Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

good persuasive speech topics

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

' src=

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).

  • 2-Year Colleges
  • Application Strategies
  • Best Colleges by Major
  • Best Colleges by State
  • Big Picture
  • Career & Personality Assessment
  • College Essay
  • College Search/Knowledge
  • College Success
  • Costs & Financial Aid
  • Dental School Admissions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Graduate School Admissions
  • High Schools
  • Law School Admissions
  • Medical School Admissions
  • Navigating the Admissions Process
  • Online Learning
  • Private High School Spotlight
  • Summer Program Spotlight
  • Summer Programs
  • Test Prep Provider Spotlight

College Transitions Sidebar Block Image

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

  • Homework Tips
  • Learning Styles & Skills
  • Study Methods
  • Time Management
  • Private School
  • College Admissions
  • College Life
  • Graduate School
  • Business School
  • Distance Learning
  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

If you are planning a persuasive speech, you should think about a topic that can engage your audience. For this reason, you may want to consider a few topics before settling on the one that allows you to be more descriptive and entertaining.

Another important factor when picking a persuasive speech topic is to choose one that can provoke your audience. If you stir up a little emotion in your audience members, you'll keep their attention.

The list below is provided to help you brainstorm. Choose a topic from this list, or use it to generate an idea of your own. It could even be an idea that opposes the proposed example. For instance, instead of arguing American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law, you could argue why this shouldn't be the case.

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

Persuasive speeches are generally meant to convince an audience to agree with an idea you present. The topics can range from political to scientific or societal, and professional to personal—or even fun. They can be almost anything.

Just remember, a persuasive speech is different than a persuasive essay because you are presenting to an audience. So as you decide on a topic, think about your audience and decide on a subject matter that will be appropriate, compelling, and engaging to discuss. Perhaps it's a timely issue attracting a lot of news coverage, or maybe you want to be motivational and encourage a healthy activity. Whatever it is, structure your argument with a hook to capture attention , a clear definition of the topic or issue, and finally, your proposed solution or opinion.

100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Studying martial arts is good for mind and health.
  • Competitive sports can teach us about life.
  • Reality shows are exploiting people.
  • Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students.
  • The characteristics that make a person a hero.
  • It's important to grow things in a garden.
  • Violent video games are dangerous.
  • Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.
  • Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
  • Journal writing is therapeutic.
  • You should spend time with your grandparents.
  • A laptop is better than a tablet.
  • Religion and science can go hand in hand.
  • School uniforms are good.
  • All-female colleges and all-male colleges are bad.
  • Multiple-choice tests are better than essay tests .
  • We should not spend money on space exploration.
  • Open-book tests are as effective as closed-book tests.
  • Security cameras keep us safer.
  • Parents should have access to students' grades.
  • Small classes are better than big classes.
  • You need to start saving for retirement now.
  • Credit cards are harmful to college students.
  • We should have a royal family.
  • We should protect endangered animals.
  • Texting while driving is dangerous.
  • You can write a novel.
  • Recycling should be required in the U.S.
  • State colleges are better than private colleges.
  • Private colleges are better than state colleges.
  • We should do away with penny coins.
  • Fast food containers hurt the environment.
  • Plastic straws are harmful to the environment.
  • You can eat and enjoy healthy snacks.
  • You can become a millionaire.
  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • You should own a bird.
  • It's unethical to keep birds in cages.
  • Liberal arts degrees prepare graduates to be better workers than other degrees.
  • Hunting animals should be banned.
  • Football is a dangerous sport.
  • School days should start later.
  • Night school is better than day school.
  • Technical training is better than a college degree.
  • Immigration laws should be more lenient.
  • Students should be able to choose their schools.
  • Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
  • Grass lawns should be prohibited.
  • Sharks should be protected.
  • We should do away with cars and go back to horse and carriage for transportation.
  • We should use more wind power.
  • We should pay more taxes.
  • We should do away with taxes.
  • Teachers should be tested like students.
  • We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries.
  • Every student should join a club.
  • Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
  • People should stay married for life.
  • Smoking in public should be illegal.
  • College students should live on campus .
  • Parents should let students fail.
  • Giving to charity is good.
  • Education makes us happier people.
  • T​he ​ death penalty should be outlawed.
  • Bigfoot is real.
  • We should increase train travel to save the environment.
  • We should read more classic books.
  • Fame is bad for young children.
  • Athletes should stay loyal to teams.
  • We should reform our prisons.
  • Juvenile offenders should not go to boot camps.
  • Abraham Lincoln was the best president.
  • Abraham Lincoln gets too much credit.
  • Students should be allowed to have cell phones in elementary, middle, and high school.
  • College student-athletes should be paid for playing.
  • Elderly citizens on fixed income should receive free public transportation.
  • Colleges and universities should be free to attend.
  • All American citizens should complete one year of community service.
  • Students should be required to take Spanish language classes.
  • Every student should be required to learn at least one foreign language .
  • Marijuana should be legal for recreational use nationwide.
  • Commercial testing of products on animals should no longer be allowed.
  • High school students should be required to participate in at least one team sport.
  • The minimum drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
  • Replacing fossil fuels with cheaper alternative energy options should be mandated.
  • Churches need to contribute their share of taxes.
  • The Cuba embargo should be maintained by the U.S.
  • America should replace income taxes with a nationwide flat tax.
  • Once they reach the age of 18, all U.S. citizens should be automatically registered to vote .
  • Doctor-assisted suicide should be legal.
  • Spammers—people who bombard the internet with unsolicited email—should be banned from sending junk mail.
  • Every automobile driver should be required to take a new driver's test every three years.
  • Electroshock treatment is not a humane form of therapy.
  • Global warming is not real.
  • Single-parent adoption should be encouraged and promoted.
  • Gun companies should be held accountable for gun crimes.
  • Human cloning is not moral.
  • Religion does not belong in public education.
  • Juveniles should not be tried as adults.
  • American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law.
  • 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
  • 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
  • Middle School Debate Topics
  • How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
  • Controversial Speech Topics
  • High School Debate Topics
  • Speech Topics to Meet Oral Communication Standards
  • 30 Writing Topics: Persuasion
  • Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
  • 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Impromptu Speech Activities
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay
  • 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
  • 5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
  • 50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches
  • Deliberative Rhetoric

PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

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

author image

General Education

feature_persuasivespeech.jpg

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

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

It's a Topic People Care About

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

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

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

It Isn't Overdone

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

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

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

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

body_presentation-1.jpg

105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

Science/Environment

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

body_speechwinner.jpg

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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

Do Your Research

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

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

Consider All the Angles

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

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

Know Your Audience

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

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

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

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

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

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get eBook: 5 Tips for 160+ Points

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

author image

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

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Join the Conversation

Ask a Question Below

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

Improve With Our Famous Guides

  • For All Students

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

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

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

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

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

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

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

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

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

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

Public Speaking Resources

237 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics and Guide

A persuasive speech is a speech written and delivered to convince people of the speaker’s viewpoint. It uses words to make the audience ‘see’ the speaker’s point of view and to ‘sway’ them into agreeing with it.

It is not a simple matter of presenting gathered facts and evidence. More than just seeing why the speaker thinks that way, a persuasive speech tries to persuade the audience in accepting that line of thought and make it the way they, too, think.

To jump to the persuasive speech topic section, click here .

This is where it differs from an argument. The difference between an argumentative and persuasive speech is that one tries to prove a point while the other tries to affect the listener’s perspective.

  • Informative Speech Topics and Ideas
  • Toastmasters Project 9: Persuade With Power

Table of Contents

Satisfaction

Visualization, writing introduction for persuasive speech, persuasive speech videos, persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics about animals and pets, persuasive speech topics about automobiles, persuasive speech topics about education, persuasive speech topics about environment, persuasive speech topics about ethical issues, persuasive speech topics about food, persuasive speech topics about health.

Some examples of a persuasive speech are sales pitch, the speech of politicians, the speech of environmentalists, the speech of feminists, the speech of animal activists, etc.

In the above examples, you must have noticed that all these kind of speech has a goal. A sales pitch is to get you to buy something, politicians give speeches to get you to vote for them, and environmentalists, feminists, and animal activists have a cause to advocate. They all want you to ‘do’ something.

Action is a persuasive speech’s end goal. Ultimately, the speaker wants to persuade you to do something. And why would you do that?

Say, an environmentalist wants people to re-cycle because they think or know that it is good for the environment. Now, it is the people who need to know and think recycling is good for the environment. Only then they would recycle.

Therefore, a more complete definition of a persuasive speech would be “Speech that convinces the audience of a certain idea to inspire them into the desired action.”

Art of Persuasion

Persuasive speech is an art form.

Take an example of a man who was begging in the street. He had a hat in front of him and a sign that said “I am blind, please help” He got a few coins. Then, a lady came along, turned the sign around, and wrote something. A lot more people started to give the man money. His hat was filled with coins. What did that lady write? What persuaded people to give?

“Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.”

The second line got him more money because it ‘affected’ people, it appealed to their emotions more than the straightforward “I am blind, please help.” This is called pathos.

According to Aristotle, there are three components of or modes to affect people. They are Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Ethos in layman’s terms is credibility or authority. The dictionary defines it as “the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.” So, you need to have that disposition that makes you a reliable or trustable person.

For example, a woman talking about women’s problems is more likely to have an effect on the audience than a male speaker. The principal comes into the class and tells you ‘Tomorrow is a holiday and no questions will be asked. But if your teacher says so, you will investigate first. You will be more eager to listen to a popular person in the field than to a newbie.

It is having an effect on people by your person so that they would be more receiving of you.

Pathos in Greek means ‘suffering’ or ‘experience’. It is generally defined as an appeal to people’s emotions. Like in the story of the blind boy above, Pathos is to tap into people’s experience of suffering in order to move them towards a certain action.

Of course, those people have not experienced blindness but they can imagine losing the privilege of sight that they now possess. In simple words, it is to evoke feelings of pity, fear, anger, and such.

Logos is the logical appeal. This is to persuade by the means of reasoning. If the speaker makes a claim such as ‘polythene bags should be banned, then he should give a reason as to ‘why’ like ‘polythene bags do not biodegrade and continue to pollute the environment or facts like ‘Thousands of bags are produced every week and are dumped somewhere after use’ or ‘every bag produced since 19_ still exists somewhere on earth today.’

Presentation- Monroe’s motivated sequence

Presentation is very important. It is the backbone. How you perform your speech, how you deliver the words have the maximum effect on people. Therefore, a speech needs to be organized.

Monroe’s motivated sequence is a technique for organizing persuasive speech. It consists of the following steps.

Grab their attention. Start with a startling statement, an intriguing story, a dramatic action, anything that will make the audience take notice of you. This is also the introduction part. Hook them. Build their interest.

Now, convince the people that there is a problem. More than that, convince them that action needs to be taken against the problem, that it will not go away by itself. Tap into their imagination to show how this problem affects them. Use reasons and facts to support your claims and to impress upon them the need for change.

The audience should be looking forward to the ‘solution’ to the problem. They should want to know what they can do. In this step, introduce your solution. Demonstrate or give examples to make the audience understand how it works and how it solves the problem. Use testimonials or statistics to prove the effectiveness of that solution.

Paint a world where nothing was done and how it affected them. Also, paint a world where they did as you suggested and how it changed the situation for the better. Use vivid imagery to make them ‘feel’ the troubles and relief of not doing and doing as you said. Create a viable scenario. It should be relatable and believable.

Call to action. Strike when the iron is hot. It should be something that they can readily do and immediately. More the time passes less they are likely to follow with it as other things in life take precedence and the feeling of urgency is lost. Make it easy too. Do most of the handiwork so they have to put the least effort.

This is a classic technique developed by Alan Monroe in the mid-1930s. It is still the most effective basis for many persuasive speeches.

Some people are born with the skill of persuasion while others can build on it by applying such techniques and practicing. Here are some Persuasive Speech Topics that you can practice with.

Take a look at the video below. It explains how to write an introduction for a persuasive speech.

Below are 6 sample videos of persuasive speeches.

  • Why homeschooling is good and should be promoted. (School)

Some students do better in a group with a healthy competition to keep them motivated. Some children are better off studying on their own, continuing at their own fast or slow pace which is hindered when moving along with other children.

  • Students should get minimum of 45 minutes tiffin break. (School)

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Keeping children cooped up in a room for a long is not good. They need regular refreshing breaks to revitalize, to talk with their friends…

  • Is it racism to ban Marijuana when smoking tobacco is legal? (Funny)

Everybody knows cigarettes are harmful and addictive. Yet, there are big industries manufacturing these drugs on a large scale. Then there is Marijuana that is less harmful, less addictive, and has dozens of use; is it not racism to ban it?

  • Some juveniles needs to be prosecuted as adults. (School?)

More and more teenagers are committing heinous crimes. They know they will get off easy, that they will not face serious consequences. According to the level of savagery committed, juveniles should at times be prosecuted as adults.

  • Are pretty or handsome students really dumber? (School)

This is just a stereotype, just like saying women are less logical and others. Or. That appears to hold true in most cases. As time is limited, people who spend more time on appearance spend less time learning and those who spend time learning fails to look after their appearance.

  • Proficiency in academics is not the only measure of intelligence. (School)

Are grades everything? Different people possess different types of intelligence but grades measure only a few kinds. Is it not like judging a fish on its ability to climb a tree?

  • What is the right age to start owing a mobile phone? (Parenting)

Most parents believe that the right age to own mobile is when children can pay for it so that they can be aware of their expenditure. Else, they might engage in long, unnecessary conversation and…

  • Should children be bought a mobile phone for emergencies? (Parenting)

Mobiles or cell phones are the fastest means of communication. Should children, therefore, be allowed to owe mobiles so that they can contact their guardians in case of emergency?

  • Homework should be banned. (School)

Children spend most of their waking hours in school. They have only a few hours at the home to do things other than academics. But homework is the tag along with that…

  • Should men pay child support even if pregnancy was a one sided decision? (Feminism)

If a woman decides to bear a child despite her partner’s protest, is he still obligated to provide monetary support upon divorce for the same reason?

  • Laws should not be based on religion.

There are many religions. Their ideas vary. But the law should be uniform. Basing laws on certain religions is like forcing the ideas of that religion on every citizen.

  • Birth controls should be free and easily available. (Feminism?)

If teen pregnancy is to be avoided, birth controls should be free and easily available with no parental permission required. Imagine asking your parents if you can have sex or parents permitting it. It is the same as unavailability of the contraceptives which takes us back to square one.

  • Honking unnecessarily should be punishable.

Honking during a traffic jam is not going to clear it up. It only disturbs and aggravates everyone else. Honking at girls is offensive. Honking to bully is wrong. Honking unnecessarily like this should be considered criminal and punished.

  • Divorced and happy parents is better for the children than living in a conflicted home.

Some parents stay together for the sake of their children but fail to get along. This creates a very tense environment and that is not how a home should be.

  • Hiding your HIV status in a relationship should be punishable by law.

HIV is a serious disease with no cure available. If a person is aware of his/her HIV positivity, withholding the information and therefore transmitting it to the unsuspecting partner in the process is criminal.

  • Legalization of prostitution has more positive effects than negative.

Stopping prostitution is impossible. They will continue to operate underground where they face many problems. Girls get trafficked, tricked, or forced into it. Making it legal will at least ensure safety and justice to the sex workers and will also help control forced labor.

  • Schools should take bullying more seriously. / Why bullying is a serious offense. (School)

Bullying is very damaging to the victim and can take a very dangerous turn. But it is dismissed as children’s play in most cases. We don’t realize its seriousness until it is too late…

  • Partial Birth Abortion is a sin.

In this method of abortion, a living baby is pulled out from the womb feet first. The base of the skull is punctured and the brain is removed with a powerful suction machine. This is no different from murder. It is usually allowed by law only in order to save the mother’s life but many healthy mothers’ babies are aborted this way every year…

  • All institutions like schools, colleges and offices should start only after 10.

When such institutions start early, people need to wake up earlier for preparation. Waking up feeling unrested can make a person inactive, irritable, and unproductive. Scientists say that a person’s mind is not fully awake until 10 in the morning…

  • Sexual relationship before marriage is not a crime.

Sex is a biological need and a healthy sex life has a lot of mental and physical benefits. If the partners involved are adults and there is mutual consent…

  • School and teachers should stay away from student’s personal life. (School?)

Every institution has some rule. This rule should govern the members within the institution. But some schools like to take this beyond the school grounds and have control over what students do and do not in their personal time.

  • Energy drinks should be considered borderline medicines. (Health)

Energy drinks provide added energy. So, it should only be consumed when your body lacks energy, in a weakened state, like medicine. Plus, it contains a lot of caffeine that does more harm than good…

  • Parents should properly answer their children’s curiosities. (Parenting)

‘How does a baby come?’ children ask and parents tell them about gods and storks. This raises more questions and does nothing but confuse the child. Try to give an anatomically correct answer without being graphic. Never try to dismiss any of their questions or scold them…

  • Euthanasia, is it ethical?

A person should get to choose whether they want to live or die in dire conditions. Or. Euthanasia is no different from suicide. Supporting euthanasia is like supporting suicide.

  • Prospective parent(s) should get a psychiatric approval before adoption. (Parenting)

We want to find a home for every orphaned child but we want a happy home. There are many sick people out there who want to adopt a child only to abuse them or for some other kind of personal gain…

  • Cigarettes should be illegal.

Cigarettes are like drugs and they should be illegal just like drugs are. It has adverse health effects on the smoker as well as people around him…

  • Smoking in public places should be fined.

Cigarettes are very harmful and their harmful smoke does not affect the smoker alone. It affects the surrounding people as well. Not all people are suicidal that way. Why should they suffer? When one’s action harms the other, it is an offense.

  • Are uniforms necessary?

Uniform brings uniformity. It eliminates frivolous fashion competition which is not what school is for… Or. Clothes are a form of expression. Students spend most of their time in school. They should be comfortable with what they wear…

  • Number of children one can have should be limited and children with previous partner(s) counts.

Four from two, eight from four; population multiplies that way. Already, the earth has become so crowded. If this is to continue, we will rid this world of ourselves.

  • Would it be ethical to genetically design babies? (Technology?)

Yes. Why not use science to cure diseases and eradicate the possibility of a child’s suffering? Or. This method can be misused to alter more than just a threat of diseases and that will disturb the diversity in the gene pool…

  • ‘Living together’ relationships, good or bad?

Marriage cannot keep together those who want to go their separate ways and those who want to together do not need such a constitution.

  • ‘Early to sleep, early to rise’ benefits.

They say ‘Early to sleep and early to rise makes a man healthy and wise.’ This was not said without a reason. Going to bed early and waking up early the next day have many benefits, for both our mind and body.

  • Every property should compulsorily have trees. (Environment)

Trees produce oxygen and filters air. We need more trees. But the population is increasing. We are cutting down trees to erect concrete buildings instead…

  • Fast foods are overpriced.

Fast foods like French fries, burgers, pizza, etc. cost way more than they actually should. The restaurants are ripping us off. Take fries for example…

  • Using animals as test subjects is cruel and unfair. (Animal rights)

For you, it is one animal among many. But for that particular animal, one life is all it has and you have no right to play with it.

  • Why Gay Marriage should be legalized. (Gay rights)

Homosexuality is not a disease. It is how people are. They want to marry their partner for the same reasons heterosexual couples do. Not legalizing gay marriage is discrimination…

  • Marriage is not about procreation. (Gay rights)

One, almost logical, reason people give against gay marriage is that they cannot bear kids because of which it is definitely not natural/ biological or ‘how god intended’. But marriage is not about procreation. It is about you and your comfort or happiness, about who you want to spend the rest of your life with.

  • Electronics are stealing childhood.

These days, children spend a lot of time on mobile phones, computers, or other electronic devices instead of running around, going out, and playing as a child should.

  • Teens cannot be good parents. (School/ Parenting)

Some teens decide to start a family when the female partner gets pregnant. While this is seen as an admirable option against abortion, are teen parents really good for the kid?

  • Ads should be tested for sexist messages before being aired. (Feminism)

Not only children but everyone learns from what they see and hear. The subliminal sexist messages in ads impart gender roles on their minds, undoing a lot of feminists’ efforts. But mostly, it brainwashes the coming generation and we should not allow that.

  • Protection and breeding of white tigers is illogical; why hinder natural selection? (Environment/ Animal rights)

White tigers do not fare well in the wild due to their color. It was a case of mutation that would have naturally been eliminated if humans had not interfered. I am not saying all living white tigers must be killed but why are people breeding it in captivity instead of letting it die out? Just because they’re pretty and we like pretty?

  • Exotic pets are not pets. (Animal rights)

Exotic animals belong in the wild. They need to be with their own kind, living in their natural habitat. They should not be isolated in people’s homes where their mobility is limited.

  • Feminism should be made a compulsory subject in high school and college. (Feminism)

Feminism is an eye-opener. It is something every man and woman should know of. Thus, it should be a compulsory and common subject instead of being exclusive to Arts or few other faculty.

  • Age 16 is not juvenile. (School?)

Are 16-year-olds really kids? Can they not be expected to know the difference between right and wrong? Maybe they do not know it is a crime to download songs and movies but what about rape and murder? If 16 is old enough to drive in most countries, it is old enough to be tried as an adult.

  • Playing Video games for few hours does good. (School/ parenting?)

It has been found out that playing a few hours of video game help improve people’s hand-eye coordination and enhances cognitive power. Also, games based on real history or science can impart knowledge…

  • Read before agreeing to sites and applications.

We download apps and software and signup on different sites. Each of these requires us to click ‘I agree’. We click this ‘I agree’ without actually reading the agreement. This can later cause problems…

  • Is death penalty ethical?

It is not ethical to eliminate people like we try to eliminate diseases. What about human rights? Or. What kind of rights for the person who does not respect others’ rights and freedom? It is a befitting punishment.

  • Send drug dealers to prison but addicts for rehabilitation.

Drug Addicts are victims too. They need rehabilitation, not prison. Dealers are the real criminals.

  • Parents should cook tastier option instead of making children eat the healthy foods they don’t want.

If not meat then milk and pulses. There is a range of choices for the required nutrition. So why should children have to eat something they don’t like? Just give them a tastier option.

  • If girls can wear pants, boys can wear skirts. (Funny?)

Is all equality fighting for girls only? What about boys’ rights? When girls can wear boys’ clothes why can boys not wear that of girls?

  • Being slim is not just about looks but health too. (Health?)

Beauties were those who were plum. Now, skinny is the fashion. But to those who want to be ‘comfortable’ in their size, know that a slim body is more than just looks.

  • There should be one holiday in the middle of workdays.

Saturday and Sunday’s rest do not keep us charged up to Friday. This makes people less productive by Thursday and Friday. A break in the middle would be wonderfully refreshing…

  • Considering the real meaning behind Nursery Rhymes, should they be taught to children? (School)

The fun nursery rhyme “Ring around the Rosie” is actually about the bubonic plague that killed nearly 15% of the country. This is only an example among many. Consider the lyrics of “Three blind mice” that goes “… Who cut off their tails, With a carving knife.” Is it okay to teach these to the children?

  • Countries should provide free Wi-Fi in tourist destinations.

Doing this will help tourists as they will be able to contact their people without wandering around confused in a foreign land. This will definitely increase the flow of both national and international tourists. It will be most helpful to students from abroad.

  • Know the woes of genetically modified Chickens.

To meet the demand of the growing population, chickens are fed hormones and other drugs to make them grow faster and fat, especially the meat in the breast area. Because of this, the chickens cripple under their own weight. They suffer terribly…

  • Children should be allowed to use electronics like mobile, notebooks etc. during breaks. (Students)

Using electronics during class is certainly bad and for a number of reasons. But break times belong to the students. Breaks are for recreation. If students choose to enjoy electronics, what is wrong with that?

  • Teachers, too, should keep their mobiles in silent during class.

Class time is for teaching and learning. Students should keep their mobile in silence so as to not disturb the class. But, so should the teacher. They shouldn’t pick up their call during class.

  • Humans are consuming way more salt than necessary. (Health)

Sodium is important. But the larger amount of sodium intake has often been associated with an increase in blood pressure that leads to strokes. 1500 to 2300mg is the maximum amount per day.

  • Benefits of donating blood.

Donating blood is the right thing to do. It saves lives. There are a few moral reasons as such to donate blood but do you know that you are not losing anything either? Donating blood is good for your own health too…

  • Why become an organ donor?

Perfectly healthy people die when trying to donate their organs to their loved ones. Even if they survive, they may have to face complications and they are now, somehow, deficient. If an organ could be got…

  • Original organic fruits taste better than the hybrids.

Hybrid fruits are larger and juicer but it lacks in terms of taste. The taste tastes diluted…

  • Why people who have should give.

Many people suffer from poverty. They have a hard time meeting basic needs like food, shelter, and clothes.

  • Why suicide over ‘love troubles’ is stupid. (Students)

Life moves on. Time heals. Things will happen if you continue to live. But the exaggerated fictional idea of love that the movies market has…

  • Why women should earn irrespective of their husband’s economic status. (Feminism)

Be independent. Money is power. Do not let anyone have an upper hand and be vulnerable to possible abuse…

  • Recycle e-waste. (Environment)

E-waste contains many recoverable materials such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver etc. Reusing this will take a load off of natural resources. E-waste also contains toxins like mercury, lead, beryllium, and others that will inevitably infuse into soil and water.

  • Do not tolerate abuse, speak out. (Feminism)

Certainly, nobody enjoys abuse? Then why do women continue to stay in abusive relationship despite being educated and holding a good job? Why do they tolerate other kinds of abuse as well? There are many reasons for this…

  • Every citizen should be required to, at least, pass high school. (School)

Up to high school, the education is basic. Imagine needing to stop ocean pollution. An educated person would be more easily persuaded or would know why ocean pollution is bad. Or. There are good and bad people. Education will teach the good how to be good and may persuade the bad…

  • Hostels, is it good or bad for children? (Parenting)

Hostels teach children independence. They learn to do a lot in their own. Or. No one can take better care of children than their parents. Children need parents’ love and support. Away in the hostel, surrounded by children no wiser than themselves…

  • Teachers should discuss among themselves to avoid giving too much homework. (School)

After studying for hours in school, spending all the hours in-home doing homework will mentally tire the student. Homework should be very light. But light homework of all the teachers added will take up all of the students’ time. So…

  • Importance of clubs in school or colleges. (School)

School and college clubs are the best way to learn different valuable skills in. In school and college-level clubs, the eligibility for membership is less strict and one gets to learn from the more skilled seniors.

  • Should plastic surgery be so commercial?

Everyone wants to look good. When accidents or attacks disfigure us, we can turn to plastic surgery to try and gain back our lost selves. But intentionally altering ourselves to…

  • Online piracy should be monitored more strictly.

People have a right to their intellectual property. It is so easy to find and download pirated materials that it seems non-criminal…

  • Are single-sex schools better than coed? (School)

According to research done in Korea, students from single-sex schools scored better than those from coed and had more chances of pursuing college-level education. However, this is from a general viewpoint. When considering students at an individual level, it really depends on what kind of environment that particular student does better in.

  • Spaying or neutering pets is good or bad? (Animal right)

Some say that neutering or spaying pets have a lot of benefits, both for the animal and the owner. Others say that neutering or spaying does not change much but only invites diseases upon the poor animal.

  • Are master’s degree or doctorate really necessary? (Students)

High School teaches us the basics and a bachelor is more career-oriented. We can get a good job after bachelor and hone our skills for a better position. Is a master’s and higher degree really important when we can learn more in the field?

  • Who is more responsible for poaching? Poachers or buyers? (Animal right)

This may be an ‘egg first or chicken question. Scientists have now found out that chickens come first but the question ‘Poacher or buyers’ remains.

  • What kind of food should school or college canteen offer? (Student)

From unhealthy commercial food items to unappetizing bland gibberish; can school or college canteens not offer an in-between option? What would be best for the students?

  • What age is proper to talk about the birds and the bees? (Parenting)

From the time a child starts asking about sex is the time from when to start talking about the birds and the bees. Children as young as 4-5 years old are curious about where a baby comes from. Answer them truthfully but avoid being graphic. Also, answer only what they ask.

  • Fee for facilities aside, the tuition fee should be fixed by the government. (Student)

Schools and colleges take a ridiculous amount of tuition fees. It is understandable that according to the facilities provided, the fee may be less or more but the tuition fee, at least, should be a fixed amount that greedy schools cannot increase as they wish.

  • How long should a drunk driver lose his license for?

Drinking and driving can be fatal to both the driver and an innocent passerby. But people do not take it seriously. They think they can handle their liquor and end up causing accidents. This is absolute carelessness.

  • The amount of water one should drink per day. (Health)

About 60% of the human body is water. We continually lose this water through skin and urine. This causes dehydration…

  • Aliens exist. (Paranormal)

There have been many UFO sightings and stories of alien abduction. Even in the old age paintings, cave paintings, Sanskrit scrolls, the extraterrestrial life form is evident. Scientists have found other habitable planets. An intelligent life form somewhere other than Earth is no longer an idea of a fantasist…

  • White meat over red meat or the other way around? (Health)

White meat is less fatty but red meat contains more vitamins like zinc, iron, and B vitamins…

  • Why religion and science should go hand in hand. / Why religion should evolve with scientific discoveries. (Philosophy)

Science explores the universe for answers while religion makes claims about it. Science is open to change, it acknowledges that it can err and backs its claims with evidence. Religion on the other hand is a ‘belief’ system

  • Should astrologers, mediums and the likes be arrested for fraud? (Paranormal)

Do heavenly bodies really affect our personality or future? Do dead ones really become spirits and can be contacted through mediums? Or are these all just a big hoax?

  • Cats or dogs?

Are you a cat person or a dog person? Say why a dog is better than a cat as a pet or that cat makes a better pet.

  • Benefits of eating fruit over drinking its juice. (Health)

There is a whole fruit and we throw away more than half of the substance when choosing to drink its juice even though eating the fruit itself is healthier because of the fiber it contains.

  • Women shouldn’t have to change their last name after marriage. (Feminism)

Having to change our last name after marriage is sexist. It confirms the power males hold over the women in our patriarchal society.

  • Internet promotes communication, not kill it.

Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, messenger, and others keep us in contact with many friends that we would otherwise have forgotten. It is an easy means of communication…

  • Does pressure build or break a person?

Pressure is healthy. It drives us. Or. Yes. Pressure drives us. It drives us nuts.

  • Hiring volunteers on zero pay is cruel.

Volunteers are those who want to donate labor. They need not be paid for their work but what about their expenses like transportation and others? These kinds of expenses, at least, should be covered.

  • Learning multiple language widens our perception of the world.

There are always those words that cannot be exactly translated to another language. This is because that way of thinking does not exist in that other language. It is like the egg of Cristopher. We discover a new way of expressing ourselves, one we couldn’t think of in the limitation of our own language.

  • Oceans are not trash bins. (Environment)

Tons of human waste are thrown into the ocean. This is creating a big problem in the ocean ecosystem…

  • Killing for fun is inhuman, hunting is inhuman. (Animal rights)

How to have fun with animals? By playing with them, baby talking to them, watching them in their weird but fun action. Not by chasing them down and killing them.

  • Cigarette, alcohol or drugs are not the answer for stress or other problems in life.

People tend to depend on harmful substances like cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs when faced with a problem or when under stress. These substances do not cure stress but could be a self-harming method of coping with problems. People under stress tend to show more unhealthy behaviors such as these…

  • Music heals.

On hearing good music, the brain releases dopamine. Dopamine is an essential chemical that plays a number of important roles in the brain and body. Music has also proven effective against stress…

  • Why breakfast is the important meal of the day. (Health)

Breakfast is the first meal after a long gap during the night. It provides us with vital nutrients like calcium, vitamins, minerals, and energy…

  • Fairytales should be re-written for the next generation children.

Fairytales often star a damsel in distress who not only ‘waits’ for a handsome rescuer but also possesses subjugating qualities like obedience, daintiness, etc. It imparts sexist values in young minds…

  • How a time table can help manage our daily lives.

People do not realize how time table can make our day-to-day lives much more manageable and therefore fruitful or efficient. Some find it tedious and some pretentious…

  • Everyone should learn swimming.

Swimming is not just for fun like cycling. It could save someone’s life. It is an important survival skill that everyone should know of.

  • Good thoughts lead to good actions.

Our actions result from our thoughts. Action is a mind’s reflection…

  • Benefits of meditation. (Health)

Meditation has a lot of benefits, both on body and mind. It reduces stress, improves concentration, reduces irritability, increases perseverance, etc…

  • Zoos are not big enough for wild animals. (Animal rights)

How large can you make a zoo? And how can it mimic nature when different animals are confined separately. Wild animals belong in the wild.

Some more Persuasive Speech Topics:

  • Why is adopting a pet better than buying one?
  • How does having a pet better your everyday life?
  • Having a snake as a pet is as cool as it sounds
  • Should you get rid of a pet that harms another person?
  • Is breeding pets for sale unethical?
  • Selfies with animals in tourist locations should be made equal
  • A dog is the perfect pet
  • Why a pet is essential for a growing child
  • Owning a pet makes you healthier
  • Slaughterhouses are unethical
  • Animals are facing extinction, we should do something about it
  • Why wild animals should be left in the wild
  • Petting exotic animals should be made illegal
  • Why dolphin farming is horrific
  • The Yulin Dog festival displays one of the worst sides of humans
  • Why neutering your pets is wrong
  • Advantages of owning a horse(besides looking fantastic)
  • People need to stop fueling pug markets.
  • Is animal slaughter for religious purposes ethical?
  • Manual drivers are unnecessarily aggressive about their cars
  • Why you should not drive without a kid seat
  • Why sports cars are not worth it
  • If you can’t call while driving, then why is there a hands-free mode?
  • New ideas for lessons drivers have to take before getting a license
  • Should you charge people for driving tests?
  • Why cycling is cooler than driving
  • Why traffic rules are designed against bike rides
  • Driving licenses should need a renewal every 5 years
  • Why co-ed education is the best way to teach
  • GPA isn’t everything
  • 9.30 is too early
  • Why teachers need to be recertified
  • Listening to music during exams should be allowed
  • Should sports and arts be mandatory?
  • Does our school curriculum need obligatory life skill classes?
  • Phones in classes are beneficial and convenient
  • Every student should be encouraged to take a gap year
  • Cyber-bullying should be punished the same as bullying
  • Why art classes are just as important as science
  • School canteens need to serve healthier alternatives
  • More institutes should promote nternational exchange programs
  • Curriculums should be designed with the job market in mind
  • Textbooks are overpriced and should be replaced with digital alternatives
  • Should religion be taught in schools?
  • Is repeating classes beneficial for underperforming students?
  • Students should not have to ask to use the restroom
  • Is having a handwriting class beneficial?
  • Is there a point to giving homework?
  • Education needs to be available in prisons
  • We are being overcharged for education
  • Online learning should be held to equal importance as schools
  • Are teachers paid enough?
  • Is there room for commercial advertisement in schools?
  • Are study halls still relevant?
  • Are our children safe at school?
  • School trips are a waste of money
  • Educational institutes should be more welcoming to technological changes
  • Schools should teach multiple languages
  • Public schools are better than private schools
  • Why meditation should be included in the daily curriculum
  • Are scholarships reaching the right people?
  • Current environmental laws are insufficient
  • Green energy is the future
  • The environmental impact of palm oil
  • The environmental impact of single-use bags
  • Fishing restrictions need to be stricter
  • Oil spills are deadly to marine life
  • Leaving fossil fuels behind
  • Pollution has reached alarming levels
  • Garden owners should be allowed to grow exotic plants
  • Switch to hybrid cars to help the environment
  • Rainforests are going extinct at an alarming rate
  • Why natural resources are quickly going extinct
  • Alternative energy sources should be pushed by governments
  • Euthanasia should be legalized
  • Why eating meat does not make me a bad person
  • Can true equality ever really be achieved?
  • Is messing with unborn children’s genetics ethical?
  • Stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason
  • Animal testing is a necessary part of production
  • Why we need to stop producing and buying fur
  • Prostitution should be legalized
  • Doping and it’s place in sports 
  • Why workplace relationships should be avoided
  • Is religion a cult?
  • Should prayers be included in schools?
  • Parents should not be able to choose the sex of their unborn child
  • Donating to charities is a scam
  • Aborting fetuses with birth defects is not immoral
  • Wars have positive consequences as well
  • Why genital mutilation in infants needs to be stopped
  • Conventional beauty standards are misleading
  • China’s One-child policy was a good idea for population control
  • Animal testing and why it is immoral
  • Why banning cigarettes and alcohol from advertisements is not effective
  • Sugar is added to everything we eat
  • Children should be taught to cook
  • Why growing your own food will help both you and the environment
  • Peanuts: The secret superfood
  • We should be more open to genetically engineered food products
  • The proper way to dispose your food waste
  • The loopholes in labelling laws
  • Keto goes against the natural human evolution
  • Artificial chemicals in our food products is harming us
  • The legal age for contraceptive treatment should be lowered
  • Fast food is slowly killing you
  • How positive thinking can change your life
  • Breakfast isn’t the most important meal of the day
  • Stomach stapling should not be normalized
  • If you don’t wear a seat belt, you are putting yourself at great risk
  • How diabetes can affect your work
  • How daily exercise can change your life
  • Stress as the leading cause of teen suicide
  • Diet pills are a scam
  • Body shaming is putting lives at risk
  • Contraceptive education is an effective solution for teen pregnancy
  • There is such a thing as too much soda
  • Free condom distribution at schools is better than teaching about abstinence
  • The toothpick you pick matters
  • Surrogacy should be more widely accepted
  • Why insomnia should be taken as a more serious health concern
  • Helmets and seatbeat save lives
  • Restaurants need to be more vigilant about handling allergies
  • How Big Pharma is controlling your life
  • The medical field is criminally underfunded
  • We are eating too much salt
  • Organ donation should be an opt-out system
  • The dangers of an anti-vaxxers movement
  • Why fire drills are ineffective
  • Why you need to take that vacation
  • Good sleep is underrated
  • Why vaping is not a better alternative
  • Your stress is killing you
  • It is not healthy for children to be vegetarians
  • Parents don’t need to be informed about underage abortions
  • Donating blood should be encouraged early
  • How much do you know about what’s in your food

I hope you find the tips for persuasive speech and persuasive speech topics useful. Let me what you think of them by commenting below.

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

 310 persuasive speech topics for college

 60 education topics, 50 mental health....

By:  Susan Dugdale  

Can you engage, inform, and persuade?  Can you do all three at once?

That’s what a good persuasive speech does. It challenges an audience’s thinking or position on a topic or an issue, asks them to pause, and consider changing their minds.

There are 310 great persuasive speech topics for college students and/or their teachers here. 

  • 50  Mental health persuasive speech topics
  • 60 Education persuasive speech ideas  
  • 50 Family themed persuasive speech topics
  • 50 Friends persuasive speech topic suggestions
  • 50  Animals/Pets themed persuasive topics
  • 50 Society persuasive topic ideas

Plus, how to prepare a speech for a set time allowance and more about choosing a good topic and writing a great persuasive speech.

Label: 310 persuasive speech topics for college

Each of them could make an excellent speech. Whether any of them do, or not, depends on a number of factors. The two main ones are you, and your audience.

What makes a persuasive speech topic good or interesting? (A very quick overview)

 A subject is right for you if:

  • it is about something you are genuinely interested in or passionate about, and
  • it is something you know your audience will relate to and it would be interesting, or beneficial, for them to know about.   

Return to Top

 50 mental health persuasive speech topics

Label: 50 mental health persuasive speech topics

  • that academic pressure causes anxiety and depression in college students
  • that increased use of social media heightens anxiety about physical appearance
  • that poverty and homelessness are often root causes of poor mental health
  • that addictive behaviors are not a sign of poor character
  • that binge drinking can mask depression
  • that typical adolescent angst and teenage depression are not the same
  • that self-harming is a cry for help
  • that living in green cities improves mental health
  • that seeking out positive news stories makes a difference
  • that limiting the consumption of unfiltered social media helps mental well being
  • that learning to objectively scale experiences helps keep them in perspective
  • that understanding family patterns of behaviour is useful for understanding ourselves
  • that being mentally unwell is not proof of incurable insanity
  • that building resilience will guard against becoming mentally unwell
  • that depression and anxiety, like flu, can be contagious
  • that mental health is improved by some form of consistent exercise
  • that everybody needs people who love and understand them
  • that doing kind things for other people improves mental health
  • that monitoring and changing how we habitually talk to ourselves can improve personal mental health
  • that forgiving ourselves, in the same way we would a friend, for minor transgressions is healthy
  • that loneliness contributes to mental health issues
  • that genetic inheritance influences our mental health
  • that eating healthily improves mental health
  • that chronic bullying is a sign of poor mental health
  • that the desire to fit in, to be the same as everyone else, is a sign of insecurity
  • that mental strength is built by being eager to learn new things
  • that mental strength is built by accepting responsibility for our thoughts and actions
  • that mental strength is built by being willing to make mistakes and to be OK about that
  • that mental strength is built by learning not to measure self-worth by comparing ourselves to others and by being OK about who we are
  • that mental strength is built through being genuinely pleased for the success of others
  • that we protect our mental health by knowing when and how to withdraw from situations and people that are not good for us
  • that good mental health is supported by managing our own expectations of ourselves realistically
  • that good mental health is something that has to be worked on everyday
  • that good mental health requires us knowing our own strengths and weaknesses
  • that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ model for good mental health because we are individuals
  • that we have more mental health issues today, because we are more willing to openly discuss them than previous generations
  • that asking for help when you know you need it is a sign of good mental health
  • that learning to be happily alone is good for mental health
  • that learning to set challenging realistic goals and working towards achieving them helps to build and sustain good mental health
  • that being genuinely grateful for the good in our lives helps sustain robust mental health
  • that re-framing problems as challenges or opportunities helps develop mental resilience
  • that keeping a journal promotes good mental health
  • that children need appropriate guidance and discipline to develop good mental health
  • that the foundation for good mental health in adults is built in childhood
  • that our primary influencers (parents, family, teachers, friends...) shape our mental health
  • that mental and physical health are inseparable
  • that mental health issues in children are not necessarily their parents fault
  • that mental health in many sectors of our communities has been severely tested by the pandemic
  • that mental health issues highlighted by the pandemic have forced us to think more creatively about how we meet them
  • that we are often stronger mentally than we think we are     

 60 education persuasive speech topics

Label: 60 education persuasive speech topics

  • that education should be free and freely available to whomever wants it
  • that education systems should be free of bias
  • that all children should have equal educational opportunities
  • that any form of educational segregation (gender, racial, economic, religious...) should be unlawful
  • that education is power
  • that the control of a country’s education system should not be in the hands of politicians or a political party
  • that a vocational education is more useful
  • that the principal role of education is to teach individuals to be stable, strong members of society
  • that a good education is one that teaches a person to take responsibility for themselves financially
  • that there is no time in our lives when we are finished being educated
  • that schools squash creativity and initiative
  • that going to school and being educated are two different things
  • that we learn more outside of a classroom than inside it
  • that lack of formal education is the cause of societal unrest
  • that our current school systems only really work for children from stable backgrounds
  • that one good caring teacher can make all the difference
  • that a teacher has the potential to influence their students’ lives enormously
  • that being a teacher is a privileged position
  • that teachers should be acknowledged and highly valued
  • that the criteria for entering teacher training should be more discriminating
  • that teacher training should be longer and more rigorous
  • that teachers should be tested every five years in order to renew their license to teach
  • that practical education is better than theoretical
  • that the school leaving age should not be raised
  • that the most important lessons at school happen in the playground
  • that enrolling a child in any form of educational institution should be optional
  • that parents should have the right to decide what classes their child attends
  • that homeschooling does not hinder a child in any way
  • that homeschooling is better for a child’s mental health
  • that homeschooling is an option only economically advantaged parents can offer their children
  • that parents who decide to homeschool their children need to feel OK about spending large chunks of time with them
  • that psychological screening should be used to decide what school a student goes to
  • that our grading systems fail to motivate students who struggle
  • that separating a grade given for a piece of schoolwork from one’s self-esteem, or person, is difficult
  • that grading is a frequently misunderstood, misapplied, inexact science
  • that face to face real time learning is more effective than online learning
  • that streaming (grouping students in classes according to their intellectual ability) should be banned
  • that the principal function of education is to teach people to think rationally and creatively
  • that failing at school is never the fault of the student
  • that accelerate classes are elitist
  • that the drive to get more students into higher education is misplaced
  • that school uniforms should be compulsory
  • that all children should have access to extra tuition as it is needed
  • that an education system based on grades and examinations only benefits a small percentage of the children it is supposed to serve
  • that online learning centers like the Kahn Academy   democratize education
  • that teachers should receive financial rewards based on the success of their students
  • that financial literacy should be given similar teaching time as reading and writing
  • that socio-economic factors indicate the likelihood of future educational success
  • that intellectual ability develops best in a safe secure stress-free environment
  • that girls perform better academically in all girl schools
  • that single-sex schooling slows the growth of appropriate social skills
  • that children less than 10 years old should not given graded tests and ranked according to their scores
  • that active community service should be part a school’s curriculum
  • that meditation techniques should be taught in all schools
  • that homework teaches time management and self discipline
  • that developing imagination and creativity is equally important as developing stable work habits and good numeracy and literacy skills
  • that smaller class sizes make it more likely a student will thrive
  • that entrepreneurial skills should be encouraged and taught in schools
  • that all high school students should be assigned or have access to a mentor
  • that weapons of any sort should be banned from school campuses  

50 family themed persuasive speech topics

Label: 50 family persuasive speech topics

  • that what makes a person a valued family member is not necessarily a blood tie
  • that being one of many children in a family is an advantage
  • that being part of a close multi-generational family has advantages for everyone
  • that only children have more expected of them than children who have siblings
  • that the eldest child in a family carries more responsibility than their siblings
  • that the youngest child in the family is the most spoilt
  • that the middle child in a family has the least favoured position
  • that the order of the birth of siblings has a major impact on their psychological development
  • that older parents are better equipped financially and emotionally to parent well
  • that consciously choosing to have a child makes a positive difference to how a child is parented
  • that it is better to be a loved child in a poor family than an unloved child in a wealthy one
  • that parents should not compare their children
  • that children should obey their parents
  • that a child should not have everything they ask for
  • that children should have regular age-appropriate household tasks to do
  • that children have a right to privacy
  • that children need to know they are loved and supported no matter what happens
  • that parents should not bicker or fight in front of children
  • that a child should never be disciplined by hitting
  • that a parent needs to behave like a parent, not a friend, or a child
  • that parental favouritism damages children
  • that boys and girls should be treated equally
  • that parents should attend classes on parenting before being permitted to have a child
  • that babies and small children are better off at home with their mothers
  • that designer children should be illegal
  • that a woman should have the right to terminate a pregnancy
  • that being a dad is not the same as being a father
  • that parents divorcing causes significant issues for their children
  • that home should always be a safe place
  • that parents are responsible for how their children behave
  • that a child will follow the pattern set by the adults around them
  • that a teenage mother should be fully supported to look after her child and develop herself
  • that taking a child into custody should be the very last resort
  • that divorced parents should always talk respectfully about each other in front of their children
  • that combining families when parents remarry should be handled with great care
  • that children should never witness their parents fighting over them
  • that children should never be played off against each other
  • that parents set behavioral boundaries to keep their children safe
  • that publicly shaming a child is cruel
  • that parents do not always know best
  • that a child has the right to expect that their parents take good care of them
  • that children are never better than each other only different
  • that the demands of family life and work need to be better balanced
  • that children should not be made to kiss or hug people they do not want to
  • that parents should make time to talk with and listened to their children
  • that becoming an adopted relative: grandparent, aunt or uncle is a great way to enrich a child’s life
  • that solo parents need non-judgmental practical support to help raise their children
  • that baby sitters need to be old enough to be responsible as well as known to children before they are left with them
  • that there is no such thing as a bad child
  • that a bullied child needs compassionate support and understanding

50 persuasive speech topic ideas about friends

Label: 50 friends persuasive speech topics

  • that we all need a little help from our friends
  • that everybody needs at least one best friend
  • that a person’s life is influenced by childhood friends
  • that we are defined by those who we are friends with
  • that “liking” media posts is a form of friendship
  • that a true friend is someone who knows your fears, vulnerabilities and weaknesses and loves you just the same
  • that a friend is someone you know you can depend on
  • that the most important relationship a person will ever have is an enduring friendship
  • that true friendship transcends boundaries and overcomes obstacles
  • that we need to be taught how to sustain healthy friendships
  • that a friend helps a person keep themselves in check
  • that a friend is someone we will accept the truth from
  • that a real friend is not possessive about you
  • that in a real friendship the amount of giving and taking are balanced
  • that a real friend encourages the best in you, not the worst
  • that mutual trust is the foundation of a good friendship
  • that a friend is someone who has your best interests at heart
  • that a friend does not gossip cruelly behind your back
  • that a friend is someone you enjoy being with
  • that a friend is someone who doesn’t make you feel anxious about saying or doing the wrong thing
  • that boys are better at being friends than girls are
  • that making new friends as we get older is harder
  • that being a loyal friend does not mean agreeing with everything a friend says or does
  • that getting help to break away from toxic friendships is a healthy thing to do
  • that listening is vitally important in a friendship
  • that a true friend will prioritize and rearrange their schedule in order to be with you
  • that we need a variety of different types of people as good friends
  • that to be a good friend we need to respect boundaries and beliefs
  • that we can disagree with a friend and remain friends
  • that being a friend does not mean accepting poor behavior towards yourself or others you care about
  • that we achieve and become our best selves through the support and love of friends
  • that learning to be a good friend is an essential life skill
  • that friendships can come and go and that’s OK
  • that a good friend will never publicly humiliate you
  • that behaving in certain ways in order to attract or impress friends will not really work
  • that a friend is someone who likes you for who you are, not for what you have, look like or do
  • that apologizing sincerely for your part in a misunderstanding or falling out between friends is essential for the friendship to survive
  • that learning to leave a friendship with grace when it no longer works is a valuable skill to have
  • that men often have mates but few friends
  • that our mental health improves when we have loving caring friends
  • that a real friend is someone you can be away from for years and then resume a deep connection very quickly
  • that there are degrees, and different types, of friendship and all of them are valuable
  • that there can be no such thing as a platonic friendship between a man and a woman
  • that having an imaginary friend as a small child is normal
  • that a true friendship between an older person and a child is something to be encouraged
  • that building genuine friendships with open hearts and minds breaks down prejudice
  • that parents should intervene in their children’s friendships if they see them making poor choices or compromising themselves
  • that there is a fine line between discussing a friend’s problems because you are concerned about them and discussing them because you find them amusing or good for shock value
  • that comparison and competition between friends is inevitable
  • that friendship is one of life’s essentials  

50 society themed persuasive speech ideas

Label: 50 society persuasive speech topics

  • that to fit into the society you live in you must conform
  • that society does not tolerate difference
  • that society reflects the attitudes of the people who live in it
  • that we can not live outside society
  • that the influence of society is totally pervasive
  • that change is the enemy of society
  • that in a capitalist society there will always be winners and losers
  • that there is no such thing as an ideal society
  • that social and economic inequality will force change in society
  • that ruling a society through fear and/or force will never create stability
  • that a society that maintains a rigid class structure is bound to fail
  • that those in charge of society should act in the interests of all its members
  • that the problems a society faces are of its own making
  • that the controls a society puts in place are for the benefit of its members
  • that there will always be some people who have, and some people who do not
  • that the most damaging rules of a society are its unwritten ones
  • that virtual society is replacing older forms of society
  • that the knowledge society is breaking down barriers
  • that western society is losing its influence
  • that high society sustains itself by living off the efforts of those below it
  • that modern society is neither better or worse, just different
  • that an equal society is a worthy aspiration
  • that a progressive society absorbs change for the good of its members
  • that crime is a threat to society
  • that how a society treats its most vulnerable members is a measure of how much it cares
  • that a wealthy society is built on much more than money
  • that a self-made man or woman will always be a hero in a capitalist society
  • that if corporations paid their fair share of taxes, our societies would benefit hugely
  • that compulsory citizenship classes would make us better members of society
  • that a healthy society values the contributions of its members equally
  • that a civilized society is a fiction
  • that the role of education is to enable people to take their places productively in society
  • that the rules of a society are made by the most powerful to keep the weak in their place
  • that, in theory, a socialist society is classless
  • that communism and socialism are not the same thing
  • that a democratic society is protected by every adult who is eligible to vote doing so
  • that what makes a member of society good depends on the society you belong to
  • that a society that can not tolerate criticism is inherently weak
  • that the members of a society often use social sanctions to keep in each other in line
  • than an authoritarian society rules through fear
  • that constant oppression will eventually cause an uprising of people looking to change the society they live in
  • that those who lead societies need to be fully aware of the enormous responsibilities they carry on behalf of the people they serve
  • that modern media escalates the problems we have in society
  • that changes in what society considers to be moral, and normal, sexual behavior is inevitable
  • that we do not immediately go straight to hell if we challenge society’s traditionally held views on abortion
  • that a society that has to imprison or kill its dissenting members in order to keep control is immoral
  • that society provides form and meaning in our lives
  • that living in society’s rat race is inescapable
  • that changes in any society only come about through the willingness of some its members to speak out and act
  • that true heroes are people who know the potential risks of challenging those in power in the societies in which they live and do it anyway   

50 persuasive speech topics about animals

Label: 50 animal persuasive speech topics

  • that pet euthanasia is humane
  • that feeding naturally carnivorous animals a vegetarian diet is wrong
  • that giving a pet to a child to care for teaches responsibility
  • that dogs resemble their owners
  • that battery farming should be banned for health reasons
  • that battery farming should be banned for ethical reasons
  • that keeping dangerous animals as pets should be banned
  • that zoos should be regularly audited to ensure they are meeting the needs of the animals they house
  • that hunting animals for sport is wrong
  • that anthropomorphizing animals is foolhardy
  • that taking an animal or bird from its natural habitat is cruel
  • that animal or bird breeding programs set up for monetary gain are wrong
  • that keeping a large four-legged pet in an apartment is wrong
  • that people need to prove they can look after a pet before they get one
  • that people with pets have better mental health
  • that understanding a pet is easier than understanding a person
  • that training an animal to do tricks to entertain is inhumane
  • that blood sports (cock fighting, dog fights, bear baiting, bull fights, fox hunting...) involving animals should be banned
  • that pets should be neutered or spayed
  • that all animals should be protected
  • that protecting endangered animals is sentimental hogwash
  • that the money spent on saving endangered habitats would be better spent on hospitals and schools
  • that animals are intelligent
  • that animals should not be eaten
  • that animals have rights
  • that keeping endangered animals in zoos ensures their survival
  • that animals can be farmed sustainably
  • that animal breeding programs based on what’s currently fashionable should be banned
  • that there are no ‘bad’ animals, only animals that have become bad as a result of how they have been treated by humans
  • that animals that become pests have a right to be treated humanely
  • that the practice branding animals with a branding iron should be stopped
  • that any form of testing of any substance on any animal should be banned
  • that inter-breeding species to create a hybrid animal is against the laws of nature and should be banned
  • that the companion animals in hospitals, schools and other institutions give meaning to people’s lives
  • that the companion animal programme should be fully supported by state or government funds
  • that the best service animal is a dog
  • that animals have individual personalities and habits, just like people.
  • that wearing clothing made from the skin, bone or any other part of an animal, requiring their death before it can be made, is unethical
  • that owning a dog and taking it for regular walks makes it easier to talk to strangers
  • that all dogs should be on a leash in public places
  • that some breeds of dogs do not make safe family pets
  • that the use of drugs to artificially boost an animal’s growth for meat, or milk production should be banned
  • that a person can only hunt in the wild if they have a license
  • that adopting an animal from a pet shelter is the best way to get a pet
  • that volunteering in an animal shelter is an antidote to depression
  • that pet owners who dress and adorn their animals to display their personal wealth or to create an impression are abusing their animals
  • that we should make a switch from farming cows for milk to goats because they are more environmentally friendly
  • that recycling plastic packaging would protect marine environments
  • that the process of natural selection guarantees the strongest and best adapted species
  • that vivisection (experimentation on live animals) for scientific purposes of any sort should be outlawed

How to prepare a speech for a set time allowance

Here's a three minute speech example to illustrate.

If you speak at an average rate (between 130 to 150 words per minute, a 3 minute speech has approximately 360 – 450 words .

To be effective, you’ll want to allocate your time (and word count) three ways: approximately 70% for the middle or body of your speech and 15% each for the opening and conclusion. The largest portion goes to the body as this is where you lay out your reasoning and evidence to support your topic.

Speaking to time takes practice: lots of it. The only way to accurately know how long your speech will take to deliver is to go through it out loud as if you were actually giving it and time it. This is critical if you're speaking in a competition or if you're being formally assessed. Going over time can result in penalties.

For the approximate number of words-per-minute (wpm) for speeches ranging from 1 minute to 10 minutes long please see: how many words per minute in a speech .

For more about speech rate

More about choosing a good persuasive speech topic and preparing a great speech

For a more in-depth discussion about choosing a good persuasive topic, and crafting a persuasive speech please see:

  • persuasive speech ideas  and read all the notes under the heading “What make a speech topic good?"
  • writing a persuasive speech . You’ll find notes covering:
  • setting a speech goal,
  • audience analysis,
  • evidence and empathy (the need for proof or evidence to back what you’re saying as well as showing you understand, or empathize with, the positions of those for and against your proposal),
  • balance and obstacles (to address points against your proposal, the obstacles, in a fair and balanced way),
  • varying structural patterns (ways to organize you material) and more

And click the link for hundreds more persuasive speech topic suggestions  ☺

speaking out loud 

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

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

Top 10 popular pages

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

From fear to fun in 28 ways

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

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

Useful pages

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

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

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

PresentationSkills.me

100 Speech Topics For College Students

public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

College won’t be complete without having to deliver a speech in front of the class. From social issues to current events, there are many topics to choose from when it comes to speech topics for college students. With the right topic, you can create an engaging and memorable speech.

Here are some speech topics for college students that can help you get started with your next presentation:

  • The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care on College Campuses
  • How to Make the Most of Your College Experience
  • Finding Your Passions and Pursuing Your Dreams in College
  • The Benefits of Joining a Student Organization
  • Networking for Success: Making Connections in College
  • Overcoming the Fear of Failure in College
  • Balancing Academics, Social Life, and Extracurricular Activities
  • Time Management Strategies for College Students
  • Exploring Options for Off-Campus Living
  • Learning How to Budget and Manage Finances in College
  • Self-Care Tips for College Students
  • The Benefits of Studying Abroad
  • Developing Healthy Study Habits
  • Navigating the College Social Scene
  • Preparing for Life after College
  • Impact of Social Media on Communication and Relationships
  • Role of Technology in Education and Its Potential to Revolutionize the Way We Learn
  • Importance of Volunteering and Community Service for Personal and Professional Development
  • Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
  • Importance of Diversity and Inclusion on College Campuses
  • Challenges and Rewards of Studying Abroad
  • The Role of Activism in Creating Social Change
  • The Impact of Climate Change and What Individuals Can Do to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint
  • The Importance of Financial Literacy and Managing Money in College and Beyond
  • Climate Change and Its Consequences
  • The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the College Setting
  • The Challenges and Benefits of Studying Abroad
  • Importance of a College Education
  • The Benefits of Building a Professional Network
  • The Impact of Social Media on College Life
  • How to Balance Education and Social Life on Campus
  • Finding the Right Career Path for You
  • The Benefits of Internships and Apprenticeships
  • Exploring Your Personal Values and Beliefs
  • Mindfulness and Mental Health
  • The Pros and Cons of Student Loans
  • The Impact of Student Debt on Future Generations
  • Dealing With Stress and Anxiety in College
  • Exploring Different Study Strategies and Techniques
  • Exploring Different Career Paths After College
  • The Benefits of Time Management and Organization
  • Navigating the Job Market After Graduation
  • The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities
  • Preparing for Graduate School and Beyond
  • Exploring Different Campus Resources
  • The Impact of Globalization on Education
  • Should College Be Free? Pros and Cons
  • Different Types of Leadership Styles
  • The Benefits of Networking and Mentoring
  • The Challenges of Being a Student Leader
  • Being A Top Student: Tips and Strategies
  • How to Balance Your Social Life With Your Studies
  • The Value of Quality Family Time
  • The Benefits of Having a Supportive Family
  • The Impact of Working Parents on Their Children’s Education
  • Role of Family in Encouraging Academic Achievement
  • How to Cope with Family Pressure During College Years
  • Benefits of Having a Mentor in Your Family
  • Role of Technology in Family Communication
  • Impact of Financial Stress on Family Relationships
  • Changing Dynamics of Family Roles in Society
  • The Benefits of Having a Positive Relationship With Your Siblings
  • The Challenges of Being a First-Generation College Student
  • How to Minimize College Debt
  • The Impact of College Debt on Your Future
  • Managing College Debt: Strategies for Success
  • Student Loans: How to Make the Best Use of Them
  • Is College Debt Worth It?
  • Understanding the Options for Repaying College Debt
  • Overcoming Depression and Low Self-Esteem
  • The Role of Positive Thinking in Mental Health
  • The Benefits of Therapy for Students
  • How to Recognize the Signs of Mental Illness
  • The Role of a Support System for Mental Health
  • The Impact of Stress on Mental Health
  • How to Balance Academics with Social Life in College
  • The Pros and Cons of Living on Campus
  • How to Select a Major that is Right for You
  • Understanding College-Level Expectations and Study Habits
  • Living with Roommates: Tips for Peaceful Coexistence
  • The Transition from High School to College
  • How to Manage Time as a Busy College Student
  • Navigating the College Financial Aid System
  • How to Stay Safe on Campus
  • Getting Involved in Campus Organizations
  • The Advantages of Taking Online Courses
  • Having Fun and Staying Healthy in College
  • Making Friends and Developing Social Networks
  • Adjusting to Life After Graduating from College
  • Coping with Loneliness and Homesickness
  • Dealing with Student Burnout
  • Managing Time and Prioritizing Tasks
  • Building Resilience and Handling Rejection
  • Overcoming Procrastination
  • Creating a Support System
  • Having Difficult Conversations
  • Making Healthy Choices
  • Developing Self-Confidence
  • Learning to Balance Work and Play
  • Taking Responsibility for Your Education

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, college students have a wide variety of speech topics to choose from. Whether it’s a persuasive speech about a current event, an informative speech about a historical figure, or a humorous speech about an interesting topic, there is something for every student’s tastes. These speech topics give college students the opportunity to explore their interests, challenge their beliefs, and develop their communication skills.

Related Posts:

Motivational Speech Topics

Best Speech Topics Logo

  • Choosing Good Topics
  • Controversial
  • Demonstration
  • Extemporaneous
  • Informative
  • School/College
  • Special Occasion
  • Public Speaking Help
  • Writing a Speech
  • Free Sample Speeches
  • Share Your Speech
  • Top 99 College Speech Topics

Ninety-nine emotional, controversial, or relatable speech ideas for college students

public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

Here's my list of 99 college speech topics! They cover all sorts of subjects, and you should be able to find something suitable for whatever type of speech you've been asked to deliver.

To make things easy on yourself, pick a topic that interests you and something you'll be able to speak about with passion!

It will make your research more interesting, and your speech more engaging for your listeners!

Are you returning to college, or just starting your freshman year?

Then check out these tips for time management for college students .

These tips for post-secondary students give you a fighting chance of thriving during your college years because you're capable of so much more than you realize if you schedule things right!

Round 1 - First 50 College Speech Topics

1st Fifty (50) College Speech Topics

  • The death penalty
  • Hazing in fraternities and sororities
  • Succeeding in college
  • What it means to be a hero
  • The dangers of drugs
  • The dangers of smoking
  • The dangers of alcohol
  • How to find a job
  • The dangers of credit cards
  • Staying Christian in college
  • Planning a party
  • How to make money on eBay
  • Tips to save money in college
  • Reality television
  • Today's music
  • Athletes as role models
  • My favorite celebrity
  • My best childhood memory
  • My worst childhood memory
  • The person who most influenced my life
  • My definition of "Family"
  • All about me!
  • My best friend
  • How to change a flat tire
  • How to get a second date
  • How to meet new people
  • My new year's resolution
  • We are living in the end times
  • The life and death of Robin Williams
  • Civil disobedience
  • Sex education
  • Teenage pregnancy
  • Gun control
  • Legalizing marijuana
  • Passing your driving tests
  • Study strategies - WaPo ex. " College Students: They don't know how to study "
  • Caffeine - Check out a sample informative speech - "The Truth About Caffeine"

Round 2 - 49 More College Speech Topics

49 More College Speech Topics

  • The importance of exercise
  • A turning point in my life
  • Gangs or gang violence
  • What type of legacy will you leave behind?
  • A moment that changed my life
  • If I won the lottery…
  • Platonic relationships
  • How to plan a vacation
  • The 'fake news' phenomenon and its dangers
  • Is Ebola a worldwide threat?
  • Energy drinks - useful or dangerous?
  • Practice makes perfect
  • A fair trial
  • What is a tornado?
  • The importance of a good night's sleep
  • Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Cell phones
  • Ideas for spring break trips
  • How to entertain on a budget
  • How to lose weight and keep it off
  • How to stop smoking
  • The media and self-esteem
  • The Kardashians
  • Immigration
  • O.J. Simpson
  • Trump and Twitter
  • Stephen King
  • The history of the internet
  • The invention of the telephone
  • The importance of a college education
  • Don't drop out of school
  • Muhammad Ali
  • Satellite vs. cable television
  • America's Got Talent
  • Should the school year be extended?
  • Teacher pay raises
  • The failure of the public school system
  • What is your credit score?
  • How to buy a car
  • What to look for in a roommate
  • How to reduce your carbon footprint
  • Is there life after death?
  • Life on other planets
  • Scientology

Knockout Your College Speech with a Great Topic

So there you have it - 99 college speech topics on which to base your presentation, or to inspire you to come up with a subject of your own!

Good luck with creating your speech - and if you'd like to share your creation, I'd love to publish it to help inspire others!

Need More Help - Here are a few free speech samples on some more topics that may be appropriate for college students:

Truth About Caffeine

Hybrid Animals

Childhood Obesity

Global Warming

If you like to publish or share, submit your speech here as an example for others to read after completion.

Free email delivery

MASTER INFORMATIVE SPEAKING WITH OUR FREE CHECKLIST!

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

Share this page

Return to the Top of the Page

Recommended pages:

School Speech Topics (Main Page) Speech Topics for Kids Elementary School High School Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens Graduation

Quotes to Use

Positive Quotes for Kids More Quotes for Kids

Sample Speeches

Bullying (persuasive) Student Council Speech (1) Student Council Speech (2) More Sample Speeches

Public Speaking for Kids Time Management for College Students

  • Best Speech Topics
  • School Speech Topics

informative speaking checklist product

Easily search your speech type

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

Get to Know Us

  • Privacy Policy

Attention Grabbers

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

Most Popular Pages

  • Free Samples
  • Good Speech Topics
  • Hypnotize Your Audience
  • Welcome Speech

Select a Speech Topic

  • Argumentative
  • Commemorative
  • Inspirational
  • Interesting
  • Other Topics

Let Us Help You

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

454 Persuasive Speech Topics: Easy, Fun, & Controversial Ideas for Students

454 Persuasive Speech Topics: Easy, Fun, & Controversial Ideas for Students

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!

  • 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
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter X
  • Share to LinkedIn

You might also like

$1,500 annual students’ scholarship update, how to write a 250-word essay: length, outline, & example, how to write a 200-word essay: length, prompts, & example.

Persuasive Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics

Cathy A.

Good Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas for Debaters

18 min read

persuasive speech topics

People also read

Making Persuasive Speech Writing Easy: Steps and Tips

Top Motivational Speech Topics and Ideas

16 Best Persuasive Speech Examples for Students

Persuasive Speech Outline - Samples, Format, and Writing Tips

3 Basic Types of Persuasive Speeches

Are you stuck searching for persuasive speech ideas that will truly grab your audience's attention? You're not alone.

Picture this: You're tasked with delivering a speech, and you're worried about making it memorable. The problem? Finding the right topic.

Fear not! We've gathered a number of persuasive speech topics, neatly categorized for your convenience. Whether it's for a competition or a project, we've got the right topics for you.

So let’s dive into the topics!

Arrow Down

  • 1. What is a Persuasive Speech?
  • 2. Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
  • 3. Science and Technology Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 4. Environment Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 5. Health and Medicine Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 6. Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 7. Bioethics Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 8. Economy and Work Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 9. Persuasive Speech Topics About Media
  • 10. Persuasive Speech Topics About Government and International Relations
  • 11. Policy Speech Topics for Students
  • 12. Law and Politics Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 13. Persuasive Speech Topics on Business
  • 14. Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 15. Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 16. Religion Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 17. Sports Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 18. Persuasive Speech Topics About Automotive
  • 19. Persuasive Speech Topics About Travel 
  • 20. Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion
  • 21. Easy Persuasive Speech Topics About Education
  • 22. Persuasive Speech Topics About Workplace
  • 23. Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 24. Funny Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 25. Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals
  • 26. Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 27. What Makes A Good Persuasive Speech Topic?
  • 28. How To Create And Deliver A Compelling Persuasive Speech

What is a Persuasive Speech?

A persuasive speech aims to influence or convince an audience to adopt a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. It's all about using words to sway opinions, inspire change, and ignite a spark of conviction in the minds of listeners.

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

When crafting a persuasive speech, it's crucial to consider the three fundamental elements that make a topic truly compelling that are;   ethos pathos, and logos :

  • Ethos: Establish your credibility and trustworthiness as a speaker. Your audience needs to believe that you are knowledgeable, sincere, and reliable in your stance.
  • Pathos: Appeal to the emotions and empathy of your listeners. A persuasive topic should evoke feelings and resonate with the audience on a personal level.
  • Logos: Build a logical and rational argument. Provide sound reasoning, evidence, and facts to support your position, ensuring that your audience can follow your line of thought.

Incorporating these elements into your speech topic will help you connect with your audience and effectively convey your message with conviction and impact.

Watch this video to learn how to organize a persuasive speech!

Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

Wondering what some good topics for a persuasive speech are? 

It can be hard to choose a perfect topic for your speech. But don’t worry, we have done the hard work for you. Just keep reading this blog, and you will get to know what are the good topics for persuasive speech.

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics for University Students

  • Graffiti is the art of the future.
  • A helmet is necessary for bike riders.
  • People should not use their phones while driving.
  • Easy steps for staying happy and healthy.
  • Money can’t buy happiness.
  • Wild animals should be tamed.
  • Why we should have a balanced diet.
  • Benefits of exercise. 
  • Why should Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving?
  • We should learn from the wisdom of our elders.

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

  • College education should be free for students belonging to low-income families.
  • Psychological issues can never justify mass shootings.
  • Following one’s comfort level is more important than the following fashion.
  • Bragging about expensive possessions depicts immorality.
  • The tax rate should be double for rich people.
  • College students should be regularly provided with mental health counseling.
  • Classrooms should have background music to help the students focus on learning in a better manner.
  • Should athletes be paid less? 
  • Cell phones should not be allowed in classrooms.
  • People should not be allowed to change their names after high school.

Best Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

  • Exchange programs make the students more appreciative of the world and different communities.
  • Working part-time on weekends should be compulsory for teenagers.
  • Introverts are the best motivational speakers.
  • Modern youth have developed addictive personalities.
  • Religious discussions should not be allowed in schools.
  • Students should learn at least three foreign languages.
  • Writing research papers is a better way of learning than tests.
  • Money cannot ensure happiness.
  • Positive thinking makes life easier and happier.
  • Violent video games should be banned in the United States.

Science and Technology Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The ethics of artificial intelligence.
  • The impact of 5G technology.
  • Space exploration and its value.
  • Climate change mitigation technologies.
  • Privacy in the digital age.
  • The future of renewable energy.
  • Genetic engineering and ethical dilemmas.
  • Cybersecurity in the modern world.
  • The impact of social media on society.
  • The role of technology in education.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The importance of recycling.
  • Protecting endangered species.
  • Reducing plastic waste.
  • The impact of deforestation.
  • Promoting sustainable agriculture.
  • The need for clean energy.
  • Combating air pollution.
  • Conserving water resources.
  • The urgency of addressing climate change.
  • Preserving natural habitats.

Health and Medicine Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The importance of vaccination.
  • Mental health awareness.
  • The benefits of organic food.
  • Healthcare for all.
  • The opioid crisis.
  • The impact of fast food on health.
  • The need for more organ donors.
  • Alternative medicine options.
  • Obesity and its effects.
  • Access to affordable healthcare.

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Organic foods are good for health.
  • Junk food should be avoided to protect ourselves.
  • A morning walk is essential for good health.
  • A healthy diet has some great effects on the mind’s health.
  • College cafes should offer only healthy foods.
  • Alcohol and tobacco products have bad effects on health.
  • People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to die early.
  • Animal testing in medical research should be legalized.
  • The amazing effects of eating a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits regularly.
  • Why is dieting not a good option to lose weight?

Bioethics Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Bioethics in medical research: Standardized testing of ethical standards.
  • Cloning and ethical concerns: Different points of view.
  • Organ transplantation ethics: Examining various perspectives.
  • End-of-life decisions and ethical dilemmas.
  • Genetic testing dilemmas.
  • Animal testing and ethics.
  • Reproductive technologies: Ethical considerations.
  • Privacy in healthcare and ethical principles.
  • Human enhancement ethics.
  • Ethical standards in environmental issues.

Economy and Work Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Universal basic income for economic stability.
  • The impact of automation on jobs.
  • Raising the minimum wage.
  • The gig economy and worker rights.
  • Reducing income inequality.
  • The future of remote work.
  • The benefits of financial literacy education.
  • Global outsourcing and job loss.
  • The importance of supporting small businesses.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Media

  • Advertisements should not be aimed at children.
  • How the media is encouraging cyberbullying.
  • The media is responsible for the moral degradation of teenagers.
  • Certain TV shows should have an age restriction.
  • How the media is helping to prevent corruption.
  • Media could become an educational resource.
  • The media is to be blamed for eating disorders.
  • The media should not promote certain beauty standards.
  • How advertising helps in promoting the product.
  • Freedom of the press has gone too far.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Government and International Relations

  • The impact of social media on modern diplomacy
  • Should countries abandon national borders and embrace global citizenship?
  • The role of international organizations in promoting world peace
  • Government surveillance vs. personal privacy: finding the balance
  • The pros and cons of foreign aid: are we really helping?
  • Challenges of cybersecurity in an interconnected world
  • The power of economic sanctions in international diplomacy
  • Climate change: a global responsibility for every nation
  • The role of the United Nations in resolving global conflicts
  • Is globalization benefiting or harming developing nations?

Searching for farewell speech writing tips? Visit the link!

Policy Speech Topics for Students

  • Ban car racing in mass pollution areas.
  • Domestic Violence Drug Policy.
  • Equal Employment Opportunities.
  • Sexist images of women should be banned.
  • Smokers should be treated like drug addicts.
  • What should be the minimum age for the voter?
  • Why should meals in school be free?
  • Why invading North Korea is a no-go plan.
  • Stop clothing and textile sweatshops.
  • Punish severely pupils taking drugs.

Law and Politics Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Charity is used as the source of converting black money into white money.
  • Detaining people on the suspicion of terrorism is justified.
  • Military service should not be compulsory.
  • Physician-assisted suicide should be a punishable crime.
  • Violent crime offenders should be sentenced to death.
  • Illegal immigrants should be instantly deported.
  • Foreigners should not be allowed to buy the property.
  • Surveillance should not compromise the privacy of the citizens.
  • Rapists and pedophiles should be hanged to death immediately.
  • Burning sketches and flags during protests should be punished.

Persuasive Speech Topics on Business

  • Why should businesses analyze their target groups?
  • How do social media advertising techniques work?
  • How to start a business with a little investment?
  • Why should you not do business with a family member?
  • Why do introverts make good leaders?
  • Why does the HR department need to be polite and understanding?
  • Why do sales and customer service departments need to be paid more?
  • What does it take to be a successful businessman?
  • What are small businesses successful and profitable?
  • How to do business analysis before starting a business?

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should schools still teach cursive handwriting?
  • Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
  • What is the best type of renewable energy?
  • The danger of texting and driving.
  • Why should you buy a Japanese car?
  • Why should alcohol be illegal?
  • More recycling should be encouraged.
  • The trade deficit with China is dangerous.
  • Should only native plants be grown in gardens?

Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Modern art lacks authenticity.
  • Can action movies cause stress?
  • Importance of art and culture
  • The effectiveness of art and music therapy
  • Should graffiti be considered art?
  • Should art and music therapy be required for students?
  • Should all students be required to learn an instrument in school?
  • Is music therapy effective?
  • Should art be necessary for students?
  • Importance of performing arts 

Religion Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The role of religion in modern society.
  • Religious freedom and its limits.
  • The impact of religion on mental health.
  • The relationship between science and religion.
  • Religious tolerance and coexistence.
  • The influence of religion on politics.
  • The rise of non-religious beliefs.
  • Religious rituals and their significance.
  • The effects of organized religion on individuals.
  • Exploring the concept of the afterlife.

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

  • College players should be treated as professional players.
  • Professional sports should be financed privately.
  • Drug tests should be compulsory in all professional sports.
  • The support crew should be considered sportspeople.
  • Media and society are less interested in women's sports.
  • Cheerleaders cannot compare with professional players.
  • Safety precautions for athletes should be upgraded.
  • Team names should not reflect ethnic and cultural affiliations.
  • Sports means depicting your limit and not winning or defeating.
  • Professional female players should get more opportunities for financial support than male players.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Automotive

  • The minimum driving age should be 18.
  • Everyone should take driving courses.
  • What are the best car seats for pets?
  • Drivers should avoid the usage of cell phones while driving.
  • You should drive in your lane.
  • Watch out for animals on the road while driving.
  • How to travel with your pet?
  • Are sports cars really dangerous?
  • Bike and bicycle riders should wear helmets.
  • Why are Japanese cars in trend nowadays?

Persuasive Speech Topics About Travel 

  • The perks of being an air hostess.
  • Tourism is ruining historical places.
  • Traveling should be cheaper.
  • Pets should be allowed to travel with their owner.
  • You should visit a new place every six months.
  • Switzerland is the most beautiful place on the face of this earth.
  • Why you should not visit the Bermuda Triangle.
  • Tourism plays an important role in presenting a better image of a country.
  • How to travel to Mars?
  • Airline tickets should be cheaper.

Ready to enhance your speech writing skills ? Visit the link to get started!

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion

  • Should white people listen to rap?
  • Jazz is an extinct music genre.
  • Good song lyrics can inspire people.
  • How do fashion trends differ in society?
  • Jewelry defines your worth
  • Marketing high fashion.
  • Men shouldn’t wear pink
  • Music has its own language
  • Fashion and music are different from each other
  • Fashion and music of 1987

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

  • School or college bullies should be rusticated immediately.
  • Coeducation makes students more competitive.
  • Homosexuals should have separate educational institutes.
  • Online teaching is not as constructive as regular teaching.
  • Kids should be taught ethics and moral values in school.
  • Schoolkids should be taught about the prevention of rape.
  • Sex education must be compulsory in high school.
  • How can we make social media more educational?
  • Teachers should take a basic skill test every year to renew their certifications.
  • Poor students should get a free college education.

Are you ready to take your public speaking abilities up a notch? If so, click the link and unlock amazing public speaking tips that will help you improve!

Persuasive Speech Topics About Workplace

  • Interns should always be paid for their work.
  • Part-time workers should have the legal right to claim annual paid leave.
  • How to deal with bullying in the workplace?
  • A friendly environment is important for the growth of a company.
  • Everyone should do a retail job once in their life.
  • Hardworking employees should be rewarded with performance awards.
  • All employees should get basic first aid training.
  • Everyone should learn basic survival skills.
  • The theory has no importance if it can’t be implemented.
  • Personal hygiene is essential for good health.

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Energy drinks are far away from providing energy.
  • Watching television is more beneficial than reading books.
  • Health benefits and transport facilities should be free for senior citizens.
  • Confidence is the key to success.
  • Urban life is more tiring and energy-consuming than rural life.
  • Neutral behavior is the best coping mechanism.
  • The first impression is never the last impression.
  • Little conflicts strengthen and make relationships healthier.
  • Credit cards should not be issued to people under 30.
  • All US citizens should do community service.

Great Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

  • Nuclear disarmament is necessary to restore world peace.
  • The salaries of single parents should be higher than for other employees.
  • Cyberbullying is the major cause of suicide among youngsters.
  • Stalkers and paparazzi should be sentenced to life in prison.
  • Genetically modified food products are less nutritious than natural products.
  • Why can’t we quit fossil fuels?
  • Birth control pills worsen the health of women.
  • Everyone should donate blood at least once a year.
  • The media should not promote beauty standards.
  • Foster parents’ homes should be regularly inspected.

Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

  • The zoo or aquarium should not be closed on public holidays.
  • Uniforms should not be mandatory for public schools.
  • Schools should have a free period for video games.
  • My pet is very obedient.
  • Why shouldn't kids play R-rated games?
  • Why can't kids be Santa?
  • Why do I love my dad more than I love my mom?
  • Where babies come from.
  • The worst fruit on the earth.
  • How do rainbows work?

Persuasive Speech Topics Related to Food and Beverages

  • Kids should not eat fast food.
  • People are required to learn cooking skills.
  • There should be a period for cooking in school and college.
  • Benefits of growing our own vegetables.
  • Benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Why we need to stay away from processed foods.
  • Frozen foods are not good for health.
  • Energy drinks do not provide any energy.
  • Artificial sugary drinks should be replaced with fruit juices.
  • An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Funny pick-up lines help in the development of a serious relationship.
  • Endless memes can be made on my mother.
  • Life is troublesome due to your horoscope.
  • Girls are more interested in diamonds than makeup.
  • Guys are more interested in sports than their girlfriends.
  • You are not enjoying student life if you do not procrastinate.
  • It is your major duty to annoy your parents.
  • Life is useless without indulging in troubles without your friends.
  • Guys are more interested in gossip than girls.
  • Never add your parents on Facebook.

Want to leave your audience entertained? Click the link and enjoy a list of entertaining speech topics !

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

  • Taming wild and exotic animals is unethical.
  • Emotional support animals provide several health benefits.
  • Animals should have protection laws.
  • Why do bunnies make the perfect pet even for a small apartment?
  • Why do animals make the best companions?
  • The benefits of pets.
  • Why should emotionally disabled people have emotional support animals?
  • How do service animals differ from emotional support animals?
  • Why are dogs more loyal than humans?
  • How do birds and fishes provide support to emotionally disturbed people?

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Animal testing of drugs is necessary for ensuring the safety of humanity.
  • Cosmetic surgery, being an unhealthy obsession, should be banned.
  • Human behavior is the product of society and not of nature.
  • The death penalty is the only solution for controlling the crime rate in society.
  • The legal age for drinking, driving, and voting should be set at eighteen years.
  • Corruption and bribery run in today’s economy.
  • Do you think immigration laws need to be revised?
  • Job Discrimination based on Hair Color/Style.
  • Our constitution should protect hate speech.
  • Regulations on applying safety devices.

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Family traditions are important.
  • We are over-scheduling our kids
  • How to run a family business?
  • What is the most beneficial parenting style, and why?
  • Why do I love my family?
  • Should schools do more to teach family values?
  • Families should start every morning with yoga.
  • Laws for child abuse
  • Parents should teach their children to stay polite
  • It’s okay to say no to children.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

What Makes A Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

To craft an effective persuasive speech, consider the following key factors:

  • Relevance: Choose a topic that is current and matters to your audience. It should be relatable to their lives and interests.
  • Controversy: Controversial subjects often make for compelling speeches. They engage the audience and spark discussions.
  • Credible Sources: Ensure that you have access to reliable information and sources to support your arguments.
  • Audience Understanding: Consider the beliefs and values of your audience. Tailor your topic to resonate with them.
  • Clarity of Position: Your stance should be clear and concise. Ambiguity can weaken your persuasive impact.

How To Create And Deliver A Compelling Persuasive Speech

The following principles will help you choose persuasive topics effectively and deliver speeches that leave a lasting impact on your audience.

  • Research Thoroughly: Gather robust evidence and data to support your claims. The more you know, the more convincing you'll be.
  • Structure Your Speech: Organize your speech with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This structure helps your audience follow your arguments.
  • Craft Engaging Openings: Begin with a captivating hook, a story, or a startling fact to grab your audience's attention.
  • Use Persuasive Techniques: Employ ethos, pathos, and logos to appeal to reason, emotions, and credibility.
  • Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and refute them logically.
  • Practice and Feedback: Rehearse your speech multiple times and seek feedback to improve your delivery.
  • Confidence: Believe in your message, and your audience will be more likely to as well.
  • Engage the Audience: Encourage participation, ask questions, and use rhetorical devices to keep your audience involved.
  • End with a Call to Action: Conclude with a clear call to action, telling your audience what you want them to do or believe.

Let’s sum it up!

Hopefully, you have decided on a topic for your speech by now. But if not, don't let the stress of choosing a topic and writing a speech hold you back!

MyPerfectWords.com is a trusted essay writing service for students  that can help you craft a professional, persuasive speech. With expert assistance just a click away, you'll have your speech written in no time. 

And with our exclusive offer of 50% off your first purchase, there's no better time to get started! 

Buy speech today and deliver an unforgettable piece of work. 

AI Essay Bot

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Cathy A.

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

Get Help

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

persuasive speech

  • College Application

Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas

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

Persuasive Speech Topics

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.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Listen to the blog!

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.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar:

How to make your college applications stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll get into your dream college or university or you don't pay.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

Speech And Debate

Persuasive Speech Topics

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Persuasive Speech Topics - 150+ Topics for Students

By: Cordon J.

11 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Sep 22, 2020

Persuasive Speech Topics

Finding perfect persuasive speech topics for  writing a speech  can be challenging. Since the students have to keep in mind their interest level and the interest of the audience.

However, it’s not impossible.

Unique and compelling topic ideas can play an important role in engaging and persuading the audience.

Persuasive Speech Topics

On this Page

What is a Persuasive Speech?

A persuasive speech aims to educate the audience about a particular topic. The main purpose of a persuasive speech is to convince your audience of your points of view.

When writing a persuasive essay, the most important thing to remember is the selection of the topic. You can write about an idea that will engage your audience and would be interesting for them.

The persuasive speech topics should be bold and should serve the purpose of your speech. This will also help them understand your purpose for writing the piece in the first place.

Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

  • Should we give away the pet that harmed someone else?
  • Should we use horses for transportation in the city?
  • Reasons for not keeping forest animals as pets.
  • Should drivers apply for a driver’s license know how to drive a manual automobile?
  • Advertisements should be changed; they play with our minds.
  • Should animal selfies in tourist locations be allowed?
  • Should animal slaughter for religious purposes be allowed?
  • Self-driving cars: legal or not?
  • Should plastic bags at grocery stores still be used?
  • Should NASA’s budget be increased?

Topic Generator

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Persuasive Speech Topics for University Students

  • How to procrastinate to avoid work?
  • Why do men consider women to be not funny?
  • College parking should be added to the tuition fee.
  • Do vegetarians really love animals?
  • How can you get someone to stop being annoying?
  • Medical experiments shouldn’t be done on animals.
  • It isn’t ethical to date your coworker.
  • Women getting paid less is justified
  • Child pornography laws should be improved and made much stricter.
  • The Kardashians are more influential than the president.

Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

  • Ipads and tablets should replace textbooks and other college books.
  • Students should always take detailed notes during a lecture.
  • College students should attend all lectures and not skip classes.
  • Students must be careful about what they post on social media.
  • Elderly people are at more risk for identity theft.
  • Students should consider opting for their passion as their major.
  • Taking a gap year is an intelligent choice.
  • Students should take summer classes to get ahead of schedule.
  • Students should enhance their vocabulary and not rely on auto-correct.
  • Can the internet crash worldwide?

Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

  • Community service should be compulsory for everyone.
  • Is it okay to get your pet neutered?
  • Should school field trips be within the same city or country?
  • Exams shouldn’t be introduced until College.
  • Palm oil: good or bad?
  • Is education in prison any good?
  • Disposable diapers are dangerous for the environment, thus must be banned.
  • Young adults and children should be kept away from chat rooms on the internet.
  • Should all kids be taught how to cook?
  • Should C++ be eliminated from the face of the earth?

Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

  • Boxing should be legal.
  • Playing instruments in school should be a part of teaching.
  • Kids required to learn basic essay writing skills
  • Fangirls don’t know anything about sports.
  • Athletes should be careful with how they spend their money.
  • Public schools should not restrict kids from wearing a uniform.
  • How to convince your mom to bake pizza for you
  • Comparing Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi is foolish.
  • How to convince your dad to buy you Xbox
  • We should have a six months summer break twice a year.

Good Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Does consuming coffee cause any harm?
  • Plastic surgery is becoming a habit instead of a medical procedure.
  • Social networks cause more damage than good.
  • The free media should be controlled.
  • Lack of financial education is a real problem in society.
  • Therapy depends on the patients’ dedication.
  • The death penalty should be banned.
  • Surrogacy should be promoted more.
  • How has Artificial Intelligence improved our daily lives?
  • Men are unable to understand women.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health

  • Genetically modified foods have a bad effect on people’s mental health.
  • People experiencing mental health problems should not be considered mad.
  • Mental health problems are nothing to be ashamed of.
  • Ten effective ways to prevent mental health
  • Working out at home isn’t effective.
  • People shouldn’t be mean towards the opponent team.
  • What are the five most common mental health problems?
  • You should not be rude towards others.
  • A bipolar patient should be treated with care.
  • People with autism can lead healthy and normal life.

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Same-sex schools are better than co-ed school systems.
  • Parents should go through their kid’s belongings daily to look for drugs.
  • Teenage kids shouldn’t be given birth control pills without their parents' permission.
  • Students involved in cyberbullying should be expelled from school.
  • Kids under the age of 17 should have a 9 PM curfew.
  • It should be mandatory that kids should learn a second language.
  • Children of single parents are not confident.
  • One child policy should be implemented to control the population.
  • Breastfeeding in public places should be allowed.
  • There should be free WiFi in public places.

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Are internet relationships beneficial for college students?
  • Women and men have different perspectives on love and relationships.
  • Is it possible to maintain a long-distance relationship?
  • Should you live with your fiancé before marriage?
  • Teens should have more freedom of using cell phones.
  • Jealousy can destroy all relationships, no matter how strong.
  • Why is it challenging to break up with dishonest partners these days?
  • Counseling is a great solution for handling damaged relationships.
  • Men cheat more in comparison to women.
  • The secret to having a fruitful relationship is intimacy.

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Are gaming consoles and violent video games hurting the youth?
  • Men are competing against women.
  • Athletes should be made to take a drug test frequently.
  • Gender shouldn’t matter in sports.
  • Should Male and female athletes be paid equally?
  • Should marching band be considered a sport?
  • Parental pressure and its effect on athletic kids.
  • Should swimming be taught to every student in school?
  • Should boxing be made illegal?
  • Cheerleading should not be considered a sport.

Persuasive Speech Topics on Health and Fitness

  • Preventing and treating violence against children.
  • Solutions and reasons for mental illness in society.
  • How do various genres of music affect the brain?
  • Depression impacts the immune system of a person.
  • How does insomnia impact overall health?
  • Is there an alternative to animal testing?
  • The significance of placebos in medicine.
  • The pros and cons of medical marijuana.
  • Is it safe for children to become vegetarians?
  • Fast food is the major reason for obesity among children.

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Playing it by the rules is boring and for losers.
  • Acting on your rage shouldn’t be a thing.
  • Having a cupcake in both hands is a perfect example of a balanced diet.
  • Growing up is an option.
  • Being honest with your parents can get you in trouble.
  • Girls are as smart as boys.
  • Life is a test with no preparation and retakes.
  • There is no such thing as love at first sight.
  • Pick-up lines can come in handy at times.
  • Christmas is a pagan holiday, not a Christian one.

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Can money buy happiness?
  • Have we lost the art of listening?
  • Does kindness make the world a better place?
  • Should people keep their complaints to themselves?
  • What is more important: talent or hard work?
  • When should you compromise?
  • Can society be moral without religion?
  • Violent video games create aggressive teenagers.
  • Can the government be trusted?
  • Should world leaders place morality above all else?

Persuasive Speech Topics about Environment

  • Solutions for reducing the impact of global warming.
  • Is it possible to handle the population explosion?
  • How do humans destroy forests?
  • The potential dangers of GMO food.
  • Is it safe to utilize nuclear power?
  • Can flood impact be predicted?
  • Previously undiscussed impacts of earthquakes.
  • How can minimizing paper waste help to preserve trees?
  • Fossil fuels are ruining the atmosphere.
  • Exotic animals should be allowed to live in their natural habitat.

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics

  • What is happening in the field of space exploration?
  • Why is Pluto not a planet?
  • The United States should make further technological advancements.
  • Should Apple Music always be free?
  • Too much screen time will make children lazy.
  • Why are people so addicted to the internet?
  • How is deforestation impacting the planet?
  • High school students should be taught a foreign language.
  • How can we expand renewable energy on a global scale?
  • Assisted suicide should be allowed for terminally ill patients.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Informative Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should you go after your passion for business with little experience?
  • Is the history of the Bible correct?
  • Why is driving a sports car not practical for everyday use?
  • Transgender people should be allowed to join the military.
  • Is preschool necessary?
  • Is it ethical to pay a surrogate?
  • Why is alien abduction real?
  • Anime should be taught at school.
  • The main cause of obesity in America is the fast-food industry.
  • Pink should be a gender-neutral color.

Simple Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Libraries should be closed down, and everyone should get unlimited access to e-books.
  • Can you really trust a therapist?
  • Love plays the greatest role in our lives.
  • How important is the brand name for their success?
  • Polygamy should be banned everywhere.
  • Schools should not have physical punishments.
  • Assigning a police officer at every club can decrease drinking while driving.
  • Netflix is the reason for eyesight problems in young adults today.
  • Can looks impact your success in life?
  • Minors shouldn’t be allowed to work in the fashion industry.

General Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Facts that prove there’s life on other planets.
  • Is it possible for humans to survive on Mars?
  • China’s government shouldn’t put restrictions on the number of kids a couple can have.
  • Distance learning should replace traditional schools.
  • Can clones replace actual humans?
  • Is acupuncture a valid medical technique?
  • Self-driving cars should be legal.
  • Factory farming should be banned.
  • How do puppy mills affect us?
  • Entry to museums should be free.

What are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

It is important to know the criteria for good persuasive speech topics if you want to write on an interesting and engaging topic.

The first step is to look for something that you find compelling.

You have to research your topic to write an impressive and persuasive speech. It will be easier if your selected speech idea matches your interest level.

Secondly, the audience is also equally important.

Who is this speech for? Is it for your peers and your instructor?

Once you identify your audience, you will be better equipped to write your speech. Think about how you can make your speech relatable yet unique.

Choosing a topic that is too simple might be a mistake. The reason is that it may cause your audience to lose interest in what you are saying. If you choose a common topic for your speech, then use a different angle for this. You can explain it from a different perspective to your audience.

Since it is not something new, some unique information will be interesting. Research is crucial to know what catchy and fun persuasive speech topics you want to write about. The research will also allow you to write well and appear well informed about your subject.

Being familiar with your subject matter will allow you to write it in a better way. This aspect is really important to convince your audience.

Now that you have explored the list of our best public speaking persuasive speech topics, you can choose one for your speech. Select a topic that will help you to write an engaging, outstanding, and impressive speech.

Once you have decided on a topic to talk about, polish your skills by learning some important factors of persuasive speech. Start writing your speech and make an impressive public appearance.

If you feel that you do not have enough skills for writing your persuasive speech, you can hire professional help. You can provide your topic of interest to the essay writers. They will conduct research and write a persuasive speech for you.

The essay writers at  5StarEssays.com  will provide you with the best persuasive speech that will help you impress your audience. Our  write my essay  website is the one that you need for writing an impressive speech.

Or if you are in a but of a hurry, we have AI powered essay writer for your help that can help you generate a speech within 90 seconds!

Cordon J.

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

  • How to Write a Speech - Outline With Example

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Informative Speech Topics - Interesting Ideas By Experts

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Commemorative Speech: Guide to Craft an Engaging Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • 50+ Demonstration Speech Ideas for Your Next Great Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Impromptu Speech Topics - 150+ Interesting Ideas

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Debate Topics (2024) - Top 200+ Compelling Topics

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • 100+ Motivational Speech Topics for an Inspirational Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Extemporaneous Speech - How to Write One Successfully?

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Graduation Speech - Write Your Best Graduation Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics

People Also Read

  • argumentative essay writing
  • elements of press release
  • rhetorical precis writing
  • how to write a literature review

Burdened With Assignments?

Bottom Slider

Advertisement

  • Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

Facebook Social Icon

virtualspeech-logo

Improve your practice.

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

75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

October 4, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

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

What is persuasive speech?

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

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

How to choose a topic for your speech

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

Familiarity

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

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

The audience’s interest

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

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

Not overdone

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

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

Emotional topics

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

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

Desired outcome

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

Jamie Oliver persuasive speech

Persuasive speech topics

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

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

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

Arts/Culture

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

Business and economy

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

Law and politics

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

Science and the environment

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

World peace

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

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

After choosing your topic

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

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

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

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

151 Best Public Speaking Topics In 2021

Thu Oct 21, 2021

Do you love giving a speech in front of a large group of people or simply feel nervous about it? Sometimes, the lack of preparation and planning a good speech may cause the latter. With today's fast-paced environment, you will have to step up on stage to deliver a speech at some time in your life. Writing a compelling and insightful speech necessitates the selection of a suitable topic, extensive research. It will need the creation of individual ideas to communicate everything fact and opinion. It might be difficult to select a suitable speech topic for your speech . But don't worry, the work has been done for you! This blog provides a list of popular English speaking themes as well as some useful tips and methods. Be ready to effectively communicate your views and suggestions in front of the public. Table Of Contents:

List Of Best Speech Topics For Public Speaking

1-minute speech topics.

  • 2-Minute Speech Topics

Unique Speech Topics

Interesting speech topics, easy speech topics, speech topics on environment.

  • Speech Topics On Social Issues

Speech Topics On Greatest Leaders

Speech topics on education, speech topics on health, frequently asked questions.

Speeches are entirely about the speaker's own ideas. It should not be duplicated from another source. It ultimately boils down to what the speaker believes about any particular issue. Examine the following collection of English Speaking Ideas on various current topics and themes.

public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

A 2-minute speech is an excellent method to start into public speaking and is often utilised in the classroom. It's brief. It's quick.

To make things easier for yourself, choose a topic that fascinates you and about which you can speak passionately.

  • Public Smoking
  • Bar Hours of Operation
  • Confirmed Alien Sightings
  • The Rape Culture
  • Indian Reservation Casinos
  • Marijuana Legalization
  • Making Prostitution Legal
  • The Dangers of Cosmetic Surgery
  • Adoption Across Cultures
  • What Causes Men to Have Affairs?
  • What Is the Importance of Reading?
  • Homelessness in the United States
  • Reducing the Legal Drinking Age
  • General Education Courses (20)
  • Is Online Dating Dangerous or Safe?
  • How to Speak English in America
  • Getting Your Pets Spayed/Neutered
  • Are Video Games Beneficial to Your Health?

Choosing new and exciting unique speech themes for your public speaking skills is vital. It can also help with any other special event that necessitates developing your own exceptional experiences. Read through these ideas and choose just the ones that are unique to you.

  • Seniors are no longer able to adopt children.
  • TV commercials are not works of art.
  • Allow students to use social media at school.
  • Cash will be phased out.
  • Music has the ability to heal.
  • Historic structures must be protected.
  • There should be a one-car-per-family regulation.
  • Marriage should be permitted only after the age of 25.
  • Parents who home educate their children should first have to pass examinations.
  • The Bermuda Triangle is not a work of fiction.
  • Medication has no effect on hyperactive youngsters.
  • It is possible to survive without internet access.
  • Leadership cannot be learned.
  • Married couples should engage in extramarital relationships.
  • Modern art just requires ambition.

Almost always, you will be required to present one or more compelling speeches throughout your career.

Unless the topic is appropriate, no matter how good your material or delivery is, you will fail to make an impression. As a result, when making this decision, one must use extreme caution and wisdom. Here are some interesting topics to choose from, especially if it’s your first on stage.

  • Reality television is a source of exploitation.
  • Reality programmes are far from authentic.
  • Computer-based learning is the most efficient.
  • Gamification and virtual reality are the educational technologies of the future.
  • Juvenile criminality is tolerated.
  • Prostitution need to be legalised.
  • To conserve endangered species, severe fines should be imposed.
  • Pollution of the environment is a worldwide issue.
  • The developed world is to blame for global warming.
  • Is Pink appropriate for men
  • Eco-fashion is the way of the future.
  • Fashion shows one's actual self.
  • Travel introduces fresh experiences.
  • Travel broadens your horizons.
  • Rhetorical learning is less essential than personal experience.

If you don't have much time to prepare or research , it's necessary to adhere to what you know. This will greatly reduce your burden because you already know the majority of what there is to know.

Here are some simple and easy speech topics on popular topics.

  • There are less professional ads in schools.
  • Why are single-gender public schools preferable than co-ed?
  • From cradle to finish, schools should educate students on healthy nutrition.
  • Students who engage in cyberbullying should be expelled from school.
  • Before getting married, you should live together.
  • Higher education is a basic requirement for success in today's world.
  • French fries and drinks should not be served in schools.
  • Students who study online are more likely to cheat.
  • Classic literature should be reserved for college students alone.
  • Every kid at every school should be required to wear a uniform.
  • After completing a basic education, students should be put in trade schools.
  • Exam results provide little insight into a student's skills.
  • History textbooks do not always tell the entire storey.
  • It is critical for students to learn about all global faiths in school.
  • Homeschooling outperforms formal education.

For public speaking , consider environmental speech themes and essay writing on many elements of our ecology. https://www.letstute.com/s/store/courses/Spoken%20English

Do you want to write about sustainability in the environment? These suggestions will serve to enliven your imagination.

  • The dangers of oil spills in the water.
  • Recycling should be made compulsory.
  • Why is it necessary to save oil?
  • Why should we use reusable bags?
  • Why should palm oil be banned?
  • Mining should be prohibited in environmentally vulnerable regions.
  • Disposable diapers pollute the environment.
  • In deciding how a person will turn out, the environment is more significant than heredity.
  • The dangers of drilling for oil in Alaska.
  • Fishing restrictions are required to protect the ecosystem.
  • Endangered species must be protected.
  • We need to put more money into alternate fuels.
  • Endangered oceans ought to be protected.
  • We should work for a paperless society.
  • Conserve the world's resources.
  • Rain forests must be safeguarded.

You may also like:

  • The massive list of 51 English speaking tips
  • How talk in English
  • 13 Actionable tips to learn English Speaking

Spoken English for Learners Online Course

Speech Topics on Social Issues

When working on a speech that asks you to write about a societal topic, you must be neutral in your research and writing. The topic you choose should be related to and relevant to the societal issue addressed in your speech. Here are a few issues that will have a bigger influence in terms of social affairs.

  • The notion that all individuals are equal
  • The statistics on homelessness in the United States are accurate. Fashion is the biggest cause of kid misbehaviour.
  • Corporate corruption is a major factor of poor economies in many countries.
  • Never take your right to privacy for granted.
  • People are not killed by firearms. People kill one other, and the meaning of beauty pageants is muddled.
  • The prevalence of spoiled children has increased as a result of media violence.
  • The world's biggest population has lost its cultural identity.
  • There is an urgent need to put an end to the maiming and abuse of schoolgirls.
  • China's one-child policy is justifiable.
  • In current culture, correct tipping etiquette and procedures
  • Unemployment, a growing crisis
  • The Importance of the Right to an Education
  • Child trafficking as an unspoken issue

The capacity to lead is extremely powerful since it allows you to influence the future and control the behaviour of others.

Choose a theme for your speech that focuses on the notion of leadership. By delving into this subject and expanding on it in your speech, you may not only increase your personal understanding of what makes a successful leader. However, also communicate your insights with your listening crowd. Pick on the topics below to exemplify leadership.

  • Jacinda Adern
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • Nelson Mandela
  • Winston Churchill
  • Martin Luther King Jr
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Mother Teresa
  • Napoleon Bonaparte
  • George Washington
  • Julias Caesar
  • Franklin D Roosevelt
  • Francoise Hollande
  • Pope Francis
  • Akbar the Great

Education is a human right to which everyone is entitled. When individuals differ on what is good and wrong with education, problems occur. As a part of public speaking, education becomes an important topic to address the audience about.

The topics listed below are ones that everyone working in or with education must deal with at some time.

  • The value of education in advancing one's career
  • Outside the classroom, there is a lesson to be learned.
  • The Advantages of E-Learning
  • E-learning vs. traditional classroom instruction
  • What will the future of education look like?
  • Is it appropriate for instructors and students to connect on social media?
  • Should homework be assigned in schools?
  • How to Achieve Academic Success in College Through Online Learning
  • Which is the better measure of success: theory or practise?
  • Various modes of learning and teaching
  • Before being admitted to school, one should undergo a psychological evaluation.
  • Do you believe it should be permissible for students to drop out before reaching the age of 18?
  • Should life skills classes be required in schools?
  • Should public universities be free?
  • Should laptops take the role of textbooks?

Today, public health speeches are required so that people may concentrate on promoting and safeguarding community health. It is critical to implant the concept of well-being in broad groups of people, with a focus on wellness.

Here is a list of compelling and instructive health and wellness speech themes. These are certainly, also for the purpose of enhancing your own thinking and that of others.

  • Diet beverages are frequently not diet at all, while ordinary beverages are not quite regular.
  • Going barefoot in the summer is beneficial to your feet.
  • Take a test to determine whether you are susceptible to any hazardous diseases or viruses.
  • Why you shouldn't work too hard if you have diabetes.
  • Breakfast is the most essential meal of the day for several reasons.
  • Fast food establishments should provide healthier choices.
  • Do you believe that sex education should be taught in schools?
  • People who live in cities will die younger.
  • Excessive salt consumption is harmful to one's health.
  • Consumption of meat should be decreased.
  • People should be more concerned about their sleep.
  • Why should you become an organ donor?
  • Why should we utilise homoeopathic remedies?
  • Why are vaccinations beneficial?
  • Are e-cigarettes preferable to cigarettes?

1. What are the 4 types of public speeches?

To master public speaking, you must first distinguish between four styles of public speaking:

  • Ceremonial Speaking
  • Demonstrative Speaking
  • Informative Speaking
  • Persuasive Speaking

2. What do you say in a 2-minute public speech?

Prepare your 2–3 main points ahead of time, and keep in mind that a successful presentation would include:

  • Captivating start, such as a strong quotation or questions that pique your audience's attention.
  • Introduction, major body, and conclusion are all well-structured.
  • A strong conclusion that will stay with the viewers.

3. What is the best topic for students?

The Best Speech Topics for Students:

  • Noise Pollution
  • Women Empowerment
  • Environment Pollution
  • Health and Wellness

4. What are the 7 elements of public speaking?

The 7 aspects of public speaking are:

  • The speaker
  • The message
  • The channel
  • The listener
  • The feedback
  • The interference
  • The circumstance

5. How do you practice impromptu speaking?

You may practise spontaneous speeches in two ways:

  • You're on your own. Every day, pick a different random topic and talk out about it.
  • Speak in front of a group. The greatest method to master spontaneous speaking is to practise in front of a group and receive expert criticism.

People are generally encouraged to talk about a current issue in order to help them become better public speakers. They are also required to acquire the skill of expressing themselves in front of an audience. Choosing the appropriate topic before you begin practising your speech may make all the difference. It is a method of keeping your audience engaged and from being bored. You may also choose one about which you are enthusiastic so that you can express it properly. When considering these persuasive English speech ideas, ensure you keep it interesting, engaging, short, and clear. Do you think we left something out? Or do you have a topic that you believe is significant and would want to add? Please mention them in the comments section below!

public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

OUR COURSES View More

Sign up complete your profile.

Must contain atleast 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase and 1 numeric characters. Minimum 8 characters.

You may also be interested in

StatAnalytica

40+ Captivating Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

persuasive speech topics

Persuasive speeches have the remarkable ability to inspire change, challenge conventional beliefs, and shape the way we perceive the world. However, finding the perfect topic that strikes a chord with your audience and aligns with your own values can be a daunting task. 

So, whether you’re passionate about social justice, environmental sustainability, or personal growth, join us on this journey of discovery and let these captivating persuasive speech topics inspire your next remarkable presentation. Get ready to wield the power of words and make a difference through the art of persuasion. Let’s dive in!

What Is Persuasive Speech?

Table of Contents

A persuasive speech is a form of communication that aims to convince or influence an audience to adopt a particular viewpoint, belief, or action. The speaker presents arguments and supporting evidence to sway the audience’s opinions and encourage them to align with the speaker’s perspective.

The primary objective of a persuasive speech is to persuade the audience to think, feel, or act in a specific way. It involves employing various persuasive techniques, such as logical reasoning, emotional appeal, and credible evidence, to make a compelling case for the speaker’s position.

Persuasive speeches are often delivered in a structured format that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, the speaker grabs the audience’s attention, establishes credibility, and presents the main argument or thesis statement. The body of the speech provides supporting evidence, examples, and counterarguments to strengthen the speaker’s position. The conclusion summarizes the main points and reinforces the call to action or desired outcome.

Effective persuasive speeches not only present persuasive arguments but also consider the audience’s values, beliefs, and potential objections. They engage the listeners by addressing their concerns, offering solutions, and appealing to their emotions. By employing persuasive techniques and thoughtful rhetoric, speakers strive to leave a lasting impact and inspire their audience to embrace the desired message or take action.

Persuasive speeches are commonly used in various settings, including classrooms, political rallies, sales pitches, and public advocacy campaigns. They play a crucial role in influencing public opinion, raising awareness, and promoting social change.

Importance Of Persuasive Speech That You Must Know

Here are some key reasons why persuasive speech is important:

1. Influence and Persuasion

Persuasive speeches are powerful tools for influencing and persuading others to adopt a particular viewpoint or take specific action. Whether it’s convincing people to support a cause, change their behavior, or vote for a candidate, persuasive speeches can effectively sway opinions and inspire action.

2. Public Speaking Skills

Delivering persuasive speeches helps develop essential public speaking skills. It enhances one’s ability to articulate thoughts clearly, engage an audience, and communicate persuasively. These skills are valuable in various professional fields, such as business, politics, education, and advocacy.

3. Critical Thinking

Crafting a persuasive speech requires in-depth research, analysis, and critical thinking. Speakers must evaluate different perspectives, anticipate counterarguments, and provide logical reasoning to support their claims. Engaging in persuasive speech encourages individuals to think critically, examine evidence, and form well-reasoned arguments.

4. Advocacy and Social Change

Persuasive speeches play a crucial role in advocating for social issues and driving positive change. They raise awareness about important topics, challenge societal norms, and inspire individuals to take action. Through persuasive speeches, individuals can mobilize communities, influence public opinion, and contribute to meaningful transformations.

5. Effective Communication

Persuasive speeches enhance overall communication skills. Speakers learn to effectively structure their ideas, convey messages concisely, and adapt their language and tone to connect with diverse audiences. 

6. Building Confidence

Delivering a persuasive speech requires confidence and self-assurance. As individuals prepare and present their arguments, they develop a sense of confidence in their ability to express their ideas and influence others. This confidence extends beyond public speaking and can positively impact various aspects of life, including personal relationships, negotiations, and leadership roles.

7. Empowering Individuals

Persuasive speeches have the potential to empower individuals by giving them a platform to express their beliefs, values, and concerns. It allows individuals to share their perspectives, challenge the status quo, and inspire others to take action. Through persuasive speaking, individuals can find their voice and make a difference in their communities and beyond.

8. Enhancing Persuasive Writing Skills

Crafting a persuasive speech often goes hand in hand with developing persuasive writing skills. The process of organizing thoughts, structuring arguments, and selecting impactful language strengthens one’s ability to write persuasively. These writing skills are valuable in academic settings, professional environments, and personal communication.

9. Fostering Open Dialogue

Persuasive speeches encourage dialogue and open discussions. By presenting different viewpoints and engaging in respectful debate, speakers create opportunities for diverse perspectives to be heard and understood. This fosters an environment of intellectual exchange, encourages critical thinking, and promotes a deeper understanding of complex issues.

10. Inspiring Action

Ultimately, the goal of a persuasive speech is to inspire action. Whether it’s encouraging individuals to donate to a cause, change their behaviors, or support a particular policy, persuasive speeches have the power to motivate people to act upon their convictions. They can ignite passion, instill a sense of purpose, and mobilize individuals and communities to bring about positive change.

Here in this section, we will tell you 40+ Captivating Persuasive Speech Topics For Students:

1. The Importance of Recycling

Persuade others to adopt recycling practices by discussing the environmental benefits of recycling and the impact on reducing waste.

2. Benefits of Meditation

Explore the positive effects of meditation on mental and physical well-being, such as stress reduction and increased focus.

3. Social Media Addiction

Discuss the negative impacts of excessive social media use on mental health and personal relationships, and advocate for mindful usage.

4. Animal Testing

Argue against the use of animals for scientific experiments and promote alternative methods that are more ethical and effective.

5. Climate Change

Present the urgency of addressing climate change and advocate for sustainable practices to mitigate its effects and preserve the planet.

6. Benefits of Volunteering

Highlight the personal growth, community impact, and sense of fulfillment that comes with volunteering.

7. Cyberbullying

Raise awareness about the harmful effects of cyberbullying on individuals’ mental health and advocate for stricter measures to prevent and combat it.

8. The Importance of Mental Health Education

Advocate for the inclusion of mental health education in schools to reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and support overall well-being.

9. Gun Control

Present arguments for stricter gun control regulations and advocate for measures to enhance public safety and prevent gun violence.

10. Importance of Financial Literacy

Advocate for the inclusion of financial literacy education in schools to empower individuals with essential money management skills and prevent financial difficulties.

11. Gender Equality

Discuss the importance of achieving gender equality in various spheres of life, addressing issues like pay gaps, representation, and equal opportunities.

12. Benefits of Exercise

Highlight the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise, including improved mood, increased energy, and reduced risk of diseases.

13. Online Privacy

Discuss the implications of compromised online privacy, such as identity theft and data breaches, and advocate for better protection of personal information.

14. Importance of Arts Education

Advocate for the inclusion of arts education in schools and highlight its positive impact on creativity, critical thinking, and overall development.

15. The Harmful Effects of Fast Food

Present arguments against excessive consumption of fast food and promote healthier eating habits for better long-term health.

16. Capital Punishment

Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding capital punishment and argue for its abolishment based on issues of morality, fairness, and wrongful convictions.

17. Access to Education

Advocate for equal access to quality education for all individuals, addressing educational disparities based on socioeconomic background, race, or geography.

18. Dangers of Texting While Driving

Raise awareness about the risks of distracted driving due to texting and advocate for stricter penalties and awareness campaigns to reduce accidents.

19. Importance of Renewable Energy

Discuss the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources and advocate for sustainable energy practices to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

20. The Influence of Media on Body Image

Highlight the negative impact of media’s portrayal of ideal body images on self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction, and promote body positivity and self-acceptance.

21. Universal Healthcare

Argue for the implementation of universal healthcare, emphasizing the benefits of affordable and accessible healthcare for all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status.

22. Legalization of Marijuana

Present arguments for the legalization of marijuana, addressing its potential benefits for medical use, tax revenue, and reducing criminal activity associated with prohibition.

23. The Impact of Plastic Pollution

Raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment and advocate for reducing plastic consumption and promoting sustainable alternatives.

24. Immigration Policies

Discuss the importance of fair and compassionate immigration policies, addressing issues of human rights, economic contributions, and cultural diversity.

25. Mental Health Stigma

Address the stigma surrounding mental health, educate others about the realities of mental health disorders, and advocate for increased awareness, acceptance, and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.

26. Affordable Housing Crisis

Discuss the issue of affordable housing shortage in many communities, explore the impact on individuals and families, and advocate for policies to address this pressing problem and provide affordable housing options.

27. The Benefits of Early Childhood Education

Present arguments for the importance of early childhood education in fostering cognitive and social development, preparing children for academic success, and narrowing the achievement gap.

28. Cybersecurity

Discuss the increasing threats in cyberspace, including hacking and identity theft, and advocate for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect personal and sensitive information.

29. Workplace Diversity

Highlight the advantages of diverse and inclusive workplaces, including increased creativity, innovation, and improved company performance, and advocate for equal opportunities for underrepresented groups.

30. School Bullying

Address the issue of bullying in schools, discuss its harmful effects on victims and the overall learning environment, and advocate for prevention programs, increased awareness, and stronger anti-bullying measures.

31. Accessible Transportation

Advocate for improved accessibility in public transportation systems, addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity.

32. Importance of Nutrition Education

Advocate for comprehensive nutrition education in schools to combat the rise of unhealthy eating habits, obesity rates, and promote lifelong health and well-being.

33. Animal Cruelty

Raise awareness about different forms of animal cruelty, such as animal testing, factory farming, and wildlife exploitation, and advocate for stricter laws and ethical treatment of animals.

34. Renewable Energy Transition

Discuss the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and advocate for government support, incentives, and investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

35. Access to Clean Water

Address the global issue of clean water scarcity, its impact on communities, and advocate for sustainable water management practices and initiatives to ensure access to clean water for all.

36. Media Literacy

Advocate for the importance of media literacy education, empowering individuals to critically analyze and interpret media messages, identify misinformation, and make informed decisions.

37. Genetic Engineering

Present arguments for and against genetic engineering, discussing its potential benefits in medicine, agriculture, and ethical considerations, and advocate for responsible and regulated practices.

38. Mental Health Support in Schools

Discuss the need for increased mental health support and resources in educational institutions, addressing the prevalence of mental health disorders among students and advocating for comprehensive mental health services.

39. Sustainable Fashion

Raise awareness about the environmental and social impact of fast fashion, advocate for sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry, and promote conscious consumerism.

40. Artificial Intelligence Ethics

Discuss the ethical implications and potential risks of artificial intelligence, such as privacy concerns, job displacement, and bias, and advocate for responsible development and regulation of AI technologies.

41. Genetic Discrimination

Address the issue of genetic discrimination based on genetic information and advocate for policies to protect individuals from discrimination in employment, healthcare, and insurance based on their genetic profile.

42. Universal Basic Income

Present arguments for the implementation of a universal basic income, exploring its potential to alleviate poverty, promote economic stability, and address income inequality.

43. Mental Health Support in the Workplace

Advocate for increased mental health support and resources in the workplace, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment, and addressing the importance of work-life balance and employee well-being.

44. Sustainable Agriculture

Discuss the benefits of sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and local food systems, and advocate for their widespread adoption to promote food security, environmental sustainability, and health.

  • Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Business Speech Topics

How to Find Persuasive Speech Topics

Here are some of the ways on how to find persuasive speech topics:

1. Brainstorming

Set aside some time to brainstorm ideas. Think about your own interests, passions, and experiences. Consider current events, social issues, and topics that you feel strongly about. Write down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

2. Personal Reflection

Reflect on your own experiences, challenges, and beliefs. Is there a particular issue or cause that you are passionate about? Is there a problem you’ve encountered that you would like to address? Your personal insights and experiences can often lead to unique and persuasive speech topics.

3. Research

Stay updated on current events, social issues, and emerging trends. Read news articles, opinion pieces, and research studies to gain insights into various topics. Look for controversial or thought-provoking subjects that generate different viewpoints and discussions.

4. Explore Social Issues

Consider the issues that impact society and provoke debates. Topics like climate change, gender equality, racial justice, healthcare access, and technological advancements often generate passionate discussions. Research the different perspectives and arguments surrounding these topics to find a compelling angle for your speech.

5. Audience Analysis

Understand your audience’s interests, concerns, and values. Think about what topics would resonate with them and what issues they may be interested in learning more about. Tailoring your speech to the specific needs and interests of your audience can make it more persuasive and engaging.

6. Online Resources

Explore online resources such as websites, forums, and social media platforms that discuss and debate various topics. Platforms like TED Talks, news websites, and online forums can provide inspiration and ideas for persuasive speech topics.

7. Seek Inspiration from Others

Listen to speeches or watch presentations given by renowned speakers, activists, and thought leaders. Pay attention to the topics they discuss and the way they deliver their arguments. While you should never copy someone else’s speech, these can serve as sources of inspiration and guidance.

8. Consult with Others

Engage in conversations with friends, family members, colleagues, or classmates about potential speech topics. Discuss current events, social issues, and areas of interest. Their perspectives and suggestions may help you discover new and compelling topics.

Significance of Choosing the Right Persuasive Speech Topics

Here is the significance of choosing the right persuasive speech topics

1. Audience Engagement

A well-chosen topic captures the interest and attention of your audience. When you select a topic that resonates with your listeners, they are more likely to be engaged and actively participate in the speech. This increases the effectiveness of your persuasive message and enhances the impact of your speech.

2. Personal Connection

When you choose a topic that you are passionate about or have personal experience with, your authenticity and enthusiasm shine through. This connection with the topic helps you deliver a more compelling speech and establish a stronger rapport with your audience. Your genuine passion and knowledge make your arguments more persuasive and convincing.

3. Relevance

The right topic is one that is relevant to your audience’s lives, interests, or concerns. By addressing issues that are meaningful to them, you establish a direct connection and demonstrate that you understand their perspectives. This relevance creates a sense of importance and urgency, making your speech more impactful and likely to generate positive change or action.

4. Emotional Appeal

Persuasive speeches often rely on evoking emotions to influence the audience. Choosing a topic that taps into emotions, such as empathy, compassion, or a sense of justice, can be highly effective in driving your message home. Emotionally compelling topics have the power to motivate, inspire, and create lasting impact on the listeners.

5. Credibility and Research

A well-chosen topic allows you to gather credible research and evidence to support your arguments. It ensures that you have access to reliable sources, data, and expert opinions that strengthen your persuasive message. The availability of credible information helps build your credibility as a speaker and enhances the persuasiveness of your speech.

6. Diverse Perspectives

Consider selecting topics that present multiple viewpoints and encourage critical thinking. By exploring different perspectives and addressing counterarguments , you demonstrate a fair and balanced approach. This approach not only makes your speech more credible but also encourages open-mindedness and fosters constructive dialogue among your audience.

7. Social Impact

The right persuasive speech topic has the potential to create positive social change. By addressing pressing issues, raising awareness, and advocating for specific actions or policies, you contribute to the broader discussions and movements happening in society. Your speech can inspire others to rethink their beliefs, change their behaviors, or take active steps toward a better future.

In conclusion, the significance of choosing the right persuasive speech topics cannot be overstated. It is through careful selection that we can engage our audience, establish personal connections, and create relevance. By addressing topics that resonate with our listeners, we capture their attention and foster an environment conducive to persuasion.

The impact of a well-chosen topic goes beyond mere engagement. It taps into emotions, evokes empathy, and drives action. When we speak passionately about subjects that hold personal meaning for us, our authenticity shines through, making our arguments more compelling and persuasive.

Furthermore, selecting the right topic allows us to gather credible research and evidence, bolstering our credibility and enhancing the strength of our message. It also opens the door to exploring diverse perspectives, encouraging critical thinking and constructive dialogue among our audience.

Related Posts

best way to finance car

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

how to get fund for business

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

194 Fun Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

Photo of author

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.

Fun informative and persuasive speech topics and ideas for a public speaking speech on comical subjects for members of the Toastmaster International organization, students, and teachers.

List of Fun Speech Topics

In this article:

Informative

fun speech topics

  • How to get rid of a boring person.
  • Why a laugh every day keeps the doctor away.
  • Murphy’s law works!
  • Original ways to annoy your public.
  • Playing video games is the best distraction.
  • Employee of the month awards are worthless.
  • Breakfast is the least important meal of the day.
  • One who marries her / his high school sweet heart misses real life.
  • These days everyone is a photographer.
  • Women are not damsels in distress.
  • Why we should all have a twin.
  • Being too rich makes people miserable.
  • Musicals are an unnatural way to play in theatres.
  • Becoming obese is a piece of cake.
  • The place for royals is only in story books.
  • You can easily escape reality.
  • There are some words that must be removed from the dictionary.
  • Do vegans know that plants are also living things?
  • Lying well is a talent.
  • There is nothing fun about camping.
  • Parents have earned the right to annoy their teenagers.
  • Exams can be fun.
  • Good girls will always be attracted to bad boys.
  • Gender wars are healthy.
  • Men need to stop wearing skinny jeans.
  • Fathers will always be cooler than mothers.
  • People never chase after idle dreams.
  • Murphy’s law is real.
  • Mistakes can be profitable.
  • People wear masks every day, not just on Halloween.
  • Crocs are the worst shoes ever designed.
  • Family reunions are too stressful.
  • Never ever ask a woman her age.
  • Aliens live amongst us.
  • Rating system for movies are misleading.
  • Celebrities sell their own sex tapes.
  • All is not fair in love and war.
  • Buying a house will always be smarter than renting.
  • Women do everything better than men.
  • There is no such thing as luck.
  • Burger King is better than McDonald’s.
  • Closets are cleaned when people are depressed.
  • You can become famous for doing nothing.
  • The best advice about marriage is to not get married.
  • Keep your parents off Facebook.
  • Elvis is still alive.
  • Time travel is possible.
  • The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
  • The older the cheese smells the better it tastes.
  • Make Ellen DeGeneres President.
  • Soccer moms should start their own league.
  • Dreams don’t have any symbolic meanings.
  • Social networks are the real drugs today.
  • Mid-life crisis is only an excuse.
  • Desktop computers are outdated.
  • Robots will make humans even lazier.
  • Facebook is the cause of the end of privacy.
  • Most of Instagram followers and likes are fake.
  • Women should date younger men.
  • Online relationships are easier.
  • This generation is the most immoral.
  • Heaven and hell are right here on earth.
  • People will regret the current trend with their eyebrows.
  • People that live in the countryside are happier.
  • Space exploration cannot save mankind.
  • Tattoos are a form of art.
  • Electronic dance music is just a noise.
  • Gap years should be compulsory before starting college.
  • Roller coaster rides are not safe.
  • To test is a relationship is going to work, you should cook together.
  • The chicken came before the egg.
  • Skin care creams do not work.
  • Comedians must curse for emphasis.
  • Stop putting others first.
  • We all end up being like our parents.
  • If you want a happier life, delete Facebook.
  • You make better friends online.
  • Artificial intelligence is not dangerous to humans.
  • We would live differently if we knew when we were going to die.
  • First watch the movie then read the book.
  • Why you should stop following the news.
  • An app can help you lose weight.
  • We all suffer from phantom vibration syndrome.
  • British humour is the best.
  • Traveling alone is the best.
  • Pets do look like their owners.
  • Humans are better at destruction than creation.
  • Conspiracy theories are just theories.
  • Busy bodies make life more interesting.
  • Men are not better cooks.
  • Stop telling children to share.
  • Why women like a clean-shaven face and no mustache or beard.
  • No one actually lives their life to the fullest.
  • Justin Bieber has the worst fan base.
  • There’s a lot to learn from ‘back in my day’ stories.
  • Misophonia is a serious issue.
  • Nobody is normal, we are all weird.
  • The sexiest accent is French
  • The more old cheese smells, the better it tastes.
  • Bars and nightclubs should provide transport home for its workers in the early hours.
  • Diet pills and other methods are an outstanding marketing trick for a huge market of millions of people dying to lose weight.
  • People should never be allowed to be nude outdoors / or only be allowed at their own property (especially when you are the owner of a huge garden).
  • TV advertising spots are in 99,9 percent not honest, and then reveal the secret messages and hidden persuaders in well-known commercials.
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger (or take another person) for president / not for president.
  • Canada has the friendliest.
  • Men kissing men and women kissing women on TV is / is not repulsive.
  • Always sleep in your own bed.
  • Smart people ought to be free to move to another country / must be forbidden to emigrate.
  • The color brown should be forbidden in bathrooms.
  • Women are becoming the majority of students in colleges and universities because they are smarter.
  • Girls are into tall and cute guys, shorties and brutes have no chance.
  • Mad people practice mad and extreme sports.
  • Clothes influence the way people behave.
  • Slow service at restaurants is caused by lack of discipline of the waiters.
  • What type of men is the Ultimate Couch Potato and are there peers that meet the qualifications?
  • How lazy students survive and succeed in life.
  • Nose hair and bad breath are some of the things girls don’t like.
  • Rather a lot of money than being an intelligent person.
  • Why some celebs lie about their age.
  • The pros and cons of real and fake Christmas trees compared.
  • Top 10 all-time favorite evergreens to sing in the shower.
  • Why a drill sergeant has to scream at cadets.
  • Why drunk internet surfers discover more interesting ideas.
  • Ghosts exist / haunting places are just fairy tales.
  • If a woman was president there would be less war.
  • Bachelorette parties are most of the time not what men think they are.
  • Supernatural powers are definitely hocus pocus. They look like the real thing but aren’t at all.
  • Factors that determine if you get into Heaven or not.
  • Schools should ban Harry Potter for promoting witchcraft.
  • Top 5 persuasive reasons why the minimum age of a president should be 40.
  • Places where picking your nose is acceptable, places where it’s not.
  • Women are obliged to leave the seat up for the convenience of men.
  • Academy Award winners should only say “Thank You” and leave.
  • All you wanted to know about baldness but were afraid to ask.
  • Ban thongs.
  • Bollywood movies will always come second to Hollywood movies.
  • Charlie Chaplin was a controversial genius.
  • CNN has the most slanted coverage.
  • Comics and cartoons are the most important parts of a newspaper.
  • Elvis Presley will always be the king of Rock and Roll.
  • Fat models are the fun models.
  • Line dancing is not dancing.
  • Make nudism behind high fences legal.
  • Men are obliged to put the seat down for the convenience of women.
  • Movie stars need to have several homes.
  • Music is a basic need in life.
  • No government can dictate what women have to do.
  • Not everybody is born to wear cheerleading fashion.
  • Online Governor of Poker is a disease if you play the whole series.
  • Paranormal healers are imposterous charlatans.
  • People no longer like going to the cinema and with good reason.
  • Reading books is more fun than watching movies.
  • Shoes and socks tell a lot about men.
  • Skeptics rule the world.
  • Speed dating is fun.
  • St Patrick’s Day is becoming a worldwide holiday.
  • The evil characters in horror movies are weird, not scary.
  • The truth is too many people need cosmetic surgery these days.
  • The world would be an easier place to live if we all thought and felt the same way.
  • Women make better inventors.
  • Why dwarf planets in our solar system are called dwarf planets such as Pluto, the smallest circling object. What are the conditions to mark intraterrestrial flying object – it has something to do with the lack of gravity power.
  • Becoming a private detective.
  • Where does April Fool’s Day come from?
  • Funny, absurd and rare patents and inventions in the last decade. There are more inventions that fit than you think at first sight.
  • Learn from your parent’s mistakes – black-list them and hold it against them. Note the reactions and write about in an essay or classroom oration.
  • The meaning of dreams for real life – hunted while were sleeping or teeth falling out of your mouth – what do dreams tell us about the awake conscious life?
  • Magic tricks to stop thinking – putting your mind in the off mode is practiced in monasteries, why not sitting in your school desk one in a while, when nobody notices?
  • A holiday with no stress in three steps.
  • Resolving a restaurant complaint in a humorous manner.
  • How to cope with troubles at a family reunion.
  • Five ways to disturb your competitors in a sand castle competition.
  • How to turn the Academy Awards ceremony into a funny event we all like to watch.
  • How to write a fan letter to a celebrity that guarantees you a personal answer.
  • Writing haiku for fun.
  • Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity -E=mc2
  • Barbie and Ken fashion.
  • Bill of Rights amended by you.
  • Does Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster exist?
  • Famous illusionists and magicians secrets revealed.
  • Finding names and their meanings for babies.
  • Game consoles through the years.
  • How acoustic guitars are manufactured.
  • How cleaning can be fun.
  • How to handle a drunk roommate.
  • If I was a journalist for one day, I would publish…
  • Lobbying for a good cause.
  • The best book written by Isabel Allende.
  • The Doomsday prediction on December 21, 2012.
  • The metamorphosis of housewives thanks to makeover TV programs.
  • The top ten best American classic cars.
  • The unconventional lifestyle I would choose if I had the chance.
  • What you need to become a fashion designer.
  • What’s in and what’s out for men’s fashion this season.
  • Why we should rehabilitate some historical figures.

23 Speech Topics On Geography

Law, Legal, Legislation Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

5 thoughts on “194 Fun Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]”

Just saying here: Toward the middle of the persuasive topics, some become very serious. Some people find it very repulsive for same-sex kissing. Heaven or Hell can be a very serious topic.

I have some good speech topics. Why Gym classes should be longer? Can social media can cause anxiety?

A good speech topic should be ‘Why llamas are better than sheeps.’

another topic! the struggle of finding a topic to do your school speech on!

Complaint the Harry Potter books are a work of fiction not promoting witchcraft

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

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

© 2024 My Speech Class

Those Who Preach Free Speech Need to Practice It

Too many leaders, on campus and in government, are failing to uphold the First Amendment rights they claim to champion.

A photo of student protesters facing off against riot police.

Updated at 9:35 a.m. ET on April 30, 2024

Say you’re a college senior, just a few weeks from graduation. For as long as you can remember—even back in high school, before you set foot on campus—older people have talked about free speech. More specifically, older people have talked about free speech and you : whether your generation understands it, whether you believe in it, whether you can handle it.

After watching some of those same people order crackdowns on campus protests over the past few days, you might have a few questions for them.

Last week, from New York to Texas, cops stormed college campuses clad in riot gear. They weren’t there to confront active shooters, thank goodness, or answer bomb threats. Instead, they were there to conduct mass arrests of students protesting the war in Gaza.

As the legal director of a First Amendment advocacy nonprofit, I teach students across the country that the government can’t silence speakers because of their beliefs, even—and perhaps especially—if those beliefs are unpopular or cause offense. That’s a foundational principle of free-speech law. But many of the crackdowns appear to be a direct reaction to the protesters’ views about Israel.

After sending a phalanx of state law-enforcement officers into the University of Texas at Austin campus, for example, Governor Greg Abbott announced on X that students “joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.”

Erwin Chemerinsky: No one has a right to protest in my home

But no First Amendment exception exists for “hate-filled” speech. And for good reason: In our pluralistic democracy, everyone has their own subjective idea of what, if any, speech is too “hateful” to hear, making an objective definition impossible. And empowering the government to draw that line will inevitably silence dissent.

At UT, the officers arrested scores of protesters for “ trespassing .” But the students don’t appear to have violated school rules. And you can’t trespass on a place where you have the right to be, as students at the public universities they attend clearly do. Even a cameraman for a local news station was tackled and arrested . The next day, the Travis County attorney’s office dropped all of the trespassing charges for lack of probable cause—a telling indicator of the disturbingly authoritarian response. (Shockingly, the cameraman does face a felony charge , for allegedly assaulting a police officer—an allegation difficult to square with video of his arrest.) The government can’t throw Americans in jail for exercising their First Amendment right to peaceful protest.

Governor Abbott’s illiberal show of force has no place in a free country. It’s especially galling given the governor’s previous posture as a stalwart defender of campus free speech: In June 2019, he signed a law prohibiting Texas’s public colleges and universities from shutting down campus speakers because of their ideology. So much for that.

Governor Abbott isn’t alone. During her congressional testimony earlier this month, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik pledged investigations of students and faculty who voiced allegedly anti-Semitic criticism of Israel and Zionism, and agreed—on the fly—to remove a professor from his position as a committee chair because of his speech.

Michael Powell: The unreality of Columbia’s ‘liberated zone’

Columbia is a private institution, so it isn’t bound by the First Amendment. But the university promises freedom of expression to its students and faculty—and Shafik’s willingness to sacrifice faculty and student rights to appease hostile members of Congress betrays those promises.

If such things had happened only at UT and Columbia, that would be bad enough—but the problem is spreading. At Emory University, in Atlanta, police officers reportedly used tear gas and Tasers against protesters. State troopers with rifles directed toward protesters stood watch on a rooftop at Ohio State University. At Indiana University, administrators rushed out a last-minute, overnight policy change to justify a similar show of force from law enforcement, resulting in 34 arrests. It’s hard to keep up.

Students nationwide are watching how the adults who professed to care about free speech are responding under pressure. And they are learning that those adults don’t really mean what they say about the First Amendment. That’s a dangerous lesson. Our schools and universities could still teach the country a better one.

“Free Speech 101” starts here: The First Amendment protects an enormous amount of speech, including speech that some, many, perhaps most Americans would find deeply offensive. You may not like pro-Palestine speech; you may not like pro-Israel speech. You may think some of it veers into bigotry. The answer is to ignore it, mock it, debate it, even counterprotest it. But don’t call in the SWAT team.

George Packer: The campus-left occupation that broke higher education

Granted, free speech is not without carefully designated exceptions, and these exceptions are important but narrow. True threats and intimidation, properly defined, are not protected by the First Amendment. Neither is discriminatory harassment. Violence is never protected.

And public universities can maintain reasonable “time, place, and manner” restrictions on speech. That means, for example, that for the authorities to place a ban on playing heavily amplified sound right outside the dorms at 2 a.m. likely does not violate the First Amendment. A prohibition on camping overnight in the quad probably doesn’t either. And taking over a campus building, as Columbia students did early this morning , is not protected.

But the enforcement of these rules must be evenhanded and proportionate. The use of force should be a last resort. Students must be given clear notice about what conduct crosses a line. And any student facing punishment for an alleged infringement should receive a fair hearing. Consistency counts. Our leaders—in government, in university administration—must demonstrate their commitment to free expression in both word and deed.

Students are protesting on campuses nationwide, and they’re watching the reaction of university presidents and elected officials closely. The current moment presents a generational challenge: Do older people and people in authority really mean what they say about the First Amendment? Do they believe in free speech—and can they handle it? Right now, too many leaders are failing the test.

IMAGES

  1. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

    public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

  2. 200+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Grab Attention

    public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

  3. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

    public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

  4. 50 Creative Persuasive Speech Topics For College Students

    public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

  5. Good persuasive speech topics

    public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

  6. 31 Persuasive Essay Topics • JournalBuddies.com

    public speaking persuasive speech topics for college students

VIDEO

  1. Persuasive Speech ENG285

  2. Persuasive speech for Public Speaking Class

  3. Public speaking persuasive speech for school

  4. persuasive speech (public speaking)

  5. PUBLIC SPEAKING|| Persuasive Speech

  6. Public speaking: Persuasive speech

COMMENTS

  1. 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

    How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech. Talk to yourself in the mirror, record yourself, and/or hold a practice speech for family or friends. If you'll be using visual cues, a slide deck, or notecards, practice incorporating them seamlessly into your speech. You should practice until your speech feels very familiar, at least 5-10 ...

  2. 112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

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

  3. 212 Speech Topics For College Students [Persuasive, Informative

    You can distillate many college persuasive speech topics out of this topic for public speaking. Map out the food gap between developing and rich countries; the trends over time and how the United Nations Millenium Goal policy could cut poverty rates. The labor force population explained.

  4. 434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

    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'.

  5. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

    100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics. Studying martial arts is good for mind and health. Competitive sports can teach us about life. Reality shows are exploiting people. Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students. The characteristics that make a person a hero.

  6. 105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project

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

  7. 100 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics: A Guide

    Some more Persuasive Speech Topics: Persuasive Speech Topics about Animals and Pets. Persuasive Speech Topics about Automobiles. Persuasive Speech Topics about Education. Persuasive Speech Topics about Environment. Persuasive Speech Topics about Ethical Issues. Persuasive Speech Topics about Food. Persuasive Speech Topics about Health.

  8. Persuasive speech topics for college: 310 of the very best ideas ☺

    It challenges an audience's thinking or position on a topic or an issue, asks them to pause, and consider changing their minds. There are 310 great persuasive speech topics for college students and/or their teachers here. 50 Mental health persuasive speech topics. 60 Education persuasive speech ideas.

  9. 110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience

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

  10. 100 Good Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas

    There are multiple factors that make some persuasive speech topic ideas better than others. Three major things to think about when choosing a persuasive speech topic from this list are: 1) make ...

  11. 100 Speech Topics For College Students

    From social issues to current events, there are many topics to choose from when it comes to speech topics for college students. With the right topic, you can create an engaging and memorable speech. Here are some speech topics for college students that can help you get started with your next presentation: The Importance of Mental Health and ...

  12. Top 99 College Speech Topics

    A list of 99 college speech topics to inspire you and help you craft the perfect presentation! Menu. Blog; ... (persuasive) Student Council Speech (1) Student Council Speech (2) More Sample Speeches. Tips. Public Speaking for Kids Time Management for College Students. Best Speech Topics > School Speech Topics >

  13. 454 Persuasive Speech Topics: Easy, Fun, & Controversial Ideas for Students

    Transition 1: Include a linking sentence that would tie your introduction to your speech's main body. Point 1—Need for action: 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.

  14. 300+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

    9. Persuasive Speech Topics About Media; 10. Persuasive Speech Topics About Government and International Relations; 11. Policy Speech Topics for Students; 12. Law and Politics Persuasive Speech Topics; 13. Persuasive Speech Topics on Business; 14. Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics; 15. Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics; 16.

  15. Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas

    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 ...

  16. 150+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

    A persuasive speech aims to educate the audience about a particular topic. The main purpose of a persuasive speech is to convince your audience of your points of view. When writing a persuasive essay, the most important thing to remember is the selection of the topic. You can write about an idea that will engage your audience and would be ...

  17. 80 Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

    This is our list of 80 good persuasive speech topics for college students. They should be enough for you to choose the topic which is the most suitable, or to come up with your own persuasive speech topic. Make your arguments strong and prove your viewpoints. May your voice be loud and your will be strong. Previous post Next post. College ...

  18. 165 Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

    1 Best persuasive speech essay topics in December 2023. 2 Persuasive speech topics on business. 3 Medical topics for persuasive speech. 4 Suggestions on animal rights topics for a persuasive speech. 5 Health care speech topics. 6 College level persuasive speech topics on economics. 7 List of persuasive speech topics for college students on law.

  19. 75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

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

  20. 292 Education Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative, Argumentative]

    292 Education Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative, Argumentative] 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. Education is a human right and everyone is entitled to one.

  21. 151 Best Public Speaking Topics In 2021

    1-Minute Speech Topics. A 2-minute speech is an excellent method to start into public speaking and is often utilised in the classroom. It's brief. It's quick. To make things easier for yourself, choose a topic that fascinates you and about which you can speak passionately. Public Smoking.

  22. 40+ Captivating Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

    2. Public Speaking Skills. Delivering persuasive speeches helps develop essential public speaking skills. It enhances one's ability to articulate thoughts clearly, engage an audience, and communicate persuasively. These skills are valuable in various professional fields, such as business, politics, education, and advocacy.

  23. PDF Persuasive Speech Topics For College Students

    Public Speaking Topic Secrets for College, Community, Toastmasters and TED Talks Ramakrishna Reddy,2014-12-11 ... If you ally craving such a referred Persuasive Speech Topics For College Students ebook that will allow you worth, acquire the completely best seller from us currently from several preferred authors. If you want to witty books, lots ...

  24. Speaking Volumes: Schar School Students Help Secure Second in the

    The George Mason University Forensics Team poses with its 2nd place trophy at the National Forensic Association Tournament. On any given Saturday, you might find the members of the George Mason University Forensics Team, or intercollegiate speech team, huddled together in an empty classroom.. After a rousing round of vocal warmups, the students—nearly half of them students in the Schar ...

  25. 194 Fun Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

    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. Fun informative and persuasive speech topics and ideas for a public speaking speech on comical subjects for members of the Toastmaster International organization, students, and teachers.

  26. Those Who Preach Free Speech Need to Practice It

    Say you're a college senior, just a few weeks from graduation. For as long as you can remember—even back in high school, before you set foot on campus—older people have talked about free speech.