topics for a persuasive speech for high school students

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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

Do you know that moment in your favorite film, when the soundtrack begins to swell and the main character stands up and delivers a speech so rousing, so impassioned, it has the entire room either weeping or cheering by the time it concludes? What distinguishes the effectiveness of such a speech is not only the protagonist’s stellar delivery but also the compelling nature of the subject matter at hand. Choosing an effective persuasive speech topic is essential for guaranteeing that your future speech or essay is as moving as these . If this sounds like a tall order, have no fear. Below you’ll find a list of some of the best and most interesting persuasive speech topics for high school students to tackle, from the playful (“Pets for President”) to the serious (“Should We Stop AI from Replacing Human Workers?”).

And if you’re craving more inspiration, feel free to check out this list of Great Debate Topics , which can be used to generate further ideas.

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

Before we get to the list, we must address the question on everyone’s minds: what is a persuasive speech, and what the heck makes for a good persuasive speech topic? A persuasive speech is a speech that aims to convince its listeners of a particular point of view . At the heart of each persuasive speech is a central conflict . Note: The persuasive speech stands in contrast to a simple informative speech, which is intended purely to convey information. (I.e., an informative speech topic might read: “The History of Making One’s Bed,” while a persuasive speech topic would be: “Why Making One’s Bed is a Waste of Time”—understand?)

And lest you think that persuasive speeches are simply assigned by your teachers as a particularly cruel form of torture, remember that practicing your oratory skills will benefit you in all areas of life—from job interviews, to business negotiations, to your future college career in public policy or international relations . Knowing how to use your voice to enact meaningful change is a valuable skill that can empower you to make a difference in the world.

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

The ideal persuasive speech topic will inspire the audience to action via both logical arguments and emotional appeals. As such, we can summarize the question “what makes a good persuasive speech topic?” by saying that the topic must possess the following qualities:

• Timeliness and Relevance . Great persuasive speech topics grapple with a contemporary issue that is meaningful to the listener at hand. The topic might be a current news item, or it might be a long-standing social issue. In either case, the topic should be one with real-world implications.
• Complexity . A fruitful persuasive speech topic will have many facets. Topics that are controversial, with some gray area, lend themselves to a high degree of critical thinking. They also offer the speaker an opportunity to consider and refute all counterarguments before making a compelling case for his or her own position.
• Evidence . You want to be able to back up your argument with clear evidence from reputable sources (i.e., not your best friend or dog). The more evidence and data you can gather, the more sound your position will be. In addition, your audience will be more inclined to trust you.
• Personal Connection. Do you feel passionately about the topic you’ve chosen? If not, it may be time to go back to the drawing board. This does not mean you have to support the side you choose; sometimes, arguing for the opposing side of what you personally believe can be an effective exercise in building empathy and perspective. Either way, though, the key is to select a topic that you care deeply about. Your passion will be infectious to the audience.

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should tech companies regulate the development of AI systems and automation to protect humans’ jobs?
• Should we limit screen time for children?
• Is it ethical for AI models like Dall-E to train themselves on artists’ work without the artists’ permission?
• Should the government regulate the use of personal drones?
• Is mass surveillance ethical? Does its threat to civil liberties outweigh its benefits?
• Are virtual reality experiences a valuable educational tool?
• Do the positive effects of powerful AI systems outweigh the risks?
• Do voice assistants like Siri and Alexa invade individuals’ privacy?
• Are cell phone bans in the classroom effective for improving student learning?
• Does the use of facial recognition technology in public violate individuals’ privacy?
• Should students be allowed to use ChatGPT and other AI tools for writing assignments?
• Should AI-generated art be allowed in art shows or contests?
• Who holds responsibility for accidents caused by self-driving cars: the driver or the car company?

Business and Economy

• Should we do away with the minimum wage? Why or why not?
• Is it ethical for companies to use unpaid internships as a source of labor?
• Does the gig economy benefit or harm workers?
• Is capitalism the best economic system?
• Is it ethical for companies to use sweatshops in developing countries?
• Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
• Should the government regulate prices on pharmaceutical drugs?
• Should the government enact a universal base income?
• Should customers be required to tip a minimum amount in order to ensure food service workers make a living wage?
• Should someone’s tattoos or personal appearance factor into the hiring process?
• Should US workers have more vacation time?
• Is big game hunting beneficial for local communities?
• Should we legalize euthanasia?
• Is it ethical to use animals for medical research?
• Is it ethical to allow access to experimental treatments for terminally ill patients?
• Should we allow genetic engineering in humans?
• Is the death penalty obsolete?
• Should we allow the cloning of humans?
• Is it ethical to allow performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
• Should embryonic stem cell collection be allowed?
• Do frozen IVF embryos have rights?
• Should state and federal investigators be allowed to use DNA from genealogy databases?
• Should the government limit how many children a couple can have?
• Is spanking children an acceptable form of discipline?
• Should we allow parents to choose their children’s physical attributes through genetic engineering?
• Should we require parents to vaccinate their children?
• Should we require companies to give mandatory paternal and maternal leave?
• Should children be allowed to watch violent movies and video games?
• Should parents allow their teenagers to drink before they turn 21?
• Should the government provide childcare?
• Should telling your children about Santa Claus be considered lying?
• Should one parent stay home?
• Should parental consent be required for minors to receive birth control?
• Is it an invasion of privacy for parents to post photographs of their children on social media?

Social Media

• Should social media platforms ban political ads?
• Do the benefits of social media outweigh the downsides?
• Should the government hold social media companies responsible for hate speech on their platforms?
• Is social media making us more or less social?
• Do platforms like TikTok exacerbate mental health issues in teens?
• Should the government regulate social media to protect citizens’ privacy?
• Is it right for parents to monitor their children’s social media accounts?
• Should social media companies enact a minimum user age restriction?
• Should we require social media companies to protect user data?
• Should we hold social media companies responsible for cyberbullying?
• Should schools ban the use of social media from their networks?
• Should we be allowed to record others without their consent?
• Do online crime sleuths help or hurt criminal investigations?

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics 

• Would trade schools and other forms of vocational training benefit a greater number of students than traditional institutions of higher education?
• Should colleges use standardized testing in their admissions processes?
• Is forcing students to say the Pledge a violation of their right to freedom of speech?
• Should school districts offer bilingual education programs for non-native speakers?
• Should schools do away with their physical education requirements?
• Should schools incorporate a remote learning option into their curriculum?
• Should we allow school libraries to ban certain books?
• Should we remove historical figures who owned slaves from school textbooks and other educational materials?
• Should we have mixed-level classrooms or divide students according to ability?
• Should grading on a curve be allowed?
• Should graphic novels be considered literature?
• Should all students have to take financial literacy classes before graduating?
• Should colleges pay student athletes?
• Should we ban violent contact sports like boxing and MMA?
• Should sports leagues require professional athletes to stand during the national anthem?
• Should sports teams ban players like Kyrie Irving when they spread misinformation or hate speech?
• Should high schools require their athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
• Should the Olympic committee allow transgender athletes to compete?
• Should high schools ban football due to its safety risks to players?
• Should all high school students be required to play a team sport?
• Should sports teams be mixed instead of single-gender?
• Should there be different athletic standards for men and women?
• In which renewable energy option would the US do best to invest?
• Should the US prioritize space exploration over domestic initiatives?
• Should companies with a high carbon footprint be punished?
• Should the FDA ban GMOs?
• Would the world be a safer place without nuclear weapons?
• Does AI pose a greater threat to humanity than it does the potential for advancement?
• Who holds the most responsibility for mitigating climate change: individuals or corporations?
• Should we be allowed to resurrect extinct species?
• Are cancer screening programs ethical?

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

• College education: should the government make it free for all?
• Should we provide free healthcare for undocumented immigrants?
• Is physician-assisted suicide morally justifiable?
• Does social media have a negative impact on democracy?
• Does cancel culture impede free speech?
• Does affirmative action help or hinder minority groups in the workplace?
• Should we hold public figures and celebrities to a higher standard of morality?
• Should abortion be an issue that is decided at the federal or state level?
• Should the sex offender registry be available to the public?
• Should undocumented immigrants have a path to amnesty?
• Do syringe services programs reduce or increase harmful behaviors?
• Should there be a statute of limitations?
• Should those who are convicted of a crime be required to report their criminal history on job and housing applications?

Politics and Government

• Is the Electoral College still an effective way to elect the President of the US?
• Should we allow judges to serve on the Supreme Court indefinitely?
• Should the US establish a national gun registry?
• Countries like Israel and China require all citizens to serve in the military. Is this a good or bad policy?
• Should the police force require all its officers to wear body cameras while on duty?
• Should the US invest in the development of clean meat as a sustainable protein source?
• Should the US adopt ranked-choice voting?
• Should institutions that profited from slavery provide reparations?
• Should the government return land to Native American tribes?
• Should there be term limits for representatives and senators?
• Should there be an age limit for presidential candidates?
• Should women be allowed in special forces units?

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should schools have uniforms?
• Can video games improve problem-solving skills?
• Are online classes as effective as in-person classes?
• Should companies implement a four-day work week?
• Co-ed learning versus single-sex: which is more effective?
• Should the school day start later?
• Is homework an effective teaching tool?
• Are electric cars really better for the environment?
• Should schools require all students to study a foreign language?
• Do professional athletes get paid too much money?

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should we allow pets to run for public office?
• Does pineapple belong on pizza?
• Would students benefit from schools swapping out desks with more comfortable seating arrangements (i.e., bean bag chairs and couches)?
• Is procrastination the key to success?
• Should Americans adopt British accents to sound more intelligent?
• The age-old dilemma: cats or dogs?
• Should meme creators receive royalties when their memes go viral?
• Should there be a minimum drinking age for coffee?
• Are people who make their beds every day more successful than those who don’t?

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

• Is the movie ranking system an effective way to evaluate the appropriateness of films?
• Should the government place a “health tax” on junk food?
• Is it ethical to create artificial life forms that are capable of complex emotions?
• Should parents let children choose their own names?
• Creating clones of ourselves to serve as organ donors: ethical or not?
• Is it ethical to engineer humans to be better and more optimized than nature intended?
• Should we adopt a universal language to communicate with people from all countries?
• Should there be a penalty for people who don’t vote?
• Should calories be printed on menus?
• Does tourism positively or negatively impact local communities?
• When used by non-Natives, are dreamcatchers cultural appropriation?
• Should companies require their employees to specify pronouns in their signature line?
• Should commercial fishing be banned?
• Are cemeteries sustainable?
• Is it okay to change the race, culture, and/or gender of historical figures in movies or TV shows?

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

Once you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to get to work crafting your argument. Preparation for a persuasive speech or essay involves some key steps, which we’ve outlined for you below.

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

• Research your topic. Read widely and smartly. Stick to credible sources, such as peer-reviewed articles, published books, government reports, textbooks, and news articles. The right sources and data will be necessary to help you establish your authority. As you go, take notes on the details and nuances of your topic as well as potential counterarguments. Research the counterarguments, too.
• Choose an angle. For example, if you chose the topic “Should we limit screen time for children?” your speech should come down firmly on one side of that debate. If your topic is frequently debated, such as abortion, capital punishment, gun control, social media, etc. try to find a niche angle or new research. For example, instead of “Should abortion be legal?” you might consider “Should you be able to order abortion pills online?” Another example: “Should the death penalty be banned?” might become “How long is it ethical for someone to stay on death row?” If you do some digging, even the most cliche topics have incredibly interesting and relatively unexplored sub-topics.
• Create an outline. Your outline should include an introduction with a thesis statement, a body that uses evidence to elaborate and support your position while refuting any counterarguments, and a conclusion. The conclusion will both summarize the points made earlier and serve as your final chance to persuade your audience.
• Write your speech. Use your outline to help you as well as the data you’ve collected. Remember: this is not dry writing; this writing has a point of view, and that point of view is yours . Accordingly, use anecdotes and examples to back up your argument. The essential components of this speech are logos (logic), ethos (credibility), and pathos (emotion) . The ideal speech will use all three of these functions to engage the audience.

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

• Talk to yourself in the mirror, record yourself, and/or hold a practice speech for family or friends. If you’ll be using visual cues, a slide deck, or notecards, practice incorporating them seamlessly into your speech. You should practice until your speech feels very familiar, at least 5-10 times.
• Practice body language. Are you making eye contact with your audience, or looking at the ground? Crossing your arms over your chest or walking back and forth across the room? Playing with your hair, cracking your knuckles, or picking at your clothes? Practicing what to do with your body, face, and hands will help you feel more confident on speech day.
• Take it slow. It’s common to talk quickly while delivering a speech—most of us want to get it over with! However, your audience will be able to connect with you much more effectively if you speak at a moderate pace, breathe, and pause when appropriate.
• Give yourself grace. How you recover from a mistake is much more important than the mistake itself. Typically, the best approach is to good-naturedly shrug off a blip and move on. 99% of the time, your audience won’t even notice!

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

The art of persuasive speaking is a tricky one, but the tips and tricks laid out here will help you craft a compelling argument that will sway even the most dubious audience to your side. Mastering this art takes both time and practice, so don’t fret if it doesn’t come to you right away. Remember to draw upon your sources, speak with authority, and have fun. Once you have the skill of persuasive speaking down, go out there and use your voice to impact change!

Looking for some hot-button topics in college admissions? You might consider checking out the following:

• Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
• Should I Apply Test-Optional to College?
• Should I Waive My Right to See Letters of Recommendation?
• Should I Use the Common App Additional Information Section?
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Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

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

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

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics

• Studying martial arts is good for mind and health.
• Competitive sports can teach us about life.
• Reality shows are exploiting people.
• Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students.
• The characteristics that make a person a hero.
• It's important to grow things in a garden.
• Violent video games are dangerous.
• Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.
• Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
• Journal writing is therapeutic.
• You should spend time with your grandparents.
• A laptop is better than a tablet.
• Religion and science can go hand in hand.
• School uniforms are good.
• All-female colleges and all-male colleges are bad.
• Multiple-choice tests are better than essay tests .
• We should not spend money on space exploration.
• Open-book tests are as effective as closed-book tests.
• Security cameras keep us safer.
• Parents should have access to students' grades.
• Small classes are better than big classes.
• You need to start saving for retirement now.
• Credit cards are harmful to college students.
• We should have a royal family.
• We should protect endangered animals.
• Texting while driving is dangerous.
• You can write a novel.
• Recycling should be required in the U.S.
• State colleges are better than private colleges.
• Private colleges are better than state colleges.
• We should do away with penny coins.
• Fast food containers hurt the environment.
• Plastic straws are harmful to the environment.
• You can eat and enjoy healthy snacks.
• You can become a millionaire.
• Dogs are better pets than cats.
• You should own a bird.
• It's unethical to keep birds in cages.
• Liberal arts degrees prepare graduates to be better workers than other degrees.
• Hunting animals should be banned.
• Football is a dangerous sport.
• School days should start later.
• Night school is better than day school.
• Technical training is better than a college degree.
• Immigration laws should be more lenient.
• Students should be able to choose their schools.
• Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
• Grass lawns should be prohibited.
• Sharks should be protected.
• We should do away with cars and go back to horse and carriage for transportation.
• We should use more wind power.
• We should pay more taxes.
• We should do away with taxes.
• Teachers should be tested like students.
• We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries.
• Every student should join a club.
• Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
• People should stay married for life.
• Smoking in public should be illegal.
• College students should live on campus .
• Parents should let students fail.
• Giving to charity is good.
• Education makes us happier people.
• 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.
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112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

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

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

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

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

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

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

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

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

Steer Clear of Cliches

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

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

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

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

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

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

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

Environment

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

Science & Technology

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

Social Media

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

Parenting & Family

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

Entertainment

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

Arts & Humanities

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

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

Do Your Research

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

Understand Your Audience

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

Have Someone Read Your Speech

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

Practice Makes Perfect

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

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

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Choose Your Test

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

General Education

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

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

It's a Topic People Care About

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

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

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

It Isn't Overdone

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

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

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

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

105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

Science/Environment

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

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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

Do Your Research

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

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

Consider All the Angles

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

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

Know Your Audience

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

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

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

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

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

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Are you struggling to find a good persuasive speech topic ? We know – it can be hard to think of an interesting topic!

We’ve done all  the hard work and created a list of 400+ great persuasive speech ideas for college students, teachers, and anyone interested in public speaking. They’re organized into categories to make it easier for you to find one that that genuinely interests you.

In addition to our collection of speech topic ideas, we also have some tips on selecting a  good topic, as well as researchihng, writing, and delivering your persuasive speech.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

Crafting a persuasive speech or writing a persuasive essay begins with picking the right topic. What makes a good persuasive speech topic? What are the most important factors that make it or break it when it comes to a good persuasive speech topic?

You are much more likely to be successful with your speech when you choose a topic that interests you, rather than merely picking one from a list.

Talking about something you know or would like to know more about well makes it much easier and fun!

Can We Write Your Speech?

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

Some speech topics have been done to death. They are tired and stale, and are not likely to excite you or your audience (think abortion, gun control, smoking, same-sex marriage). Find a topic that grabs you and your audience, something new and fresh, unique and original.

• Interesting

A good persuasive speech topic is one that you can use to grab the audience’s attention, inform and persuade, and provide a strong persuasive argument for adopting your point of view.

You want to pick a topic that your audience cares and what to hear about.

How To Select a Good Persuasive Topic

How to narrow down this list of ideas?

First, make a rough inventory:

• Which of the speech topics are you interested in?
• What amuses you, makes you move right the way, happy or sad?
• Which topics do you know something about?
• Which topics would you like to research?

Review your inventory list and narrow your choices by answering these questions:

• Do you know global, national, state, community, job or school-related problems and solutions, issues or controversies, related to the persuasive speech ideas?
• Are you excited about any historical or current events, places, processes, organizations or interesting people?
• Do you have certain concerns, opinions, or beliefs?
• Do you think something has to change in the human attitude or social values?
• Did you see or hear something in the news or read about in library books on any of these topics?
• Is there a link with personal experiences, professional or personal goals?

All the answers on the questions above help you to find your angle of approach for a conclusive speech. So, select a few specific angles. Those can serve as the basic main points.

Best 10 Persuasive Speech Topics

Don’t have time to read our full list of 400+ topic ideas? Here is our list of 10 best persuasive speech topics.

• Money can’t buy love or happiness
• Cooking should be taught in schools
• The minimum wage should be increased
• Advertising is a mind game
• Introverts make great leaders
• Eating meat is unethical
• Anyone under 16 should not be allowed to date
• Sustainable clothes are not really sustainable
• The penny coin should be phased out

List of Persuasive Speech Topics

• Constitutional Issues
• Easy and Simple
• Environment
• Food and Drink
• Funny and Humorous
• College Students
• International Relations
• Motivational
• National Security
• Practical Knowledge
• Relationships

10 Animal Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should more pets be adopted than bought from a breeder?
• Are pitbulls a vicious breed?
• Should a dog that has bitten somebody be executed?
• Should we tame wild animals like lions and sharks.
• Should battery farming still be legal?
• Should ‘factory farming’ be banned?
• Adopting pets is the best choice.
• How do puppy mills affect us?
• The benefits of having pets.
• Why cats make the perfect pet.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topics About Animals .

12 Automotive Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should the public first learn how to drive a manual transmission before obtaining their license?
• Drivers should have to take three courses before getting a license.
• Should young children use booster seats in vehicles?
• Hands-free cell phone use in cars should be promoted.
• Should the driving age be 14?
• The danger of texting and driving.
• Watch out for animals when driving.
• Why police should not chase a car.
• Why you should buy a Japanese car.
• Why sports cars are dangerous.
• Driving tests should be free.
• Share the road with bikes.

10 Business Persuasive Speech Topics

The world of business has so many aspects to it, but at the end of the day they are all about customer relations, about making money and about the relationship between employers and employees.

Below are topics that can be used to persuade your audience on a variety of business topics.

A tongue in cheek topic that can be used is “Hiring a lazy person isn’t always a bad thing”, this could be used to persuade an audience that often lazy people find the quickest solution to get something done, resulting in quickly completed work because they just want to get it over and done with.

• Advertising has tons of mind games.
• Advertising standards should be higher.
• The importance of understanding niche marketing.
• Why introverts make good leaders.
• Owning a business means you will lose your friends.
• Business will harden you.
• You should never go into business with family members.
• Just because someone knows you it doesn’t mean you owe them any discounts.
• To be a business owner you must learn to be well organized.
• It’s important that a business should have personality.

See this page for a full list of Persuasive Speech Topics for Business .

5 Constitutional Issues Persuasive Speech Topics

• Do you think it would be fair for the government to detain suspected terrorists without proper trial?
• Should flag burning as a form of protest be prohibited?
• Should every day begin with a silent prayer at school?
• Why alcohol should be illegal.
• Prayer in schools should not be mandatory.

10 Easy and Simple Persuasive Speech Topics

Below follow topics that should be easy enough to persuade your audience without going into too much research. There are some which can be used as ‘tongue in cheek’ topics such as ‘The paparazzi are the real stalkers’ and ‘People need to visit the dentist more often’.

• People should not text while driving.
• Celebrities who break the law should receive stiffer penalties.
• Teachers should pass a basic exam every few years to renew their certification.
• Cities should offer free bike-sharing programs.
• People should eat less junk food.
• We should do more to end poverty and world hunger.
• We should value the elders in our society and learn from their wisdom.
• Money can’t buy love or happiness.
• Children should be offered incentives for doing right, rather than punishment for wrongdoing.
• More recycling should be encouraged.

See this page for a full list of Easy and Simple Persuasive Speech Topics .

9 Economy Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should products manufactured outside the U.S. come with an additional tax?
• Buy products that are made in the USA.
• Free trade agreements are bad for workers.
• The trade deficit with China is dangerous.
• The minimum wage should be increased.
• Daylight savings time has many advantages for our economy.
• The oil companies are to blame for the rising energy prices.
• In most countries the economy is in the mighty hands of just a few multinational corporations.
• Hiring cheaper foreign employees hurts our economy.

10 Education Persuasive Speech Topics

• Teachers should have to pass a test of basic skills every decade to renew their certifications.
• Should free college tuition be offered to poor children?
• Would it be better to introduce a set of skills tests for students, before they graduate high school?
• Do you believe that students who are responsible for cyberbullying should be expelled from school?
• Would it be better if high school students completed community service hours to graduate?
• Do you think elementary and high school students should be allowed to use cell phones at school?
• Should students have to be on the honor roll in order to play sports?
• Art and music programs in public schools are an essential part of education.
• Schools should have the right to search students’ personal property (backpacks, lockers, pockets) to fight drugs in schools.
• Do you think students should be allowed to listen to music during study hall?

See this page for a full list of Education Persuasive Speech Topics .

10 Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should there be stricter laws for protecting endangered species?
• Should only native plants be grown in gardens?
• More people should carpool or use public transportation.
• Should the U.S. limit the use of natural resources?
• How pollution is negatively affecting humanity.
• We should use algae to make oil instead of drilling.
• Why hydraulic fracturing should be banned.
• Why we shouldn’t use disposable diapers.
• Hybrid cars are good for the environment.
• We should keep our community clean.

See this page for a full list of Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics .

10 Ethics Persuasive Speech Topics

• Do you think female construction workers should have the same salary as male construction workers?
• Should assisted suicide be legal for people who suffer from terminal illnesses?
• Do you think the death penalty is the best punishment for dangerous criminals?
• Should you base your perspective of people on stereotypes you have heard?
• Should product testing on animals or humans be allowed?
• Why you should not choose your child’s genetics.
• Are people morally obligated to help the poor?
• Female genital mutilation should be stopped.
• Is it ethical to eat meat?
• Wearing fur is unethical.

10 Family Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should underaged people be allowed to consume alcohol at home, with parental permission?
• Should children 13 or younger be allowed to watch music videos or music channels like MTV?
• Do you think those older than 13 should be allowed into R-rated movies?
• Should teenagers be allowed to purchase violent video games?
• Is it appropriate for children to watch horror movies?
• Those under 16 should not be allowed to date.
• Parental pressure on child actors and athletes is harmful.
• Why parents should not hit their children.
• Fairy tales are good for young children.
• Why kids should not play R rated games.

See this page for a full list of Family Persuasive Speech Topics . We also have a page with Speech Topics for Kids .

6 Fashion Persuasive Speech Topics

• Men should wear pink.
• Choose an Eco-Fashion Fabrics Wardrobe!
• Are Sustainable Clothes Really Sustainable?
• Jewelry: Less Is More.
• Fashion Reveals Your True Identity.
• Fashion Is An Expression Of The Character

11 Financial Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why banks should ban hats and sunglasses to avoid robberies.
• Student loans should be forgiven.
• Reservation casinos are only beneficial if managed correctly.
• National debt is everyones problem.
• Purchasing a car is smarter than leasing one.
• The Japanese yen is affected by the weakness of the dollar.
• The Euro currency will oust the dollar.
• The Chinese Yuan / Japanese Yen / European Euro will all surpass the Dollar as leading currency.
• Phase the penny coin out.
• Severe budget cuts are the only way to maximise good financial results.
• Keeping a close eye on personal finance is key in achieving something in life.

15 Food and Drink Persuasive Speech Topics

• Genetically modified foods should be labeled.
• Do you believe companies who manufacture alcohol should be allowed to advertise on TV?
• Every child should learn to cook.
• Cooking should be taught in schools.
• Should we donate unused food from supermarkets?
• The history of added sugar in our food.
• We should all grow our own vegetables.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• The promise of genetically engineered food.
• Why peanuts are amazing.
• Drink more orange juice.
• Why people should cook.
• Farmers’ markets should be increased.
• Eating organic is good for your health.
• Get artificial hormones out of food.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topic Ideas On Food, Drink, and Cooking .

10 Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

Fun topics are a great way to get people to listen to what you have to say, because when they are entertained they listen more carefully. Fun topics also help the speaker be more at ease, because the topics are more relaxed. Below follow 100 topics that you can have fun with while persuading your audience. .

• Ghosts are not real.
• We all need to be childish.
• Smokers have more acquaintances.
• Music has the power to heal.
• Diamonds are a girls best friends.
• Couples need to live together before getting married.
• Allow kids to believe in Santa.
• Pick up lines do work.
• Cake is not cake if it is dry.
• Parents must be prepared for the ‘birds and bees’ talk.

See this page for a full list of Fun Persuasive Speech Topics .

10 Funny and Humorous Persuasive Speech Topics

Humour is a fabulous way to get people’s attention. Below are questions and statement topics that can be used to get your points across on a variety of topics.

It is important to remember that there can be a fine line between funny and insulting. So use wit and make it fun without insulting your audience. This would be important to remember with a title like ‘The most dangerous animal out there is a silent woman’.

• Blondes are not as dumb as they look.
• Why funny pick-up lines work.
• Guys gossip more than girls do.
• You should not be Facebook friends with your mom.
• If things go wrong, your horoscope is to blame.
• Students should not have to do a persuasive speech in front of a large audience.
• Millennials should stop wearing spandex yoga pants all the time.
• Dads are more fun than moms.
• Argumentative essays are pointless.
• Shoes that don’t fit right are hazardous to your health.

See this page for a full list of Funny Persuasive Speech Topics .

16 Government Persuasive Speech Topics

• Do you believe there should be stricter federal restrictions regarding content on the internet?
• Should employers be required to post job opportunities on a government-run website?
• The government should provide shelter for the homeless.
• Should the state fund schools run by religions?
• Whose face should be printed on the newest bank note?
• Do you believe Puerto Rico should become a state?
• Our nation’s justice system needs to be improved.
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• The military budget must be decreased.
• Should people get drug tested for state aid?
• How policy works in local government.
• The government should increase funding of Amtrak.
• Fixing potholes should be a priority of local government.
• Eminent domain should be used rarely.
• The war on drugs is a failure.
• Zoning laws should be common sense.

10 Health Persuasive Speech Topics

• Female minors should be allowed to get birth control without telling their parents.
• Should stem cell researchers be able to use cells from aborted babies to help cure diseases?
• Should doctors be allowed to prescribe contraception for girls under 16?
• Do you think it would be better if the USA had a universal health care system?
• Do you believe free condoms should be distributed in schools?
• Regular exercise will improve your health.
• Restaurants should post all ingredients to prevent allergic reactions.
• Do you believe fast food should come with a warning label?
• The use of animals in medical research is a necessary evil.
• Seat belts ensure all passengers a safer ride.

See this page for a full list of Persuasive Speech Topics on Health and Fitness . We also have a page with Medical Topics .

10 School Persuasive Speech Topics

School is a whole new world, where students discover more about themselves and life around them. These are topics that students will most likely have to deal with at some point during their elementary, middle, and high school careers.

• High school students should be allowed to have cell phones in school.
• High school students should not have to wear school uniforms.
• All high school students should learn a foreign language.
• Girls should be allowed to play on the boys’ sports teams.
• High school students should be required to do community service.
• Extracurricular activities are important for your future.
• Students should be able to stay up late, even on school nights.
• Peer pressure helps students grow as individuals.
• Students should have healthy food options.
• Students should be paid for getting good grades.

See this page for a full list of Persuasive Speech Topics for School Students .

10 College Students Persuasive Speech Topics

The following topics are for college students and about the many different aspects that they will deal with during their time in college.

• College textbooks should be replaced by iPads.
• Mobile phones should be switched off during a lecture.
• College students shouldn’t skip classes.
• Students shouldn’t study something that they are not passionate about.
• Gap years are actually a very good idea.
• Notes should always be taken in class.
• Student loans are expensive and students need to understand what they are getting themselves into.
• Students should get to know other students.
• It’s smart to get the harder classes out of the way first.
• Taking summer classes will help students get ahead of schedule.

See this page for a full list of Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students .

10 Teens Persuasive Speech Topics

The following topics are aimed at teens and subjects which are important and matter to teens.

• Teenage girls should be on birth control.
• Teenage boys are lazier than girls.
• Teens should have weekend jobs.
• Homework should not be given.
• Being popular isn’t a good thing.
• Teens are obsessed with scary things.
• Chores shouldn’t be paid for.
• Sex education must be compulsory.
• Exchange student programs for all students.
• Free time gets teens into trouble.

See this page for a full list of Great Speech Topics for Teens .

5 History Persuasive Speech Topics

• Did the U.S. Army provide their soldiers drugs during the Vietnam war?
• African- American achievements should be celebrated.
• Why Lincoln was the best President.
• Revisionist history is dangerous.
• The moon landing was a lie.

See this page for a full list of History Speech Topics .

10 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

Interesting topics will always have an audience glued to every word, even when they may disagree with your point of view. Ultimately it is your job to persuade them that your view is in fact correct.

These topics have a mix of simpler speeches such as “Pick up lines do work” here both humour and a few examples of pick up lines have worked will get you going in the right direction. For a speech with a bit more research put into it there are topics such as “Stem cell research in murder”.

• The standards of beauty are never the same.
• Princess Diana was killed.
• Energy drinks are dangerous.
• School day needs to involve less sitting and more exercise.
• No credit cards for under 25.
• Healthy relationships require conflicts.
• Everyone needs medical insurance.
• Tooth whitening is out of control.
• In future air planes won’t crash.
• Business should hire more apprentices.

See this page for a full list of Persuasive Interesting Speech Topics .

13 International Relations Persuasive Speech Topics

• Do you think it is time for the United States to suspend overseas military operations?
• The U.S. should cut off all foreign aid to dictatorships.
• Why you should volunteer in a developing country.
• Should Scotland be a country of its own?
• China will be the next superpower.
• Is any nation truly independent?
• Should women drive in Saudi Arabia?
• Foreign oil dependence is dangerous.
• Weapons disarmament should be increased.
• The war in Iraq was a mistake.
• The United Nations is important in defusing international crises.
• Human rights should be advanced all over the world.
• China will be the almighty economic superpower by 2025.

10 Law Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should those who are caught driving after consuming alcohol lose their driver’s license for one year?
• Should it be illegal to drive while talking on the phone?
• Should illegal music and movie downloads be prosecuted?
• Do you believe illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for a driver’s license?
• Should motorcyclists have to wear a helmet?
• People over 65 should be required to take a bi-annual driver’s test.
• Should the driving age be raised to 21?
• Should assault weapons be legal?
• Should known gang members be prohibited from public parks?
• Do you think it should be illegal for people to curse on TV during daytime?

See this page for a full list of Legal Speech Topics .

3 Literature Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why reading is more beneficial than watching television.
• Why it is a good idea to read Fifty Shades of Grey.
• Why people need to read more books.

17 Media Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why it’s wrong for the media to promote a certain beauty standard.
• Is the media responsible for the moral degradation of teens?
• Do magazines marketed to teenagers send the wrong message?
• Why Disney should not be making Star Wars movies.
• Why you should study photography.
• Should certain T.V. shows have age restrictions?
• Why the media is to blame for eating disorders.
• The media does not force us to worship false icons.
• Why the Russian should have beat Rocky.
• Television is harmful to children.
• Why comic books are good to read.
• Some TV shows are educational.
• Make TV more educational.
• We need more funding for public television and radio.
• Violence on television should be regulated.
• Cable TV monopolies destroy competition.
• Katniss Everdeen would alienate Harry Potter.

10 Motivational Persuasive Speech Topics

• School leaders must shape high-achieving learning curricula for students.
• Set a clear goal and devote all your positive energy toward reaching it.
• What to do for people who have no motivation to live a happy life.
• The art of moral imagination is the key to intellectual and spiritual development.
• Why it is hard to follow your dream.
• What keep most of us from following the voice of your heart when it comes to love or even discovery travelling?
• Overcome your stage fright and fear of public speaking.
• Begin with forming a moral tool set when children are young and build further when they are at least 18 years old.
• Aim straightforward in whatever project you undertake, and emphasize and evaluate what you want to achieve often in between the completed parts of the total planning.
• Prudence is an effort you can turn non-believers into believers in your plans.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topics For Motivational Speaking .

6 Music Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why the French horn should be played more.
• Should schools allow uncensored songs at school dances?
• How listening to music could improve your day.
• Why music is beneficial to society.
• MP3 music should be free.
• Rock music is better than Country & Western.

6 National Security Persuasive Speech Topics

• Are intensive security screenings essential for those who travel in airplanes?
• Negotiating with terrorists is sometimes justifiable.
• Should police carry firearms?
• Homosexuals belong in the military.
• Women benefit the military in many ways.
• Should police carry toy guns?

10 Politics Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should it be legal for politicians to accept campaign contributions from corporate lobbyists?
• Why you should vote.
• Ban abusive language in elections.
• Why you should know Bernie Sanders.
• Term limits need to be respected.
• Give Kurdistan back to the Kurds.
• Zimbabwe is the next drama in world politics.
• Central Asian states could become a threat.
• America is not the world’s policeman.
• Globalization pays off.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topics about Politics .

3 Practical Knowledge Persuasive Speech Topics

• Basic survival skills are important to know.
• Basic camping skills everyone should know.
• Personal hygiene is important for professional success.

7 Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

• Intelligence depends more on the environment than genetics.
• Human development depends primarily on environmental factors.
• Why we should not see psychologists.
• Why do we need to love and to be loved?
• Can money give you happiness?
• Why introverts make the best public speakers.
• Verbal abuse can be much more destructive than physical.

See this page for a full list of Psychology Speech Topics .

23 Relationships Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should young people have internet relationships?
• Men and women speak a different language of love.
• Long distance relationships are possible.
• Why it is important to live together before marriage.
• Teens should live with their friends once a week.
• Jealousy can be a disease.
• Most people say they will break up with a cheating partner, but in the end most people do not.
• Counseling is the solution for working through relationship problems.
• Intimacy is the key to a successful relationship.
• Women cheat more than men do.
• Interreligious Relationships – Love between two people can never be forbidden.
• Arranged marriages must be outlawed.
• Asking someone to wear a condom shows a lack of trust.
• Celibacy is outdated.
• Cheating isn’t wrong if you do it well.
• Co-workers should never date.
• Dating behavior rules are simple for girls: No means No, not Yes.
• Living together before marriage will lower the divorce rate.
• Men and women speak different languages in love matters.
• People only need one good friend.
• Polygamy should be allowed.
• You will learn most from friends that are different from you.
• Romance works best the old fashioned way.

8 Religion Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should public schools teach world religions?
• Students should be allowed to pray in school.
• Women should be priests.
• Religious conflict must be avoided.
• Why Islam is a peaceful religion.
• Islamic fundamentalism is not true Islam.
• Religious cults are dangerous.
• Faith in God should be protected.

See this page for a full list of Topics on Religion and Spirituality .

10 Science Persuasive Speech Topics

• Do you think the United States government should spend more on space programs?
• Why should we be aware of what is happening in outer space?
• Why Pluto should still be considered a planet.
• Mars was the same as Earth in the past.
• Why you should donate your body to science.
• We need more scientific advancements.
• Qualitative research is more preferable than quantitative research.
• Religion and science do not mix. (Or: they do.)
• Scientists have the duty to translate their findings in normal language.
• Theories are useless if they can not be transformed into strategies.

See this page for a full list of Persuasive Science Speech Topics .

11 Self-Help Persuasive Speech Topics

• Art is a stress reliever and can reduce depression.
• With hardwork and determination anyone can be successful.
• Why we should live life spontaneously.
• Improve your time management.
• Embarrassing moments make you stronger.
• Be true to yourself.
• Dress for success.
• How to continue your personal growth.
• The importance of self- confidence.
• If you don’t give up, you’ll make it.
• Talking to yourself can be beneficial.

10 Society Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should larger passengers be obliged to purchase two plane tickets, or two movie tickets?
• Should American families have no more than two children, in order to control population growth?
• Should property owners be obliged to clean the snow from sidewalks on their property?
• Should there be a cop in every bar to make sure people do not drink and drive?
• Do you believe that older people should receive free bus rides?
• Should all citizens of the USA complete one year of community service?
• Do you believe it is time for America to use the metric system?
• Why it should be mandatory for all students to stand for the pledge.
• Do you believe that cities should provide free wireless internet?
• Why living in the country is better than the city.

See this page for a full list of Persuasive Society Speech Topics .

10 Sport Persuasive Speech Topics

Some sports topics can quickly turn into an argument between fans so keep in mind that special care should be taken with some of the suggested topics.

The term soccer was used to distinguished between soccer and American football, feel free to use the term football for those countries that do not use the term soccer.

• Should some musical groups, such as marching band and show choir, be considered a sport?
• Do you think cities should have a bike sharing system?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• Why baseball players should take drug tests before playing.
• High school football programs should receive less funding.
• Female sports should be given equal coverage by the media.
• Should drug tests be mandatory for professional athletes?
• Should athletes be paid less?
• Should drug tests be mandatory for school athletes?
• Winning is not as important as trying your best.

See this page for a full list of Persuasive Sports Speech Topics .

28 Technology Persuasive Speech Topics

• Google and other search engines will be the death of libraries.
• Make sure to backup your computer files several times a day.
• What kind of influence will technology have on our future?
• Printing photos is better than keeping them on a computer.
• Do you believe internet censorship is inappropriate?
• Should nuclear power be used?
• How technology will change our lives.
• Internet could do more to free deaf people from their social isolation.
• Should screen time also be limited for adults?
• Why the government should regulate technology.
• Technology is making people less creative.
• Technology has made life better.
• Why Microsoft Word products should be free.
• Why you should not buy an iPhone.
• Anti-piracy software does not work.
• Internet chatrooms are not safe.
• The amount of spam you see in your mailbox is just the tip of the iceberg.
• We are addicted to the internet.
• Put down your phone and connect with people.
• Electronics are making kids lazy.
• How does a search engine work?
• Apple music should be free.
• The importance of the internet.
• Internet gambling needs more regulation.
• Computer literacy should be increased.
• The importance of internet fraud awareness.
• Why selfies are a thing of the past.
• People who say they do not need or want to use the world wide web are insane.

12 Travel Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why you should go to Bermuda.
• Why airline tickets should be cheaper.
• Traveling makes you more open-minded.
• Always report travel complaints as soon as possible when back home.
• Backpacking means every day unexpected adventures if you are open for it
• If there was no tourism there would be much more poverty.
• Support eco-tourism.
• Tourism ruins historical sites and there should be placed warning signs to awake them.
• Extreme air turbulence can be fatal.
• Fly First Class at least once in your lifetime.
• The best way to travel is in a guided group.
• Antarctica should be closed for tourists and scientists

8 Workplace Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should large corporations hire a number of minorities that are proportionate to the population?
• Do you think 14 year olds should be allowed to hold jobs?
• Why you should choose a high paying job over a fun job.
• Why everyone should work retail once in their life.
• Tipping should be mandatory in restaurants.
• Women make better managers than men.
• The importance of office parties.
• Labor unions should be protected.

Our list of topics is by far the best list you will find online – both in terms of quantity and quality. We add and remove ideas weekly to keep the list up-to-date.

Many timely persuasive speech topics can be found on radio, TV, your local newspaper, or your Facebook and Twitter feeds. We also have Argumentative (which is a type of persuasive speech on a controversial issue) and Policy topics . If you know of a cool topic, please send it to us and we will publish it on our page with fresh topics.

For persuasive essay topic ideas have a look at our list of Interesting Research Paper topics : these can be easily adapted for persuasive speeches.

Write a Gripping Personal Narrative Essay Using Our Cheat Guide

Vote of Thanks Examples

50 thoughts on “434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics”

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

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

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

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

Why smoking can help you make friends

These topic are good. Thank you so much..

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

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

These topics are great. Thank you

OMG thank you sooooo mush you literally saved my life.

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

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

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

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

Why sex education important

Are pitbulls a vicious breed

Germany is the best

Does Lightning McQueen have Life Insurance or Car Insurance ?

Correction: why cats make the purrfect pet.

thank you this is a very helpful and inspiring topics

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

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

Thank you so much, this was inspiring and helpful.

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

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

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

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

Why water causes cancer

Why Sped kids should have more special attention in schools?

-Tax the freaking pants off the 1%

-Only highly education education specialists should make laws regarding education

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

did a speach on koalas being nuclearly reactive thx sm

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

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

cheating isnt wrong if you do it well

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

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

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

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

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

thanks got me a 100

Those were so helpful wish me luck on my test

henrique is kind of annoying but a good website

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

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

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

why can’t we make toast in the bath

Why teens shouldn’t have sex before marriage.

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

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

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

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Go back to all articles

100+ Excellent Topics for a Stellar Persuasive Speech

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Speech?

The Ingredients of an Effective Topic

Ideas & Inspiration: 100+ Topics

Your Next Steps, Step-by-step

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

Before You Pick the Perfect Topic...

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

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

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

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

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

Here's what you'll find:

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

Still feeling a bit hesitant or stuck?

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

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech?

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

The 6 Most Essential Ingredients

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

The Historical Roots of Persuasive Speech

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

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

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

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

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

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

How The Rhetorical Triangle Can Turbo-charge Your Speech

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suggestions for enhancing appeals to ethos in your speech:

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

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

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

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

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

A Consistent Style and Tone

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

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

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

Picking Your Topic — Questions to Ask

Does it interest you.

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

Will the topic interest your audience?

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

Is the topic or point of view fresh and engaging?

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

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

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

Finding Subjects and Topics on Your Own

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

Search Results for Keyword Phrase Contemporary World Problems and Issues

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

A General List vs. Time & Place Factors

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

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

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

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

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

Art and Culture

1. Is digital art really art?

2. Street art: vandalism or cultural expression?

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

4. Do museums promote culture or appropriate culture?

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

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

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

8. Does creative freedom take precedence over cultural appropriation?

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

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

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

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

3. Is student loan debt relief good policy?

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

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

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

7. Globalization: economic boon or bane?

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

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

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

1. The case for and against school uniforms.

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

3. The impact of technology on education.

4. Should college education be free?

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

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

7. Is the grading system improving learning?

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

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

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

Environmental Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. The impact of fast fashion on the environment.

8. The necessity of protecting endangered species.

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

10. Are electric cars truly better for the environment?

1. The changing dynamics of the modern family.

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

3. Should adoption records be open or sealed?

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

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

6. How to balance parental rights with child welfare.

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

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

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

10. Balancing discipline and love in parenting.

Health, Nutrition, & Fitness

1. Should junk food advertising be regulated?

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

3. Should junk food be banned in schools?

4. Nutrition: are schools failing to teach it?

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

6. Should sports programs be replaced by fitness education?

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

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

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

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

Media, Social Media, and Entertainment

1. The effects of social media on teenagers.

2. Should there be regulations on influencer marketing?

3. The impact of video games on behavior.

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

5. The role of media in shaping public opinion.

6. Privacy concerns with social media platforms.

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

8. Digital detox: pros and cons.

9. Media portrayal of women and its societal impact.

10. Censorship in media: necessary or oppressive?

Politics and Society

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

2. Gun control laws: balancing safety and liberty.

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

4. The death penalty: justice vs. ethics?

5. The legalization of marijuana: the right policy?

6. The right to protest vs. public order.

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

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

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

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

Recreation & Tourism

1. The benefits of outdoor recreation.

2. Sustainable tourism: protecting nature while promoting travel.

3. The impact of tourism on local cultures.

4. The future of space tourism.

5. The effects of recreational activities on mental health.

6. The importance of historical preservation in tourism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Space exploration: is it worth the investment?

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

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

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

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

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

Sports and School Athletics

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

2. Should college athletes be compensated?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Use Diligent Research to Make a Watertight Argument

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

What to look for:

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

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

Define Your Thesis

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

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

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

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

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

Marshaling Your Evidence

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

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

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

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

Make an Outline

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

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

Drafting Body Paragraphs, Your Introduction & Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Balancing Pathos, Logos, Ethos

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

Checklist for Balancing Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

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

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

Revise & Polish

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

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

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

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

Practice the Delivery

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

About the Author

Keith Nickolaus

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

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80+ Best Speech Topics to Attract Your Audience

As you step onto the stage, poised to captivate your listeners, the power of a well-chosen topic becomes your greatest ally. A compelling speech subject can transform a room of strangers into an engaged audience, hanging on your every word. Whether you’re addressing a classroom, a boardroom, or a grand auditorium, the right topic sets the foundation for a memorable and impactful presentation. In this article, we’ve compiled diverse and thought-provoking speech topics designed to grip your audience’s attention from the very first sentence and leave a lasting impression long after your final words.

Don’t miss: Topic Sentence Generator

If you’re struggling to come up with fresh ideas for speeches, why not consider giving Arvin a chance? Arvin is an advanced artificial intelligence tool created to support you with all your writing needs. Give it a try and witness how it can assist you.

Table of Contents

How to Find Speech Topics in Daily Life?

The most engaging speech topics often lurk in the everyday moments and evolving landscapes around us. To uncover these hidden gems, start by paying closer attention to your daily experiences. That frustrating commute, a chance encounter at the grocery store, or an unexpected act of kindness could all spark ideas for relatable and compelling speeches.

Art & Culture Speech Topics

• Should employers still consider tattoos “unprofessional”?
• Do romantic movies and books glorify an unrealistic idea of love and lead to heartbreak?
• Should publishers remove offensive and inappropriate language from classic literature?
• Does watching TV shows or movies about teenage suicide encourage it or prevent it?
• Is creating films and documentaries about criminals glorifying them and inspiring some to become criminals themselves?
• Should therapists prioritize art and music therapy over traditional talk therapy?

College & Career Speech Topics

• Should universities reduce the cost of college?
• Are income-share agreements better for students than taking out student loans?
• Should colleges pay college athletes like professional teams pay professional athletes?
• Are same-sex colleges beneficial or antiquated?
• Should everyone go to college?
• What are the benefits of taking a gap year before starting college?
• Would removing tenure and job-protection from professors improve or reduce the quality of higher education?
• Has the traditional college model become outdated in the age of the Internet?
• Should you pursue a career based on your passions or a career based on earning potential?

Economy & Work Speech Topics

• Should the government increase the federal minimum wage?
• Is the boom of e-commerce harmful or beneficial to small communities?
• Should everyone receive paid maternity and paternity leave?
• Is capitalism a harmful or beneficial economic system?
• Should companies move manufacturing and outsourced work back to the United States?
• Would three-day weekends increase work productivity?
• Should working from home be the new standard?
• Why should we pay more to support small businesses and services instead of going to large companies and retailers?
• Should the US establish mandatory military service for all its young people, such as the countries of Israel and South Korea do?
• Should there be a mandatory retirement age?

Education Speech Topics

• Should schools add classes about mental health and wellness to their curriculum?
• At what age or grade should schools teach sex education?
• How can educators teach sex education more effectively?
• Should school funding be dependent on taxes of district residents or should all schools receive an equal amount of funding from the state?
• What are the benefits of year-round schools?
• Are charter schools hurting or helping low-income communities?
• Is homeschooling beneficial or harmful to children?
• Should schools integrate students on the Autism spectrum into regular classrooms?
• What qualifications should schools use to ban books?
• Should high schools replace advanced math classes with more practical courses on financial literacy and understanding taxes?
• Are grades an accurate representation of learning?
• Should we switch to the metric system?
• What is the most important book every high school student in America should read?
• What are the benefits of teaching art and music classes in high school?
• Should high schools offer independent learning as a larger option?
• What are the benefits of making preschool free to all families?

How to Find Speech Topics in the Changing World?

Simultaneously, keep your finger on the pulse of our rapidly changing world. From technological breakthroughs and environmental challenges to shifting social norms and global events, the flux of modern life is a wellspring of relevant topics. By weaving together personal anecdotes with broader societal trends, you can craft speeches that resonate on both an intimate and universal level, ensuring your words strike a chord with diverse audiences.

Environment & Conservation

• Should governments ban fuel-run vehicles?
• How does it benefit nature to reduce human paper consumption?
• Should it be okay to own exotic animals as pets?
• Should legislators make hunting illegal?
• What is the biggest current threat to the environment and how would you suggest we remedy it?
• Should governments ban disposable diapers?
• Should authorities close zoos and animal theme parks (such as Sea World)?

Technology 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 teachers allow students to use ChatGPT and other AI tools for writing assignments?
• Should organizers allow AI-generated art in art shows or contests?
• Who holds responsibility for accidents caused by self-driving cars: the driver or the car company?

Science Speech Topics

• In which renewable energy option would the US do best to invest?
• Should the US prioritize space exploration over domestic initiatives?
• Should governments punish companies with a high carbon footprint?
• 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 scientists resurrect extinct species?
• Are cancer screening programs ethical?

Politics & 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 the government allow women in special forces units?

After Finding Themes

To deliver a compelling persuasive speech, thorough preparation and practice are key. Begin by thoroughly researching your topic, gathering strong evidence to support your arguments. Craft a clear, logical structure that guides your audience from point to point, building your case methodically. Practice your delivery repeatedly, focusing on your pacing, tone, and body language. Use a mirror, record yourself, or present to friends to gain feedback and refine your performance. When delivering the speech, engage your audience with eye contact and confident gestures. Speak with conviction, varying your vocal inflections to emphasize key points. Anticipate potential counterarguments and address them preemptively. Remember, a persuasive speech isn’t just about presenting facts—it’s about connecting with your listeners emotionally and intellectually, inspiring them to see things from your perspective and potentially take action.

Armed with these diverse and engaging topics, you’re now ready to captivate any audience. Remember, a great topic is just the start. Draw from your experiences, stay attuned to the world around you, and refine your delivery through practice. As you take the stage, confident in your chosen subject and preparation, you’re not just speaking—you’re potentially changing minds and touching hearts. So, make these topics your own, and let your voice resonate. Your audience awaits, ready to be moved by your message

For more personalized and eye-catching ideas, Arvin is here to assist you in crafting a unique and uplifting message. Give Arvin a chance to create something inspiring.

What are the best general topics? The best general topics may vary from person to person, as they depend on individual interests and preferences. However, some common general topics that generally have broad appeal include travel, food, technology, personal development, nature, and popular cultural events or phenomena.

Electric cars are just as harmful to the environment. Depression is overrated and we all have to deal with it. We are living better than ever, but we still complain. The prison system doesn’t create better humans. Being untidy doesn’t make you creative or special.

1. Make sure your topic meets the assignment requirements. Ask your professor for feedback if you are unsure. 2. Choose a topic that is interesting to you. It may seem obvious, but this will make the research process more fun and engaging for you. 3. Consider the scope of your topic.

Tricky topics are topics which contain difficult concepts that students struggle to understand and which teachers find difficult to teach.

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50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

• 5-minute read
• 13th January 2023

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

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

Choosing a Topic

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

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

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

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

Should free speech on the internet be restricted?

At what age should children have access to smartphones?

Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?

Should parents limit their children’s screen time?

Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?

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

Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?

Should voting be compulsory?

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

Should the electoral college system be abolished?

Should election procedures be standardized in all states?

Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?

Should the death penalty be legal?

Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?

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

Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?

Are governments doing enough to address climate change?

Is student loan forgiveness fair?

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

Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?

What is the greatest threat to international stability?

What can be done to prevent cyber threats?

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

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

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

Is healthcare a human right?

Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?

Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?

Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?

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

Do school uniforms offer any advantages?

Are school dress codes gender biased?

Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?

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

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

Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?

Should immigrants have access to free language classes?

Should books ever be banned in schools?

Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?

Should schools be cellphone free?

Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?

Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?

Should parents let their children play tackle football?

Should college sports teams receive less money?

Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?

Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?

Should all priests be allowed to marry?

Should prayer be permitted in public schools?

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

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

Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

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

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

Step Up with Confidence

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

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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.

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 ?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Speech?

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech?

Various qualities characterize effective persuasive speeches:

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

What to Write a Persuasive Speech on?

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

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

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

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

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

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

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Should we stop giving final exams?
• Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should students get to grade their teachers?
• Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

• Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Is it OK to eat animals?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?
• Which is better, giving or receiving?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

• Which is more important, happiness or success?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is social media helpful or harmful?
• Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

• Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
• If I could make a new law, it would be …
• Is Pluto a planet?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

• Should testing on animals be made illegal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
• Is there intelligent life on other planets?
• Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

• What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
• Which is better, Macs or PCs?
• Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
• Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
• Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

• Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
• Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
• Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
• Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
• Which is better, paper books or e-books?
• Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
• Are video games better than board games?
• Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
• Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
• Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
• The best music genre is …
• What is one book that everyone should read?
• What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Does playing video games make you smarter?
• Does reality TV actually depict real life?
• Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
• What’s the best holiday?
• The very best food of all time is …
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

• What’s the best season of the year?
• Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Does fruit count as dessert?
• Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
• Are clowns scary or funny?
• Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

• The best pizza topping is …
• What would be the best superpower to have?
• Should everyone make their bed every day?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
• Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

• Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
• Is Monday the worst day of the week?
• Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
• Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
• Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

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Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

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

130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

Definition of the Persuasive Speech 

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

How to Compose an Excellent Persuasive Speech? 

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

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

List of Persuasive Speech Topics 

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

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

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

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

Persuasive Speech About Art, Media, and Culture

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

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

Persuasive Speech About the Economy and Work

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

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

Persuasive Speech About Education

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

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

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Persuasive Speech About Politics and Society

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

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

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Discover Thousands of Free Essay Samples! 

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

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

Read your grading rubric twice, or hit us up with your questions! You must be inspired by what you choose because it is the only way to persuade others. Make sure to clarify your point and convince your target audience that your thoughts and ideas are worth checking and following!

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435 PERSUASIVE Speech Topics for High School Students (Top)

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.  

Giving a persuasive speech can be stressful for high school students , especially when you are tasked with coming up with your own topic.

To help reduce the stress of preparation, I have compiled this list of 435 persuasive speech topics for high school students to give you some ideas and inspiration.

These topics cover a wide range of issues that are relevant to today’s young adults, from social concerns like gender roles and mental health awareness to more academic pursuits such as college admissions and financial aid opportunities.

With this comprehensive list in hand, you will be able to quickly come up with an engaging idea that resonates with both yourself and your audience .

So take a look around - there is sure to be something here which can help make your next presentation a success!

1. Should standardized testing be eliminated in favor of a more personalized approach?

2. Should high school students have the right to choose their own curriculum?

3. Should minors be given the same rights as adults when it comes to freedom of expression?

4. Is it beneficial for schools to offer mental health counseling services on campus?

5. How can society work together to combat bullying in schools?

6. Can video games help young people learn new skills or develop existing ones?

7. Are zero-tolerance policies effective in reducing student misconduct and promoting better behavior at school ?

8. What are the pros and cons of allowing cell phone use during class time ?

9. What regulations should be put into place regarding cyberbullying prevention ?

10. Do current laws successfully protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination within schools ?

11. Should students be given more opportunities to provide input on the school's curriculum?

12. How can social media use be better regulated in schools to avoid misuse and distraction?

13. How can we create an environment of inclusion for all racial and ethnic backgrounds in school ?

14. What measures should be taken to ensure online safety for students?

15. What steps should schools take to reduce teenage drug abuse?

16. Is it beneficial for high schoolers to pursue dual enrollment or advanced placement courses ?

17. Is corporal punishment an effective form of discipline in schools ?

18. Are dress codes still necessary in modern education systems ?

19. Should student athletes receive special treatment, such as lower academic standards or priority scheduling?

20. Has the cost of higher education become too expensive for most families today ?

21. Should the school day start later in order to improve student performance?

22. Could technology be leveraged more effectively to help students better understand their course material?

23. Are there any viable alternatives to traditional classroom instruction for modern students?

24. What regulations should be put into place regarding academic dishonesty and cheating ?

25. Is it beneficial for high schools to offer specialized courses such as robotics or coding?

26. How can we create a sense of community within larger educational institutions ?

27. Should cell phones be prohibited from use during class time, even if they are not being used for disruption purposes ?

28. Do current laws protect student's privacy rights adequately enough when it comes to gathering data about them online ?

29. Can extracurricular activities help foster greater school pride among students in large districts ?

30 .Should public universities take measures to reduce tuition costs for all levels of income families?

31. Should schools decrease their reliance on textbooks and utilize digital forms of learning?

32. How can we create an environment in which all students feel safe to express themselves without fear of ridicule or bullying?

33. Is the current academic system providing students with enough opportunity for creative expression and exploration ?

34. What policies should be implemented to reduce dropout rates among high schoolers?

35. Should high schools offer more vocational training courses for those not planning on attending college?

36. How can we successfully implement sustainable practices into modern education systems ?

37. Are standardized tests accurate representations of a student's knowledge in a given subject area ?

38. What measures should be taken by educators to help ensure that students are well-prepared when it comes time to transition into adult life?

39. Should music and art courses continue to remain mandatory subjects within public school curriculums ?

40 .What role do teachers play in helping their pupils achieve greater success beyond just academics?

41. Should schools provide mental health services to help students cope with the increasing pressure and stress of modern day life?

42. How can we encourage more young people to become involved in politics and government reform initiatives?

43. What measures should be taken by teachers to ensure that all students are receiving an equal education regardless of background or financial status?

44 .Should states continue administering high-stakes tests such as the SAT/ACT for college admissions purposes ?

45. Could longer school days improve student performance, or would they lead to burnout and fatigue?

46. Should educational institutions offer an alternative form of punishment other than detention for wrongdoings ?

47. Is it beneficial for high schools to initiate career guidance programs for their students earlier on ?

48. What measures could be taken in order to reduce bullying among children in school systems ?

49. How can we increase access and opportunities within underprivileged communities when it comes to higher education ?

50. How could discussions about diversity, race equality, sexism , etc., best be implemented into classrooms without causing discomfort or controversy amongst pupils?

51. Should high schools have separate classes for boys and girls to reduce the gender gap among students?

52. How can we create more awareness about mental health issues in educational institutions?

53. Is it beneficial for students to attend single-sex schools rather than coed ones ?

54. What measures could be taken by school districts to improve the quality of food served in cafeterias?

55. Should religious education continue to remain part of public school curriculums?

56. Do current grading systems accurately reflect a student's knowledge of a given subject matter ?

57. How can educators ensure all pupils receive an equal, fair education regardless of race or ethnicity ?

58. Could implementing mindfulness practices into daily routines help reduce stress amongst teens attending high school ?

59. What measures should be taken by teachers and administrators when it comes to bullying prevention within educational institutions?

60. Should universities provide free speech courses that teach how to communicate effectively with others in order to foster greater understanding between different groups/cultures.?

61. Should high schools provide internships and job shadow experiences to help their students gain a better understanding of the working world?

62. Are current methods for evaluating student performance effective or should we look into alternative assessment strategies?

63. How can we ensure that all students have access to resources necessary for success in school, such as textbooks and technology ?

64. What roles do teachers play in encouraging healthy eating habits among their pupils?

65 .Should educational institutions consider incorporating modern technologies (such as smartphones) into classrooms rather than banning them completely ?

66. What measures should be taken by educators to increase awareness about the dangers of drug use amongst teenagers ?

67. Is it beneficial for schools to allocate more funding towards extracurricular activities such as sports teams, martial arts clubs, music groups etc.?

68. Should students have more freedom to express their opinions in schools?

69. Is it beneficial for high schoolers to take part in community service projects?

70. Are current standardized tests an accurate measure of a student’s knowledge or should we look into alternative assessment strategies?

71. How can educators best address controversial topics such as sexuality, gender identity, and politics without causing controversy amongst pupils?

72. Can technology help improve the quality of education received by students or are there drawbacks that outweigh the benefits ?

73. What measures could be taken by teachers to ensure that all students receive equal access and opportunities regardless of race or financial status ?

74. How can peer-to-peer learning best be incorporated into educational institutions to foster greater understanding between different groups/cultures?

75. Is homeschooling an effective alternative form of education when compared with traditional schooling methods ?

76. Could longer school days lead to higher rates of burnout and fatigue among high schoolers or would they benefit from increased instructional time?

77. Could incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines help reduce stress among teens attending high school?

78. Should extracurricular activities such as sports be mandatory in educational institutions ?

79. Should schools and universities provide mental health services to their students?

80. How can educators best address cyberbullying among high schoolers?

81. Could implementing a mentorship program within public schools help better prepare pupils for the working world?

82 .Should universities provide free speech courses that teach how to communicate effectively with others in order to foster greater understanding between different groups/cultures.?

83. Would providing incentives for good academic performance be beneficial for students or would it put too much pressure on them ?

84. Is it beneficial for high schoolers to take part in community service projects ?

85 .Do current grading systems accurately reflect a student’s knowledge of a given subject matter ?

86. What measures should be taken by teachers and administrators when it comes to bullying prevention within educational institutions ?

87. How can we ensure that all students have access to resources necessary for success in school, such as textbooks and technology?

88. What roles do teachers play in encouraging healthy eating habits amongst their pupils?

89. Should high schools provide career-focused courses to help kids decide their future?

90. Are current measures taken by educational institutions enough to prevent cheating and plagiarism?

91. How can teachers best address the issue of social media addiction among teenagers?

92. What strategies should be implemented in order for students to stay focused on their studies?

93. Is there a need for stricter punishments regarding cyberbullying ?

94. Can student feedback help improve teaching methods used by educators?

95. In what ways can educational institutions better assist those with learning disabilities when it comes to schooling and/or exams ?

96. Could implementing body cameras in classrooms promote accountability amongst both students and faculty members ?

97. Do high schoolers benefit from taking part in debates or are they an unnecessary waste of time ?

98. Should all high schools have mandatory internships programs as part of their curriculum so that students gain real world experience before graduating?

99. Should high schools provide gender-neutral bathrooms and locker rooms for their students?

100. What strategies can educators use to ensure that all students are included in classroom activities?

101. How has technology changed the way we learn, and should it continue to be incorporated into educational systems?

102. Are standardized tests an effective measure of a student's knowledge or do they favor those from more privileged backgrounds?

103. What role should the parents have when it comes to monitoring their child’s academic performance ?

104. Could offering online classes for high schoolers result in higher grades as well as improve work/life balance amongst teenagers ?

105. Is there enough support provided by teachers and faculty members concerning mental health

issues among young adults ?

106. Should educational institutions offer courses on financial literacy in order to better prepare pupils for adulthood and life after graduation ?

107. What approaches could teachers take in order to ensure that all students get equal attention regardless of learning styles or needs?

108. Should schools create more after-school activities that serve both educational and recreational purposes?

109. How can parents ensure that their children’s digital lives stay secure at school and outside of it?

110. Is physical education an important part of the high school curriculum or should those classes be reduced in order to accommodate for other studies?

111. Should there be harsher punishments for students caught cheating on exams or assignments ?

112. Does standardized testing accurately reflect a student's knowledge or does it put them under too much pressure ?

113 .What measures should teachers take in order to reduce competition amongst pupils in the classroom ?

114 . In what ways could government funding help improve the quality of education provided by public schools ?

115. Do current teaching methods need to be reevaluated so as to better engage students with their studies ?

116. Are student loans beneficial for financially struggling college hopefuls, or do they simply add another layer of debt on top of existing ones?

117. Is there a need for high schoolers to be taught about digital safety and security?

118. Should schools offer more electives in order to give students the opportunity for self-exploration?

119. Are dress codes necessary for high schoolers, or do they create an environment of conformity?

120. Could providing healthier food options in cafeterias increase student focus during class time ?

121. How can we ensure that all students are given the same resources and opportunities when it comes to their studies ?

122. Do current grading systems favor those from more privileged backgrounds over others ?

123. What strategies should teachers use in order to motivate struggling pupils to reach their full potential ?

124. Is homeschooling a viable option for high schoolers looking for alternative routes towards graduation ?

125. Could offering flexible schedules help reduce stress amongst teenagers who juggle both studies and extracurricular activities?

126. Should standardized tests remain as part of the college application process or be replaced with other forms of assessment?

127. Are extracurricular activities a necessary part of high school education or should they be optional?

128. How can educators ensure that all students have equal access to educational resources regardless of their backgrounds?

129. Should schools provide more support in order for students to understand mental health issues and better cope with them?

130. Does the current grading system accurately reflect a student's academic performance or does it put too much emphasis on memorization?

131. What measures could teachers take in order to create an inclusive environment that encourages student collaboration ?

132. Could offering internships as part of the curriculum help motivate pupils towards a career path earlier on in life ?

133 . Is there any use for corporal punishment when it comes to disciplining teenagers ?

134 . Do standardized tests create an unfair advantage for those from wealthier households over others who lack financial stability?

135 . In what ways can parents help their children overcome the challenges posed by social media at school ?

136. Should the current school curriculum be redesigned to provide more knowledge on current global events?

137. Could teaching soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and leadership help better prepare high schoolers for the future?

138. Is it necessary to give standardized tests in order to measure student performance or can they be replaced with alternative assessment methods ?

139 . Does physical education still have a place in modern day high schools or should those classes be reduced in order to accommodate other courses?

140 . Why is it important for students to learn about different cultures and perspectives from an early age ?

141 . Are online classes a viable option for reducing costs associated with higher education.?

142 . Do extracurricular activities truly benefit teenagers or are they just distractions from their studies ?

143 . What steps could teachers take towards developing better relationships between students and faculty members?

144. Are there effective ways of incentivizing pupils who excel at academics beyond giving them awards and recognitions?

145. Should the current school curriculum be redesigned to include more information about robotic automation and its impact on employment?

146. What measures should schools take in order to prevent cyberbullying amongst teenagers?

147. Is it important for students to learn about financial literacy from an early age?

148. How can we ensure that high schoolers get access to a well-rounded education rather than one that is focused solely on college preparation?

149. Should educational institutions focus more on developing soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking and communication rather than memorization of facts ?

150. Could providing access to technology in classrooms help improve student engagement or would it just be a distraction ?

151. Do online classes provide sufficient support when compared with traditional classroom settings ?

152. Are there any effective strategies which teachers could implement in order to engage unmotivated pupils successfully ?

153. Should students be taught to prioritize self-care and mental health rather than academic achievements?

154. How can schools help foster a sense of personal responsibility among students in order for them to become better citizens?

155. What are some effective measures which teachers could take in order for students to learn about environmental sustainability?

156 . Does the current educational system provide enough opportunities for pupils from all backgrounds regardless of their socio-economic standing ?

157 . Is it important that high schoolers receive advice on career exploration and job readiness before they graduate ?

158. Are there any approaches we should consider when it comes to implementing early college enrollment programs within schools ?

159. What role does technology have in creating an interactive learning environment in classrooms today?

160. Does requiring community service as part of the curriculum improve student motivation or reduce it instead ?

161. Do standardized tests create an equal opportunity platform as far as evaluating student abilities is concerned or do they overlook individual talents ?

162. To what extent should grade inflation be regulated so that grades retain their integrity and value over time?

163. Is the current educational system doing enough to equip students with skills that employers look for in employees?

164. Should schools implement ways to reward students who are good at teamwork and collaboration more than grades?

165. Does increasing homework help strengthen student academic performance or does it lead to exhaustion instead?

166. What impact can extracurricular activities have on developing social skills among teenagers ?

167. Are there any effective solutions which can be implemented in order for students from lower income households receive equal access to quality education ?

168. How is technology changing the way information is learned, retained and applied by high schoolers?

169. Can high school curriculums be redesigned so as to include courses that teach basic life skills such as housing budgeting and managing finances ?

170. Would mandatory mentoring programs amongst older and younger generations of pupils make a difference when it comes to student learning outcomes ?

171. How do teachers ensure an atmosphere of inclusion within their classrooms without compromising diversity of thought ?

172. Should the school curriculum be designed to include courses that focus on developing soft skills such as communication, problem-solving and critical thinking?

173. Can providing access to event planning experiences in classrooms make a difference when it comes to learning outcomes?

174. Is there any way for students from all backgrounds to receive equal access to quality education regardless of their socio-economic standing?

175. What strategies can schools implement in order for pupils to become better informed citizens with high moral standards?

176. Are there any potential benefits or drawbacks which should be taken into account when considering early college enrollment programs ?

177. Does technology have a role in creating an interactive learning environment within traditional classroom settings ?

178. Would incentivizing teachers lead them to perform better and provide higher quality education or is this an ineffective measure ?

179. Should parents be allowed more input regarding how their children are taught within the educational system?

180. What measures could be enacted so that grades would remain consistent across different schools and regions ?

181. Are there ways we can bridge the gaps between student performance levels across various demographic groups within schools today?

182. Is there a way to make the college admissions process fairer for all students?

183. Do standardized tests accurately measure a student's knowledge and potential?

184. How should schools address bullying in an effective manner?

185. Are there any innovative approaches that can be used to better engage high schoolers with the material they are learning?

186. Should parents and teachers be held more accountable for their roles in providing quality education for children ?

187. What measures could be implemented so as to reduce cheating during examinations within schools today ?

188. Does social media have a role in creating an interactive learning environment within classrooms or is it distracting instead ?

189. To what extent should grade inflation be regulated so that grades retain their integrity and value over time?

190. Would increasing homework help strengthen student academic performance or does it lead to exhaustion instead?

191. Is there any way of bridging the gap between student performance levels across demographic groups within schools today ?

192. Should schools provide more student-led clubs to foster creativity and innovation?

193. What strategies should be used to reduce the amount of standardized testing in school curriculums?

194. How can teachers ensure that learning takes place without making it a boring experience for students?

195. Is there a way to make the college admissions process easier and less stressful for all students?

196. Are there any potential drawbacks or benefits associated with homeschooling ?

197. To what extent should schools include extracurricular activities when it comes to assessing student performance ?

198. Can technology help us create interactive classrooms that are conducive to learning and engagement ?

199. To what extent do public schools need reform in order to meet changing societal needs across different generations ?

200. What strategies could be implemented so as to better prepare high school graduates for the working world they will face upon graduation ?

201 .Are there any effective ways we can use technology in order not just teach but also inspire pupils within our classrooms today ?

202. Should the government provide free college tuition for all students?

203. Are there any methods that could be used to make online learning more engaging and effective?

204. How can we better measure student success without relying solely on grades ?

205. What policies should be implemented in order to reduce the amount of cheating during examinations within schools today ?

206. Is there a way to make extracurricular activities more accessible and affordable across different demographics?

207. Should parents have an option when it comes to opting out of teaching certain topics due to personal beliefs or convictions?

208. Would incentivizing teachers lead them to perform better and provide higher quality education or is this an ineffective measure ?

209 .How should schools address racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination in an effective manner ?

210 .What measures can be taken so as ensure that every child has access to quality education regardless of their financial background?

211 .Should physical education classes receive equal weighting when compared with core academic subject areas like math, science & language arts?

212. Should schools offer more comprehensive mental health support services to students?

213. Can technology help bridge the gaps between student performance levels across demographic groups?

214. Is there any way of making college admissions fairer and less competitive?

215. To what extent should financial literacy be incorporated into school curriculums today ?

216. What can be done in order to ensure that teachers have better access to quality educational resources within their classrooms ?

217. Are standardized tests an effective measure of judging a student's academic ability or potential ?

218 .What strategies could be implemented so as to reduce the amount of bullying and harassment faced by high school students today ?

219 .Should we limit the number of extracurricular activities offered at our schools in order for us to focus on academics instead?

220 .How should social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram & Twitter be monitored by parents and educators when used by children/students ?

221 .Are there any measures that could be taken so as to make online testing secure from cheating and fraudulence?

222 .To what extent does peer pressure negatively affect high schoolers'

223. What can be done to make sure that students in rural areas have access to the same educational opportunities as those living in urban centers?

224. Is there any way of mitigating the effect of toxic cliques and peer groups on student's mental health ?

225 .Are there any measures that could be implemented so as to reduce the amount of stress faced by high schoolers today?

226. Should parents or schools bear more responsibility when it comes to disciplining children/students?

227. How can we reduce gender inequality within High School classrooms and curriculums today ?

228 .Should all public schools receive equal funding regardless of their location or size ?

229 .What strategies should be used to ensure a safe learning environment for our students even during times of global crisis such as Covid19 pandemic ?

230 .How should we go about making sure that college education remain accessible despite rising tuition fees across different institutions worldwide ?

231 .What methods can be used in order for teachers to better integrate technological tools into their teaching methodology without compromising quality education?

232. Should schools be allowed to implement a dress code policy?

233. Are there any measures that should be taken in order to reduce the amount of stress faced by high schoolers during exams?

234. What role do standardized tests play in helping students earn college admissions and scholarships?

235. Is it important for parents, teachers and the government to work together in order to ensure successful learning outcomes for children/students ?

236. How can we use technology in order to bridge the gap between student performance levels across various demographic groups ?

237 .What methods are available so as to make sure that our students have access quality educational resources even during times of crisis or pandemics such as Covid-19 ?

238 .Should schools offer more comprehensive career counseling services for their students?

239 .What strategies could be used by educators so as ensure better parent-teacher communication when it comes addressing student issues within classrooms ?

240 .How can we distinguish between what is beneficial and harmful content when using social media among teenagers today ?

241 .Should schools incorporate financial literacy topics into their curriculums for high schoolers

242. What measures should be taken in order to promote equitable access of resources and opportunities among students from all backgrounds ?

243. Should universities increase funding for student-led initiatives and research projects?

244. How can schools create a safe space for meaningful conversations about mental health issues among high schoolers ?

245. Are there any strategies that could help teachers better engage their students in controversial topics such as politics, race, sexuality etc. ?

246. Are there any ways of incentivizing healthy habits such as physical exercise and nutrition amongst teenagers across different demographics?

247. How can we use technology to reduce the gap between teacher-student interaction levels in virtual classrooms today?

248. What role do standardized tests play when it comes evaluating the performance of an individual student or a group of students?

249. Is there any way to make sure that college admissions are done equitably even if certain colleges have more applicants than others due to prestige factors ?

250. To what extent does competition within high school classrooms affect how well our children learn complex concepts and acquire skillsets ?

251. Should schools incorporate more experiential learning activities so as to ensure effective learning outcomes for their students

252. Should schools offer more diversified options for extracurricular activities?

253. Is there a need to reduce the emphasis on grades when it comes to college admissions and scholarships?

254. What measures should be taken in order to promote ethical use of technology amongst high schoolers?

255. How can we make sure that our education systems remain accessible despite changes within the global economy ?

256. Are there any ways of making sure that teachers get adequate support in terms of resources, training and remuneration ?

257. Should schools invest more into teaching about personal finance management for their students ?

258. What strategies should educators take towards establishing a safe environment free from discrimination against students on the basis of race, gender or sexuality ?

259. To what extent does social media affect student performance as well as mental health within high schools today?

260. How can we ensure that our classrooms are inclusive and welcoming environments even during times of uncertainty such as pandemics like Covid19.

261. What strategies should be employed to reduce cheating during exams and assessments amongst high schoolers?

262. How can we make sure that our classrooms are supportive and equitable spaces for students of all backgrounds?

263. Are there any measures that could help reduce the level of stress experienced by teenagers across different demographics ?

264. Should states increase funding towards developing better infrastructure within schools so as to ensure adequate resources for teachers & students?

265. In what ways can educators encourage greater civic engagement among high schoolers today?                                                        

266. How can we improve the quality of education provided at public institutions while also reducing its costs ?

267. Is there a need to modify the existing grading system so as to make it more accurate when it comes evaluating student performance ?

268. To what extent do extracurricular activities play a role in helping teens develop important skillsets & knowledge ?

269. How can parents, teachers, and administrators work together in order to promote positive mental health outcomes amongst high schoolers

270. How can robotics & automation help high schoolers develop skillsets for the 21st century workplace?

271. Should schools incorporate more learning activities that are based on real world problems?                                      

272. What measures should be taken to promote gender equality in terms of academic opportunities within high schools today ?

273. Are there any feasible solutions to make sure our students are adequately prepared for college admissions tests such as SAT and ACT?

274. What strategies could be employed to reduce the cost of textbooks and educational materials so as to make them accessible to a wider range of students?

275. How can technology enable educators in providing tailored instruction plans that meet the different needs of their students ?

276. Is there a need for introducing an ethics class in all high schools in order to foster meaningful conversations about morality, justice, and equity?

277. Can we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools within classrooms today so as to optimize individualized learning experiences ?

278. What measures should teachers take towards tackling plagiarism amongst their students effectively ?

279. In what ways can parents provide support when it comes motivating their children academically without putting too much pressure on them?

280. Should schools offer more financial support for low-income students?

281. Can we make the curriculum in high schools more relevant to real-world needs?

282. How can technology be used as a tool in classrooms to help foster collaboration amongst learners?

283. Is there a need to introduce new forms of assessment such as portfolios and projects in order to accurately evaluate student performance?

284. To what extent does standardized testing affect the quality of education within our high schools today ?                                                                             

285. What strategies should educators employ towards combating cyberbullying among teenagers today?

286. Should states adopt legislation that supports increased period lengths so that students have more time during classes to engage with course material in greater detail ?

287. Are there any measures that could improve teacher retention rates across different demographics & regions within the US ?

288. How can we ensure our classrooms are safe spaces where all students feel comfortable enough to express their opinions without fear or judgement ?

289. Does an increase in school funding lead directly result into improved academic performance amongst students at public institutions ?

290. How can we promote meaningful conversations around difficult topics such as racism, sexism, and homophobia in high schools today?

291. Is the current college admissions process fair enough to give students from all backgrounds equal opportunities ?

292. Should states invest more into vocational training programs so that teens have a wider range of career options available to them after graduation ?

293. What measures should be taken in order to increase parental involvement within their teenage children's lives beyond academics?

294. Are there any feasible solutions towards reducing drop-out rates among high schoolers?

295. Can we use technology effectively when it comes inspiring our teens towards great life goals & ambitions?

296. Do alternative forms of education such as home schooling offer definite benefits over traditional classroom instruction for some students ?                                                                          

297. To what extent has technology changed the way teachers interact & engage with their students in classrooms today ?

298. How do educators foster critical thinking amongst their teenage learners without imposing too much pressure on them academic performance wise?

299. Should standardized testing be eliminated from schools to give students more opportunities for creativity?

300. Can we make the curriculum in high school contribute more towards preparing students for the future job market?

301. How can states invest in resources that promote healthy mental health amongst teenagers today ?

302. Are there any ways of increasing access to digital learning materials without compromising on educational standards?

303. Is it possible to reduce homework load and still maintain a rigorous academic program in high schools ?

304. What strategies can teachers employ to help their struggling learners overcome academic challenges ?

305. Should parents also bear responsibility when it comes teaching values such as respect, honesty, and integrity at home?                                                                   

306. Can technology tools be used effectively within classrooms so as to provide personalized instruction plans?

307. Is online education the best way forward towards achieving equity & excellence in education today ?

308. Should students be allowed to use their phones in class for educational purposes?

309. Are all-girls schools more beneficial than coeducational institutions?

310. Does the current school system limit creativity and innovative thinking among young learners?

311. Is there a need for increased regulation of private schooling systems so as to ensure equity & excellence in education?

312. What measures can be taken in order to make physical education classes more fun and engaging for high schoolers?                                                                            

313. To what extent can teachers use traditional storytelling techniques when it comes teaching complex subjects such as mathematics or sciences ?

314. How do we address issues arising from overcrowded classrooms that inhibit teacher-student communication & engagement with course content ?

315. How should educators tackle drug abuse amongst teens without compromising on student privacy rights ?

316. Can technology help enhance our ability to teach difficult concepts such as abstract reasoning, problem solving and critical thinking ?

317. Should states adopt legislation which discourages teenage pregnancy through sex education programs offered at high schools throughout the country ?                                                                             

318. Do modern day activities such as video gaming offer developmental benefits that are often

319. Should students be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities in order to develop their communication & leadership skills?

320. Is the current system of standardized testing fair enough towards minority & underprivileged communities?

321. Are there any effective methods of teaching ethical decision-making among teenagers ?

322. What are some ways we can promote healthy competition without making it overly competitive or cruel at schools ?

323. Can the use of technology within classrooms improve student engagement and learning outcomes?

324. How can educators effectively address cyberbullying amongst students today with minimal disruption for classes ?

325. To what extent should parents be allowed to monitor their children's online activity when it comes to school work assignments, tests & exams etc.?

326. Do afterschool programs offer tangible benefits that impact both academic performance and well being amongst high schoolers ?                                                                   ­

327. Does the legalization of marijuana have an effect on student behaviour and attitudes towards drug abuse in general?

328. Are there any strategies for reducing teenage crime rates in a given community beyond law enforcement measures alone?

329. Should students be encouraged to take part in political debates and campaigns within their communities?

330. Is the current educational curriculum adequate enough for providing a holistic learning experience to high schoolers ?

331. What are some of the best teaching practices that can help develop strong critical thinking skills among students?

332. How should educators approach controversial topics such as religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation when teaching high schoolers?

333. Is there evidence that homeschooling has any effect on academic performance or personal growth amongst teens ?                                      

334. Can young learners benefit from internships & apprenticeships programs offered by companies in their respective areas?

335. Are there methods teachers can adopt so as to better motivate underperforming students with special needs while still maintaining classroom discipline?                                      ­           

336. Should all states have strict policies regarding underage drinking & drug use both within schools and outside of them ?

337. Does student participation in art projects improve cognitive development such as problem solving, memory recall & creativity ?

338. What measures can be taken towards helping teenage parents balance attending classes with raising children successfully? ­

339. Are there any cultural implications on the learning process for teenagers from diverse backgrounds ?

340. Can teenage volunteering positively influence their social and emotional development?

341. Is it possible to create a safe environment in schools where students can freely express themselves without fear of discrimination?

342. Should classes be scheduled differently so as to allow more time for independent study or extracurricular activities?

343. Does peer pressure have an impact on academic performance amongst high schoolers ?

344. Do standardized tests adequately assess the knowledge & skills of teens while preparing them for college studies ?                                                                    ­

345. How could education reform effectively address growing student loan debt among young adults?

346. Is there any evidence that shows how physical activity such as sports, exercise etc. is beneficial to cognitive functioning among teens? ­               ­ ‐

347. What are some effective ways in which teachers can engage with parents better when addressing issues faced by students at school?

348. Does participation in community service projects help develop altruism within teenagers’ social circle and beyond ? ­                  ­

349. Should students be taught financial literacy from a young age in order to prevent them from making costly mistakes with their money?

350. Is there enough emphasis on practical skills such as coding, robotics etc. in high school curriculums?

351. Are online classes & virtual learning environments an effective way of teaching teenagers?

352. How can schools best address the issue of bullying among students and what steps should be taken for prevention ? ­                        ­           

353. Can restorative justice approaches significantly reduce student suspensions & expulsion rates within schools ?

354. What are some of the ways that parents can better support their children throughout the transition into high school? ­      ­ ‐

355. In what ways could meditation and mindfulness practices improve academic performance amongst high schoolers ? ­                        ­

356. Does parental involvement have any significant impact on teenage behavior related to drug or alcohol abuse?

357. To what extent does technology influence how teens interact with each other both inside and outside school grounds?

358. Do teachers need additional resources/training when it comes to addressing mental health issues amongst their students ?

359. Should there be stricter regulations in regards to the information that is sha

360. Are there any advantages to teaching students with a blended approach of online and physical classes?

361. Is social media use beneficial or detrimental to teenagers’ development & wellbeing?

362. What precautions should schools take in order to ensure student safety on campus?

363. How could introducing vocational courses help high schoolers gain skills for their future jobs ?

364. Does the current education system allow for equal opportunities for all students regardless of socio-economic backgrounds ?

365. Have digital devices and technology caused an increase in attention span issues amongst teens? ­  ­           

366. In what ways can career guidance counselors better assist teenage students make well informed decisions about their educational paths ?

367. What are some effective methods teachers can use when it comes to imparting knowledge as well as inspiring curiosity among high schoolers ?

368. Should the government enforce stricter laws and regulations regarding student safety in high schools?

369. Is it necessary for young people to learn a second language from an early age?

370. What are the long-term effects of sleep deprivation among teenagers?

371. How has social media changed communication dynamics between teens & their peers/family members ? ­  ­            ‐

372. Do standardized tests accurately measure the knowledge & skills acquired by students during their high school years ? ­                 ­

373. Are extracurricular activities beneficial to a student's academic performance and personal development ?

374. To what extent can technology assist with personalized learning experiences in order to better facilitate understanding amongst teenage students? ­        ­ ‐

375. Is there any benefit of introducing longer summer breaks into high school curriculums ?

376. Does interdisciplinary teaching have any positive effect on teen engagement within classrooms ? ­           ­           

377. Can increasing awareness about mental health issues help reduce stigma faced by those seeking help or support at school? ­

378. Should the legal drinking age be lowered for high school students?

379. Are there any effective ways to address bullying in schools?

380. How do dress codes impact teenagers’ self-expression?

381. What can be done to reduce the number of dropouts in high schools?

382. Can we use technology as a tool for teaching critical thinking skills to teens?

383. Is it necessary to maintain strict gender roles when it comes to academic activities amongst teenage students ?

384. Do standardized tests have any value when assessing student performance & should they continue being used ? ­         ­ ‐                        ‐            ­           

385. In what ways could developing countries benefit from introducing programs that encourage girls' education in secondary schools ? ­               ­ ‐

386. Are there any innovative methods teachers could utilize in order to promote healthy competition amongst their pupils ? ­              ­ ‐

387. How much of an influence does socio-economic status play on educational outcomes among teenage students worldwide?

388. Is media literacy an important skill for teenagers to learn in order to combat the negative effects of fake news?

389. Should there be stricter laws concerning food labeling and ingredients in school cafeterias?

390. What are some effective methods parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's internet usage & digital footprints ?

391. Can video games have a positive impact on teen learning outcomes ?

392. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used ?

393. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better ?

394. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students?

395. Is there any benefit of increasing recess times for high schools students & could it improve concentration levels during classes?

396. Should students be allowed to choose the topics they want to learn in school?

397. Are religious holidays important enough to be taken off from school?

398. Is it necessary for young people to have a basic understanding of coding and programming languages?

399. Can technology help reduce the amount of cheating on tests/assignments within high schools ? ­             ­ ‐

400. What are some effective ways parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's mental health & well-being ?

401. How can we foster better relationships between teachers, students, and parents in order to create a more productive learning environment for teens? ­             ­ ‐

402. Does using smartphones during classes really have any negative effects on student engagement & concentration levels ?

403. To what extent should educational institutions introduce courses that emphasize financial literacy amongst teenage students ? ­   ­               ‐                         ‐

404. Should there be stricter regulations regarding student safety in high schools?

405. Do standardized tests accurately measure the knowledge & skills acquired by teenagers during their high school years?

406. Should social media be regulated to prevent cyberbullying amongst high school students?

407. Is it necessary to have stricter regulations regarding the use of cellphones in classrooms?

408. Are there any effective ways educators can reduce educational inequality between low-income and affluent communities ? ­      ­ ‐

409. What strategies or activities could teachers utilize in order to facilitate meaningful conversations during class discussions ? ­    ­ ‐

410. Could introducing courses related to mental health awareness help teenage students cope with stress & anxiety better?

411. Does student participation and engagement decrease when laptops are used for coursework ?           ‐                         ‐ ­          What is the value of learning a foreign language in secondary schools, should it still be mandatory ?

412. How can teenagers become more civically engaged within their own community & political environment ?

413. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used? ­          ­ ‐

414. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online? ­      ­ ‐

415. Should students be able to pick their own topics within school curriculums?

416. Is homework a necessary part of the learning process or an outdated practice?

417. How could introducing courses focused on personal development help teenagers reach their full potential?

418. What are some effective methods parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's internet usage & digital footprints ?

419. Can video games have a positive impact on teen learning outcomes ?

420. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used ?

421. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better ?

422. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students?

423. Is there any benefit of increasing recess times for high schools students & could it improve concentration levels during classes?

424. Is it beneficial to introduce a more active learning environment for teens?

425. Does homeschooling offer better opportunities for high school students?

426. Should schools relax their dress codes to create a more inclusive teaching environment?

427. What are the benefits and drawbacks of offering free public college tuition & education reform ?

428. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online ?

429. Are there any effective ways educators can reduce educational inequality between low-income and affluent communities ? ­      

430. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students ? ­

431. To what extent should educational institutions introduce courses that emphasize financial literacy amongst teenage students ?

431. Should social media be regulated to prevent cyberbullying amongst high school students ?

432. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better?

433. Should schools offer more flexibility in course options for their students?

434. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online? ­               

435. What strategies or activities could teachers utilize in order to facilitate meaningful conversations during class discussions ?

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List Of Top 100 Persuasive Speech Topics For Students To Excel Your Speech

This compilation of the top 100  persuasive speech ideas  for adolescents can serve as your ultimate resource, whether you’re a high school student in search of inspiration or an educator seeking engaging topics. .

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Velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident sunt in culpa qui officia.

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125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/31/24

This article provides a comprehensive list of persuasive speech topics and answers to some of your frequently asked questions about speech topics. 

Persuasive writing is hard, and it’s even harder to try to come up with an engaging topic that interests you and your audience. 

Not only do you have to convince your audience to take your side on subjects that are often pretty divisive, but you also have to persuade them to take your side of the argument. The first step to making a successful persuasive speech that will amaze your audience is having a strong topic.  

Keep reading for 125+ persuasive speech topics.

125+ Topics for a Persuasive Speech

Persuasive speech ideas are harder to come up with than you may think. There is a fine balance between interesting your audience, being interesting to you, unique, and fresh, all while being thought-provoking without being outright offensive.

Here is a breakdown of various topics for persuasive speeches, organized by categories, to inspire you. 

1. Arts & Culture

Art and culture are always hot topics among individuals and groups. There are many interesting arguments and stances on both topics, and many people have strong opinions about them. 

See below for prompts for persuasive speeches about art and culture: 

• Is graffiti art? 
• Should art classes be mandatory for all students?
• Should we keep reading classic literature that is offensive? 
• Should there be a distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ literature?
• Are romcoms and erotica series like Fifty Shades of Grey empowering for women?
• Is reading actually more beneficial than watching TV or playing video games?
• Is there any benefit or relevance to teaching high school students Shakespeare?
• Should video games be considered a high form of entertainment?
• Are biographical movies of deceased musicians and artists ethical?
• Is modern music really worse than older music?
• Should paparazzi be banned and unable to sell their photos?

Topics in arts and culture are always fun to debate and discuss because you have the opportunity to talk about your favorite pieces of media!

2. Economics

Economics is a hotly debated topic. There is no shortage of compelling, engaging arguments involving economics. 

Here are some good persuasive speech ideas on the topic of economics: 

• Is capitalism a functional, ethical economic system? 
• Should everyone, despite their income, be taxed at the same rate?
• Can we introduce another economic system to our society? 
• Should each state, the federal government, or individual companies be responsible for setting a living wage?
• Should the minimum wage be doubled?
• Should everyone adapt to the four-day workweek?
• Should people who make under a certain amount per year not be taxed at all?
• Should governments encourage and reward people for shopping locally? 
• Should advertisements be banned during TV and media programming aimed at kids?
• Has modern consumerism gone too far?

Economics is a great topic for a persuasive speech because it affects our everyday lives in so many ways. There are tons of research and perspectives to help support your argument. 

3. Education

Many people feel strongly about education, and many sides and perspectives come into play: teachers, parents, students, student athletes, and more. 

Here is a list of some engaging topics to write a persuasive speech on:

• Should post-secondary education be free?
• Should taking a year off between high school and college be mandatory?
• Is it fair to take cell phones away from kids in middle/high school while they are in class?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory in all high schools?
• Should cursive writing still be taught in schools?
• Do frats and sororities actually serve their purpose? 
• Should programming and coding be introduced to young students?
• Should school lunches be free?
• Is college/university necessary anymore?
• Does the education system prepare students for adult life?
• Should gyms be mandatory for all students?
• Do schools need to do a better job at teaching students a second language?
• Should schools teach sign language?
• What age should students be taught sex ed?
• Should distant learning be encouraged or avoided at all costs?

Education is another great topic to write a speech about because it intersects with economics, culture , and politics . These topics will guarantee an engaged audience. This is a popular topic for high school students who are learning about tuition and scholarships at their top colleges! 

4. Environment

Since the release of Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” and Greta Thunberg’s unapologetic activism, climate change has been at the forefront of many political, economic, and cultural conversations. 

If environmental issues spark your interest, consider writing on one of the topics below:

• Can we ever live in a truly ‘green’ and environmentally friendly society?
• Should water bottles be banned?
• Are businesses responsible for implementing environmentally friendly production and products?
• Should there be a carbon tax?
• Should electric cars be mandatory in the near future?
• Should we switch over to entirely renewable energy?
• Do low-income families have the same duties to be eco-conscious as high-income families do? Should plastic bags and single-use plastic be completely banned?
• Should car racing be banned?
• Should fast fashion be banned?

The environment and climate change are becoming, if not already, some of the most pressing issues of our day. 

Ethics may be one of the most difficult topics to write a persuasive speech about because they tend to involve sensitive subject matter. However, ethics are also some of the most compelling and complex topics to explore. 

Here are some potential topics for a persuasive speech about ethics:

• Is animal testing ethical?
• Is drinking coffee unethical?
• Are animal shelters that allow euthanization ethical?
• Should more people try to adopt a vegetarian/vegan diet?
• Is the death penalty ethical? 
• Can racism ever truly be eliminated?
• Can the prison system genuinely contribute to the improvement and rehabilitation of individuals?
• Should justice systems and incarceration facilities focus on rehabilitation over punishment? 
• Should cosmetic plastic surgery be covered by insurance?
• Are morals objective or subjective?
• Should zoos and circuses be banned?
• Should fur coats be illegal?
• Are censorship laws ethical?
• Is it ethical to genetically modify an embryo? 
• How should we address the homelessness crisis, and who is responsible for it? 
• Should minors who commit violent crimes be charged and tried as adults?

Tackling a persuasive speech on ethics is a challenge, as many of these topics are complex and sensitive. It can also be difficult to wrap up a speech on such huge ethical debates. 

However, these topics also provide some of the most riveting and energizing debates—if you’re up to the challenge, you should definitely try to tackle one of these topics. 

From fitness to food prices to economic privilege, there are tons of debatable topics regarding health. Here are just some of the potential topics you can write a speech on:

• Are individuals solely responsible for their own health?
• Should prescription medications be free?
• Should sugary drinks like pop be taxed at higher rates?
• Should Starbucks be allowed to advertise its high-calorie and high-sugar drinks?
• Should the government regulate the prices of fruits and vegetables?
• Should fast food restaurants regulate and reduce their portions?
• Should gym memberships be free?
• Should the government change and restructure the work week to reduce stress?
• Should nurses be paid more?
• Should smoking be banned?
• Should insurance companies fully cover rehabilitation stays for health issues like eating disorders?

People have varying opinions and understanding of health, which makes these topics very engaging and interesting to write about.

7. Politics

It goes without saying that almost every political issue is debatable. 

• Do we actually live in a truly democratic society?
• Should there be a minimum wage or a living wage?
• Should the legal voting age be decreased?
• Does the pay gap exist?
• Are younger politicians more effective?
• Should there be stricter gun laws?
• Should Presidents be able to serve more than two terms?
• Should everyone get the day off work to go vote?
• Should political party funding be regulated?
• Should political smear campaigns be banned?
• Is there a political bias in mainstream media?
• Should you date someone with opposing political views? 
• Is the government spending too much on the military sector?

Politics is all about persuading people to take a side, which makes it a strategic topic for delivering a moving, persuasive speech. 

Sports is another big topic that people care a lot about. There are sports-related matters that are questioned everywhere: sports on TV, the Olympics, college sports and athletics, and athletic sponsorships . 

Below is a list of captivating sports topics for a persuasive speech: 

• Should the pay for professional teams be based on audience viewership? 
• Are professional sports getting too violent? 
• Are athletes overpaid?
• Is cheerleading empowering or exploitative? 
• Should children be allowed to compete in competitive sports?
• Should we continue spending millions of dollars on the Olympic Games?
• Do people put too much importance on high school and college football?
• Should alcohol and tobacco ads be banned during sports?
• Is betting on sports teams ethical?
• Should high school and college athletes be paid?

Sports is a topic that people don’t often think of as controversial. However, your audience is bound to be engaged and contemplating your argument as you present your speech. 

9. Technology

As the world increasingly moves to online spaces, and technology advances faster than ever before, technology is another hot topic that people have a lot of thoughts and opinions on. 

• Should all workplaces offer hybrid/remote work?
• Should we pursue Artificial Intelligence?
• Do we need to put resources into traveling to space?
• Should parents monitor their children’s online activity?
• Is it okay for phones to use facial recognition and fingerprint technology?
• Is technology actually addicting?
• Can we blame technology for increased stress and anxiety?
• Are security cameras and body cameras an invasion of privacy? 
• Should the internet be surveilled or managed?
• Should video game chats be surveilled or even banned?
• Are machines replacing human labor? 
• Should cloning be outlawed/banned?

As technology continues to advance and expand into our personal lives, it is a great topic to write a unique persuasive speech on. 

Having a unique and creative speech topic discussing one of your interests can make it stand out more! Think about extracurriculars you participate in, podcasts you enjoy, or fascinating facts you’ve learned. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. 

• What makes a hero?
• Are we headed toward World War 3?
• Did humans really land on the moon?
• Are serial killers born or made?
• Can good and evil be separated neatly?
• Is cancel culture a positive or negative thing?
• Can money buy happiness?
• How to become a millionaire
• How to become more confident
• How to live to be 100
• How to survive an apocalypse
• Do extraterrestrial beings exist?
• Why students should start investing at 16
• The true history of… (event of your choice, such as the Chernobyl disaster, the Black Plague, Salem Witch Trials, etc.)

Exploring these diverse and intriguing topics will not only capture your audience's attention but also allow you to share your passions with your peers! 

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

The best persuasive speech topics are topics that are not overdone and that the speaker is genuinely passionate about and knowledgeable about. 

Persuasive topics should also be a bit controversial (this does not mean offensive) because the topic and speech itself should be thought-provoking. The more people are emotionally invested in the topic, the better. 

For example, while you can try to persuade your audience that strawberry ice cream is better than chocolate ice cream, it’s unlikely that many people have a strong emotional investment in that topic. Without an emotional investment, audiences will be sitting listening to your speech, thinking: “So what?” 

On the other hand, a topic like “Should government set limits on how many children a family can have in overpopulated countries?” is emotionally charged and truly matters to people. 

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

Let's take a look at the key components that make up a great persuasive speech topic.

Timeliness and Relevance

Consider what's on people's minds right now. Your topic should be something they care about, whether it's in the news or a long-standing issue. It needs to feel important and connected to their lives. Picking a timely and relevant topic grabs your audience's attention and makes them more interested in what you have to say.

When choosing a topic, aim for something that has layers to it. Controversial topics or ones with lots of different opinions are good because they make people think. By exploring all the different angles of your topic, you can make your speech more engaging and show that you understand it well.

In today's world, facts matter more than ever. It's not enough to simply state your opinion; you need to back it up with solid evidence. Rely on numbers, data, and information from reliable sources to support what you're saying. When you do this, people trust you more and are more likely to believe what you're saying.

Personal Connection

Passion is a powerful tool in persuasion - so choose a topic that you truly care about. Passion is evident in your speech and ultimately makes it more interesting. Your enthusiasm rubs off on the audience, and they're more likely to pay attention. Feeling connected to your topic makes your speech more powerful and convincing.

How to Create a Compelling Persuasive Speech 

Let's delve into the process of creating a compelling persuasive speech.

Understanding Your Audience

Before diving into your speech, take the time to understand your audience. What motivates them? What are their goals and values? Tailoring your message to resonate with their interests and concerns will greatly enhance its impact.

Focus on Key Goals

Keep your speech focused by selecting just one to three key goals to address. Trying to cover too much ground can overwhelm your audience and dilute your message. Instead, hone in on the most important points you want to convey.

Address Objections Head-On

Anticipate objections that your audience might have and incorporate them into your speech. Acknowledging and addressing these concerns demonstrates empathy and builds credibility, making your argument more persuasive.

Start with a Compelling Story

Capture your audience's attention from the outset by starting with a compelling story. Make it relatable and relevant to your message to draw listeners in and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The key to delivering a persuasive speech with confidence is practice. Rehearse your speech until you know it inside and out, focusing on the flow of your ideas rather than memorizing every word. This will allow you to speak naturally and authentically.

Maintain Eye Contact

Engage your audience by maintaining eye contact throughout your speech. This creates a connection and keeps listeners attentive and engaged. Don't just stare at one person; instead, scan the room and make brief eye contact with various individuals.

Reinforce Your Points with Repetition

Repetition is a powerful tool for reinforcing your message. After explaining each key point, circle back and reiterate it to drive it home. This helps ensure that your audience remembers and internalizes your main ideas.

Leave a lasting impression by ending your speech with a strong closing statement. Summarize your key points and reiterate your main message with conviction. This final flourish will leave your audience inspired and motivated.

Embrace Feedback

Be open to feedback from your audience, and graciously accept both praise and criticism. Use feedback as an opportunity to refine your message and improve your delivery. By embracing feedback, you can continuously hone your persuasive skills and become an even more effective communicator.

After reading through all the possible topics you can write a persuasive speech on, you may still have some questions before you get going. Let’s get into them.

1. What Are Some Easy Persuasive Topics?

Any persuasive topic can be easy to write about if you are passionate about your stance. The more passionate and knowledgeable you are about your topic, the easier it will be to research and write. 

There are also easy, persuasive topics that are more lighthearted than controversial, which some people may find easier to debate and write about. Some easy persuasive topics include: 

• Should everyone have a three-day weekend?
• Should every public place have free Wi-Fi?
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Should kids get paid for getting high grades?
• Do we need more holidays?

These topics are all fun to debate, which makes it easy to write a persuasive speech or essay. Whereas some persuasive topics can be complex and sensitive, the topics listed above are pretty straightforward, which makes them easier to discuss than more complex topics. 

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

A good start to finding a good persuasive speech topic for school is looking for a topic that involves something related to school. For example, you can look into talking about school uniforms, class sizes, tuition and scholarships, and school sports, just to name a few. 

Having a speech topic related to school is a good idea for school because your audience (teachers and peers) are directly in that environment as well. This means they will likely be more engaged as the topic, whether they agree or disagree, is relevant to their everyday lives. 

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

Any of the above topics listed in this article are examples of speech topics. Three specific examples that have not been listed are:

• Is social media to blame for the rates of depression and anxiety among youth?
• Do young adult romance novels encourage harmful and toxic relationships with their target audience?
• Should children under 18 have total control over medical decisions made about their bodies?

These topics are examples of speech topics because you need to take a clear stance in order to answer the question. The point of a persuasive speech is to convince or persuade the audience that your side of the argument is valid and should be considered, so the topic needs the individual to take a specific stance. 

As briefly touched upon before, your topic needs to interest your audience for a successful persuasive speech. While you should make sure your topic isn’t overdone, you don’t want to go with something too ‘safe’ as that will most likely bore your audience. 

Final Thoughts

Coming up with a topic for a persuasive speech may be the most difficult part of the writing process. 

Read over our list of topics and pick out a few topics that genuinely interest you. From there, do some preliminary research on each topic and see which one has the strongest evidence to support your argument. Then, you’ll be good to start writing your persuasive speech that will amaze your audience!

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99 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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Are you looking for persuasive speech topics to assign to your students? Don’t worry; we have you covered. Check out our list of 136 persuasive speech topics for students.

• Testing products on animals: is it ethical or not?
• Is it right to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we use products made with animal fur?
• Euthanizing stray animals: is it ethical?
• Can a companion or service animal change someone’s life?
• Is it rational to be scared of harmless yet frightening or unusual animals?
• Keeping wild and exotic pets away from their natural habitat. Is it ethical?
• Should we spay pets to control overpopulation?
• Keeping exotic animals at home. Is it good for them?
• Ten ways we can help animals live better
• Personality disorders among teens. Are they easy to identify?
• How our differences make us unique
• Phobias of children, teens, and adults. What are the similarities and differences?
• When is it right to give children medication for mental issues?
• Suicide among teenagers. Is the media affecting it?
• Studying psychology stresses students out
• Peer pressure is the cause of a lot of delinquency during the teenage years
• The importance of people skills
• Are introverts better entrepreneurs?
• How can a mentor affect your success as an entrepreneur?
• Understanding your position in the market. How can it affect your current and future business plan?
• Can social media affect your marketing plan?
• Should you start a business based on your passions?
• Starting a successful business with no money
• The value of unique business ideas
• Using feedback from unhappy customers to enhance your sales
• The importance of delegation
• Employers are asking for their employees’ social media accounts. Is it right or wrong?
• Employers shouldn’t ask questions related to an employee’s personal life
• Life as a teen addicted to technology
• Teachers contribute more to society than a lot of other professions
• Video games promote violence among children and teens
• Are music videos appropriate for children and teens to watch?
• Mental health and well-being should be one of the subjects studied in school
• Kids under 16 years shouldn’t have their own social media accounts
• Exam results shouldn’t be used to label students
• Dealing with bullies. Is it suitable to punish them?
• Are K-12 schools rigorous enough?
• How to overcome shyness
• Which sport should you play to stay fit and healthy?
• How to write the best title for your speech?
• How to overcome your fear of public speaking?
• What is the best way to solve challenging Math problems?
• A migraine is usually overlooked at school or in a workplace
• Alternative medication: The truth and the myths
• Infertility in couples is related to stress and unhealthy lifestyles
• Mental health issues affect the whole society
• The food industry causes obesity
• Everyone should donate blood at least once a year
• How to overcome back pain? Different treatment options
• Using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth is essential for your dental health
• Do cell phones affect our brains?
• Non-smokers should be first on organ transplant lists
• Is biohacking good for your health?
• Diet beverages do not make you lose weight
• How to keep your immune system strong
• How to improve the way your body and brain function
• Social media affects people’s self-image and self-esteem
• Competitive sports teaches us a lot about life
• Who is a hero? What are the qualities of a hero?
• Learning from your mistakes
• Spending time with your grandparents
• Brilliant ways to make money in the 21st century
• Living underwater: A reality or science fiction?
• Texting while driving should be illegal
• Using single-use plastic containers should be banned
• School days should start later in the day
• Immigration laws should be more lenient
• Living with refugees from other countries
• Students should be able to pick their schools
• Parents should be able to pick their child’s schools
• Should human beings control the weather?
• Simple ways to overcome stress
• People who spend their time playing video games are more prone to depression
• Video games can enhance people’s brain functioning
• Children who play video games have faster responses
• How will gaming look ten years from now?
• Virtual reality affects people’s perception
• Living without computers is impossible
• A video game can be the easiest way to teach kids
• Watching people playing video games is as fun as watching sports in person
• Will playing video games cause behavior problems?
• The gaming industry is affecting every aspect of our lives
• Video games are just as popular among adults
• Playing video games with random people online makes you more sociable and outgoing
• Using genetically modified foods is bad for our health
• Using painkillers is not healthy
• The technology revolution is changing life way too fast
• Human beings should depend more on renewable energy
• The power of crystal healing can improve our mental and physical health
• How your diet can cause the onset of different health conditions
• Using supplements should be controlled
• Coming up with guidelines that control STEM cell research
• How can science be used to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals?
• High-school and middle-school students should be trained to do PowerPoint presentations
• Improving students’ presentation skills
• Should uniforms be obligatory in schools?
• Should there be separate classrooms for boys and girls?
• Students sent to boarding schools: A responsibility and a risk
• The possible positive effect of spending a year as an exchange student
• Cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in schools
• Taking a year off school. Can it help you?
• Hilarious games in the class can help shy students get along with others
• Grades: Are they a fair way to evaluate academic performance?
• More political and legal measures should be taken to protect the environment
• Keeping an animal away from its home will affect the environmental balance
• Businesses have a serious obligation towards protecting the environment
• There should be a strict policy against polluting the ocean
• Should there be government policies against the use of disposable diapers?
• Recycling paper is going to save our planet
• Are we taking the right measures to address global warming?
• Can child abuse and traumas lead to future mental disorders?
• Can family history make children more prone to stress and anxiety?
• Should children and teens be worried more about their privacy or safety?
• Can video games be used to educate children and teens?
• Having an older/younger sibling. The perks and the challenges
• Internet censorship for kids, is it a must?
• The problem of governmental spending on biological weapons
• Are we taking the right steps to eliminate cultural sensitivity?
• Obesity in children is related to living a fast-paced life. What is the role of the parents
• Getting and renewing a driving license: Is one test per lifetime enough?
• Should smokers pay a health tax?
• Is the government spending too much on the military sector?
• Can writing a journal help you become a better person?
• Reality shows affect people’s mental health
• Song lyrics affect our lives in several ways
• Should an artist comply with the rules set by society while working on a project?
• Can action movies cause stress and anxiety?
• Reading inspirational and humorous quotes improves your mood
• Why reading an informational article in a list form is easier
• Studying religion is motivational
• How do we overcome conflicts and arguments between people who believe in different religions?
• Should religion be allowed in schools?
• Scriptures from the Bible can help people renew their belief
• Current vs. ancient interpretations of the Bible: Which is more factual?
• Children should be allowed to choose their religion

Bonus: How can companies like Prepaway diversify their companies?

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120 debate topics for high and middle ....

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Persuasive Speech Topics - 200+ Ideas

Stuck staring at a blank page for your next persuasive speech? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. But fear not! Picking the right persuasive speech topic is like choosing the perfect recipe – it all starts with a base that excites you. 

This article is your pantry, overflowing with ideas to get your audience hooked. From social justice to the latest tech craze, we'll help you find the perfect topic to turn that speech into a slam dunk. Even a professional speech writer would’ve been proud of how great your oration is!

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics

A persuasive speech aims to convince your audience to believe in a certain idea or take a specific action. It's like making a strong case in court but with words instead of evidence. Choosing a good topic is key!

The best persuasive speech topics should be both interesting to you (after all, your passion will shine through) and relevant to your audience. Think about current events, social issues you care about, or even everyday things you have strong opinions on. The possibilities are endless!

Recommended for reading: Motivational Speech Topics .

Need a Hand with Your Speech?

Unleash the power of persuasion with the help of our expert service.

210 Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

College life is a whirlwind of new experiences, challenging courses, and evolving beliefs. But it's also a prime time to develop your voice and advocate for change. This next section dives deep into topics for a persuasive speech specifically chosen for college students. 

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

• Fitness Power of Daily Walking
• Banning Plastic Straws: A Small Step with Big Impact
• The Future of Board Games in a Digital Age
• Public Libraries: A Treasure Trove for Everyone
• The Value of Learning a Second Language
• The Benefits of Meatless Mondays
• Why Handwritten Thank You Notes Matter
• Should Schools Offer More Outdoor Learning?
• The Case for Unplugging from Technology
• The Power of Optimism: A Contagious Choice
• The Effects of a Good Night's Sleep
• Why Local Businesses Deserve Your Support
• Volunteering: Making a Difference in Your Community
• The Value of Travel: Broadening Your Horizons
• Why Everyone Should Learn Basic First Aid

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

• Virtual Reality: The Future of Entertainment or a Dystopian Nightmare?
• Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?
• The Ethics of Space Exploration: Who Owns the Stars?
• Citizen Science: Everyday People Making a Difference
• The Four-Day Work Week: A Recipe for Happiness and Productivity?
• Universal Basic Income: A Safety Net or a Disincentive to Work?
• The Rise of E-Sports: Are They the New Traditional Sports?
• The Pros and Cons of Living Off the Grid
• Why We Should Be Preserving Endangered Languages
• Rethinking College: Are There Better Paths to Success?
• The Legalization of Psychedelic Drugs: A Medical Breakthrough or a Pandora's Box?
• Should We Colonize Mars?
• The Future of Food: Lab-Grown Meat or Sustainable Farming?
• Social Media Movements: Can They Create Real Change?
• The Importance of Sleep in a 24/7 World

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

• The Mental Health Crisis on Campus: Time to Rethink Support Systems?
• Online Education vs. Traditional Learning: Which Offers a Better Education?
• College Textbooks: Renting vs. Buying - What's the Best Approach?
• Free College Tuition: A Solution to Student Debt or a Recipe for Problems?
• The Value of a Gap Year: Taking a Break to Build Your Future?
• Benefits of Internships: Gaining Experience Before You Graduate
• Monetizing Your Passion: Can You Turn Your Hobby into a Career?
• The Ethical Use of Technology in Education: Boosting Learning or Cheating?
• Studying Abroad: Expanding Your Horizons Through Travel
• Living on Campus vs. Off Campus: Which Offers the Better College Experience?
• Prioritizing Sustainability on Campus: Making Eco-Friendly Choices
• Should College Athletes Be Paid? The Debate on Amateurism
• Financial Literacy for College Students: Is It Necessary Nowadays?
• The Value of Extracurricular Activities: Developing Beyond the Classroom
• The Future of Work: How Can College Prepare You for Jobs that Don't Exist Yet?

Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

• Standardizing Tests: Do They Measure True Success?
• The Power of Sleep for High School Students: Why Early Start Times Need a Rethink
• Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in Class? Finding a Balance
• Financial Literacy in High School: Preparing for Financial Independence
• The Case for More Arts Education in High School: Beyond STEM Subjects
• Trade Schools vs. College: Finding the Right Path After Graduation
• The Value of Volunteering in High School: Giving Back and Building Your Resume
• The Benefits of Participating in Sports: More Than Just Winning
• Mental Health Awareness in High School: Breaking the Stigma
• Should High Schools Offer Mental Health Days? Prioritizing Student Wellbeing
• Positive Peer Pressure: Creating a Supportive School Environment
• The Debate Over Summer Homework: A Time for Learning or Relaxation?
• Media Literacy: Discerning Fact from Fiction in a Digital Age
• The Value of Gap Year Programs: Taking a Break to Explore Opportunities
• Should High School Curriculums Include Personal Finance Education? 

Persuasive Speech Topics on Humanities

• History Buff or Clueless? Why Studying History Matters
• Lost in Translation? The Need for Preserving Endangered Languages
• Beyond Facts and Figures: The Importance of Storytelling in History
• Should We "Cancel" Controversial Historical Figures?
• Art for Everyone: Making Museums More Accessible
• The Ethical Debate: Ownership of Cultural Artifacts
• The Blessing of Music: Bridging Cultures and Generations
• Philosophy in Everyday Life: Applying Big Ideas to Real Problems
• The Value of Literature: Expanding Your Empathy and Understanding
• Rethinking Censorship: Protecting Freedom of Expression vs. Hate Speech
• Should We Fund Public Art Programs? The Value of Art in Our Communities
• Preserving Historic Sites: A Link to the Past
• The Role of Humanities in a Tech-Driven World: Cultivating Critical Thinking
• The Power of Film: Entertainment or Agent for Social Change?
• The Debate Over Artificial Intelligence: Can Machines Create Art?

Persuasive Speech Ideas

• Basic Gratitude: Saying "Thank You" Changes Everything
• The Importance of Play: Why Adults Need It Too
• Microplastics: A Silent Threat to Our Oceans
• The Value of Curiosity: Lifelong Learning Starts with Asking Questions
• The Case for Meatless Mondays: Reduce Your Impact, Boost Your Health
• The Power of Taking Notes: Why Handwritten Beats Digital
• Decluttering Your Life: Less Stuff, More Freedom
• Benefits of Unstructured Time: Boredom Breeds Creativity
• Embrace Saying "No": Setting Boundaries for a Happier You
• The Benefits of Laughter: It's the Best Medicine
• The Value of Board Games in the Digital Age: Connect and Compete
• Public Speaking: Find Your Voice and Inspire Others
• Why Local Businesses Deserve Your Support: Shop Small, Make a Difference
• Sleeping in a Busy World: Rest Your Body, Sharpen Your Mind
• The Case for a Universal Basic Income: A Safety Net for All?

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

• Social Media Detox: A Break for Better Mental Health?
• Curating Your Feed: How Algorithms Shape Your Reality
• The Rise of Influencer Culture: Trust or Sellout?
• Combating Cyberbullying: Creating a Safe Online Space
• Fake News and Social Media: Spotting Lies in the Digital Age
• Social Media Activism: Can Likes Lead to Change?
• Social Media and Privacy: Who Owns Your Data?
• The Impact of Social Media on Body Image: Embracing Self-Love Online
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Breaking Free from Social Comparison
• The Need for Digital Literacy: Being a Responsible Social Media User
• The Rise of Social Commerce: Shopping at Your Fingertips
• Should Social Media Platforms Be Held Accountable for Harmful Content?
• The Power of Building Online Communities: Finding Your Tribe
• The Disconnect Between Online Personas and Real Life: Are We Living a Lie?
• The Future of Social Media: Innovation or Exploitation?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Education

• Learning Your Way: Personalized Education
• Learning by Doing: Hands-On Education Revolution
• Quality Over Quantity: Smaller Class Sizes
• Testing, Testing... Is This Working? Standardized Tests Debate
• Sleepy Students, Sleepy Learning: Later School Start Times
• Money Talks: Financial Literacy for Students
• Tech Tools or Tech Trouble? Educational Technology Balance
• Mind Over Matter: Supporting Student Mental Health
• Skills for Success: Vocational Training Value
• Learning Under the Sky: Outdoor Education Matters
• A Shorter Week, More Learning? Four-Day School Week Exploration
• Thinking Globally, Learning Locally: Global Education Importance
• Learning by Building: Project-Based Learning Power
• Uniformity vs. Individuality: School Uniforms Debate
• Education for All: Making College Affordable

Technology Persuasive Speech Topic List

• Brain Boost or Drain? The Impact of Technology on Attention Spans
• Beyond "Likes": Using Social Media for Good
• The Rise of the Machines: Are Robots Taking Our Jobs?
• Privacy Paradox: Balancing Convenience with Security Online
• The Power of Code: Why Everyone Should Learn to Code
• Virtual Reality: Escapism or the Future of Learning?
• The Ethical Dilemma of Facial Recognition Technology
• Augmented Reality: Enhancing the Real World or Distracting Us?
• Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap Between Tech Haves and Have-Nots
• Open Source Software: Collaboration for Innovation
• The Rise of Citizen Science: Using Technology to Advance Research
• Is Artificial Intelligence a Threat? The Debate on AI Safety
• The Ethical Use of Big Data: Who Owns Your Information?
• The Future of Work: How Technology is Reshaping Careers
• Technology for Good: Using Tech to Solve Global Challenges

Nursing Persuasive Speech Topics

• Compassionate Care: The Heart of Modern Nursing
• Beyond Bandages: Nurses as Advocates for Patient Rights
• Technology in Healthcare: Friend or Foe for Nurses?
• Telehealth on the Rise: The Future of Nursing Care Delivery
• Mental Health Matters: Supporting Nurses' Wellbeing
• Building Bridges: Enhancing Communication Between Nurses and Patients
• Specialization vs. Generalization: Choosing Your Nursing Path
• Preventative Care: Nurses Leading the Way
• Men in Nursing: Breaking Down Gender Barriers
• The Importance of Cultural Competency in Nursing Care
• Nurse Educators: Shaping the Future of the Profession
• Combating Nurse Burnout: Strategies for Retention and Resilience
• The Global Nursing Shortage: A Call to Action
• Advanced Practice Nurses: Filling the Gap in Healthcare Access
• Nursing Unions: Fighting for Fair Wages and Working Conditions

Business and Marketing Persuasive Speech Topics

• Customer Experience: Building Loyalty in a Competitive Market
• Sustainability Sells: How Green Practices Can Boost Your Business
• The Rise of Micro-Influencers: Marketing to a Targeted Audience
• Storytelling in Marketing: Connecting with Your Customers on an Emotional Level
• The Content Marketing Revolution: Free Content that Drives Sales
• Data-Driven Decisions: Harnessing the Power of Information for Marketing Success
• The Future of Retail: Adapting to the Rise of E-Commerce
• The Gig Economy: Building a Flexible Workforce for Your Business
• What Is Social Media Marketing: Reaching New Customers Every Day
• Building Your Brand: Standing Out from the Competition
• Ethical Marketing ABC: Building Trust with Your Customers
• Corporate Collaboration: Partnerships for Business Growth
• Remote Work Revolution: Building a Thriving Team Beyond the Office Walls
• Importance of Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business Data
• The Art of Negotiation: Closing Deals and Building Lasting Relationships

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

• Destigmatizing Therapy: Why Mental Health Care Matters for Everyone
• Mindfulness Matters: Techniques for Reducing Stress and Anxiety
• Positive Thinking: Changing Your Mindset for Better Mental Health
• Breaking the Silence: Openly Discussing Mental Health in the Workplace
• Social Media and Mental Health: Curating a Positive Online Experience
• Sleep Hygiene: Getting the Rest You Need for Mental Wellbeing
• Beyond Medication: Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Care
• Building Resilience: Coping Mechanisms for Everyday Challenges
• The Value of Exercise: Moving Your Body to Boost Your Mood
• Mindfulness in the Classroom: Supporting Student Mental Health
• The Power of Connection: Combating Loneliness and Building Community
• Technology for Mental Wellness: Apps and Tools for Improved Mental Health
• Breaking Free from Social Comparison: Embracing Your Unique Self
• Setting Personal Boundaries: Prioritizing Your Mental Health
• It's Okay to Not Be Okay: Seeking Help When You Need It Most

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

• Universal Basic Income: A Solution to Poverty or a Disincentive to Work?
• Gene Editing: Playing God or Curing Disease?
• Banning Handguns: A Necessary Step to Reduce Gun Violence or an Infringement on Rights?
• Legalizing Recreational Drugs: A Path to Freedom or a Public Health Crisis?
• Abolishing Private Prisons: Reforming the Justice System or Endangering Public Safety?
• The Death Penalty: Deterrent or Barbaric Practice?
• Privatizing Education: Boosting Choice or Widening Inequality?
• Mandatory Vaccination Laws: Protecting Public Health or Individual Liberty?
• The Ethics of Animal Testing: Progress in Medicine at the Cost of Animal Welfare?
• Colonizing Mars: A Dream for Humanity or a Waste of Resources?
• Censorship on Social Media: Protecting Users or Stifling Free Speech?
• Nuclear Power: A Clean Energy Source or a Looming Disaster?
• The Rise of Automation: A Jobless Future or a New Era of Leisure?
• Affirmative Action: Promoting Diversity or Reverse Discrimination?
• Should College Athletes Be Paid? Exploitation or Fair Compensation?

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why Cats (or Dogs) Should Be in Charge of the World
• The Urgent Need for a National Nap Day
• The Case for Wearing Pajamas All Day Long (Every Day)
• In Defense of Public Dancing (Even if You Can't Dance)
• Why Socks Should Never Be Matched
• How to Take a Serious Break from Seriousness
• Why Everyone Needs a Best Friend Who Talks Back (Your Pet)
• Is Procrastination Actually a Superpower?
• The Case for Bringing Back Napkins Made of Cloth (Fancy!)
• In Defense of Talking to Yourself (We All Do It Anyway)
• The Urgency of Inventing a Teleportation Device for Pizza Delivery
• Celebrating National Holidays for Made-Up Things (Talk Like a Pirate Day, Anyone?)
• Why Everyone Needs a Personal Theme Song
• The Gift of Laughter: Why Everyone Needs a Daily Dose of Silliness
• Is It Time We Normalize Public Napping? Let's Discuss

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

Good persuasive speech topics hit the sweet spot between two key ingredients: your passion and your audience's interest.

Here's why these two matter:

• Passion: If you're fired up about the topic, your enthusiasm will be contagious, making your speech more engaging. You'll be more likely to research thoroughly and craft compelling arguments.
• Audience Interest: A topic that resonates with your listeners will grab their attention and make them more receptive to your message. Consider current events, social issues they care about, or something surprising that sparks their curiosity.

Are you in a hurry? Then, buy speech online from experts who can deliver a stunning oration tailored to your needs overnight.

How to Pick a Great Topic for a Persuasive Speech

The right theme is the foundation for a compelling argument. So, how do you pick the perfect one? Follow these steps to transform your speech from lackluster to captivating:

If you’ve been wondering, ‘Who can make me a speech quickly?’, consider you’ve already found your answer – hiring an expert speech writer to handle this assignment.

Honing your speechwriting skills in college is a win-win. Not only does it sharpen your ability to organize thoughts and craft clear, persuasive arguments, but it also boosts your confidence in public speaking – a crucial skill for future careers and presentations. 

This practice makes you a more effective communicator, allowing you to advocate for your ideas and leave a lasting impact on any audience. Should you ever need help with speech writing, reach out to a professional essay helper who knows all the ins and outs of college assignments. 

Ready to Address Your Audience?

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What's An Easy Persuasive Speech Topic?

How to choose a topic for a persuasive speech, what are the 3 types of topics that people use in persuasive speaking.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• How to write a persuasive speech | Durham ISC. (n.d.). https://www.durhamisc.com/blog/how-to-write-a-persuasive-speech
• https://www.apsu.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/Persuasive-Speech-Outline-Editable.pdf
• Persuasive Speaking | Department of Communication. (n.d.). https://www.comm.pitt.edu/persuasive-speaking

List of Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

To deliver a great persuasive speech, you need to pick a topic. Before you will see the list of persuasive speech topics for high school students, let’s define the main goal of such speeches.

The main aim of a persuasive speech is to convince the audience in a certain statement or point of view. With a persuasive speech you can attempt to achieve one of two goals: change existing beliefs or attitudes, or reinforce existing opinions. The entire text of a persuasive speech should be a message or a call to action. High school is the best time to practice delivering a persuasive speech, so don’t miss the opportunity to learn how to deliver a persuasive speech.

For the case when you can’t decide what to deliver in your speech, we have created a list of topics that you may find helpful. We have accompanied them with leading questions that will help you find the right arguments to persuade your audience. Here you can find persuasive speech topics about school, medicine, society, and just interesting and fun topics that will be interesting to discuss in your class.

Persuasive speech topics for high schoolersa about school

• Why should schools have field trips? Field trips are necessary to help children learn in a fun way. What other benefits can you list? What kind of field trip is better? What kind of knowledge and experience can students receive?
• Why do students need to do well in school and in exams? You can express your point of view about the knowledge you gain in school and where it will be helpful after graduation. Also, you can advise some tips to increase productivity and ease the learning process.
• Why should students not attend college after high school? What will happen if you don’t go to college? As an example, take several persons that have succeeded without college. What do you think was their recipe for success?
• Why should students be allowed to use cell phones? Many people say that cell phones are distracting. What are the main reasons why it will be beneficial both for students and teachers?
• Why should school hours be changed? Students need to wake up early, but every human has his own biorhythms. As a result, many students are rushing to school exhausted and hungry. What other reasons can you state? Will it make students more productive and healthy?
• Why should students use tablets like the iPad in schools? Is the iPad a good analog for textbooks? Will it improve the learning process? How to prevent students from playing games instead of studying at school?
• Persuade students in your school to help raise funds for the spectacled bears (or other threatened species). Why is this species so special? What can be done to save this animal?
• Why should colleges provide free textbooks to all students? Over the past years, the cost of textbook has significantly increased. Many students spend too much money on textbooks every year.
• Why should girls wear makeup at school? Many school teachers shame girls for wearing makeup. On one side, too much makeup doesn’t look good, but still, every person deserves to express themselves. Along with it, girls with imperfect skin use moderate makeup as it gives them a feeling of confidence. What are other arguments for this issue?
• Why should students listen to music while studying? You can pick several articles from journals (preferably scientific) and pick the facts about benefits from listening to music during studying. Also, mention negative sides, but emphasize on benefits.

Persuasive speech topics for high schoolers on medicine

• Why should you donate plasma? Plasma is used in many life-saving plasma-based therapies. List at least six reasons why donating plasma is good (e.g. you will save someone’s life, it engorge the practice of a healthy way of living, it’s a safe procedure, etc.).
• Why do you need to wash hands? Tell about what can happen if you don’t wash your hands. What diseases are caused by dirty hands? In what cases is it advisable to wash hands?
• Why does red wine prevent stomach ulcers? One research has shown that red wine helps combat fatal food poisoning bugs. Does white wine have the same effect? How much wine do you need to drink?
• Why do you need to stand up against cancer? Persuade the audience to get involved in the American Cancer Society. You can tell how such a society helps people that suffer from cancer and emphasize on saving lives.
• Why do you need to eat healthy food? There are many reasons why you need to eat healthily: be in a good mood, decrease weight, become more productive, become healthier, etc. What are the principles of healthy eating? Tell about some tips and hints.
• Why should government healthcare be free to everyone? Argue for changing the Affordable Care Act to make healthcare freely available for every US citizen. You can take as an example a country where the healthcare system is free.
• Why do you need to eat potatoes? Emphasize that potatoes can help reduce weight, lower blood pressure, etc. Make some research and add more points.
• What makes plastic surgery a great invention? You can start with telling the history of plastic surgery and emphasize its benefits for soldiers. Unfortunately, in the modern world, people frequently judge by appearance, which is why many people need to boost self-esteem and plastic surgery can help.
• Why should you donate your organs? You can choose one article from a reliable source and tell why it’s better to donate organs after your death.
• Why do you need to join the American Red Cross? The Red Cross has a variety of internships for high-school students. You can list the benefits of joining the red cross and emphasize how this activity can help your audience in the future (e.g. at school or work).

Persuasive speech topics for high schoolers on society

• Why should juveniles be sentenced as adults? Many juveniles commit crime because they rely on age bias. You can take the position that juveniles are not kids and frequently understand more than it seems.
• Why should the internet not have full freedom of speech? Can racist, homophobic, and other offensive views be treated as freedom of speech? Should the internet be safe for children?
• Why should cyberbullying be prosecuted? Nearly half of all children are bullied online and it has an influence on their self-esteem and psychological well-being. This also refers to adults. How can cyberbullying be stopped?
• Why are IQ tests not the best measurement of human intelligence? You can find several articles from trusted sources and find out what tests are more accurate than an IQ test.
• Why should same-sex marriage be legalized? You can point out the examples from states where gay marriage is legal. Should same-sex couples be allowed to adopt children? What other arguments can you state for gay marriage?
• Why in today’s world is there no place for any type of discrimination? State your opinion on different types of discrimination and make an accent on discrimination by age.
• Why should we continue to utilize incarceration as our go-to form of punishment? Is it an effective way of punishment? What positive and negative effects does it have?
• Why shouldn’t we deport immigrants from Mexico? Mexican emigrants have come to the US for a certain reason – for a better life. Many immigrants are law-abiding and hard-working members of society. Will it be fair to deport them? Analyze both Donald Trump’s and Barak Obama’s view on this issue
• Why should women propose marriage? You can take a position that we live in a free country and every person should feel free to propose marriage. You can talk about traditions and how the time has changed.
• Why do we need birth control? Earth has become overpopulated and many countries try to control birth rates. What methods are the most effective?

Interesting persuasive speech topics for high schoolers

• How can knowing a foreign language be helpful? There are many benefits from learning foreign languages: you become more educated, you can get a better job, you will freely communicate with foreigners, etc.
• Why do electronic devices make kids lazy? Find several articles that describe the influence of gadgets on children and adolescents. You can make an accent on the feeling of isolation, the risk of obesity, and low social contact. What are other consequences of gadgets on kids?
• Why should you travel? What qualities will you develop? How can new experiences help you? What to do if you don’t have enough money to travel?
• Why is texting while driving bad? You can start with statistics of accidents on the roads. List the most frequent causes of road accidents. Compare texting while driving and driving under the influence of substances.
• Why is Bora Bora the best place for spending a holiday? You can tell about the island, the climate and weather, and what tourists can do there.
• Why do we need to prohibit animal circus performances? Frequently trainers in animal circuses abuse their animals to create a good performance. Also, animals can live in inappropriate conditions. Tell why animals shouldn’t be a tool for earning profits.
• Why should scientist not create human-animal hybrids? Where is the line between human being and non-human being? What problems will it cause? Will this hybrid be happy to be born?
• Why should we stop plastic pollution? How long does plastic need to fully decompose? Tell about recycling and using eco-friendly substitutes to care about our planet.
• Why do we need to use more solar panels? How does it work? Where can solar panels be used? What are the benefits of using solar panels? Tell how it’s good for the environment.
• Why shouldn’t we use electric cars? You can tell about the pros and cons of electric cars and make the accent on disadvantages. In practice, electric cars don’t cause pollution directly. But the electricity they use comes from power plants that pollute the air. Also, there is the problem of durability of batteries and their utilization.

Funny persuasive speech topics for high schoolers

• Why do you need to use chopsticks when eating Chinese food? You can briefly tell about history and etiquette of using Chinese chopsticks. You can describe the position that it’s a fun and interesting way to eat Chinese food.
• Why are UFOs Real? You can take some article from MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and list the evidence that prove that UFOs are real. You can start your speech with skeptical points and refute them with logical comments.
• Create a speech from Big Brother. Imagine that you are a Big Brother and you need to record a hate speech. You can pick any country that is at war with another, addressing the citizens to hate citizens from another country.
• Why do we need to stop tipping waiters? In fact, by giving tips we stimulate employers not paying even the minimum wage to waiters. Take an example of Japan: tipping a waiter will be considered an insult (the waiter will think that he or she poorly performed the job).
• Why do you need to believe in ghosts? You can list the episodes of evidence like: videos, photo, eyewitness, and historical precedence. Also, some religions believe in the existence of ghosts.
• Why do you need to spend less than three hours with your smartphone daily? Nowadays people are totally dependent on mobile phones (add some statistical data). What harm do mobile phones do to their owners? What can one do to spend less time with the phone?
• Why are GMOs not bad? Many people believe that GMOs can cause cancer, autism, and many other illnesses. You can tell that there are more than 900 studies that have shown the safety of GMO products. Break down the most common myths associated with GMOs.
• Why is abstinence 100% safe and effective against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases? Nowadays, abstinence is more effective than the contraceptives like condoms and birth control. You can list other benefits of abstinence and whether it’s good to abstain before marriage.
• Why are pit bulls getting a bad name? What is the history of pit bulls? What are the most common misconceptions about pit bulls? Why do pit bulls have a bad reputation?
• Was the moon landing a lie? List the reasons why people don’t believe that the moon landing was true. You can start with discussing the fluttering flag and end with the question about the person that filmed Neil Armstrong making the first step on the moon.

Speech topics to boost your inspiration

If the previous list of persuasive speech topics for high school students hasn’t captured your attention, consider these hints to boost your inspiration:

• Street gangs should be considered terrorists.
• Graffiti should be regulated by law.
• Teenagers should have a curfew.
• Public broadcasting.
• Buying generics is better than brand name products.
• Choose shopping at small stores.
• We need musical censorship.
• Orange juice is good for you.
• Weed should be decriminalized.
• Media agenda-setting.
• Learn CPR to save lives.
• Drive slower.
• Larger counties.
• The movie everyone should see.
• Angels are real.
• Stomach stapling procedure.
• Public transportation is better than a personal car.
• Cigar smoking in public is bad.
• Columbus Day.
• Binge drinking is dangerous.
• Live life to the fullest.
• Darfur crisis.
• Join the military recruiting.
• Stop wearing tight pants.
• Keep public bathrooms clean.
• Buy security systems.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• Cherish relationships with friends and family.
• Artificial hormones in food.
• Avoid religious cults.
• Believe in reincarnation.
• Join the Greek system.
• France boycott.
• Don’t share the road with bikes.
• We need more strict advertising standards.
• Fixing potholes is in the people’s hands.
• We need state lotteries.
• We need more effective prison alternatives.
• We need to make a 100% smoke-free environment to reduce secondhand smoke.
• Be the person you really are.
• We need strict standards for the internet.
• Aggressive driving (road rage) should be illegal.
• Fireworks should be banned.
• Ticketmaster should be illegal.
• Shock therapy shouldn’t be used.
• Sin taxes are not effective.
• Government should restrict freedom of speech.
• “Game of Thrones” is the best TV show.
• Bachelor and bachelorette parties are very important.

Help with school persuasive speech topics with EssayShark

We know that it’s always a problem to find good persuasive speech topics for high school. If you have gotten puzzled with tons of information, don’t panic! Place an order with us and our writer will choose a great topic and prepare a text for the speech that will grab the audience’s attention. Add as much detail as possible, so the writer will know exactly what your tutor is expecting to see. Ask EssayShark for help and the only thing you will need is to successfully deliver it during your class.

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Persuasive Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas for Students

17 min read

Published on: May 2, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Are you tired of searching the web for the perfect persuasive speech topic? 

Sometimes getting started on your speech can become the hardest part.

This blog is your one-stop shop for engaging and thought-provoking speech topics that will captivate your audience. 

So, if you're a student preparing for a speech, this blog has got you covered. From controversial social issues to lighthearted topics, we've got it all. 

Let’s dive in!

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Components of a Persuasive Speech

The three persuasive speech and essay components are logos, ethos, and pathos. These elements made your speech more convincing.

Let’s discuss them in detail.

Want to get started on your persuasive speech? Give this insightful guide on persuasive speech writing a read to get a good start!

Good Persuasive Speech Topics

For a good speech, you need to find some good persuasive speech topics. A good topic makes a speech more influential and impressive. 

Here we have summed up an extensive list of some good persuasive speech topics. 

Persuasive Speech Topics for University Students

• Should there be a tax on religious organizations?
• Should priests be allowed to marry?
• Should there be a ban on the religious slaughter of animals?
• Should libraries be replaced with e-books?
• Should Bitcoin be recognized as a legal currency?
• Which country is the safest in the world?
• Is the idea of peace on Earth practical?
• Should advertising be aimed at children?
• Has freedom of the press gone beyond limits?
• How can public speaking help in building confidence?

Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

• Should community service be an obligation in high schools?
• Should school students be allowed to use their phones in school?
• Should art classes be enforced in all schools?
• Is the concept of co-ed acceptable? 
• Should soda and sweets be allowed in schools? 
• Does GPA actually matter?
• Is it reasonable to shut down public schools that are not performing well on test scores?
• Should college admission officers run psychological tests?
• Is it illegal to drop students out?
• Should textbooks be replaced with laptops or tablets?

College Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should schools still teach cursive handwriting?
• You can become a millionaire.
• Driving tests should be free.
• Is artificial intelligence a threat?
• Why are education costs growing progressively?
• The slow death of ancient art forms
• Are family traditions important?
• Is a college student receiving a scholarship?
• Stray animals are dangerous.
• Should women be allowed to be priests?

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Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

• Using cell phones during the lecture allowed? 
• Why is it important to save money and understand its value?
• Should parents allow sleepovers without any insecurity? 
• Why is reading books more enjoyable than watching TV? 
• Small kids can have their own pets.
• Moving to a large city from the village. 
• Why should we eat healthy food and avoid junk food?
• Why is a war so scary?
• Do elementary school students obtain a fair amount of homework?
• Junk meals must be banned at school.

Persuasive Speech Topics on Health and Fitness

• The purchase of birth control should be allowed without their parent's consent.
• What is the importance of balanced nutrition for overall well-being?
• The government should put a tax on soda and other sugary drinks.
• High schools provide free condoms to students.
• Should the US switch to single-payer health care?
• Healthy people must donate blood regularly. 
• Why is it necessary to prioritize mental health and practice self-care?
• Boxing should be declared illegal.
• Schools should teach all students to swim.
• Should college athletes be paid for being on a sports team?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Ethics

• Balancing the benefits and ethical concerns of artificial intelligence and automation
• Examining the ethical considerations of genetic engineering and gene editing
• Rethinking animal testing and experimentation: ethical implications and alternatives
• The ethical dilemma of capital punishment and the death penalty
• Protecting privacy and freedom in the digital age: exploring the ethical implications of surveillance
• The Right to Die: an ethical debate on Euthanasia and assisted suicide
• The Ethics of human cloning and its potential impact on Society
• The boundaries of censorship and freedom of speech in a democratic society
• Environmental ethics and the challenges of climate change: responsibility and action
• The Ethics of War and Military Intervention: examining the moral justifications and Consequences

Persuasive Speech Topics on Technology

• How has technology improved communication in our daily lives?
• Is integrating technology in education beneficial?
• Why is it important to establish regulations on Internet privacy?
• How has technology positively impacted the healthcare industry?
• Are there any ethical implications of artificial intelligence and automation?
• Why should social media platforms take more responsibility for online safety?
• How has technology transformed the way we work and the future of jobs?
• What are the environmental consequences of electronic waste and how can we address them?
• Why should there be stricter regulations on data protection and cybersecurity?
• How has technology changed the way we access and consume information?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Video Games

• How video games can have a positive impact on mental health
• Examining the effects of violent video games on aggression and behavior
• Why esports should be considered a legitimate sport
• How video games can affect social relationships and communication
• Investigating the impact of video games on academic performance and learning
• Why video games should be recognized as a form of art and storytelling
• The potential dangers of video game addiction and excessive screen time
• The need for more inclusivity and diversity in video games
• Are video games a valid form of art and should they be recognized as such?
• The potential of video games as educational tools

Great Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should schools incorporate meditation and mindfulness exercises into their curriculum?
• Is it necessary to implement stricter laws and regulations to combat climate change?
• Should junk food be completely banned from school campuses?
• Is social media having a positive or negative impact on society?
• Should voting be made compulsory in democratic countries?
• Is it ethical to use animals for scientific research and experimentation?
• Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised?
• Is homeschooling a more effective alternative to traditional schooling?
• Should professional athletes be held accountable as role models for their behavior off the field?
• Is it important to prioritize renewable energy sources over fossil fuels?

Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

• Should schools start later in the morning to accommodate the sleep patterns of teenagers?
• Is it important for teens to have part-time jobs during high school?
• Should schools incorporate financial literacy courses into the curriculum?
• Is it necessary to include comprehensive sex education in schools?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is it important for teens to volunteer in their community?
• Should schools ban the use of cell phones during school hours?
• Is it necessary to address the issue of cyberbullying more seriously?
• Should the use of plastic bags be banned to protect the environment?
• Is it important for teens to have a part in decision-making processes that affect their education?

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

• Wild deer hunting should be banned. 
• All pets should be microchipped. 
• It is wrong to use animals in zoos and circuses.
• Beauty goods should be banned on animals
• Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos and aquariums for public entertainment?
• Exotic animals should not be kept as pets.
• The dog must be trained as a service animal. 
• It is unethical to crossbreed animals to get hybrids.
• Effects of poaching on the economy.
• Should pets be kept outdoors?

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should students have a longer lunch break?
• Is it important to include more physical education classes in schools?
• Should schools have a dress code policy?
• Is it important to have a designated study time at home?
• Should homework be banned in schools?
• Is it important to have a school-wide recycling program?
• Should students be allowed to use smartphones in the classroom?
• Is it important to have mandatory community service hours for high school students?
• Should there be stricter regulations on single-use plastic products?
• Is it important to have a mandatory life skills class in schools?

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should pizza be declared the official national food?
• Is it time to replace homework with playing video games?
• Should cats be given the right to vote?
• Is it acceptable to wear pajamas to school or work?
• Should chocolate be considered a basic human need?
• Is it time for dogs to be in charge of running the world?
• Should all schools replace math class with pizza-making class?
• Is it necessary to have mandatory "nap time" for adults?
• Should it be a legal requirement to eat ice cream every day?
• Is it time to establish a mandatory "funny hat" policy in all workplaces?

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

• Are superheroes better role models than real-life celebrities?
• Should video games be considered an official sport in the Olympics?
• Is it better to be a dog person or a cat person?
• Should ice cream be served as the main course at every meal?
• Is it time to declare a national "Pajama Day" where everyone can wear their sleepwear outside?
• Should schools have a mandatory "Silent Disco" day instead of regular classes?
• Is it important to have a designated day where everyone speaks in rhyme?
• Should bubble wrap be recognized as the ultimate stress-relief tool?
• Is it necessary to have a "Dance Break" in the middle of every work or school day?
• Should pillow fights be considered an official sport with international championships?

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics

• Polygamy is not an illegal act. 
• Providing a judge with the sole power of decision-making
• Lesbian couples should not be allowed to have a child
• Can art therapy be an effective form of mental health treatment?
• Torture is helpful in the investigation.
• Learning a foreign language should be compulsory in high school.
• Legalizing euthanasia will benefit everyone.
• The merits of genetically modified organisms.
• A security camera is an invasion of privacy.
• CEOs’ wages are high without reason.

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

• Parents must be informed when their underage daughter chooses to make an abortion?
• Is it ethical to conduct genetic research on aborted fetuses?
• How can seat belts prevent fatal casualties in traffic accidents?
• Is sex ed at schools an important factor in personality building?
• School kids must be educated about the prevention of rape and other sexual misconduct.
• Can we lower the percentage of suicides by legalizing euthanasia?
• Should euthanasia be legalized for terminally ill patients?
• Is capital punishment an effective deterrent against crime?
• The myth of electronic cigarettes being less harmful than tobacco
• Why we should be skeptical about diet pills

Persuasive Speech Topics on Medical Issues

• The American healthcare system has a lot of flaws.
• Exercise can help you avoid health problems.
• Is it important to support and fund research on rare diseases?
• Is it ethical to use animals for medical research?
• Should the sale of sugary drinks and snacks be banned in schools?
• Should vaccinations be mandatory for all children?
• Can fast food be healthy?
• Why we should consume little amounts of salt.
• Do we eat too much meat?
• Why is the importance of good sleep?

Persuasive Speech Topics About Anxiety

• How can we create a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals with anxiety?
• Is it important to incorporate mental health education into school curricula to raise awareness about anxiety?
• What are effective coping strategies for managing anxiety in daily life?
• Should employers implement policies and practices that promote mental health support in the workplace?
• How can we reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety and promote open conversations about mental health?
• Should healthcare providers receive additional training on diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders?
• What role does social media play in contributing to anxiety, and how can we address it?
• Should schools provide more resources and accommodations for students with anxiety?
• How can we improve access to affordable and quality mental healthcare for individuals with anxiety?
• Should society prioritize self-care practices and stress reduction techniques to alleviate anxiety?

Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

• Rain forests need to be protected.
• Is water a renewable resource?
• Natural disasters stimulate economic growth.
• Using plastic is self-defeating
• Recycling paper is going to save our planet
• Should oil drilling stop in Alaska?
• How can we address the issue of deforestation and protect our forests?
• Should stricter regulations be implemented to reduce air and water pollution?
• How can we promote recycling and waste reduction in our communities?
• Is biodiversity really at risk?

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

• Does soccer need instant replay?
• Sport helps our mental well-being.
• Golf is a rich man’s favorite sport.
• Sports that involve animals should stop
• Professional sport is too commercial nowadays.
• Bodybuilding is inappropriate for women.
• Colleges spend too much money on their sports programs.
• Sports betting should be forbidden in any form.
• Toxic masculinity is ruining team sports
• The Olympic ideal needs renovation.

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Fairy tales are good for young children.
• Extracurriculars are a waste of time
• How much is screen time too much?
• Children should be allowed to choose their religion
• The drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
• Does technology make kids lazy?
• Is homeschooling a good option?
• Is the idea of peace on earth naive?
• The Internet should be free for everyone

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

• Home businesses ruin family lives.
• Business will harden you.
• Why should we pay more to support small businesses?
• Every business should maintain a social media profile.
• Should companies embrace remote work as a permanent option?
• Why do introverts make good leaders?
• Make all bills and business correspondence paperless.
• Is Canada a good place to start a business?
• Should companies prioritize ethical sourcing and fair trade practices?
• Many small businesses focus on hiring the right people. 

Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health

• Are mental health concerns real in teenage students?
• How can we promote mental health support and resources in communities?
• Self-harming is a cry for help
• Should mental health treatment be free?
• What are the benefits of incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices into daily life?
• Should mental health education be a mandatory part of school curriculum?
• College cafes should offer only healthy foods.
• The negative impact of steroids
• What are the reasons for rising mental illness?
• What are effective strategies for promoting mental well-being in the workplace?

Education Persuasive Speech Topics

• Technology must be used in schools.
• Electronic learning should be encouraged
• Do you think that college should be free?
• Being a teacher is a privileged position
• Should high schools have a later start time?
• Should technology be integrated into classrooms as a learning tool?
• What are the benefits of inclusive education for students with disabilities?
• Should financial literacy be a mandatory part of the school curriculum?
• Education makes us happier people.
• Cursive writing shouldn't be taught in schools.

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

• Reasons why children need a family pet.
• Eating together as a family is important
• How to run a business with your family?
• What is the most beneficial parenting style, and why?
• How can we promote better work-life balance for parents and caregivers?
• Should there be stricter regulations on advertising targeting children?
• What are the benefits of shared parenting and co-parenting arrangements?
• Should grandparents have legally enforceable visitation rights?
• Should school do more to teach family values?
• The youngest child in the family is the most spoilt

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why should you vote?
• Is it right for the government to fund partisan organizations?
• The government should cooperate with China.
• Should the U.S. have open borders?
• Should government authorities be tested for drugs?
• Should smokers pay a health tax?
• Government should regulate internet usage
• Who is the best/worst president of all time?
• Parliamentary terms need to be limited.
• Should voting be made compulsory?

How to Choose a Persuasive Speech Topic?

Picking up a topic for a persuasive speech is not simple. However, the following are some simple steps that could be considered when deciding on your speech topic.

• Choose a Familiar Topic To write a speech, choose a unique topic but make sure that you have at least some knowledge about the topic.  A familiar topic will make the writing process easy. It will also make it easy for you to make the listeners understand your point of view. 
• Follow Your Interest It's best to choose a topic in which you are genuinely interested. Writing a speech involves a lot of research work as you have to collect factual data.  An interesting topic would make the research process easy for you, and you will easily deliver it to the audience. 
• Consider Your Audience's Interests The target audience plays a major in the success of your speech. If they find the topic interesting, it is highly probable that they will immediately agree with your point of view. Do not choose a topic that is purely according to your mindset. Consider the interest level of your intended audience as well. 
• Create Visual Impact Choose a topic that allows you to be more descriptive and expressive. It will allow the audience to visualize an image in mind, which will tend to persuade them more.
• Avoid Overdone Topics When a discussion revolves around a certain topic repeatedly, the audience gets bored. They lose all interest in listening to what you are saying.  Avoid repeating the topics as it will make it very difficult for you to keep the listeners engaged.
• Tap into Emotions Emotions are real game-changers and motivators. There is a high chance that your intended audience will get more influenced by an emotional topic. Choosing an emotional topic would add an extra spark to your speech. 
• Relate to Your Audience People prefer to hear about something that is related to their life or situation. So, consider your target audience and choose a topic related to their community, profession, or culture. 

You might look into newspapers or other news sources to find such topics. You might also look into some unique debate topics. They might help you pick a topic and modify it for your persuasive speech. 

Persuasive speeches can be difficult to compose as one needs strong intellectual skills and very good writing skills. Plus, writing a speech is a time-consuming task as it is all about researching and writing. 

Avoid all this stress and load; just let a professional writing service help you. At CollegeEssay.org , we help you write a strong and effective persuasive speech. 

We have an extensive team of professional writers and a customer support team. They are available around the clock to take care of your queries.

Place your order now and get the essay help you need at the best price. 

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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MommaTeen » Top Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

Top Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

• December 7, 2022
• by Victoria Hudgins

Inside: Best persuasive speech topics for high school students to ace that final!

One of my favorite classes in High School was English. I loved learning about all of the different ways to write essays, but admittedly when I first took the class, I thought I would be taught about novels and how to write stories, but that was a whole other genre of English class. Still, there was one thing I ended up loving: Persuasive speeches/essays.

I loved any kind of thought-provoking question that would give me the excuse to sit and ponder the way I felt. And I loved delivering the speech/essays with facts laced with my own passion.

So today, I wanted to share some of the top persuasive speech topics for high school students. If you have an assignment due soon that requires you to come up with your own topic, just choose one from the list below and get started. But before we get into that, I want to go over some of the benefits that come from considering hard-hitting questions like the ones below.

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Persuasive Speeches

I know that seeing intense questions like the ones below may feel like a pretty intense thing to drop on our teens , but it is actually very beneficial. It teaches them how to think for themselves, and that they can and should be thinking about these types of things, that they are affected by some of them. This, in turn, helps to create socially aware people in the world.

More than this, the simple act of preparing and giving a speech in person like this has so many benefits it’s unbelievable. An article that argues why Persuasive speeches should be a priority  put it brilliantly:

Students learn the art of giving a great persuasive speech to help them not only give presentations in future education levels but also in the work place. Additionally, the skills developed by persuasive speeches expand far beyond presentations. Students learn how to communicate with others, speak clearly, present themselves well and articulate their ideas. These tools help students communicate with friends, family members, in relationships and in the workplace. While technology continues to play a major factor in the classroom, the act of engaging students in real discussion becomes more crucial. When educators place high priority on persuasive speeches, they help students struggling to communicate socially as well as advance the abilities of those who can already speak well.

I think that this quote really speaks to the domino effect that one simple act, public speaking, can really have insane ripple effects throughout the teenager’s life. How interesting is this?

Now without further ado, let’s get into the reason why you are here: Persuasive speech topics for high school students.

Classic Persuasive Speech Topics

First up, we have the classics. Well, maybe they aren’t quite classics but more so the more popular ones that are used these days. It’s interesting to see that some of the questions are the same as they were ten years ago. Perhaps those are the questions that need to be answered and solved.

1. Violent Video Games Cause Harm Vs. Violent Video Games Don’t Cause Harm –  This is an age old question that has been around since the beginning of violent video games.

2. Money Can’t Make You Happy

3. Is eating meat ethical?

4. Is adopting a pet from a shelter more ethical than buying one from a breeder? –  It should be said that I am not judging anyone here, these are just some of the hard-hitting questions.

5. Factory Farming should be illegal.

6. Should the legal drinking age be 18? –  I have always wondered about this. I think the biggest argument that I hear people use for this is, “I can sign up for the army, but I can’t buy myself a drink?”

7. Should sports cars be sold to just anyone?

8. Advertising takes advantage of children. –  This is something I haven’t really thought about very much. I am going to have to do some more research.

9. Alcohol should be outlawed.

10. Fast food should be less available.

11. How old should you be to have a cell phone? –  Oof, this is a good one for teens because they get to learn about the bad side of cell phones.

12. Disposable diapers should be banned.

Heavy Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

I think we don’t give teens enough credit when it comes to discussing hard and uncomfortable things. I think that many of them not only understand certain issues in their complexity but that they have important things to contribute to it. Take a look at some of these hard-hitting questions to see what I mean.

13. Should assisted suicide be available for specific circumstances? –  I told you some of these were going to be super heavy.

14. Should animal testing be banned?

15. Should the death penalty be outlawed?

16.  Should billionaires exist? –  All of these are going to be highly personalized to whatever your personal opinion is.

17. Should parents spank their children?

18. Should students wear school uniforms?

19. Is standardized testing more hurtful than helpful? –  This one should be interesting for students to write about while they are in school.

20. The importance of activism.

21. Why social media is bad. –  Another important one for teenagers to consider. By having to look into this question, they are going to learn so many more facts!

22. Are you for or against gun control?

23. Should we be able to ban books?

Last but not least, here are some of the top persuasive speech topics for high school students. These are a mix of hard-hitting and positive questions, so if you are not in a space where you can cover anything too intense, pick a lighter-hearted one. It is important to listen to our bodies and minds!

24. Diversity and its importance.

25. Student loans should be forgiven.

26. Taxes should be taught in school. –  True.

27. There should be better systems in place for the homeless. –  This is the kind of question that will leave the kids thinking for days. This is the question that has the power to change the future.

28. Should teens have access to birth control without their parents knowing?

29. It’s important for students to have weekend jobs.

30. Music is beneficial to society. –  I love phrases like this that you have to argue because you get to learn more about something that you once overlooked, and now you are looking straight at it.

31. Should we be aware of what is happening in the solar system?

And there you have it; I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about the benefits of persuasive speeches, as well as that you were able to find a top that works for you.

At the end of the day, just try and pick a persuasive speech topic that you are passionate about and that you want to look deeper into. That way, this won’t really feel like it’s work; it’s play!

If you enjoyed this article about high school topics, then perhaps you would enjoy some more high school ideas . I totally have you covered with this, seeing as I literally come up with these ideas all day! So check these out and see how you like them. There is plenty more where that came from!

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100+ Motivational Speech Topics That Guarantee Good Grades

Table of Contents

As a high school or college student, there is a very high probability that your tutor will assign you the task of writing a motivational speech essay. Such assignments require you to research keenly on the most inspirational topics on which to base your speech. Most students find the process of researching motivational speech topics quite draining and time-consuming, which is why we have come up with a comprehensive list of motivational speech ideas that will get you started on your path to attaining the top grades that you envision for yourself. 

In this post, we’ll look at a variety of motivational speech topics that will not only captivate the interest of your audience but also equip you with the skills to deliver a speech that has a deep impact. Whether you want to gain insight into how to give an outstanding speech, even as a research paper subject, or get answers to frequently asked questions regarding how to do so effectively, these motivational topics will save the day.  

What Is the Purpose of a Motivational Speech?

Motivational speeches, whether they are inspiring topics for an academic presentation or a one-minute motivational speech for learners, are intended to stoke enthusiasm and inspire progress.

• Explore the basic features of a powerful speech, such as personalized stories that appeal to emotions and a distinct, resonating message. 
• Examine a variety of topics, from inspiring speech ideas to popular motivating topics, and how they relate to young people’s passions and issues. 
• Emphasize the importance of understanding the audience, particularly in an educational environment where an excellent motivational speech must be meaningful and entertaining. 
• Wrap up by reflecting keenly on the intended impact of your speech. 

A well-written motivational speech should use simple language and aim to maintain clarity throughout. Keep it short and precise to maintain your audience’s attention and engagement.

List of Motivational Speech Topics

Crafting a motivational speech can be a challenging task. If you are struggling to come up with ideas to focus your speech on, then here are some brilliant motivational speech topics to inspire you. We have 100+ captivating motivational speech topic ideas broken down into easy-to-access categories.

Motivation Speech Topics for Youth

If you’re looking to write a motivational speech that specifically targets the youth, here are some inspiring motivational speech topics that you can explore.

• How to fully enjoy your high school experience? 
• How to set yourself up for success? 
• Drawing inspiration from successful entrepreneurs. 
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle in your youth.
• When and how to seek mentorship.
• What you need to know about your first job.
• How to protect your mental health? 
• Overcoming adversity and loss.
• Harnessing the power of social media for social impact.
• Youth leadership in the digital age.

Motivational Speech Topics for Students

If you have been assigned to write a motivational speech that specifically targets students on educational and inspirational matters, here are some interesting motivational speech topics that you should consider.

• Life skills: lessons beyond the classroom.
• The role of personal development in a student’s life.
• The role of teachers in a student’s growth.
• Adaptability: embracing innovation in your learning curve.
• Future trends in education.
• Strategies to succeed in school.
• Overcoming change: how to thrive in new environments.
• The role of student leadership in educational institutions.
• How to avoid procrastination and embrace growth? 
• How to overcome exam anxiety? 

Motivation Speech Topics for Business and Management

You may have been asked to write a speech that addresses businesspeople or aspiring business owners. Here are some motivational speech topics that you can implement.

• How to overcome business challenges during hard economic times? 
• Entrepreneurship 101: Coming up with a vision and mission for your business.
• How to build a customer-centered business? 
• How to raise capital for your business? 
• The importance of creating a vision-driven team.
• Teamwork: The value of collaboration and communication in the workplace.
• Financial management: the backbone of every successful business.
• Developing practical leadership skills for business.
• Purpose-driven enterprises: the role of social impact and sustainability in your business.
• Setting goals for your business: how to turn your vision into practical, actionable steps.

Motivational Funny Speech Topics

To create a funny motivational speech, you will require a combination of humor, inspiration and knowledge of the main topic of discussion. Your speech should deliver a serious topic in a funny and inspiring way. Here are a few funny motivational speech topics to consider. 

• How to find humor in stressful situations? 
• Things to do when you don’t know what to do.
• Fun ways to lose weight.
• Going left when nothing seems to go right.
• Why do men have a love-hate relationship with skinny jeans? 
• Fun ways to make money while studying.
• How to believe in yourself when all else fails? 
• Expensive mistakes that you can avoid on your way to success.
• How to kill time when stuck in traffic.
• Ten ways to raise your mood when you feel low.

Motivational Speech Topics About Science and Technology

If you are planning to write a speech that aims to inspire or educate an audience that is interested in science and technology, then you have a lot of research to delve into. Here are a few motivational speech topics that can point you in the right direction.

• What is the difference between astronomy and astrophysics?
• How to embrace the power of Artificial Intelligence? 
• Cybersecurity: What you need to know and apply to your digital space.
• Understanding how the medicine you take works.
• Understanding the power of your gut health.
• Harnessing the power of renewable energy.
• Renewable energy vs environmental conservation: How solar panels affect the environment.
• Next-generation technology in AI.
• Scientific advancements in biomedical technology.
• Exploring the new frontiers of medicine through pharmaceutical technology.

5-Minute Motivational Speech Topics

The secret to delivering a 5-minute speech is to keep it short and sweet while making precise points in simple language. Here are some motivational speech ideas that you can use.

• How to embrace resilience and overcome life challenges.
• Staying motivated in the pursuit of your dreams.
• Embrace the power of positive thinking.
• Five easy ways to unleash your creativity.
• How to become a better friend? 
• The importance of self-care.
• How to tell when you’re procrastinating? 
• How to prepare for your exam? 
• Ten simple ways to grow your confidence.
• Finding your purpose and working towards it.

Inspirational Speech Topics

If you are looking for some passion speech ideas , we have some motivational speech topics to get you started.

• Unleashing your potential: a personal growth journey.
• The path to self-mastery: personal development strategies.
• Turning ambitions into realities.
• The art of becoming your most excellent self.
• Personal excellence: goal setting and achievement.
• Conquering personal development challenges.
• Self-reflection: crucial to personal growth.
• Developing a healthy self-perception.
• The power of psychological fortitude.
• Lifelong learning: the journey to professional growth.

Motivational Speech Topics About Sport

When addressing an audience of sportspeople, you need to ignite them into winning the game ahead of them. Here are some ignite speech topics that you can explore:

• How physical exercise promotes mental wellness.
• Benefits of fostering team spirit in sports.
• Why do we need more inclusive policies in sports for players with disabilities?
• The vital role of equal sports coverage of female sports.
• Why it is important to encourage children to participate in sports activities.
• Do the benefits of hosting an international sports event outweigh the costs?
• Using sports as a tool for community development and social change.
• We need to encourage more women to participate in male-dominated sports.
• The importance of implementing safety measures in contact sports.
• The role of sports in building resilience and coping skills.

Motivational Speech Topics on Government and Politics

Political issues are often difficult to tackle, so we have compiled a list of motivational speech topics to make your work easier. Use these motivational topics to jumpstart your assignment. 

• Youth leadership in politics: promoting involvement and public participation.
• Promoting social and criminal justice: fostering fairness and diversity in government policies.
• Environmental policy aims to promote environmentally conscious choices for a more sustainable future. 
• Human rights and activism aim to inspire progress and promote justice.
• Political leadership: developing moral and effective administration.
• Civic engagement: emphasizing the value of voting and participation in legislative institutions.
• Motivating a career of dedication and impact in government.
• Fighting corruption: promoting transparency and accountability in politics.
• Improving humanity and inclusion in immigration and refugee policies.
• Encouraging international partnerships and peaceful resolutions through diplomacy.

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

If you are looking for motivational speech topics to address medical issues, you can build on these ideas of motivational topics .

• The human body: revealing the mysteries and the wonders of human biology.
• Medical research: advancing scientific findings and innovative medical developments.
• The healthcare champions: inspiring the advancement of medical careers.
• Global health equity: driving efforts to enhance access to excellent healthcare. 
• Global disease prevention efforts aim to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness.
• Understanding medical ethics: inspiring ethical decision-making in medical services.
• The impact of healthcare education: motivating the next generation of qualified and ethical healthcare workers.
• Mental health awareness: promoting understanding and providing assistance for mental health.
• Developments in Modern Medicine: Promoting customized treatment.
• Advances in medical technologies: Fostering cutting-edge diagnostics and therapeutics.

Motivational topics encourage people to examine their lives closely and transform them for the better. Although a motivational speaker plays a vital role in strengthening a person’s resolve to achieve a higher quality of life, they often struggle to come up with catchy and empowering motivational speech topics. Using these inspirational speech ideas and motivational speech topics guarantees that you will create a winning speech.

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Student Opinion

176 Writing Prompts to Spark Discussion and Reflection

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2023-24 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

By The Learning Network

Each day of the school year we publish a Student Opinion question inviting students to share their own opinions and experiences in response to New York Times stories on the news of the day. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related Times article, interactive or video as well as a free link to that piece.

The 176 questions we asked during the 2023-24 school year are available below and in this PDF . The prompts are organized into three sections: questions that lend themselves well to persuasive writing, questions that encourage narrative writing, and additional Student Opinion forums.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use these Student Opinion prompts in your classroom, you might consult this comprehensive teacher’s guide , which includes practical strategies from a dozen educators.

Questions for Narrative and Personal Writing

1. Do You Multitask? Is It Helpful or Harmful? 2. How Did You Grow and Change This School Year? 3. What Accomplishments Are You Most Proud Of? 4. Have You Ever Been Injured? Tell Us the Story. 5. Where in the World Would You Most Like to Travel? 6. Who Is Your Hero? 7. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 8. What Is Teenage Bullying Like Today? 9. Are You a Joiner? 10. When Have You Felt That You Mattered? 11. How Hard Is It to Wake Up in the Morning? 12. What Have You Learned From Failure? 13. Where Is the Line Between Helping a Child Become More Resilient and Pushing Them Too Hard? 14. If You Had $1 Billion to Give Away, What Charity Would You Support? 15. What Are the Small Ways You Show Love to Those You Care About? 16. How Do You Feel About High School? 17. What Activities or Hobbies Do You Do With Your Family? 18. Do You Use, Like, Too Many Filler Words? 19. What Is Your Relationship With Fast Food? 20. What’s the Greatest Gift Your Parents Have Given You? 21. What Is Your Favorite Word? 22. Are You Good at Apologizing? 23. What Is Your Dream Job? 24. What Amazes You Most About Animals? 25. Which Toy Would You Want to Help Design or Update? 26. What Are the Best, and Worst, Recommendations You’ve Gotten From Social Media? 27. What Small Wins Have You Had Recently? 28. What Do You Like About Playing Games? 29. What Everyday Object Deserves More Love? 30. Are You Too Critical of Yourself? 31. Do You Spend Enough Time in the Dirt? 32. What Got Your Attention in the News Recently? 33. Has Your Birth Order Shaped Who You Are? 34. What Elective Do You Wish Your School Offered? 35. How Far Would You Push Yourself Physically to Meet a Goal? 36. How Often Do You Take Breaks From Your Phone? 37. How Do You Deal With Conflicts? 38. What Children’s Book Worlds Do You Wish You Could Visit in Real Life? 39. Has Your Relationship to School Attendance Changed Since the Pandemic? 40. What Can You Make or Fix With Your Hands? 41. What Have You Learned From a Grandparent or Elder? 42. Do You Wish You Had More Places to Go? 43. What Author Would You Most Like to Meet? 44. Have You Ever Lost Someone as a Friend? 45. Do You Keep a Journal? 46. Are You Tired of Influencers? 47. How Did the Covid-19 Pandemic Affect You, Your Family and Your Community? 48. To Whom Would You Write an Open Letter? 49. What’s the Best — and Worst — Part of Being a Sports Fan? 50. How Much Exercise Do You Get Each Week? 51. Do You Have a Hard Time Saying ‘No’? 52. What’s Your Favorite Kind of TikTok Video? 53. What Are Your Favorite Local Businesses? 54. How Involved Do You Expect Your Parents to Be in Your Adult Life? 55. How Important Is It to You to Keep Mementos From Your Life? 56. Who Are Your Favorite Athletes to Watch Right Now? 57. How Does Your School Address Students’ Mental Health Needs? 58. What Communities Are You a Part Of? What Communities Would You Like to Explore? 59. What’s Your TV ‘Comfort Food’? 60. What Sad Songs Do You Listen to When You’re Feeling Down? 61. Will You Be Watching Super Bowl LVIII? 62. What Was Your Most Memorable Field Trip? 63. What Is Unique About Where You Live? 64. What Is Your Experience With Group Chats? 65. Are You a Fan of Movie Remakes? 66. What Brings You Delight? 67. Do You Ever Host or Attend Sleepovers? 68. Here Are 15 Winning Tiny Memoirs. Which Ones Most Resonate With You? 69. What Is Your Reaction to Trump’s Conviction on 34 Felony Counts? 70. Do You Enjoy Keeping Secrets? 71. Are You Growing Tired of Superhero Movies? 72. What Do You Wish You Could Do Well? 73. Do You Think Any of These Mythical Creatures Might Be Real? 74. What Are Your Thoughts on Last Names? 75. Which TV Show or Movie Would You Want to Live? 76. Do You Ever Feel Envious of Others? 77. What Do You Want to Do Differently in the New Year? 78. What Is the Best Month of the Year? What Is the Worst? 79. What Will You Remember About 2023? 80. Do You Prefer Gifts That You’ve Asked For or Ones That Are a Surprise? 81. How Do You Feel About Holiday Music? 82. What Do You Appreciate About Winter? 83. Do You Like to Dance? 84. Do You Ever Feel Sentimental About the Past? 85. What Slang Do You Use? 86. Do You Like Spending Time Alone With Your Thoughts? 87. Do You Like Watching Other People Watch Sports? 88. What Role Does Humor Play in Your Life? 89. What Are You Grateful For? 90. Do You Trust Online Reviews? 91. What Have You Changed Your Mind About? 92. Do You Use Swear Words? 93. The North American Total Solar Eclipse Is Here. Are You Watching? 94. What ‘Oddball Rituals’ Do You Have? 95. Do You Ever Feel Pressure to Post About Your Outrage Online? 96. What Do You Enjoy That Others Think Is Cringe, Played Out or Just Uncool? 97. What Small Moments From Your Life Do You Think About Often? 98. Are You There for Your Friends When They Need You? 99. What Misconceptions Do People Have About Where You Live? 100. What’s Your Take on Beige Flags in Relationships? 101. Do You Share Music Tastes With Your Parents? 102. What Does Hip-Hop Mean to You? 103. What Do You Think of Barbie? 104. How Concerned Are You About the Cost of College? 105. What Has Been Your Best Secondhand Find? 106. What Household Items Can’t You Live Without? 107. How Do You Feel When You’re Interrupted? 108. At Which Museum or Venue Would You Like to Spend the Night? 109. What Were the Best and Worst Parts of Your Summer Vacation?

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

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