness of your speech.

This is one of our posts on the types of speech series, should you be interested in learning about other types of speeches, please click on of the links below when you are done reading this article.

The 14 Speech Types Series of Posts

Part II . 9 Tips for Writing and Amazing Informative Speech and 120+ Topic Ideas

Part VI. 6 Key Tips for a Memorable Entertaining Speech + Topics and Ideas

Part IX. 7 Oratory Secrets: How to Deliver Effective Oratorical Speeches

Part X. Public Speaking Contests: 7 Ways to Nail at Forensic Speech Competitions

Part XIII. Farewell Speech – An 8-step guide to help you deliver a Memorable one

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

Christine Sarikas. 105 Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project. https://blog.prepscholar.com/good-persuasive-speech-topics . Accessed on 07/07/2019.

ThoughtCo. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students. https://www.thoughtco.com/list-of-persuasive-speech-topics-for-students-1857600 . Accessed on 07/07/2019.

50 good persuasive speech topics

Good persuasive speech topics.

By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 08-06-2022

50 persuasive speech ideas, plus example topic treatments

You want good persuasive speech topics and, fortunately I've got quite a few here.☺

My list of 50 is below.

However, whether they are good for you and your audience is something to seriously think about before making your final choice.

What's on this page:

How to use this list of persuasive topics effectively
What makes a good persuasive speech topic?
How to 'angle' or position a topic to fit your audience and speech purpose
Links to more persuasive speech resources

Image: retro cartoon of girl exclaiming with delighted surprise: 50 good persuasive speech topics

How to be sure you are choosing the best topic

To be sure you make an informed decision, before you settle on a topic check the guidelines about what makes a good persuasive speech topic and the "how to" examples, as well as the list itself.

( Hint - a not so subtle one : The absolutely best way to use my list is as a prompt to get your own creative juices working. That tip, combined with the series questions in the infographic below will help you cut through the time you spend dithering about trying to decide what topic to do.)

What makes a persuasive speech topic good?

A persuasive speech topic is good if it:

fits with the audience - Are they interested in it? Does it benefit them in anyway? How is it of value to them? Can you make it appealing? If it's an old topic, (one that has done a million times before), can you make it fresh and interesting?
is a fit with you - You already know something about it, or you're really interested in finding out more, and you know what want you to achieve through giving the speech.
can be researched and prepared within the time frame you need the speech for
fits the criteria and the purpose of your speech - set by yourself, your teacher, club, the organization who hired you to speak ...

Use the series of questions in the infographic below to narrow down your search for a good topic. As I've said in the infographic, the winner is the topic with the highest number of YES answers.

Infographic: How to choose the best persuasive speech topic - a series of questions to ask about each topic you consider.

How to use this list of topics effectively

Treat each idea as a starting point - a hook to give your brain something to latch on to.

As you scan the list look for the speech topics triggering more than a flicker of interest.

Stop and consider those more carefully. Examine the topic from as many angles as you can. Apply imagination. Shake, rattle and roll that idea around and u se the questions in the infographic to see whether it fits your needs.

And remember, any topic can be handled multiple ways.

Same persuasive topic - different treatment

Here are two examples to show you how the same topic can be adapted for different audiences. The topic is "Voice Matters".

" Voice Matters - the impact of a teacher's voice on students" - Example 1

The Intended Audience: teachers

Speaker Credibility: many years of teaching English and drama, plus public speaking experience

Speech Angle: to persuade the listeners (teachers) that how their voices sound in their student's ears influences how they are responded to, how their students behave and ultimately how they learn.

Specific Speech Purpose: to have them sign up for a voice workshop

Main ideas:

Voice image - how we are perceived by others is influenced by voice quality. This in turn impacts on how we are responded to. (Do check the link. It's really interesting how much voice quality influences our lives.)
What is a good quality voice? What personality or character traits are attributed to a person who has a good voice? Use sound clips to demonstrate. Ask for suggestions from the floor. How could that affect students?
What is a poor quality voice? What do people assume about the speaker with that type of voice? How could that affect students?
How do you know what you sound like to others? Use prepared sound clip of self to demonstrate.
Can voice quality or voice image be changed? Why would you do/not do that? Provide researched examples of before and after work on voice.
Consequences of working/not working on voice image - Give results - better classroom atmosphere, more on-target behavior, less time off with voice strain ... * For sound, trustworthy information on how voice quality impacts on student learning please visit my page: How is your teaching voice? You'll find links to academic studies, and more. Voice does matter!
How to work on voice image - outline of action and time line involved
Sign up for workshop and ongoing public speaking course

"Voice Matters - the benefit of a good telephone voice" Example 2

Image: retro drawing - young girl on phone. Text: "Voice Matters".

Someone else might come along looking for a good persuasive speech topic and pick "Voice Matters" too. This time the treatment goes like this:

Audience: job seekers

Speaker Credibility: senior recruitment specialist for a major firm in town

Speech Angle: to persuade listeners that their telephone voice, (how they say what they say), is their initial calling card to getting an interview

Specific Speech Purpose: to have the seekers sign up for course on telephone skills to get the appointment they need

Main Ideas: As illustrated in the first example above because the core material is the same or similar but the examples used to carry the persuasive argument and benefits will be relevant to the audience.

Sport is the new religion.
Social media affects mental health.
There should be a law against drugged driving
Truth and politics seldom mix.
Protests are effective.
All guns should be registered.
Should single people be allowed to adopt a child.
Exploitative advertising should be banned.
Love is not a defense or an excuse.
Adoption of other-race children should be encouraged.
Space aliens exist.
Euphemisms are dangerous.
Children should not be allowed mind altering drugs of any sort.
Arranged marriages have more chance of succeeding.
The quality of our voice matters.
Assisted suicide should be made legal.
Government benefits weaken a country.
Discrimination makes you stronger.
Private education/schools promote elitism.
Religion has no place in schools.
Good or right thinking is a matter of opinion.
Multi-national corporates should be outlawed.
Immigration laws are there to protect us.
We should buy locally to support our communities.
To be vegan is the only right and moral way to live.
Fashion cripples creativity
Cars and city centers should not mix.
Birth control should be compulsory for people with genetically inheritable diseases.
A young single girl who has a child should give it up for adoption.
Age gives a face character.
The earth is smaller today.
Swearing has lost its shock value.
Organic farming is the way for the future.
Plastic packaging should be banned.
Manners are essential.
Allowing yourself to have fun is good for your health.
Reincarnation is the only way to explain some experiences.
The death penalty is obsolete.
Drones need to be regulated to protect privacy.
Safety legislation leads to diminished personal responsibility.
A big brand doesn't necessarily mean big value.
Diets do more harm than good.
Oil drilling is dangerous for the environment.
Food does not make you fat.
Advances in medicine are not necessarily good for us.
Big brother is more alive and well every day.
Death is not final.
Community service should be compulsory for everyone.
Everyone should have the right to wear what they wish.
Addiction is an illness, not a crime. Alcoholics or drug addicts do not belong in prison.

More persuasive speech resources

For help turning your good persuasive speech topic into a fully fledged speech check these pages:

Persuasive speech outline Find out how to prepare an excellent speech outline using the classic persuasive speech structure: the 5 steps of Monroe's Motivated Sequence , (fully explained with an example speech) and then download a blank speech outline to complete.
How to write a persuasive speech Step by step easily followed instructions for refining your outline into an effective speech.

Another 822 persuasive speech topic ideas

If you haven't found the persuasive topic you want yet, check these pages:

100 persuasive speech ideas ,
309 'easy' persuasive speech topics
105 fun persuasive speech topics
310 persuasive speech topics for college
108 feminist persuasive speech topics

Graphic: women with raised fists. Text: 108 feminist persuasive speech topics

And last but not least, read a sample persuasive speech that follows the persuasive speech outline referenced above. Please note though before you go to that page the subject is somber: the impact of suicide on families.
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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 .

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Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas

Plus, a step-by-step guide for writing and delivering your speech.

Persuasive speech topics can inspire an audience and influence change in your community, town, or city. Whether you are giving a presentation at a large conference or converting a college essay into a speech to be given at your high school's auditorium, delivering a persuasive speech is not an easy task. We are here to guide you through this difficult process and provide you with 150 persuasive speech topics that can help you prepare your own inspirational presentation.

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Article Contents 13 min read

The art of persuasion.

The art of oratory is one of the oldest and most compelling persuasion tactics in human history. The power of speech has been used for centuries by men and women to negotiate peace, start revolutions, and inspire generations. At the source of change, we often witness a great speaker or speech that affected people’s worldviews. King Solomon, Socrates, Cicero, Elizabeth I, Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, were all powerful speakers who changed the course of human history.

Luckily, not every persuasive speech happens on such a grand scale. You do not have to become Napoleon to change the lives of people who hear what you have to say. You might have experienced this yourself – perhaps you have had a teacher who instilled in you a great passion for the study of physics during his lectures? Or you happened to attend a political, grassroots gathering where you heard a speech that changed your attitude towards homelessness or poverty. Or maybe your classmate's presentation revealed something about a novel you were reading in class that made you reflect on your own life and the people in it.

The power of a speech lies in your conviction and delivery of the topic you choose to discuss. A persuasive speech topic can be anything you are passionate about. Yes, it is true; whether you want to discuss the repercussions of the Cuban Revolution or analyze the power of K-pop in popular culture, it is up to you to enthrall the audience with your topic. The key to any successful speech is your confidence and enthusiasm. So, let’s start by examining what makes a speech persuasive.

To deliver a speech takes a lot of guts – not everybody is comfortable with public speaking. But to deliver a good speech takes conviction. Think of it like this: you must believe in the importance of your speech topic to discuss it. This must be something you care about and believe in; otherwise, your topic must be something that drives your curiosity, and you believe that it must be examined further.

Conviction stirs your desire to share this topic with others – you are convinced that other people will similarly find this topic fascinating! Whether it is the importance of recycling or bike lanes, the conviction is what will become the backbone of a successful and persuasive topic choice, as well as drive your desire to give a speech in the first place.

With conviction comes passion. These two elements of a successful speech are intimately intertwined. If you believe in the importance of something, you will be passionate about sharing it with the public.

If we look at some of the most famous speeches in human history, you will notice that conviction and passion are the driving force that makes these speeches legendary. Whether it's Cicero's defense of the Republic in the Roman Senate or Martin Luther King's speech in the defense of civil rights almost two millennia later, both these speakers believed in the importance of their convictions and were passionate about sharing their beliefs. In these cases, even despite the threats of death.

Unbiased Expertise

Conviction and passion should also drive your need to know everything there is to know about your topic. To give a persuasive speech, you must not only show confidence and excitement but demonstrate that you are an expert in the topic of your choice. Granted, if you are a high school student or an undergraduate who's been assigned to deliver a speech in less than 2 weeks, you are not going to become a world-renowned expert in your subject matter. However, as I pointed out, your speech topic should be something you are already passionate about, so you must have done some research and have some knowledge of your topic.

A persuasive speech should be based on facts. It should deliver arguments and counterarguments to show many sides of the issue you choose to discuss. For example, if you choose to discuss the importance of bike lanes, you can present several arguments in support of creating more bike lanes in your town or city, such as safety, decrease in traffic, environmental benefits, etc. However, make sure to include arguments that also show the other side of the issue, such as having to close down several major streets in your city to reconstruct the roads to fit in the new bike lanes and the side-effects of construction for businesses. Presenting both sides of the issue will show your comprehensive knowledge of the topic and demonstrate your professionalism.

Using the bike lanes topic as an example, I want to emphasize that showing unbiased research and knowledge of your topic can win the audience’s favor. You can, and should, still have your own opinion on the matter and defend your conviction in the speech but presenting the audience with both sides of the story is a tactic that will make them trust you.

Additionally, knowing both sides of the coin shows that you have come to your conviction after long and thorough research. You are not just presenting an uneducated opinion.

Taking care of the substance of your speech is the first step. While learning how to properly deliver your speech may seem less important, even the most well-researched and factually based speech will seem weak if the orator does not engage the public.

Though they certainly help your confidence, conviction and passion do not always result in strong delivery. This is understandable since public speaking is not everyone’s forte. While you may be animated and absorbing when you speak of your topic with friends, gripping an audience full of strangers is different.

There are three potential goals of any persuasive speech:

To familiarize your audience with a topic they have never considered before and inspire them to research it on their own. "}]" code="timeline1">

When you think about it, these objectives are pretty ambitious. Delivery plays a huge part in achieving these goals. It will be hard to move your audience to pursue any of these goals without clear articulation, professionalism, and charisma.

Strong delivery can be developed. Yes, there are those to whom oratory skills come more naturally, but this is rather an exception than the rule. Many successful orators were terrified of public speaking but worked hard to overcome their fears. A good example of this is King George VI of England. Before taking the throne in 1936, he was already an infamously bad speaker. The King trained to keep his speech impediment and nerves at bay once he was crowned and delivered one of the most inspiring speeches against Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich at the beginning of World War II.

Now that you know what makes a speech topic persuasive, let's go over a step-by-step formula that will help you choose the right topic for you.

Brainstorm where your convictions lie and what you are passionate about. You must reflect on what interests, hobbies, news, events, individuals, and activities of yours could be developed into a persuasive, strong narrative.
Narrow these down to 2 or 3 topics that are particularly important or riveting to you.
Now comes the practical side of the brainstorming process: take a moment to think whether preparing a comprehensive and compelling speech on this topic is feasible in the amount of time you have available. Consider the following questions: Are the topics of your choice well researched by you? Do you know these topics well? If you are not well-versed in the topic of your choice, do you have enough time to do research to present a comprehensive and complete narrative? Do you have enough time to form a well-developed stance about this topic? A thesis? Will you be able to cover several sides of this topic in the amount of time you have available?
If you have answered “No” to these questions regarding each of the topics you had in mind, you must go back to the drawing board.
If you have come up with a topic that results in a positive response to all the questions mentioned in step 3, you might have found the winner.
Start by developing a thesis, i.e., the main message of your speech. Without a thesis, you will not have a strong speech.
Develop arguments that endorse your thesis and support them with facts. Remember, a strong speech must be based on facts, rather than opinions and unsubstantiated statements.
Research counterarguments to your thesis. While you may not personally support these, you must present a well-rounded picture of the issue you are discussing.
You can finish off your speech by responding to the counterarguments in a way that reinforces your thesis. Don't forget to re-emphasize your main message in the closing paragraphs of your speech.

Know your audience

It is always a good idea to know who your audience is. Whether you are giving a speech in your high school, or traveling to attend an undergraduate conference, reflect on who will be listening to your speech. Before you sit down to write it, consider whether you can give yourself the freedom to use technical language, jargon, or make inside jokes on the matter. In general, I would advise you to avoid overly technical or niche language. It is never a good tactic for making a persuasive speech – this might alienate a large part of your audience.

However, if you are delivering a speech to a like-minded audience, you may use "industry lingo". For example, if you are delivering a speech at a video game convention, it is likely that many, if not most, attendees will be familiar with the terms and vocabulary you use. You will be able to strengthen your speech by using language that unites you with your audience. In this case, you are encouraged to engage the public by making inside jokes, using niche terminology, and creating a relatable experience with your speech.

Knowing your audience will allow you to develop a language for your speech. It will also allow you to gauge how deep you can delve into the topic of your choice. For example, if you are a young physics aficionado who is giving a lecture on black holes to your sophomore classmates, you might want to consider the fact that many of them have never studied physics in depth. This may help you shape your speech into something accessible and interesting for others.

If you are unsure about who your audience might be, try researching it. It is always good practice to know whom you will be addressing. Not only will it help you prepare the speech, but it will also ease your anxiety about the day of your speech delivery.

Hook the audience

Your opening sentences can hook the audience and guarantee their attention. While it will be the substance of your speech that keeps them listening to you, the opening must be captivating for your speech to have a chance for success.

So, what do I mean by hooking the audience with your opening? For example, you can state a shocking statistic about your topic. It will be especially impactful if it is related to your audience’s experiences, geographical area, community, or hot-topic issue. Here’s an example for an opening sentence for a speech about the importance of bike lanes:

“Last year, the city of Toronto recorded 715 serious accidents involving cyclists, with over 5% of these accidents resulting in a fatality."

Now, if I was living in Toronto, I would be surprised to hear such information; especially, if I have never thought about this before. I am saddened by this statistic and would like to learn how we can help prevent these accidents.

Let’s examine another opening. This time, we will consider a speech topic involving a historical event. For example, if you are captivated by the mystery of Princess Anastasia of the Russian royal family, the House of Romanov, you might start your speech thusly:

“The question of whether the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova survived the brutal execution of her entire family by the Bolsheviks is one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century.”

This sentence performs several tasks:

The opening sentence is your chance to establish yourself as the expert! You will seem like the authority on this topic, especially if you can pronounce the Princess's name without mistakes. "}]" code="timeline2">

Coming up with a strong opening sentence is not easy, but very worthwhile for delivering a persuasive speech. If you are having trouble finding the right opening sentence, you do not need to wait to start writing your speech. If you are stuck, move on to the main body of your speech and return to creating a captivating opening later.

To be persuasive, your speech must have a thesis. A thesis is the main argument you are trying to convince your audience of, or simply put, the purpose of you giving the speech. Without a thesis, your speech will be aimless, chaotic, and most likely, unengaging.

And while you can write your introduction after the main body of your speech is ready, you cannot write your speech without a thesis. It will be the landmark, the leading light, of your speech. Everything you say and every fact and argument you include in your essay must support your thesis. Certainly, you will be able to bring up alternative points of view later in the speech, but as we already discussed, your objective is to persuade the audience that your thesis is the correct one.

Let’s return to our bike lanes example. If you are a proponent of bike lanes, your thesis should be more than “Bike lanes are good”. While this can be considered a thesis, it is pretty thin. Instead, find a way to make your thesis compelling, include a supporting statistic, or a benefit of having bike lanes. For example:

“Having more bike lanes in our city will not only reduce traffic by X% but also allow our city to be at the forefront of the environmentally friendly initiatives happening all over our country.”

This thesis is clear and introduces the audience to some of the main points of the speech. The listeners get a concise prelude to what the speech is about and what it stands for.

Research and Arguments

Research is always conducted before you sit down to write. While you may have some general knowledge about your topic, remember that you are trying to be as persuasive as you possibly can be. This means that you need the latest statistics, the most up-to-date information, and the strongest support from experts in the field.

Tip: keep in mind your thesis as you are writing. All your arguments and facts must be in support of the main purpose of your essay. While you should present alternative points of view in your speech to make it well-rounded and unbiased, a strong speech must contain arguments that make it clear that your thesis is the correct one.

Concluding your speech has a twofold purpose. In addition to persuading the audience of your thesis, you must complete your narrative. Give the audience some closure about the topic. On the other hand, you must leave them even more interested in learning about your research. In other words, they must be compelled to explore on their own.

Tip: your conclusion cannot be a dry summary of your thesis and arguments. While you must restate your thesis in the conclusion, you are strongly encouraged to incite an emotional response from your audience. For example:

“More bike lanes will alleviate the heavy traffic and relieve our city from car fumes and soot. It is our responsibility to start making our city more eco-friendly. These small steps will inspire even more initiatives across our hometown and lead to a brighter, greener, future."

In this example, the audience is not only reminded of the main purpose of the speech but is also encouraged to think of other green initiatives that can help their town. The author does a good job of invoking responsibility for the future to encourage their audience to act.

Want to learn how to choose persuasive speech topics? Check out our infographic:

Now, let’s go over 150 persuasive speech topics that can inspire your own essay and presentation! Note that these are questions that should help you form ideas, arguments, and most importantly, theses. Rather than giving you the thesis upfront, we are encouraging you to come up with your own opinion and answers to these questions.

Your speech should be between 15 to 20 minutes long. Anything longer may lose your audience's attention. If applicable, don't forget to factor in some time after your presentation for questions from the audience.

The best way to approach the choice of topic is to reflect on your convictions and passions. If you are truly interested in a topic, your excitement will be felt by the audience.

Of course, you must be interested in your topic, first and foremost. Secondly, your speech must demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that will allow the audience to believe that you know what you are talking about. Thirdly, your delivery will have a great effect on whether you succeed in persuading the audience. Even a well-researched speech will suffer from poor delivery.

Firstly, only practice can really help you improve. Once you have written your speech, read it over several times. Do not memorize it, but rather, remember the structure, the flow of your arguments, your main points. Then start practicing pronouncing your entire speech in front of the mirror. Do this until you are quite confident with the content of the essay. Then, you can start practicing with family members, your friends, and classmates. Ask for their feedback: can they hear you well? Are you being articulate? Does your speech have a logical flow? Did they understand your thesis? Their feedback can help you modify not only your content, but also your presentation.

Your speech should take the form of an academic essay: introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Your speech must have a thesis, otherwise it will be meandering and pointless. A thesis will guide you and keep your essay/presentation well-structured. A thesis is what you will be arguing for (or against, if it's a negatively stated thesis) throughout your speech. And while you can include some alternative points of view in your speech, your thesis will inform every argument you make in the speech.

Typically, you should avoid using overly technical language. Even if you are presenting at a professional conference in front of peers, there is a chance that some of your audience will be unfamiliar with the professional terminology. To be inclusive, you should avoid niche language.

To be frank, there is no such thing. You can make a great speech on any topic of your choosing! Your research, your delivery, and your passion will determine whether your speech is successful.

Acknowledging opposing views and presence of debate will demonstrate your thorough knowledge of the topic. Additionally, you will demonstrate that you came to your conclusion/thesis after researching the topic, rather than simply forming an uneducated opinion.

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Every day, we create and consume persuasive messages. For example, when we argue about what movie to watch or where to go on the weekend. But how often do we pause to consider how we form our arguments or perceive the ones we hear from others? Public speaking on persuasive topics provides us the chance to do so.

Persuasive speeches do not inform the audience on the issue but rather convince them to take action or change their attitudes. In this article, we’ll discuss the structure of the persuasive speech. You’ll also find many compelling topics for public speaking that can come in handy and motivate the audience to change!

🔝 Top 10 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2024

✍️ persuasive speech outline, 😊 easy persuasive speech topics.

🎒 Speech Topics for High School
🎓 Speech Topics for College

⭐ Good Persuasive Speech Topics

💊 medical persuasive speech topics.

🍃 Environmental Speech Topics

⚖️ Ethical Persuasive Speech Topics

➡️ problem solution persuasive speech topics, 😜 funny persuasive speech topics, 🤔 controversial persuasive speech topics, 📝 persuasive essay topics, ❓ persuasive speech faq, 🔗 references.

Why should society accept the AI revolution?
Free education should be accessible to everyone.
Social media impacts social behavior.
Sports should be a part of children’s life.
The death penalty should be canceled.
Fashion and style reveal the inner world of the person.
Every country should have open borders.
Teenagers are addicted to Instagram and Snapchat.
Solo travel is the best method to explore oneself.
Should teachers teach kids in middle school about sex?

Delivering persuasive speeches is not that easy. It usually requires thorough preparation and thoughtful structuring to convey your message clearly and motivate the audience to make a move. We have prepared a detailed outline to help you create an effective persuasive speech. Check out the table below to learn its key components!

Speech component	Explanation
	Your speech should create interest and set the tone of the speech. Since your speech is persuasive, your general goal is to convince your audience. This is what your audience should do or think after listening to your speech. The must present your main argument or position on the topic.
	Start your speech with a that will make the audience curious about the topic. Further, show how your speech topic is connected to the listeners’ interests, concerns, or needs. Establish your credibility by demonstrating your expertise, knowledge, or experience to gain the audience’s trust. In the final part of your , present your thesis and outline the central arguments you will make in your speech.
	Include a linking sentence that would tie your introduction to your speech’s main body. Describe the problems concerning your topic and their effects, supporting your claims with evidence. Problem 1 + Effects + Evidence Problem 2 + Effects + Evidence Problem 3 + Effects + Evidence Make a smooth from discussing the problem to proposing the solution. Provide a thoughtful solution to the problem and present a detailed plan to implement it. Description of the solution. A step-by-step plan of action.
	Include a linking sentence to connect the main body and the . In this section, you should recap the key arguments or ideas presented in the speech, highlighting their significance. Directly request the audience to take particular actions according to the information from your speech. End with an effective comment that sticks in the audience’s memory and reinforces your message.

Money cannot buy love and loyalty.
Higher education should be free for everyone .
Online communication is better than offline.
Students should not wear the uniform .
Use of cell phones while driving should be banned .
Youngsters should respect their elders.
Why should lying be banned?
Gay marriage should not be legal .
Selfies in tourist locations should be taxed.
iOS is better in use than Android .
Should the federal government legalize the use of marijuana ?
Gender should not matter in the sports industry .
Why should people colonize Mars ?
Why should same-sex marriage be a norm ?
People should visit dentists several times per year.
Educational institutions should promote inclusivity .
Should societies impose monogamy ?
Adventures are better than routine life.
Memes are a quick way to brighten up the mood.
Why humans should not visit Mars .
Offensive jokes should be forbidden.
Nightclubbing is a waste of time.
Tattoos should be considered fine art .
Why should Halloween as the event be canceled?
A good sense of humor helps make new acquaintances.
Why celebrities should avoid political topics .
Why does time pass faster on vacation?
Life exists after death.
Why celebrities should be apositive role model .
Vaping should be banned in public places.

🎒 Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

Dating a coworker should be illegal.
Should parents spank their children ?
Jealousy destroys all types of relationships.
Procrastination plays a vital role in the working process.
Should we restrict the Internet usage by children ?
Why shouldn’t parents force their kids to go to church?
Small businesses should be protected by law.
Should US public schools have a longer year ?
Why are online bloggers beneficial to society?
Owning a business leads people to feel lonely and isolated.
Adult children should support elderly parents .
Bitcoin should be used as legal currency.
Technology doesn’t make us lazy.
Why you should not have grades in school .
Why should the death penalty still be used as a punishment?
People should buy only electric vehicles .
Cigarette manufacturers should be prohibited .
Kids under the age of 13 should have an 8 PM curfew .
Police brutality against black people should be punished.
Censorship issue: books should never be banned .
People should have hobbies to be satisfied with life.
Having a role model is essential for constant self-improvement.
Why should marriage be based on love and not arranged ?
Why is creativity crucial in the SMM industry ?
The payment for commonalities should be decreased.
Why should evolution be taught in schools ?
Planning prevents procrastination.
Listening to music while driving decreases the rate of car crashes.
English language learners should be immersed in English .
Lotteries should be illegal, the same as gambling and casinos.

🎓 Persuasive Speech Topics for College

The government should take serious measures to prevent the issue of child pornography .
Should Mormon children be returned to their homes ?
Enormous coffee consumption can cause anxiety or panic attacks.
The three-day weekends can increase work productivity .
All police officers should wear a body camera .
Why texting on the road is the leading cause of car accidents?
The number of ads on the billboards should be cut.
Should public servants have the right to strike ?
Democracy as the government structure has a lot of pitfalls.
Foreign aid from the United States should aim to support global peace.
Why juveniles should be tried as adults .
Affirmative action should be taken to redress historical and ingrained inequalities.
The government should promote the spread of charter schools .
Should casinos be legal in Texas ?
The Black Lives Matter movement has played a vital role in preventing vigilante violence.
COVID-19 vaccines should be mandatory to protect people at risk.
Should parents have the right to choose their children based on genetics ?
Genetic engineering can be used for the treatment of genetic diseases.
White nationalism should be canceled.
Should guns be banned from college campuses ?
Why does routine make people feel healthier and more energetic?
Food preferences have the power to connect people around the world.
Individuals should not be allowed to sell their body organs .
Positive childhood memories play a crucial role in a person’s development.
Each individual should have a sense of purpose.
Should aid to developing countries be stopped ?
Border security should be a priority in ensuring national safety.
Extreme weather disasters are the consequences of global warming.
Should we rely on eye-witness testimonies to identify crime-suspects ?
Why does applying sunscreen reduce the risks of skin cancer ?

Whether you want to change the opinion of your audience or motivate them to action, here are some fascinating and thought-provoking topics that are perfect for persuasive speeches:

Year-round school is better for academic success .
Should academic achievement be a primary concern for college admission ?
The use of fossil fuels should be banned to stop global warming.
The drinking age should be raised to 25 years old.
Why should marijuana be legalized and crack or cocaine remain illegal ?
Abortion should be legalized at the federal level.
Why is a strong middle class crucial to economic development?
Should social norms change at the brink of the new era ?
Prisoners should be allowed to vote after being acquitted.
Violent video games promote aggressive behavior in teenagers.
Why should bullies be expelled from school ?
Parents should not track the location of their children.
Why is conflict necessary for change in a relationship?
Drinking age should be lowered to 18 years .
The prices of pharmaceutical drugs should be affordable for elders.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

Every person who has good hearing may sing.
Discusison of why we should keep vocal fry .
Why does classical music still play a vital role in music art?
The lyrics of a song should elicit emotions in the audience.
Legalizing free downloads of music and movies .
Music is an effective way to communicate with the masses.
Pirating music is a severe danger to the country’s economy.
Can music be an enhancement to education ?
Rap music has a bad influence on people’s behavior.
Music should be an anchor to positive emotions.
How does music reinforce stereotypes ?
Songs with violent lyrics should be banned for teenagers under 18.
Music has the potential to be the most effective therapy for mental illnesses.
Does music distract students or help them ?
Why should patriotic songs inspire people to feel passionate about their country?

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

Coaches should be more active in athlete health management.
Should athletes be held to a higher moral standard ?
Why should hunting animals be banned as a sport in all countries?
Extreme sports with severe consequences should be outlawed.
Should football be banned for being too violent and dangerous ?
Heavy training and burnout put young athletes at risk of serious injury.
Alcohol and tobacco advertising during athletic events should be forbidden.
Reasons why kids should not play football .
The success of the football team depends on coaching skills.
College athletic teams should have sponsorship from the government.
College athletes should not be paid .
Terrorist countries should not be allowed to host international sporting activities.
Why do stress and anxiety make athletes more vulnerable to injuries?
Should Russian athletes be allowed to play in tournaments ?
The pay for men and women athletes should be equal.

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

Social media dating should be treated more seriously.
Should social media be banned ?
Social media is to blame for the proliferation of online sexual exploitation.
Why does Internet communication impact politics and social awareness?
YouTube comments: users should have a choice .
Instagram and TikTok make people more selfish.
The use of social networks should be banned for elementary school students.
Lemon coffee trend on TikTok shouldn’t be done .
Social media causes severe mental disorders.
Why do social networks lead to problems with self-esteem ?
Should online shaming be considered a problem ?
Instagram is the best place to earn money in the modern world.
The key benefit of social media is the freedom of speech .
Social media for children: threat or opportunity ?
People should be more cautious with using social networks.

The field of medicine provides many intriguing and interesting persuasive speech topics for students! You can check some of them below:

Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.
Should parents avoid vaccinating their children ?
Why should health insurance cover dentistry?
Artificial intelligence positively influences the healthcare industry.
Mandatory overtime for nurses should be eliminated .
Medical aid for dying should be legalized.
Organ donation and transportation should not be forbidden.
Why we should all be wearing face masks .
Marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes .
COVID-19 vaccination protects children and adolescents.
Should we withhold life support ?
Healthy eating habits positively impact physical health.
E-cigarettes lead to lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Should physician-assisted suicide be legal ?
The quality of prenatal and postnatal care should be improved.
Animal testing in medical research should be canceled.
Should COVID-19 vaccines be mandatory ?
Sex education is crucial in preventing teenage pregnancy .
Childhood obesity comes from the lack of nutrition education in schools.
Should patients have access to truthful information ?
Regular medical checkups lower the chance of premature mortality.
People should regulate the amount of sugar intake to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Competence for nurses: why is it important ?

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Employers should create healthy work environments for their workforce.
Social media as a cause of anxiety and depression .
Children experience mental health issues less often than adults.
Stress at work leads to severe psychological issues.
Does social media use contribute to depression ?
Music therapy should be widely used in healing and recovery processes.
Implicit bias shapes the way medical providers interact with patients.
Hypnotherapy as an effective method for treating depression .
Regular sport and a healthy diet promote good mental well-being.
Why do open discussions on mental health help cope with anxiety?
Substance abuse: the cause of social problems .
Promoting a person’s social-emotional well-being leads to lower crime rates .
Raising awareness of mental health reduces suicide rates .
Why is anxiety not related to personal weakness ?
Mental healthcare professionals should encourage self-care to avoid burnout.

This image lists common myths about mental health.

Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

Trauma-focused psychotherapy is the most effective method of treating people with PTSD .
Psychology: when we should trust our senses .
Why do family relationships affect behavior patterns in children?
Burnout at work is the leading cause of mental disorders.
Is creativity a modern panacea from boredom and depression ?
People should not work as psychologists without higher education.
The harm reduction treatment model is a great alternative to abstinence.
Is Islamic spirituality a key to psychological well-being ?
Why is it a bad idea for therapists to text clients?
The social pressure from peers leads to a mental breakdown.
Psychological testing: beneficial or harmful ?
War veterans should take therapy for PTSD.
Marketing firms use human behavior patterns to their advantage.
Psychology: does a criminal mind exist ?
Happy childhood does not guarantee good mental health.

🍃 Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

The environment takes an important place in our lives. We can make beneficial changes and save the Earth for future generations by highlighting numerous persuasive environmental topics in our speeches! Here are some of the most relevant ones:

Eco-fashion is an effective way to save the Earth.
Clear cutting in rainforest should be limited .
Plastic pollution poses a danger to the marine ecosystem.
Why does overpopulation negatively impact the environment?
Seven things you should know about the eco-friendly bags .
Eco-tourism helps conserve natural resources and raise environmental consciousness.
People should care about e-waste in our digital age.
Reasons why plastic bags should be banned .
Why do plant-based diets positively affect people’s mental and physical health?
Rural development contributes to widespread pollution and wildfires.
Should the Green New Deal be embraced ?
Buying sustainable production has a positive effect on biodiversity promotion.
Quality of life highly depends on the quality of the environment.
Water recycling: why is it important ?
Every person should plant a tree beside the house.
Littering should be punished with heavy fines.
Renewable energy: why do we need it ?
Covid-19 has played an essential role in the environment’s recovery.
Developed countries are responsible for global warming .
Why hunting is environmentally beneficial .
We should aim toward a paperless society.
A carbon tax should be necessary to preserve the environment.
Biodiversity on the Earth: why is it crucial for the environment ?

This image shows environmental issues to argue about.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Food

Fast-food restaurants should ban the usage of palm oil.
Should Americans adopt a vegan lifestyle ?
Why should the use of chemicals in agriculture be decreased?
Factory farms increase the instance or exacerbation of asthma cases .
Should food manufacturers label all GMOs ?
Food waste significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
People should form mindful consumption habits and proper food storage techniques.
Eating home-cooked food is essential .
Seasonal eating has a positive impact on reducing transportation emissions.
Plastic food packaging should be banned around the world.
Is fast food really harmful and can it be healthy ?
The government should take water-saving measures at the national level.
Why can optimizing energy usage in food processing save the environment?
Genetically modified foods: how safe are they ?
A responsible food system contributes to the long-term health of our planet.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

People should prioritize the protection of endangered species .
Animals should have the same rights as humans: pros and cons .
Zoos should be closed to prevent animal abuse.
Beauty companies that encourage animal testing should be banned.
Animal welfare: why animals should be treated with kindness and respect .
Why are animal sports banning campaigns ineffective?
Young kids should be taught how to take care of animals.
Save animals: experimentation should be stopped .
Spending time with pets reduces stress and depression.
Domestic animals should be vaccinated as necessary.
Animal use in scientific testing should be stopped .
Pets should be adopted from the shelter rather than bought in a shop.
Why should pets be microchipped?
Should animals be used for research ?
Flies, bees, and other insects are essential to the ecosystem.

Ethical persuasive speech topics provide a compelling platform for discussing our world’s moral issues and inspiring significant change. Below are the best persuasive speech topics on ethics themes that can come in handy!

People should live together before marriage.
Philosophy prospectus: why should we be moral ?
LGBT people should be permitted to serve in the military .
Why should suicide commitment be legal?
Should parents be responsible for children’s crimes ?
Vaccinations against infectious illnesses should be made mandatory in schools.
Why is lying appropriate when it comes down to survival?
Why should I be moral when it is not in my best interest to do so ?
A sugar tax can assist in reducing the spread of diet-related health issues.
People should be legally responsible for their moral decisions and actions.
Should Kant be criticized for his absolutism ?
Why should graffiti be considered art?
Wearing natural fur and leather is unethical in the modern world.
Should children be tried as adults for murder ?
Children should be protected from using inappropriate websites.
Each person should own a gun for personal protection.
Ethical dilemma: should gene editing be performed on human embryos ?
Kids should be taught ethics in elementary school.
Religious organizations should be required to pay taxes.
Should behavior be made illegal because it is considered immoral ?
Innovative gadgets make teenagers lazy and rude.
Terminally ill patients should have access to euthanasia .
Should the powerful have a right to rule over the weak ?

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

Harassment is one of the most significant ethical challenges in business .
Biometric security should be mainstream in firms .
Abuse of leadership negatively affects company development.
Why are transparency and trustworthiness crucial in business financial performance?
Should companies disclose key executives’ medical problems ?
Extraverts are worse entrepreneurs than introverts.
Companies should foremost create a good working environment for their employees.
Should companies engage corporate social responsibility ?
Smoke breaks should not be allowed during the working process.
Why is working for a rival a wise decision?
Should marketers test advertising ?
Political relationships should not be used for business development .
Free perks to employees positively influence overall productivity.
Why should businesses embrace remote work ?
Each business should take corporate social responsibility .

Political Persuasive Speech Topics

Psychological therapies should be government funded.
Should illegal immigrants be made legal citizens ?
Why is torture an inappropriate method to receive a confession in prison?
Welfare recipients should be obliged to submit to a drug test.
Why gun control laws should be scrapped .
Political corruption should be punished with the death penalty.
Why should the government fund partisan organizations?
Why should Bernie Sanders be a president ?
The voting age should be decreased to 16 years old.
Why is there never a good enough cause to declare war?
Military policy that should be changed .
Prostitution should be legalized and protected by the law.
Illegal immigration significantly impacts terrorism act rates.
Chinese one-child policy: why it should not be relaxed .
Health insurance should be mandatory by law.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

Teachers should use social networks to communicate with students.
Should Canada provide free tuition for university students ?
Why is higher education overrated?
Exams should no longer be used to assess the skills of students.
Why should vocabulary lessons be taught ?
Online learning is more effective than attending classes at school.
University bribes affect hardworking students.
Should stimulants be prescribed to boost grades ?
Why do teachers assist students in cheating during exams ?
Teachers’ preferential treatment in schools should be punished.
Should the US adopt the British tradition of a gap year ?
Parents and students should report bullying and cyberbullying cases.
Students should not be allowed to have their phones with them during school.
Should concealed handguns be allowed in Texas classrooms ?
Immigrants without documents should be permitted to attend public schools.

Problem-solution topics convince audiences to actively engage in discovering practical and effective answers to challenges affecting our society. Check out some ideas below!

How can we deal with climate change ?
Should Georgia legalize gambling to raise revenue ?
Maintaining peace and security is critical for poverty prevention.
Filtration and disinfection as methods to solve the water pollution issue.
Have “three-strikes” laws been effective and should they be continued ?
How can a rise in public awareness decrease human rights violation cases?
Taking baths as a way to reduce anxiety and stress.
Why should immigrants receive social services ?
How can the government solve the problem of wage inequality ?
Buying e-books as a way to protect the environment.
Where and how sex education should be conducted among the young people ?
Government sanctions are crucial to reducing child labor .
How can we provide adequate salaries for qualified teachers?
The Right-to-Die bill: why all states should pass it .
Interactive games as a way to increase attention in class.
International cooperation is vital to combat cyber threats .
Should the province of Nova Scotia increase its minimum wage ?
Donating as a method to reduce global poverty .
How to deal with misinformation and fake news in the digital age?
How should we deal with the rising cost of education ?
Planning strategies are essential to solve the problem of overpopulation.
How can gender inequality be stopped at school or the workplace?
Animal transplantation and commerce in organs should be used to reduce the shortage in organs .
Increasing access to cheap internet infrastructure as a way to narrow the digital gap.
How can we solve the problem of doping in sports ?
E-cigarettes smoking: threat or solution ?
Good school culture as a modern approach to reducing truancy .
Reading out loud helps improve the critical thinking of students .
Assisted suicide as a solution in end-of-life care .
How can we make the media ethical and responsible?

This image shows current problems with possible solutions.

Funny persuasive speech topics perform two functions: entertain and persuade the target audience. We have prepared a list of the cleverest ideas for you to use in your speech!

Video games should be considered a sport.
Should apartments ban dogs based on breed ?
Why is the Moon landing fake?
Eating dessert first positively impacts people’s well-being.
Feminism: how a man should look at a woman .
The homework for high school students should be canceled.
Laughing is the best therapy for depression.
Why should pitbulls not be banned ?
People in the future should have personal robots.
Why should children be allowed to choose their bedtime?
Should people under 18 get a tattoo ?
Instagram kills individuality in teenagers.
Why should schools have pizza breaks between classes?
Should plant-based dairy be labeled as milk ?
Parents should not be allowed to comment on their kids’ wardrobe choices.
The consumption of junk food should be controlled on the federal level.
The United States government should release more UFO information to the public .
Comic books should be used to teach Mathematics.
The mismatched socks impact academic performance during exams.
Should spamming be illegal ?
The government should create insurance for breakups.
The Loch Ness Monster should be protected from annoying tourists.
Should people be paid to stay healthy ?
Why can sarcastic jokes save the conversation?
Men should always go on compromise with their wives.
Gender stereotypes: should real men wear pink ?
Rap music provokes aggressive behavior among teens.
Why breaking up via social media should be illegal?
Online dating should not be classified as dating .
Binge-watching Netflix should be practiced during the lessons.

Controversial persuasive speech topics provoke listeners’ critical thinking and encourage dynamic discussion. Check the best persuasive speech topics on controversial themes below!

Why does a bad first date lead to a strong and long relationship?
Why should flogging be brought back ?
The dream job topic is the lightest way to talk about work.
Aliens should share their secret technologies with NATO.
Ukraine should not join the European Union .
Only intelligent speakers should have freedom of speech.
Atheism is not a religion but rather a philosophical position.
Should college education be free for all US citizens ?
Why is nuclear energy ingrained as part of the power grid in the US?
Terrorists are generally more sadistic than religious.
Why cameras should be placed in public places .
Everyone should be able to possess a gun .
Why is it crucial to be selfish from time to time?
Should schools distribute condoms ?
People should pass the test on political awareness before voting.
Gay people should be permitted to adopt children.
Should the sale of human organs be legalized ?
Why is feminism irrelevant in the 21st century?
Schools should provide free birth control for teenagers .
Should gay and lesbian couples be allowed to adopt ?
Children as young as 12 should be allowed to work.
Why should human cloning be allowed?
Should the US resume a millitary draft ?
The show The Kardashians is harming society.
Why are most conspiracy theories fake?
What should society censor ?
The Big Bang Theory movie deepens viewers’ knowledge of science.
McDonald’s should be opened in every town around the world.
Why should abortion be included in the national healthcare plan ?
Why is writing an autobiography a good idea?

Need to write a persuasive essay ? Do not panic! Here are some additional persuasive topics that you can use for your writing:

Negative news on TV increases the level of stress.
Should sex and violence be restricted on television ?
Leisure time should be spent with benefits for physical and mental health.
Daydreaming develops learning skills in students.
Why the government should not have bailed out banks .
Every person should be required to participate in national public service.
Cell phone radiation is hazardous to people’s health.
What qualities should a leader have ?
More money should be invested in space exploration .
Alternative medicine should be outlawed.
Mandatory job drug test should be allowed .
Why can stalkers be dangerous?
Parents should not buy a lot of candies for their children.
Which country should the US invest in, Australia or Mexico ?
Students should plant trees to contribute to a greener environment.
Why is your biggest failure the most beneficial lesson for you?
Why should we look at race when trying to understand fascism ?
Countries that started the wars should pay reparations .
Pineapple on a pizza should be canceled.
Why Guantanamo Bay should stay open .
Why should you and your parents never be friends on Instagram?
Starting a day by making a bed increases productivity during the day.
Why the Pantheon should be preserved .
TikTok is an entertaining social network as well as educational.
Using curse words should be taxed.
Should net neutrality be protected or discontinued ?
Dreaming is the first step in achieving the goal.
Stereotypes and biases are not appropriate in the modern world.
Should Turkey enter the European Union ?
Why are politics bad role models for children?

What Is a Persuasive Speech?

A persuasive speech is a type of communication with the audience where the speaker tries to persuade them by appealing to logic, ethics, or emotions. The speaker must provide clear arguments to back up their point of view. In contrast to informative speeches, persuasive speeches do not try to give information. Instead, they motivate audiences to think or behave differently.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech?

Various qualities characterize effective persuasive speeches:

Attention-grabbing introduction . Convincing speakers immediately draw the listener into their messages by starting with a brief intriguing statement supported by evidence.
Authority to speak . The audience usually heeds speakers’ messages if they establish their expertise and credibility.
The logical order . The speaker should put the arguments logically and sequentially to control the information flow.
Effective conclusion . The final part of the speech is the last chance to convince the audience, so it must summarize key points and include a call to action.

What to Write a Persuasive Speech on?

To find a perfect topic for your speech, follow the steps below:

Think of something that is important to you or has a life-changing effect.
Try to understand what makes you happy or angry about this theme.
Write down ways in which you can make a difference.

That’s it! Now you know which topic has the potential to inspire action or change among the target listeners!

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

If you want to rock the stage as a public speaker, aim at topics that are controversial and risky. Human cloning, polygamy, workplace romance, and abortion are just a few examples. Like no other, such topics provoke the audience to take action and change. In addition, they raise deep concern in listeners’ minds and show alternative viewpoints on the issue.

110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students | We Are Teachers
100 Persuasive Essay Topics | ThoughtCo
Keeping Your Speech Moving | Stand Up, Speak Out
Persuasive Speeches | Public Speaking as Performance
Persuasive Speaking | University of Pittsburgh
Persuasive Speaking | Communication in the Real World
105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project | PrepScholar
Appendix A: Persuasive Speech Topic Ideas | Principles of Public Speaking
Top 10 Controversial Psychiatric Disorders | LiveScience
Mental Health Myths and Facts | SAMHSA
Select a Research Topic: Current Events and Controversial Issues | Southern Adventist University
Persuasive Speeches: What Are You Questioning? | UNC Greensboro
100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students | ThoughtCo
Persuasive Speech Topics on Relationships | Classroom
Unique Persuasive Speech Topics for College | YourDictionary
How to Slay Your Speech | University of Alaska Fairbanks
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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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99 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive speech topics are vast and varied. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted topic to entertain an audience or something more serious to inspire action, there are plenty of easy persuasive speech topics to choose from.

Take a look at this list of easy persuasive speech topics and see if any of them pique your interest!

Importance of Wearing Sunscreen
Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness
The Power of Connection: Why Strong Social Support Is Essential for Well-Being
Dangers of Social Media Addiction
The Need for Renewable Energy Sources
The Benefits of Self-Care: Why It’s Essential for Your Health and Happiness
The Benefits of Adopting a Plant-Based Diet
The Importance of Financial Literacy and Budgeting
Benefits of Learning to Code
The Need for Stricter Animal Cruelty Laws
Dangers of Fast Fashion and the Importance of Sustainable Fashion
Living Life: Traveling and Experiencing Different Cultures
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness and Seeking Help When Needed
Benefits of Having a Diverse and Inclusive Society
Mindfulness and Meditation: Simple Practices for Reducing Stress and Improving Mental Clarity
The Need for Equal Pay for Equal Work
Benefits of Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Dangers of Substance Abuse
The Power of Exercise: How Regular Physical Activity Can Improve Your Physical and Mental Health
Benefits of Using Public Transportation
The Importance of Water Conservation
Self-Reflection and Introspection: The Path to Personal Growth
Learning a Musical Instrument is Beneficial
Sleep: The Importance of Getting Enough Rest for Your Health and Productivity
The Need for Better Gun Control Laws
Dangers of Texting While Driving
Setting Boundaries and Taking Care of Your Needs
Benefits of Reading for Pleasure
The Importance of Protecting Civil Liberties
Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
Nourish Your Body: The Benefits of a Healthy Diet
The Need for More Affordable Housing Options
Dangers of Cyberbullying
Supporting Small Businesses
Taking Breaks and Giving Yourself Permission to Relax
The Importance of Protecting Endangered Species
Benefits of Reducing Screen Time
The Need for Universal Healthcare Access
The Importance of Engaging in Things That Bring Fulfillment
The Benefits of Scheduling and Planning: How to Get More Done in Less Time
The Power of Time Management for Achieving Work-Life Balance
The Power of Saying No
Benefits of Delegating and Asking for Help
The Importance of Setting Priorities and Managing Time Effectively
Maximizing Productivity Through Time Management Strategies
The Benefits of Scheduling and Planning for Success
The Power of Setting and Achieving Goals
Benefits of Time Blocking and Focus Time
Importance of Being Organized and Streamlining Processes
Equal Education for All: The Importance of Providing Opportunities for Every Student
The Importance of Homework and Its Impact on Student Learning
The Benefits of a Later Start Time for High School Students
Benefits of a Dress Code or Uniform Policy in Schools
The Importance of Physical Education and Recess in Schools
Benefits of Offering a Wider Variety of Elective Courses in Schools
The Importance of Financial Literacy Education in Schools
The Benefits of Incorporating More Hands-On, Experiential Learning Opportunities in Schools
Importance of Mental Health Resources and Support in Schools
Benefits of Implementing Restorative Justice Practices in Schools
Importance of Providing Equal Educational Opportunities for All Students, Regardless of Their Socio-Economic Background.
Importance of Spending Quality Time With Family
Benefits of Regular Family Dinners
The Benefits of Family Vacations
Importance of Open and Honest Communication Within Families
The Benefits of Teaching Children About Financial Responsibility and Budgeting
The Benefits of Having a Strong Support System Within the Family
Importance of Setting Boundaries and Establishing Rules Within Families
The Benefits of Forgiveness and Reconciling Relationships Within Families
The Importance of Showing Gratitude and Appreciation Towards Family Members
Benefits of Implementing a “Digital Detox” and Disconnecting From Technology Within the Family
The Importance of Reading Food Labels and Understanding Ingredients
Dangers of Excessive Sugar Intake and Strategies for Reducing Sugar Consumption
Benefits of Home Cooking and Meal Planning
Environmental Impact of Food Waste and Strategies for Reducing Waste
The Benefits of Incorporating More Whole Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables Into Your Diet
Dangers of Fast Food and the Benefits of Eating More Home-Cooked Meals
The Benefits of Eating Locally-Grown, Seasonal Produce
Importance of Breakfast for Maintaining a Healthy Weight and Improving Cognitive Function
Dangers of Dieting and the Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Relationship With Food
The Importance of Being Punctual and the Consequences of Being Late
The Importance of Being Honest and the Consequences of Lying
Benefits of Volunteering and Giving Back to the Community
The Importance of Being Respectful Towards Others and the Consequences of Being Disrespectful
Benefits of Taking Responsibility for One’s Actions and the Dangers of Avoiding Responsibility
Importance of Being Prepared and the Consequences of Being Unprepared
Benefits of Being Organized and the Consequences of Being Disorganized
Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance and the Consequences of Neglecting Personal Relationships
Importance of Communication in a Healthy Relationship
Benefits of Forgiveness in a Relationship
Dangers of Codependency and the Importance of Maintaining a Sense of Self in a Relationship
The Benefits of Setting Boundaries in a Relationship
The Importance of Trust in a Relationship and the Consequences of Betrayal
Benefits of Compromise in a Relationship
The Importance of Respecting Each Other’s Differences in a Relationship
Benefits of Regular Date Nights and Keeping the Romance Alive in a Long-Term Relationship
Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Romantic Life in a Relationship
Benefits of Seeking Therapy or Counseling to Improve a Struggling Relationship
Dangers of Smoking and the Need for Stricter Laws on Tobacco Advertising
Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement

Final Thoughts

Remember, when choosing a topic for a persuasive speech, it’s important to choose something that you are passionate about and that you can argue convincingly. You should also consider your audience and whether the topic will be of interest to them.

120 Strong Persuasive Speech Topics to Captivate Your Audience

The information on this website should not be considered medical advice. This website contains affiliate links, and we may be compensated for referrals.

Introduction

Persuasive speech is an art form that combines rhetoric, passion, and logic to sway an audience. It has been a crucial aspect of human communication, playing a pivotal role in history, politics, and personal relations. This comprehensive guide aims to dissect the elements of a persuasive speech, providing insight into crafting a message that is not only heard but also acted upon.

The power of persuasive speech lies in its ability to mold opinions and drive action. From Socrates to Steve Jobs, great speakers have always known how to appeal to their audiences’ hearts and minds. This article will explore the strategies and techniques that make a speech not just memorable but effective in persuasion.

Understanding Persuasion

At its core, persuasion is about more than just presenting facts and figures; it’s about creating a narrative that resonates with the audience on a deeper level. Aristotle’s three modes of persuasion—ethos, pathos, and logos—offer a time-tested framework for building a convincing argument. Ethos appeals to the speaker’s credibility, pathos to the audience’s emotions, and logos to logical reasoning.

Understanding these elements is fundamental to crafting a speech that persuades. A speaker’s ability to combine these elements effectively determines how well they can connect with their audience and sway them to their point of view. The right mix can make the difference between a speech that is forgettable and one that inspires and motivates.

Knowing Your Audience

The first step in effective persuasion is to understand the audience. Who are they? What do they value? What are their beliefs and biases? Tailoring your message to the audience’s expectations and knowledge level is critical. This involves researching the demographic, cultural, and psychographic characteristics of your audience.

Once you understand your audience, you can craft a message that resonates with them. This means using language that they understand, addressing their concerns, and connecting your message to their values and beliefs. The better you know your audience, the more effectively you can persuade them.

Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing a relevant and engaging topic is crucial for a persuasive speech. It should be a subject you are passionate about and one that resonates with your audience. Relevance is key; the topic should be timely and of interest to your audience.

When selecting a topic, consider the currentness of the issue and its potential impact on your audience. It should be broad enough to allow for a comprehensive discussion but focused enough to be addressed within the constraints of your speech time. Balancing these aspects will help ensure that your topic is not only interesting but also persuasive.

Skip to the list of 120 persuasive speech topics below.

Structuring Your Speech

A clear and logical structure is the backbone of a persuasive speech. Start with a strong introduction that captures the audience’s attention and states your thesis. The introduction should be compelling, setting the tone for the rest of the speech.

The body of your speech should contain well-researched arguments supported by evidence. Each point should be clearly stated and flow logically from one to the next. Addressing counterarguments and refuting them strengthens your position. Finally, conclude your speech with a summary of your key points and a strong call to action or concluding thought.

Crafting Your Arguments

The arguments you present are the crux of your persuasive speech. They should be logical, well-structured, and supported by evidence. Start by stating your argument clearly, then back it up with facts, statistics, expert opinions, or anecdotes.

Balancing emotional appeal with logical reasoning is crucial. While logical arguments provide the foundation of your persuasion, emotional appeal can drive your point home, making your speech more memorable and impactful. It’s about striking the right balance to engage both the minds and hearts of your audience.

Using Persuasive Language and Rhetorical Devices

The language you use in your speech can significantly impact its persuasiveness. Rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, and analogies can make complex ideas more relatable and memorable. Repetition can reinforce key points, while rhetorical questions can engage the audience and provoke thought.

Your tone and body language also play vital roles in delivery. Confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity in your voice and posture can greatly enhance the persuasiveness of your speech. The goal is to engage your audience not just intellectually, but also emotionally.

Compelling Words for a Persuasive Speech

In a persuasive speech, the choice of words can significantly impact its effectiveness. Strong, compelling words create an emotional response and emphasize the importance of your message. Words like “unprecedented,” “revolutionary,” and “transformative” suggest significant impact and innovation. Terms such as “crucial,” “vital,” and “essential” underline the importance of an issue. Using words like “empower,” “inspire,” and “motivate” can encourage positive action. Phrases such as “imagine a world where” or “picture this” help paint a vivid picture, engaging the audience’s imagination and empathy.

Language to Avoid in a Persuasive Speech

Conversely, certain types of language can weaken a persuasive speech. Overly complex or jargon-heavy language can alienate or confuse the audience, so it’s best to use clear, straightforward language. Avoiding generalizations, absolutes, and hyperbolic statements like “always,” “never,” or “the best/worst ever” is crucial as they can undermine your credibility. Passive voice can also make your statements less direct and impactful. Additionally, negative language or attacking an opposing viewpoint too aggressively can be off-putting to the audience and detract from the persuasiveness of your argument.

Dealing with Counterarguments

Addressing counterarguments head-on can greatly enhance the credibility of your speech. It shows that you have considered different perspectives and are confident enough in your position to openly discuss opposing views.

Acknowledge the counterarguments fairly and then use evidence and logic to refute them. This not only strengthens your argument but also shows respect for your audience’s intelligence, enhancing your ethos.

Practicing and Delivering Your Speech

Effective delivery can make or break a persuasive speech. Practice is key to delivering your speech confidently and fluidly. Rehearse your speech multiple times, focusing on your tone, pace, and body language.

During delivery, engage with your audience. Make eye contact and use gestures to engage them effectively. Non-verbal cues like smiling, nodding, and appropriate hand gestures can make your speech more dynamic and relatable. Remember, how you deliver your message can be just as important as the message itself.

Time yourself. It’s important to make sure your speech doesn’t go over your allotted time, and speaking for too long can lose your audience’s attention.

120 Compelling Persuasive Speech Topics

Art & Culture

The importance of preserving indigenous art
Street art: Vandalism or valuable culture?
The role of social media in contemporary art promotion
Should art education be mandatory in schools?
The impact of digitalization on the music industry
The relevance of classical music in modern society
How do movies influence our cultural perceptions?
The role of museums in preserving history
Cultural appropriation in fashion
The decline of traditional theaters in the digital age

Business & Entrepreneurship

The role of ethics in business
Is the customer always right in business?
The rise of social entrepreneurship
The future of retail in the digital era
The impact of AI on business decision-making
Crowdfunding: Changing the landscape of business funding
The role of leadership in business success
The gig economy and the future of work
Corporate social responsibility: A necessity or a trend?
The impact of globalization on small businesses

Economy & Work

Universal Basic Income: Solution or problem?
The gig economy: Freedom or exploitation?
Cryptocurrency: The future of finance or a passing fad?
Should minimum wage be a living wage?
The impact of automation on job markets
The role of women in the corporate world
Globalization: Pros and cons for the average worker
The ethics of advertising in children’s media
The future of remote work post-pandemic
Consumerism and its impact on the global economy
The benefits of bilingual education
Standardized testing: Does it help or hinder students?
Online vs. traditional education: Which is better?
The importance of teaching financial literacy in schools
Should college education be free?
The role of technology in modern classrooms
The impact of school uniforms on student behavior
The necessity of sex education in schools
The influence of social media on student productivity
The importance of arts in education

Environment & Sustainability

The impact of climate change on global agriculture
Plastic pollution: A global crisis
The importance of protecting endangered species
Urban gardening as a tool for sustainability
The future of clean energy
Water scarcity: The next global crisis?
The impact of fast fashion on the environment
Sustainable tourism: A paradox?
The importance of green spaces in urban areas
Climate change: What is the solution?

Ethics & Morality

The ethics of cloning
Animal rights: Ethical obligations or personal choice?
The moral implications of euthanasia
The ethics of surveillance in modern society
Moral relativism in a globalized world
The importance of ethical consumption
The role of religion in ethical decision-making
The impact of technology on moral values
The ethics of whistleblowing
The morality of war in the modern world

Health & Medicine

The benefits of a plant-based diet
Vaccinations: Rights vs. public health
The impact of mental health on physical well-being
Should alternative medicine be more mainstream?
The obesity epidemic: Society’s responsibility?
The ethics of animal testing in medicine
The importance of sleep for health
The impact of social media on body image
The future of telemedicine
The role of exercise in mental health

Personal Development & Lifestyle

The power of positive thinking
The importance of work-life balance
The role of meditation in stress reduction
The impact of self-help books on personal growth
The importance of goal setting for success
The effects of social media on self-esteem
Minimalism as a lifestyle choice
The benefits of lifelong learning
The importance of time management
The role of travel in personal development

Politics & Governance

The role of the United Nations in modern conflicts
Should voting be mandatory?
The impact of lobbying on democracy
The future of the European Union
National security vs. individual privacy
The role of social media in political campaigns
The effectiveness of the criminal justice system
The impact of global trade agreements on local economies
Political correctness: Freedom of speech vs. respect
The role of youth in political change

Science & Technology

Should genetic engineering be more regulated?
The ethical implications of artificial intelligence
Space exploration: Is it worth the cost?
The impact of smartphones on mental health
Renewable energy: The path to a sustainable future
The role of technology in modern education
Cybersecurity: The new global battleground
The future of transportation: Electric vehicles
Is technology making us less human?
The impact of social media on interpersonal communication

Social Issues & Ethics

The death penalty: Justice or inhumanity?
Gun control: Rights vs. safety
The impact of media on public opinion
Racial profiling in law enforcement
LGBTQ+ rights in modern society
The role of protest in democracy
The ethics of drone warfare
The refugee crisis: A global responsibility
The impact of social networks on privacy
Fake news: A threat to democracy?

Sports & Recreation

The importance of physical education in schools
Should eSports be considered real sports?
The impact of commercialization on professional sports
The role of sports in promoting global peace
Performance-enhancing drugs in sports
The benefits of outdoor activities for mental health
The importance of team sports for personal development
Gender equality in sports
The impact of technology on sports performance
The future of the Olympics in a changing world

The art of persuasive speech is a powerful tool that can shape opinions, influence decisions, and inspire change. A well-crafted speech, grounded in solid research and delivered with conviction, can resonate deeply with an audience. Whether you’re aiming to persuade a small group or a large assembly, the principles of effective persuasion remain the same. By understanding your audience, carefully selecting your topic, structuring your speech for clarity and impact, crafting strong arguments, using persuasive language and rhetorical devices, addressing counterarguments, and practicing confident delivery, you can elevate your persuasive speech from merely good to truly compelling.

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Writing Tips

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

5-minute read

13th January 2023

Some find writing a persuasive speech to be intimidating, but it’s an opportunity to share your position on a topic you care about and to invite listeners to support (or at least appreciate) your way of thinking. You’ll benefit from a clear position, credible evidence, and careful consideration of your audience.

Your first step is to pick a topic. Whether you’re a teacher creating an assignment or a student deciding what to speak about, our list of 50 suggested persuasive speech topics and tips are a good starting place.

Choosing a Topic

● It’s more enjoyable to research and write a speech about a topic that genuinely holds your interest. It’ll make for better delivery, too. Passion is contagious! On the other hand, boredom and a lack of enthusiasm come through easily in vocal tone.

● Avoid tired, overdone issues. If you’ve heard it all before, there’s a good chance your audience has, too. Pick something current and relevant to your listeners . If you go with a popular topic, try to approach it from a fresh angle.

● Issues that contain multiple viewpoints are preferable to simplistic good/bad debates. Most reasonable people would agree that “bullying is bad.” But they might learn something new if you share recent research on bullying and offer different approaches to tackling it.

Let’s look at some interesting speech topics, categorized by subject.

Should free speech on the internet be restricted?

At what age should children have access to smartphones?

Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?

Should parents limit their children’s screen time?

Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?

Is there a link between device usage and decreased mental health?

Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?

Should voting be compulsory?

Should Election Day in the US change from Tuesday to the weekend?

Should the electoral college system be abolished?

Should election procedures be standardized in all states?

Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?

Should the death penalty be legal?

Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?

Should the legal age to own an assault rifle be raised?

Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?

Are governments doing enough to address climate change?

Is student loan forgiveness fair?

Should the US invest in high-speed rail similar to those in Japan and Europe?

Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?

What is the greatest threat to international stability?

What can be done to prevent cyber threats?

Is the two-party political system of the US failing?

Should the US adopt a single-payer universal health care system?

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Should minimum wage be a factor in the cost of health care?

Is healthcare a human right?

Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?

Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?

Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?

Should employers offer incentives and bonuses to employees who bike or walk to work?

Do school uniforms offer any advantages?

Are school dress codes gender biased?

Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?

Do college entrance exams privilege those with higher socio-economic status?

Should teachers be allowed to keep firearms in their classrooms as protection against active shooters?

Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?

Should immigrants have access to free language classes?

Should books ever be banned in schools?

Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?

Should schools be cellphone free?

Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?

Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?

Should parents let their children play tackle football?

Should college sports teams receive less money?

Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?

Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?

Should all priests be allowed to marry?

Should prayer be permitted in public schools?

On balance, does religion create more conflict or foster peace?

Should there be exceptions to the freedom to practice any religion?

Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

People often think persuasion means getting others to agree with you, but persuasion is more nuanced than that. You might persuade someone to go beyond sympathy and act. You might highlight the gray areas of a typically black and white debate.

When total agreement is out of reach, you can settle for agreement in part. Consider your audience thoughtfully when you decide on your goals and remember that you have options.

Step Up with Confidence

We hope these suggested persuasive speech topics have the wheels of your mind turning. Whether it’s for a speech or an argumentative essay , getting your ideas on paper and editing them is a necessary part of the process. Our editors are here to help you confidently put out your best work. Submit a free sample today .

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Choosing Good Topics
Controversial
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School/College
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50 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

What is it that makes these EASY persuasive speech topics?

I have several pages on this site devoted to persuasive speeches, but this one is all about crafting your statement as efficiently as possible.

An EASY topic is one that...

You already know well. If you know your subject thoroughly - and you don't need to spend hours researching the topic - then you'll instantly and significantly reduce your workload! Bringing your personal experiences to your speech makes it easier to write, and makes your presentation more engaging for your listeners. Try making a list of subjects you're interested in, and a topic idea may even jump out at you!
You feel strongly about. There's nothing harder than trying to persuade someone they should feel a certain way about something if you're 'wishy-washy' on how you feel about it yourself! Real passion comes across in your words, which are more forceful and credible as a result.

Technically, then, an easy persuasive speech topic for one individual may not be so easy for another.

The list I have put together for you here, however, is of topics with broad appeal, subjects about which most of us have a strong opinion and PLENTY to say!

In each case, I have stated merely the topic itself - it is up to you to decide whether you will try to persuade your audience to be FOR or AGAINST the claimed idea.

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics - 1-12 Related to Schools

All school children should wear a uniform
Exams give little indication of a student's real ability
Advertising in schools should be banned
Homeschooling is better than traditional education
Schools should ban soda
Schools should not serve French fries
Single-sex schools are better than mixed/co-ed
School is not the place for sex education
Students should be allowed to leave school at 14 to learn a trade
Going to college is not the key to a prosperous future
All students should master a 2nd language
History textbooks do not tell the truth (discuss how the perception of historical events may vary around the world)

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics - 13-27 Related to Family Life

Breastfeeding is better than bottle (formula) feeding
Parents should be held legally responsible for the things their children do
Under 18s should be allowed to drink alcohol at home with parental consent
Every workplace should provide child-care
Encouraging women to work is destroying the traditional family
Punish parents who fail to give children a healthy diet
We are over-scheduling our kids
Parents should never pry into their teens' rooms/belongings
Today's kids have it easier than their parents/grandparents
Dads are more fun than moms! (Keep this light-hearted)
Eating together as a family is important
A woman's place is in the home! (This is a provocative title, so be funny or surprising in your speech)
Older teenagers should contribute to household expenses
We should value our old people rather than cast them aside
It takes a village to raise a child

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics - 28-36 Funny/Light Hearted Ideas

A Mac is better than a PC!
Why [fill in the blank] is the best movie ever!
Why everyone should visit [fill in the blank] (talk about somewhere you love)
Mustaches should be banned
Google is taking over the world
Santa Claus is real!
Games like Candy Crush are making us stupid
Batman is cooler than Spiderman
McDonald's is better than Burger King

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics - 37-50 Miscellaneous Ideas

Plus size people should pay for two seats on public transport
The government should not censor information given online
Love is more powerful than hate
Immigrants should be required to speak the language of the country to which they're moving
We need more female construction workers!
You should buy local produce whenever possible
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Money can't buy happiness
A dog is man's best friend
All hospitals should allow pets to be brought in to see their owners
Criminals should be forced to make restitution to their victims, rather than to society in general
Lying isn't always wrong
Base discipline on rewards rather than punishment
Facebook has improved life for many people

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More Tips for Writing Good Persuasive Speeches

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Example persuasive speeches for inspiration:

Gender Selection

Energy Medicine

The Role of Marriage in Society

Fun Speech about Luck

Second-Hand Smoke

Using a Cell Phone Whilst Driving

School Uniform Policies

Become an Activist

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311 Remarkable Persuasive Speech Topics
311 Remarkable Persuasive Speech Topics to Convince Everyone

311 Remarkable Persuasive Speech Topics to Convince Everyone

How to Choose Good Persuasive Speech Topic

What makes a good persuasive speech topics, good persuasive speech topics, easy persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics for college, funny persuasive speech topics, informative persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics on animals, persuasive speech topics on art and culture, persuasive speech topics on automotives, persuasive speech topics on business, persuasive speech topics on history, persuasive speech topics on politics and government, persuasive speech topics on education, persuasive speech topics on global issues, persuasive speech topics on family, persuasive speech topics on health and medicine, persuasive speech topics on media, tv, and advertising, persuasive speech topics on music and fashion, persuasive speech topics on religion, persuasive speech topics on science and technology, persuasive speech topics on sports.

Persuasive Speech Topics on Society

What is a persuasive speech

What are the three types of persuasive speech.

Tips Crafting Good Persuasive Speech

Want to improve your class with astounding persuasive speech? Then you need to pick perfect persuasive speech topics and prepare for a rocking performance. This article includes information on writing a good speech to convince your audience. But most of the text is a list of 311 topics for persuasive speech so you can easily proceed to choose the needed one. Enjoy! Also, remember that you can always buy essay from our academic professionals.

To choose an outstanding persuasive speech topic, there is no need to do in-depth research, as in the case with research paper topics . A successful speech depends on the chosen topic, so remember to pick the one among:

Topics you are interested in
Topics that would spark the interest of the audience
Provocative topics
Topics that are relevant to the audience
Personal topics
Interesting topics

To produce more persuasive speech topic ideas, college students should remember that the best persuasive speech topics should be:

thought-provoking
interesting
clearly expresses writer’s point of view

We have created a list of the most interesting and relevant speech topics and divided them into categories to help you choose the topic that fits you the most.

The core characteristics that will make you a hero.
A laptop is one step ahead of a tablet.
Violence in video games is dangerous.
Journal writing occurs to be therapeutic.
The use of school uniforms matters.
Security cameras make people safer.
Small class is better than a big one.
Texting while driving is enormously dangerous.
Dogs are better than cats.
Fast food containers are harmful to the environment.
Animal hunting should be banned.
Night school benefits compared to day school.
Lenient immigration laws are better.
Homeschooling is better compared to traditional schooling.
How can lyrics impact human lives?
How can religion and science go hand in hand?
What is the difference in the efficiency of open-book tests and closed-book tests?
Should endangered animals be protected?
How to make recycling a required option in the USA?
State colleges and private colleges comparison.
How to become a millionaire?
How technical training stands out of a college degree?
Students should have the opportunity to choose a school.
Is there any reason to go away with cars but go back to horses for transportation?
Smoking should be illegal, especially in public.
Should the death penalty be outlawed?
Abraham Lincoln got too much credit.
The drinking age in America should be 25.
Should the replacement of fossil fuels with alternative energy options be mandated?

Best persuasive speech topics

Recycling should be kept up.
Drivers should not text while driving.
Towns should provide bike-sharing programs for free.
Celebrities should not omit stiffer penalties.
Teachers should renew their certification annually.
People should not eat junk food.
People should stop poverty and world hunger.
Elders should be valued in our society.
Money cannot buy happiness.
Incentives for doing right are better than punishment for doing wrong.
How have educational costs changed through time passing?

Need more ideas? Look through the list of debate topics and find something interesting.

Carpe diem!
Become a donor — which organ would you choose?
Should I start planning for the future?
Be vegetarian — make a healthier lifestyle.
College students and uniforms.
Violence in video games.
College tuition should involve parking, coffee, and homework.
Marijuana should be sold in the US coffee shops.
Losing weight is a perfect way to start a new life.
As gas prices rose up, wages should too!
Giving to charity remains to be good.
The reality of total peace on Earth.
How good should the first impression be?
Electric cars should be cheaper and more affordable.
Middle class in America, does it exist?
Blood donation is of vital importance.
Luck and success relation.
Is veganism classist?
The complications of a surrogate mothercare use?
Should single parents be allowed to adopt their children?
Marriage — an outdated institution in the modern society.
Foster care system — pros and cons.

Make time and browse our informative speech topics to get more inspiration.

Animal Research
Animals Used in Research
Animal Research Personnel.
Animal rights
Protection movement.
Animal sheltering problems.
Animal-assisted activities.
Animals in literature
Animals in poetry
Animals in folklore.
Benefits of animals to humans.
Should health insurance cover art and music therapy?
Should all college students learn an instrument?
Should the country offer free national museums to citizens?
Is graffiti similar to art?
Should classic literature involve an offencive language?
What are the benefits of paper books compared to the e-books?
RT programs in public schools take an essential part of school education.
Art relieves stress and reduces depression.
What is “Philosophy of art”?
What are the primeval musician instruments?
How is the Apocalypse depicted by different painters?
The benefits of reading Harry Potter.
Newest car models
Hot models among crime spots
Budget-friendly cars
Practical cars
Energy-efficient cars
Car maintenance tips
Best family-safe cars
Car manufacturers
Cars for college students
Best car auctions
Gear and accessories
Managing People.
Technology.
Innovation.
Entrepreneurship
Leadership.
Communication.
Managing Yourself.
Corporate responsibility
Ethics & accountability
Social entrepreneurship
Economics and financial issues
Productivity performance in National Bank
How does financial issues affect the American economy?
The most reliable predictors of financial and economic crises?
Is there any relationship between the financial system and economics?
Global financial crisis in 2020
Economics is harder than finance
Finance vs economics
What will happen in the next economic collapse?
Is there a recession coming?
What is the prime indicator of upcoming recession?
Does Trump do something valid for the US economy?
The curse of Macbeth.
Ancient Egyptians were smarter than modern people
Great depression. (Consult: Great Depression essay .)
Natural disasters & environment.
Inventions & science.
Mexican-American war.
Should trans people be banned from the military?
Does America need more freedoms?
Should abortion be legal?
Male birth control.
Gun control.
Religious freedom.
Free market capitalism.
Own political culture.
International Security.
Emergency Management.
Ethical issues
Honesty and integrity.
Carefulness.
Objectivity.
Confidentiality.
Respect for intellectual property.
Responsible publication.
Should students have plastic surgery?
Should a student tell if he/she saw a friend cheating on an exam?
Should a student tell if he/she saw a popular child bullying? (Take as an example our bullying essay .)
Environment and nature protection
Should parents have the opportunity to choose the gender of their unborn children?
Should people own exotic animals?
Should animal selfies with animal species be allowed?
Should pit bulls be a part of a family?
What is the most efficient type of renewable energy?
Should plastic bags be banned?
Should puppy mills be banned?
Should fracking be legal?
Should animal testing be illegal?
Should offshore drilling be allowed in protected marine areas?
Is Pluto a planet?
Should the US rejoin the Paris Agreement?
Career counseling.
Ability grouping.
Bilingual education.
Adaptive physical education.
Blended learning.
Charter schools.
Boarding schools.
Retention policies.
School choice
STEAM vs STEM
Overconsumption.
Habitat destruction.
Overpopulation.
Biodiversity loss.
Desertification
Deforestation.
Global warming. (Look at our global warming essay .)
Climate change.
COVID-19 pandemic
Our urban world
Law and legal issues
Elections & campaign finance.
Aeronautics and space.
Banking and finance.
Armed forces.
Communications.
Crime and law enforcement.
Constitutional issues.
Children's rights.
Plea Bargaining
Cross-cultural issues
Family and social relationships.
Child development.
Language acquisition.
Personality.
Social behavior.
Who should learn cross-cultural psychology?
Key elements of emotions
The subjective experience
The physiological response
The behavioral response
Should genetically modified foods take place in grocery stores?
Should vaccinations be a required option to attend public school?
Should human cloning be leagal?
Infections.
Diabetes mellitus.
Birth defects.
Mental health and behavior.
Injuries and wounds.
Poisoning, toxicology, and environmental health.
Metabolic problems.
Credit cards harm college students.
How does advertising impact the media?
Should there be a compelling content in advertising?
Advertising issues.
How do commercials affect us?
Ethical issues in advertising
When ads are not ethical?
TV commercials effects on American culture.
Advertising impact on the culture.
Social issues in advertising.
Moral concerns about advertising.
How does music impact fashion?
Fashion is bad for American society.
Dress and subculture identification.
The military impact on fashion.
Body image and high fashion models.
Fashion in the Elizabethan era.
Fashion and music: Trends in the 1980's.
Fashion and music: Trends in the 2000's.
Fashion and music: Trends in the 2020's.
Understanding cycles of fashion.
Dress in modern democracy.
The role of garments in ancient society.
Tudor and Stuart fashion.
Marketing high fashion.
Social agendas and fashion
Psychology, personal issues, and relationships
Human cloning is immoral.
Fame is harmful for health.
Our prisons need reformation.
Doctor-assisted suicide can’t be legal.
Relationship Boundaries.
Spending Habits.
Relationship Needs.
Fighting Style.
Relationship Fears. Pexels.
Each Other's Family.
Violent video games should be banned.
Modernism and religion.
Black churches.
Democracy and Islam
Christianity and economics.
Freedom of religion
Church and social action.
Church sex abuse scandal.
Creationism.
Homosexuality and religion.
Intelligent design and religion.
Political Islam
Should American government increase the budget of NASA?
Social media and human communication.
Artificial intelligence development will help humanity.
Alternative energy sources should be invested by governments.
Individuals should have their own DNA.
The world should invest money in technology to explore other planets.
Communication technology
Unmanned aerial vehicles.
Emerging technologies.
HealthCare technology.
Technology, science, and innovation policy.
Defense wins championships.
Who is the best QB of all time?
MJ or LeBron?
The Best Team Ever.
Pitching vs hitting.
Tackle football in college.
Boxing should be illegal.
Should college athletes be paid for being a member of a sports team?
Should all athletes pass regular drug tests?
Should there be an equality between professional female athletes and male athletes in the same sport?
Winning is not a prime goal as trying your best.

Persuasive Speech Topics on Society

Overpopulation.
Immigration stresses
Civil rights
Racial discrimination
Gender inequality
Health care availability
Corporate culture.
Aged staff and the workforce
Apprenticeship
Professional growth
Career planning
Child labor
Domestic servants
Drugs at work
Workplace violence

Today, students get tons of interesting and not very assignments to write different types of academic essays. Sometimes, they have to prepare a specific type of convincing speech named a persuasive speech. This speech aims to persuade the audience to accept the speaker’s particular point of view.

Most of the professors ask their students to prepare persuasive speeches with the intention of persuading and keeping the audience interested. In other words, listeners should take the speaker's point of view. There are three commonly used types of persuasive speech:

Policy persuasive speech
Factual persuasive speech
Value persuasive speech

Tips Crafting Good Persuasive Speech

Once you have got the task to write a persuasive speech, you should keep in mind some useful tips for choosing a brilliant topic for your persuasive speech. Here are some of them:

Keep your prime goal in mind
Believe in something you are trying to persuade your audience
Pay attention to the nature of your audience
Know your audience
Put emphasis on the audience
Build credibility in a speech introduction
Make sure to add a strong thesis statement
Use a lot of examples
Be emotional
Practice a lot!

And don’t forget to choose the topic that is interesting for you, not overdone, relevant, and exciting. Make time and read our blog about writing inspiration . It is crucial for such a task.

Picking up the right persuasive speech topic matters a lot because you need to provide as much evidence and arguments as you have to succeed in convincing the audience. To get your audience interested in your speech, you should give them a strong reason to listen. Brainstorm new topic ideas on the basis of our great top-300 list of the most efficient and engaging persuasive speech topics.

Need Help?

Do not waste your time wondering, just have a look at the perfect list of persuasive speech topics and grab an idea for your original topic. To make it easier and quicker, busy students ask for academic assistance, and our experts help them in handling their persuasive speech preparation!

Among tons of academic assignments each day, students often need to create an informative speech. Sometimes, the professor provides informative speech topics, but students should come up with this idea themselves in other cases.Most people get stuck when choosing the best idea for an informative spe...

Narrative essays are the best when you need to tell a story about unforgettable life experience and describe your personal attitude to some things, events, places, people. They are easy to write as there aren’t strict rules or restrictions. When one day novice writer has to choose narrative essay to...

The choice of persuasive essay topics can be a tricky part of the writing process. Before making a decision, you need to ensure that the subject suits your personal preferences and fits your audience's expectations. Furthermore, search for available sources and see whether you have enough informatio...

Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

Definition of the Persuasive Speech

Before you explore various persuasive speech topics , let's take a quick look at the definition and learn what a persuasive speech is and how it can be identified in writing. As the title implies, a persuasive speech represents a type of speech that aims to persuade a person to believe in a certain concept or a notion. In some instances, a persuasive speech contains a call to action. A persuasive speech topic may deal with professional challenges, world events, and debates that can be political, commercial, legislative, or educational. Depending on what you study or research, the choices are basically unlimited! Therefore, let your inspiration run free, and ensure that you have at least one statement or argument that poses the ground for persuasion. Choose a certain idea, take a note about your take, and make it clear as you choose a competitive persuasive topic.

How to Compose an Excellent Persuasive Speech?

Regardless of what persuasive essay topics you may choose, specific structure rules will help you to achieve success and avoid confusion as you shape your ideas and make your speech inspiring and clear. Here are the main points to consider:

Choose a topic that inspires you and reflects your research objectives.
Narrow things down and do your best to define the goal of your speech.
Study your target audience and check whether your persuasive speech addresses their concerns.
Continue with the thesis statement representing your opinion or a certain notion.
Create an outline for your speech with the hook sentence in the introduction.
Provide facts from both sides of the debate.
Include at least three pieces of evidence for your writing.
Make a call to action in conclusion and repeat the main points.
Edit your speech for repetitions and grammar mistakes.
Proofread your speech aloud and check the readability factor twice.

List of Persuasive Speech Topics

Below is the list of 130 competitive persuasive speech essay topics you can use for brainstorming purposes as a speaker . Play with the wording of these persuasive speech examples , narrow things down, and choose the category that looks most suitable.

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

Here are some persuasive speech topics college style that you will find helpful:

College education should be made free or funded based on academic merits.
The problems of college debt are artificial and can be resolved.
The secret to college popularity: why fashion still matters in 2023?
The colleges represent the best ground for social movements.
Social media use among college students can benefit their studies.
College safety should be increased, and the parties must have stricter control.
American colleges are better than most European institutions regarding career chances.
Hybrid form of learning is the future of college education.
College bullying and the reasons why the cases of harassment are rarely reported.
The best ways to overcome college depression and anxiety.

Persuasive Speech About Art, Media, and Culture

Dealing with persuasive speech ideas , consider the field of art, media, and culture as one of the branches of science worth exploring. Here are some starting points worth checking:

Modern metal music has roots in the blues and classical music creations.
The older generation sometimes pays attention to the music we like.
Why do college bands remain popular?
The use of art exhibitions in colleges should be obligatory.
The cultural aspect of baseball popularity’s decline in the United States.
The wrong perception of wearing a hoodie: the cultural factor and misconceptions.
The use of social media helps to keep people alert to environmental issues.
Instagram influencers should not be considered journalists.
Video game culture should be considered a separate cultural trend.
Neuroscience and using artificial intelligence to write music will eliminate creativity.

Persuasive Speech About the Economy and Work

Now, if you are majoring in Business Management, studying the Economy, or working in the Financial sector, the following persuasive speech ideas will be quite helpful in keeping you inspired as you overcome initial confusion:

The concept of third-world countries is outdated and must be eliminated.
Cryptocurrencies are damaging to the American economy.
The phenomenon of economic wonder in Iceland is only possible because of the limited population.
Economic education must be an obligatory part of each academic curriculum.
Economic disparity in Afghanistan is caused by the current gender policies.
Workflow issues can be eliminated with the help of LMS platforms.
The challenges of employment in the United States during the pandemic could have been eliminated.
Most social campaigns these days are driven by the funds provided.
There is a man in the middle in every economic executive plan in business.
What are the pros and cons of digital accounting systems, or why are pros speaking against them?

Persuasive Speech About Education

The problems encountered in education always remain a subject of heated debates as education poses a serious concern not among current learners and educators and everyone out there. Check these helpful topic ideas:

ADHD is an overhyped problem and can be addressed with the help of stricter discipline.
Dealing with PTSD and military veterans can be approached with the help of music education.
AI-based tools will never replace the physical teacher in the classroom.
Pandemic situation has shown us that virtual classrooms take away the sense of belonging.
Smartboards as the solution for shy primary school students.
The reasons why there is a negative bias concerning community colleges.
Why should you choose a Christian college for your education?
Handwriting is still an important skill that should not be ignored.
The pros and cons of the Waldorf schools education system.
Augmented Reality is a dangerous concept for middle schools.
The benefits of gamification in the development of cognitive skills.
The mechanisms that should be used for reporting teacher-student abuse.
The problem of gun control in the classrooms: do teachers have a right to carry a gun?
The racial prejudice in the business management schools in the USA: why it's still a problem.
Colleges in the United States should offer free mental coaching sessions.
The reasons why every student should consider becoming an app developer.
The subjects that should be added to a modern college education.
The practice of exchange students leads to a lack of adjustability in the native country.
Females represent better specialists in the cyber security field.
The phenomenon of college athletes: why should they be treated just like anyone else?

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Dealing with mental health subjects is quite complex. If you are majoring in Healthcare and Psychology, you must remember to be respectful and sensitive as you make your choice and portray a viewpoint :

Why is depression often overlooked as a serious mental health problem?
Social media addiction leads to negative body image issues and wrong perceptions.
The phenomenon of bloggers creates a false impression of instant success.
Childhood abuse recovery: why do the survivors often keep silent?
Schools and colleges in the United States must introduce strict mental health screening.
The negative effect of violent media games on children.
British medical ethics versus American perception of mental health.
LGBT movement and dealing with mental health issues is a unique concept worth exploring.
YouTube mental health courses as a free alternative to commercial offerings.
Armed conflicts lead to prolonged mental health issues in the future.

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

Business marketing and business management also represent a popular field of science for composing an excellent persuasive speech essay. Just take a look at these example ideas :

Why is starting a business as a college student worth it in 2023?
Digital marketing is always the problem of brand loyalty and switching.
Social media and website localization: why should modern businesses implement the practice?
Doing business in China: what are the cultural points worth considering?
Why joining a free business course online will make you a better learner.
The business aspect of the Black Lives Matter social movement.
The male vs. female perception of a successful business in the IT sector.
The use of virtual reality tools to study the target market: a fashion case study.
British versus American understanding of corporate ethics.
Politics have no place in the retail business.

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

The medical and nursing students will find these persuasive speech ideas quite helpful and interesting :

The problems of the NHS system in the United Kingdom.
The pros and cons of the ObamaCare healthcare campaign.
What are the best methods to overcome professional burnout for nursing personnel?
The most common challenges of the ER nursing department: ethics vs. personal safety.
The readiness for the future risks: analysis of the pandemic threats.
Covid-19 has helped to make our world a safer place.
Why should medical volunteering be developed in 2023?
Technology is not always helpful if it's not accessible in remote areas.
Dealing with religious beliefs when offering medical help.
The limitations when reporting suspected abuse: why the changes must be introduced?

Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

In case you want to choose something complex and scientific, these ten persuasive speech topic offerings will help to keep you inspired:

Augmented Reality tools usage will help people with learning disabilities learn.
The link between the vaccination risks and the cases of autism among children.
The psychological aspect of using painkillers and the damage to the person's system.
Exploration of nuclear Physics remains useless for most people today.
The negative side of the Green Energy transformation.
Politics should have no place in the scientific community.
An ethical aspect of genetically modified foods is ignored because of the lower costs.
The scientific benefits of uniting physically challenged students with healthy learners.
The positive effect of blues music on the human brain: the cardio wave effect.
Social media changes how communication takes things to another level.

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

If you are a college athlete or majoring in the field of Sports Coaching and Recreational Medicine, you should consider checking these ten persuasive speech subjects that we have chosen for you:

The best ways to manage stress when you become enrolled as a college athlete.
Playing sports in college helps to eliminate depression and anxiety risks.
College sports must be an obligatory part of the curriculum without grading.
The history of college basketball in the United States helped to shape numerous subcultures.
The social aspect of sports and communication among middle school and primary school learners.
The use of sports to challenge substance abuse in the workplace.
Why does politics have no place in sports, and why should athletes be allowed to compete?
Tennis represents one of the best sports to help people maintain cardiovascular health.
Why should playing golf be made more accessible for people with low income?
Playing sports in college helps to address weight gain issues and improve a person's mood.

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

You can also approach the subject of family relations or talk about the values important to you. Check out these ten ideas below:

The values of the methodist church in the United States and their perception of family.
Stay Together For The Kids tour or how alternative rock bands contribute to family values.
The perception of family times during the Victorian Era.
Why is social media changing how children perceive their parents and grandparents?
Resolution of family conflicts can be resolved with the help of mediation techniques.
The psychology of domestic abuse in the Middle East: why are cultural points not likely to change?
The practice of boarding schools in the United Kingdom and overcoming homesickness.
The challenges of becoming independent when leaving home for college are overrated.
Family problems or growing up in a broken home should not be considered a reason for stigmatization.
The American Dream concept is still relevant for the majority of American families.

Persuasive Speech About Politics and Society

Dealing with politics and society may sound easy, yet it often asks you to narrow things down and provide data from both sides of the debate to keep your position clear. See how it's done in the ten political persuasive speech ideas below:

The concept of the Cold War is more relevant for our times than ever.
Celebrities should not become involved in political campaigns and stay true to the art.
Most American television networks are run by private funds and offer biased information.
The phenomenon of West-Coast and East-Coast politics in the United States is artificial.
Politics and church should not mix, and why religion should not become a part of the conflict.
Racial prejudice in the United States is rooted in wrong politics.
The cultural perception of Canada by an average American is often incorrect.
Marijuana use should be banned as a society cannot control it adequately.
School students should be allowed to vote, starting at 13 years old.
The use of political agendas in colleges should be banned.

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

Now, some students will seek something related to governmental studies or legislation as a way to create their persuasive speech essays. As a way to help you out, here are the subjects for speeches you can start with:

The U.S. government should raise the age limit for the use of alcohol and tobacco.
The controversies related to the military budget of the United States should be turned into a public discussion.
The concept of political immunity and diplomacy should be eliminated as it takes responsibility away.
The government should decrease immigration to the United States.
Politicians should have an obligatory education related to Law and Political Sciences.
Famous media personalities should approach the external politics of the United States.
Governmental support and the problem of cheating with college scholarships.
The problem of racial prejudice could be eliminated with the help of a different political agenda.
The concept of luxury taxing should not be obligatory for celebrities if they participate in charity campaigns.
The reasons why children should learn Political Science and government structure in school.

Discover Thousands of Free Essay Samples!

Getting your persuasive speech done can be quite challenging, so we have created a list of new topics you may consider. Still, you should see the actual essay examples, which we are happy to offer! Depending on the subject you would like to explore in greater depth for your persuasive speech (or any other purpose!), you can always refer to our free database, where you can find amazing essays and topics.

Our website offers thousands of topics that keywords or subjects can check. These represent essays you can use for inspirational purposes as you compose your persuasive speech. If you are unsure about something , you can always get in touch with our team, and we shall happily direct you toward something that fits your academic objectives.

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110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience
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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.
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50 good persuasive speech topics. Sport is the new religion. Social media affects mental health. There should be a law against drugged driving. Truth and politics seldom mix. Protests are effective. All guns should be registered. Should single people be allowed to adopt a child. Exploitative advertising should be banned.
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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.
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Speech component Explanation ; General Information: Title: Your speech title should create interest and set the tone of the speech. General purpose: Since your speech is persuasive, your general goal is to convince your audience. Specific purpose: This is what your audience should do or think after listening to your speech. Thesis statement: The thesis statement must present your main argument ...
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191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics. Before we reveal the 191 best persuasive speech topics, let's preview each of the categories: Politics and law: This topic revolves around pressing issues including voting, Supreme Court decisions, political leadership, and criminal justice.; Environmental activism: Climate change, offshore oil drilling, and green technology are just a few of the hot-button ...
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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 ...
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All school children should wear a uniform. Exams give little indication of a student's real ability. Advertising in schools should be banned. Homeschooling is better than traditional education. Schools should ban soda. Schools should not serve French fries. Single-sex schools are better than mixed/co-ed.
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130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students
Narrow things down and do your best to define the goal of your speech. Study your target audience and check whether your persuasive speech addresses their concerns. Continue with the thesis statement representing your opinion or a certain notion. Create an outline for your speech with the hook sentence in the introduction.

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

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience

125+ Topics for a Persuasive Speech

1. Arts & Culture

2. Economics

3. Education

4. Environment

7. Politics

9. Technology

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

Timeliness and Relevance

Personal Connection

How to Create a Compelling Persuasive Speech

Understanding Your Audience

Focus on Key Goals

Address Objections Head-On

Start with a Compelling Story

Practice, Practice, Practice

Maintain Eye Contact

Reinforce Your Points with Repetition

Embrace Feedback

1. What Are Some Easy Persuasive Topics?

2. What Is a Good Speech Persuasive Topic For School?

3. What are Three Examples of a Persuasive Speech Topic?

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75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

What is persuasive speech?

How to choose a topic for your speech

Familiarity

The audience’s interest

Not overdone

Emotional topics

Desired outcome

Persuasive speech topics

Arts/Culture

Business and economy

Law and politics

Science and the environment

World peace

After choosing your topic

434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

How To Select a Good Persuasive Topic

Best 10 Persuasive Speech Topics

List of Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Animal Persuasive Speech Topics

12 Automotive Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Business Persuasive Speech Topics

5 Constitutional Issues Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Easy and Simple Persuasive Speech Topics

9 Economy Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Education Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Ethics Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Family Persuasive Speech Topics

6 Fashion Persuasive Speech Topics

11 Financial Persuasive Speech Topics

15 Food and Drink Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

10 Funny and Humorous Persuasive Speech Topics