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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

good persuasive speech topics

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

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

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

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

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

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Business and Economy

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

Social Media

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

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics 

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

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Politics and Government

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

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

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

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

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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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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topics for persuasive speech for college students

112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

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

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

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

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

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

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

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

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

Steer Clear of Cliches

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

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

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

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

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

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

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

Environment

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

Science & Technology

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

Social Media

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

Parenting & Family

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

Entertainment

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

Arts & Humanities

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

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

Do Your Research

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

Understand Your Audience

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

Have Someone Read Your Speech

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

Practice Makes Perfect

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

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

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topics for persuasive speech for college students

227 Amazing College Persuasive Essay Topics [Free Ideas]

topics for persuasive speech for college students

Ever wondered what a persuasive essay is? Are you struggling to differentiate it from an argumentative one? Do you think it’s impossible to find original persuasive speech topics for college students?

If you have answered yes to any question, you’ve come to the right place. Our team can help you!

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing that convinces readers to accept the author’s position and agree with their ideas. Through clear arguments and examples, the writer demonstrates the legitimacy of their point of view.

Below, we have provided a list of the most interesting and unique college persuasive essay topics. So, don’t waste any more of your time searching for the right title. Use our ideas and create an outstanding persuasive essay!

  • 👉 How to Choose?
  • ✨ Best Speech Topics
  • 🎓 Ideas on Education
  • 📜 Topics on History
  • ⚖ Ideas on Politics
  • 👍 Topics on Sociology
  • 💰 Ideas on Economics
  • 🚌 Transportation
  • 🌿 Environment
  • ⚙ Technology
  • 🌍 Traveling
  • ✌ Lifestyle
  • 🏫 Teenagers
  • 📚 Literature
  • 🖐 25 More Topics

👉 How to Choose a Persuasive Essay Topic for College?

The main secret of the successful persuasive essay is a compelling topic. Therefore, when choosing the right persuasive topic, follow these few simple pieces of advice:

  • Re-read the assignment . The task that you’ve received from your tutor can be of great assistance. You just have to read it correctly. Unfortunately, college students tend to underestimate the power of the question. Don’t make this mistake. Read your assignment carefully because it can provide clues on the topic to look for.
  • Brainstorm ideas. Before writing any paper, college students have to research. It will ensure the argumentative part of the persuasive essay. To understand what to examine, have an ideation session, and consider a variety of ideas. Picking the most appropriate one, you’ll see where to start your research. Try to find as many topics as you can. Free college essays collection is a good place to check out as a part of your session. You’ll be able to see what topics are already covered, and what you can expand upon. It will make your investigation and writing processes easier!
  • Don’t pick an idea if it’s too broad . You may think that in this case, you’ll have plenty of things to argue about. Well, maybe a bit too many. In your essay, you should cover an entire topic so that it sounds convincing. When the idea is too broad, you can’t fit every argument in one paper. So, specify your title. For instance, you want to persuade your readers to stay healthy. Then don’t investigate all the aspects of maintaining health. Focus on one specific issue. For example, explore the positive influence of sport on the general health condition of a human being.
  • Ensure that you have credible sources. In some colleges, even the smallest essays may require a list of references. Thus, make sure you have materials to research and later list as your sources. Remember: Good persuasive paper topics for college have to offer a wide variety of sources to investigate. So, if you are not confident in your materials, better change the title. It will prevent you from a lack of evidence to support your arguments.
  • Choose a topic of personal interest. We’re not compelling you to write something that you enjoy when it contradicts the assignment. But try to select an idea that doesn’t bore you from reading it out loud. It is always more pleasurable to write on a topic you are passionate about. Don’t miss your chance to make turn your essay writing process into an exciting activity.
  • Select something you have an opinion about, but open to debate. Your tutors can disagree with your position. Nevertheless, it is not a reason to give up. It’s the right time to show your critical thinking skills. State your position clearly and provide convincing arguments to support it. Show your readers that you can change your position if you see some compelling data. It can give you some extra credit. The best persuasion topics for college create an environment for debates and discussions.
  • Be unique! In colleges, the amount of papers done daily is enormous. Don’t make your professors read about the importance of waste sorting, for example, yet again. The topic of environmental protection is undoubtedly extremely significant. However: It is way too overused. The professors are tired of reading essays on the same issues again and again. Surprise them and stand out.

Finding an original topic for a persuasive essay is tricky.

✨ 12 Best Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

  • How important is mental health?
  • Is online school more effective?
  • Are GMO products good?
  • Is social media dangerous?
  • What’s wrong with the education system?
  • Does recycling work?
  • Is veganism bad for the environment?
  • Should foreign policy be feminist?
  • Is marriage an obsolete institution?
  • Can protests and demonstrations bring change?
  • Can alternative medicine actually work?
  • Is modern advertising unethical?

🔑 Essential College Persuasive Essay Topics

We bet, every college student at least once had an assignment to write a persuasive essay. Haven’t you had yet? The best is yet to come! Thus, you have to be prepared to face all the challenges of a persuasive essay composing.

Searching for interesting persuasive essay topics is a complicated issue. However, you don’t have to worry about it. Our team of experts gathered the most popular and effective ideas in one place.

Don’t stress out about the topic:

Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics for college students. We divided our ideas into sections so that you can find the most appropriate one. So, you can easily navigate throughout our page for a more effective search.

🎓 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Education

  • An educational system should encourage creativity .
  • Student diversity should be present in a school classroom .
  • Why should college students care about their mental and physical health?
  • Why should we stop girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system?
  • Why should computer science programs be taught in colleges and universities?
  • Why should parents take part in their children’s education?

Parents should participate in their children's studying for numerous reasons.

  • Why reading performance of students with learning disabilities should be improved?
  • Studying abroad results in better education.
  • Homework does not help in the learning process.
  • The costs of higher education should be reduced.
  • A grade does not show a student’s knowledge.
  • The Internet overuse blocks the mental development of a modern teenager.
  • Education should not depend on technologies.
  • Essay writing develops the critical thinking skills of students.
  • Foreign language learning should be mandatory in school . Conduct research on how foreign languages influence children and teenagers. What are the positive sides of such education? Then, persuade your readers that foreign languages are essential in the school core curriculum.
  • Art classes should be a priority in middle school . Elaborate on the importance of the development of the sense of art for children and teenagers. Why should art classes be higher in the list of priorities than technical or science courses? How can the right perception of art help pupils in future life?
  • The core curriculum of the high school should not be too broad. Why do we have to narrow down our focus in high school? Explain how teenagers will benefit from studying particular subjects instead of getting general knowledge. Convince your readers about the importance of focusing on a specific field in high school.
  • A gap year before entering the university is beneficial. Give persuading evidence why students should take a gap year. What are the advantages? Make your readers debate whether a gap year is worth considering. Finally, convince them that it is worth it.
  • Mobile phones should not be allowed in school. State your position regarding the usage of smartphones during the learning process. What adverse ramifications do the mobile phones have on the academic results of pupils? Persuade your readers to prohibit phone usage in school.
  • Traditional education is more effective than remote learning . How the benefits of the conventional way of learning outweigh the advantages of remote education? Compare the aspects of remote learning for different age groups: 1st grade age, 6th grade age, and a college student.

📜 College Persuasive Essay Topics on History

  • The American Revolution was a turning point in USA history.
  • The year 1763 is crucial in US history.
  • The media played a crucial role in promoting the Vietnam War .
  • We shouldn’t underestimate the significance of African-American social reform.
  • Technological advancement of the 17th century was a new era in world history.
  • Without Enlightenment and Romantic Age , the European culture wouldn’t be so progressive nowadays.

Enlightenment took over the period of the 17th and 18th centuries.

  • People should’ve stopped the propaganda of Adolf Hitler and Jim Jones before the intensive development.
  • The historical influence of Abraham Lincoln should become a role model for modern political figures.
  • Americans should have abolished slavery in the United States way earlier.
  • The four voyages by Christopher Columbus are crucial in the progress of world history.
  • Cultural exchanges in the medieval period significantly impacted the civilizations.
  • Protestant reformation was the most influential Christian movement.
  • Japanese women in the Middle Ages should have been more powerful.
  • The world war should never happen again.
  • The age of exploration . Who are the key figures? How did they impact world history formation? Convince your readers of the importance of the age of exploration.
  • The Mayan calendar system did not predict the end of the world . Investigate the Mayan calendar system. What is your explanation of the fact that the calendar system ended in the year 2012? Persuade your readers that the suggestions about the end of the world in 2012 are false.
  • Racial discrimination in America violated human rights to a great extend . Give a brief overview of racial discrimination in the USA. Persuade the readers to perceive racial discrimination as an act of human rights violation.
  • Apollo 11 – the first spaceflight that landed people on the Moon . Discuss the importance of this event. Convince your readers about the significance of the Moon exploration.
  • History studying should become the top priority for students. The knowledge of history may help to prevent mistakes from the past. So, persuade your readers to explore historical events.
  • Holocaust should not be justified and denied . What are the horrible consequences of holocaust tragedy? Analyze an opinion regarding the denial of the holocaust. Persuade the readers not to support this idea.

⚖ College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Politics

  • Civil rights of black Americans should not be limited.
  • Migration should not be restricted because it has certain benefits to modern countries .
  • In the battle of socialism vs. democracy , the second one should win.

Why is socialism becoming so popular in democratic states?

  • Nationalism in international relations should be accepted.
  • E-government should become transparent and accountable for the citizens .
  • Celebrities should stay aside from political activities.
  • The laws for each state of America should become common.
  • A voting system should be transparent.
  • Ordinary people should not be allowed to own guns.
  • The federal tax return process should become more manageable.
  • Individual rights versus the common good . Express your position regarding the issue. What do you support: individual rights or common good? Persuade the readers to follow your ideas.
  • Gay marriage should be allowed . If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments. Exclude harsh comments and offensive language from the narrative.
  • The death penalty cannot be justified . Why do you think so? Give clear arguments to support your opinion. If you believe that the death penalty is justifiable, prove your position.
  • Electronic voting in the United States should not be banned . Present the positive sides of this way of voting and convince the readers in your rightness. Don’t you agree with this opinion? Then, provide counterarguments.
  • Abortion should be legal . Provide clear arguments to express your position. Or provide counterarguments to contradict the idea of abortion legalization.

👍 College Persuasive Essay Topics on Sociology

  • Community services should be provided for mentally disabled people .
  • Equality and diversity are the main social issues .
  • Interpersonal communication skills are crucial in modern society.
  • Gender inequalities in the 21st century should be overcome .
  • Should the Canadian government legalize prostitution?
  • Max Weber’s rationality theory should be accepted by society .
  • China should take specific steps to overcome the overpopulation problem .
  • Gender stereotypes in a family should be dismantled.

Present studies aim to fill a gap in the literature on gender role attitudes and family dynamics.

  • Abusive relationships in a family should not be hidden.
  • Implementing more tough punishments on the lawbreakers should reduce the crime rates of the USA.
  • Does family promote or limit mobility? Choose one side of the issue and provide clear arguments to support your ideas.
  • Divorce has negative effects on children . Do you agree with this statement? Convince the readers to accept your point of view by stating your position clearly and powerfully.
  • Birth control should be monitored on a governmental level. Express your opinion regarding birth control in modern society. Conduct a study on the cultural, religious, and political aspects of the birth control issue.
  • Is there the right age to get married? Decide if there are any age suggestions to create a family or no? Support your choice with bright ideas and appropriate examples.
  • To resolve the conflict, we need to know the nature of the conflict . Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Provide strong arguments to make people believe in your point of view. How do you think psychology works while resolving the conflict?

💰 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Economics

  • Competing theories are the core of economic development.
  • We have to consider John Locke’s and Karl Marx’s economic ideas nowadays.
  • Demand and supply correlation in the market matters a lot.
  • Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” concept can improve modern economics .
  • If we want to stabilize the economy, we have to implement the monetary policy .
  • Should big banks be broken up?
  • We should consider the relationship between money supply and inflation while preventing the high level of inflation.
  • We shouldn’t take the Keynesian explanation of the recession too seriously.
  • Industrialization plays a significant role in economic development.
  • Small business owners should receive financial support during the period of crisis.

As an example or evidence for this persuasive topic, talk about the COVID-19 crisis.

  • The governments should reduce monopoly power.
  • The role of understanding the goals of human resource management in the context of human capital theory . Explain the significance of effective HR management for a business flourishing. Persuade your readers to invest enough resources in human capital.
  • Exchange regimes have a significant impact on macroeconomic performance . Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide well-developed arguments to prove your point of view. Persuade your readers to accept your position.
  • Consumer behavior is different in every country. If you agree, develop this idea by providing strong arguments. If you don’t, state your position. Either way, support your arguments with supporting evidence. Make your readers follow your opinion.
  • The understanding of the basic concepts of economics is essential for every person . Explain how the knowledge of economics can help people to manage their money wisely. How to survive during the crisis? How to lead a business successfully, etc. Persuade your readers to study the basics of economics.

💡 Interesting College Persuasive Essay Topics

Are you already impressed with a diversity of topics our team collected for you? But don’t think that’s all we have to offer for you. Since our mission is to help you, we have more persuasive essay ideas for college to share.

Below, you can find more fascinating ideas for your assignments. For your convenience, we divided persuasive essay topics for college into several sections. Investigate our ideas and don’t hesitate to use them.

🚌 Transportation Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Planes should newer take off if weather conditions are inappropriate .
  • Never drive a car if you are under the alcohol or drug effect .
  • Hybrid cars are environmentally friendly, so they should become the future of the transportation industry .
  • Why should people study driving?
  • The usage of alternative energy resources should reshape the global transportation infrastructure .
  • The governments should invest enough money in public transport advancement .
  • Cars usage should be regulated .
  • A school bus should be checked at least once a month to ensure the safety of pupils.
  • The reserves of petroleum should be replenished to provide a proper transportation industry operation.
  • The shipping of essential goods during the state of emergency (quarantine, dangerous natural conditions, etc.) should be free.
  • We should use public transport instead of private cars to save the environment.
  • Hybrid engine vs. standard engine . Examine the positive and negative aspects of both of them. Which one would you prefer? Persuade your readers to support your opinion by giving clear arguments.
  • Information technology influences the logistics industry to a great extent . Provide appropriate examples of the IT impact on logistics. Convince your readers of the importance of your opinion.
  • The role of transportation in the development of tourism . Prove your audience that transportation progress has a direct impact on tourism opportunities.

Transportation plays a vital role in tourism.

  • We have to reduce the use of crude oil in the transportation industry . What are the possible adverse ramifications of such oil usage? Persuade your readers to limit applying this type of fuel. If you don’t agree with the idea, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

🌿 Environmental Persuasive Essay Topics

  • The government should control the overpopulation to prevent consequences for the environment .
  • Human activity should be limited to preserve biodiversity .
  • We have to examine an ecologically sustainable approach .
  • Alternative energy sources are essential for saving the planet .
  • We should try our best to live a zero-waste lifestyle .
  • Saving endangered species must be a top priority issue for environmental organizations.
  • Solar energy can save the environment.
  • Hunting sports should be banned because they harm biodiversity.
  • The conservation of global resources is necessary for maintaining the lifecycle of the planet.
  • Waste sorting should be mandatory all around the world.
  • Stopping deforestation will prevent the loss of natural habitat for animals.
  • Tourism negatively affects wildlife. Comment no the negative consequences of traveling on nature. If you believe that tourism does not harm wildlife, provide counterarguments to claim your position.
  • Farming has to be wise. Explain how intensive farming damages nature. Convince your readers about the importance of following the farming rules. They can help to prevent intensive farming’s adverse ramifications.
  • The Prime Days on Amazon should be banned . Explain how the incredibly low prices on items during the Prime Days result in extremely high costs for the environment. Persuade your readers to resist the desire to buy unnecessary goods from Amazon.
  • Without rainforests, our planet will suffocate . Prove the significance of the preservation of the rainforests for the environment.

Tropical forests are responsible for around 34 percent of photosynthesis occurring on land.

⚙ Technology Persuasive Essay Ideas

  • Globalization influences computer technologies to a great extent .
  • The government should implement Internet censorship .
  • Cloud computing is an innovative era in computer science .
  • Cyberbullying should be controlled to prevent a negative influence on youth .
  • Dependency on computers is a considerable threat to human well-being .
  • Data and information security should be a top concern of every internet user .
  • Investing money in developing information technology systems is profitable for companies.
  • The internet blocks the development of human intelligence.
  • To prevent the development of serious illnesses, we should use genetic technology.
  • Technological advancement should focus on the improvement of the health sector.
  • We have to use technology wisely to make people smarter.
  • A scientific revolution started the technological advancement. Convince your readers about the importance of the scientific revolution in technological development. If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion, providing counterarguments.
  • E-books or audiobooks will never replace paper books. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? State your position clearly and make your readers accept it.
  • Nowadays, society is too dependent on computer technologies . Comment on its negative and positive sides in the life of modern people. Persuade the readers not to overuse technology in everyday life.
  • Technology and science complement each other. Provide clear arguments to prove this idea or counterarguments to disprove it.

😃 Easy College Persuasive Topics

Do you think that persuasive essays have to cover only serious or global issues? Do you feel as if you have to be overwhelmed with the complexity of the subject? You are mistaken. A paper won’t become less successful if it explores even everyday life topics.

That’s why:

We prepared the next section of the article for you. Here you can find simple persuasive essay ideas for college students. Select a fascinating topic and compose an outstanding essay.

🎶 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Music

  • Music has a significant impact on culture .
  • Music preferences depend on personality type .
  • Music can influence our behavior .

Research suggests music can influence us a lot. It can impact illness, depression, spending, productivity, and our perception of the world.

  • Songs with lyrics that promote violent behavior should be banned.
  • A musician is not just a job; it is a vocation.
  • Medical workers should investigate the positive effect of music on mental illnesses’ treatment.
  • Music can be helpful in the learning process.
  • Good song lyrics can inspire people . Provide a sample of inspiring verses. How can it motivate listeners? Persuade the readers to pay attention to the song lyrics while listening to music.
  • A guitar is always a good idea for friendly gatherings . Prove to your readers that several songs played on a guitar can create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
  • Rap reflects violence. This is a generally accepted opinion. Do you agree or disagree with it? Prove your point of view by providing well-developed arguments.

🌍 Persuasive Topics for College on Traveling

  • While traveling, health and safety issues should be a top priority .
  • Tourism should be sustainable .
  • A trip to India will make you see the world from the other side.
  • Summer will become more memorable and fascinating if you travel.
  • Traveling broadens people’s minds.
  • Traveling with family or friends is an essential part of a happy life.
  • Spending a holiday on a trip is always more pleasurable than in front of a TV or computer.
  • Every person should visit Europe at least once in life. Explain why Europe is a must-see destination for every tourist.
  • People should travel as much as they want. Persuade people not to resist the desire to explore new places by listing the advantages of traveling.
  • Traveling is affordable for everyone. Persuade people to visit various countries, even with a limited budget.

Give some useful tips to persuade your reader to travel more.

✌ Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Lifestyle

  • Parents should be responsible for their children’s obesity .
  • Proper nutrition and positive behavior prevent cancer .
  • A healthy lifestyle prevents aging .
  • Weight management programs and hypnotherapy are useful in maintaining good shape and a healthy organism .
  • An active way of life should replace a sedentary lifestyle to prevent heart diseases.
  • You should plan your weight loss process wisely.
  • Well-balanced nutrition is a way to a healthy and beautiful body.
  • Regular yoga and fitness will help you to maintain mental and physical wellness.
  • Regular physical activities and enough sleep can help students to study better.
  • Media influences the development of eating disorders . Explain the mechanisms media’s effect on eating disorders. Persuade your readers to pay enough attention to the information on social media.

📺 Persuasive Topics for College about Media

  • The role of mass media in modern society shouldn’t be underestimated .
  • Media affects the way people look at society .

Dr. Pamela Rutledge says about the media's influence on society.

  • TV shows have a negative influence on children .
  • Parents should control the effects of mass media advertising on teenagers .
  • Professional psychologists should review every cartoon before being released on television.
  • The information on the internet should be filtered to avoid the spreading of fake news.
  • Censorship is a must-have for modern television.
  • Old cartoons are more insightful than modern ones. Compare and contrast old and new animated films. Prove the usefulness of old ones. Convince the audience to make their children familiar with old cartoons.
  • Social media develops an inferiority complex among teenagers . How pictures of luxurious life in social networking sites influence adolescents’ self-esteem? Persuade the readers to filter the information seen in social media.
  • Mass media in the 1950s was more ethical than contemporary mass media. Analyze the ethical issues that are present in modern media. Why is following the ethical rules while sharing the information through the mass media vital?

🏫 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College on Teens

  • Both abstinence and sex education should be taught in high schools .
  • Professional psychologists or psychiatrists should treat anxiety disorders in children and adolescents .
  • Cheating in schools should be strictly punished.
  • Understanding teen depression is a crucial step in overcoming it.
  • The federal government should enact anti-bullying laws .
  • Bullying in school should be the main issue to deal with for the headteacher.
  • The teenage period requires constant monitoring of children’s behavior by parents and teachers.
  • Parents should have access to teenagers’ academic results.
  • The mental health of teens is precarious. Convince the readers to monitor and maintain adolescents’ mental health.
  • Parents should control social media usage by teenagers. Why should parents monitor the social networking accounts of their children? Explain why it is useful to teach teens how to behave on social media.

Persuade the parents to keep track of kids’ social networking activity.

📚 Persuasive Topics for College on Literature

  • Literature studying should be mandatory in schools.
  • Literature teaches us how to live a worthy life.
  • Robin Hood should become an example to follow.
  • You have to read some books several times throughout life to get the idea.
  • Lyric poetry may help in dealing with inner conflicts.
  • William Shakespeare is an outstanding figure of English literature that should always be appreciated.
  • Every person should have one book that will always remain their favorite one.
  • The theme of Romeo and Juliet will always remain relatable. Support this idea by providing compelling arguments and examples from the play. If you don’t agree with the statement, present clear counterarguments to prove your point of view.
  • The parents should read fairy tales to their children from early childhood. Persuade your audience to make their kids familiar with the fairy tales. Explain the importance of positive aspects of this genre of literature.
  • Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde are connected. Describe Oscar Wilde’s background. Analyze how the author reflected his personality in the character of Dorian Gray. Convince your readers to accept your point of view. Propose examples from the book and the author’s biography.

🖐 25 More Topics to Persuade College Students

Here you can find a pleasant bonus from our team—25 more ideas to write about. You can use them not only for essays but also as persuasive speech topics for college.

So, take the benefit of our list of topics. Show an outstanding academic performance in the college.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Family

  • A happy relationship should be based on trust and honesty.
  • In small and big families, parents should treat their children equally.
  • After giving birth, motherhood should become the primary concern of a woman’s life.
  • Parents should be the most significant support for their kids when they are sad, confused, or lost in life.
  • Children should take their retired parents to their home instead of the nursing home.

Support your position by providing strong arguments.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Health

  • Physical activity is an effective way to prevent heart diseases.
  • People should quit smoking .
  • Mental health is not less important than physical health.
  • Well-balanced nutrition is key to a healthy body.
  • Taking care of general wellness should be everyone’s primary concern.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Medicine

  • Strong pain killers should be sold by prescription only.
  • Drug prices should be set ethically .
  • Herbal medications are the safest.
  • Self-medication is extremely dangerous, even in the case of a simple cold or an allergy.
  • Differentiating various forms of medicines is essential . What is the working principle of a capsule, pill, syrup, etc.? Prove that the inappropriate application will not have an appropriate effect.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Sports

  • Visiting a gym is extremely useful for our health .
  • Physical education should be mandatory in high school.
  • Extreme sports are only for professional athletes.
  • The governments should invest enough money in the development of sports schools.
  • Football is not only for boys. Women can create a successful football team, as well.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Religion

  • Discrimination by religion or culture should not be acceptable in modern society.
  • Every person should have a right to choose a god or goddess to worship.
  • The representatives of different religions should be tolerant of each other.
  • The attitude towards wealth in Christianity differs from the perception of wealth in Islam.
  • Any other religious representatives should not criticize the central beliefs of Judaism .

Select a persuasive topic on a touchy subject with care.

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope the information was useful to you. Don’t forget to leave your comments and share the article with other students.

🔗 References

  • Persuasive Essays, Writing Resources, Hamilton College
  • Persuasive Essay Outline: HCC Learning Web, Houston Community College
  • Choosing a Topic for Your College Essay: Essay Writing Center, International Student
  • Choosing College Essay Topics: Accepted
  • 35 College Essay Prompts and Topics: Kayla Rutledge, SignUpGenius
  • How to Write a College Essay: Kelly Mae Ross, Devon Haynie, and Josh Moody for U.S. News
  • How To Answer the 2022-23 Common App Essay Prompts: College Essay Advisors
  • Writing a Political Science Essay: Charles King, Georgetown University
  • Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue: Frederic Beaudry, ThoughtCo
  • Evidence: The Writing Center, the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill
  • Introducing Quotations and Paraphrases: UNSW Current Students
  • How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph: College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan
  • Essay Writing Guide for Psychology Students: Saul McLeod, Simply Psychology
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Writing Guides, Ultius
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100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

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

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

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

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Studying martial arts is good for mind and health.
  • Competitive sports can teach us about life.
  • Reality shows are exploiting people.
  • Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students.
  • The characteristics that make a person a hero.
  • It's important to grow things in a garden.
  • Violent video games are dangerous.
  • Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.
  • Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
  • Journal writing is therapeutic.
  • You should spend time with your grandparents.
  • A laptop is better than a tablet.
  • Religion and science can go hand in hand.
  • School uniforms are good.
  • All-female colleges and all-male colleges are bad.
  • Multiple-choice tests are better than essay tests .
  • We should not spend money on space exploration.
  • Open-book tests are as effective as closed-book tests.
  • Security cameras keep us safer.
  • Parents should have access to students' grades.
  • Small classes are better than big classes.
  • You need to start saving for retirement now.
  • Credit cards are harmful to college students.
  • We should have a royal family.
  • We should protect endangered animals.
  • Texting while driving is dangerous.
  • You can write a novel.
  • Recycling should be required in the U.S.
  • State colleges are better than private colleges.
  • Private colleges are better than state colleges.
  • We should do away with penny coins.
  • Fast food containers hurt the environment.
  • Plastic straws are harmful to the environment.
  • You can eat and enjoy healthy snacks.
  • You can become a millionaire.
  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • You should own a bird.
  • It's unethical to keep birds in cages.
  • Liberal arts degrees prepare graduates to be better workers than other degrees.
  • Hunting animals should be banned.
  • Football is a dangerous sport.
  • School days should start later.
  • Night school is better than day school.
  • Technical training is better than a college degree.
  • Immigration laws should be more lenient.
  • Students should be able to choose their schools.
  • Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
  • Grass lawns should be prohibited.
  • Sharks should be protected.
  • We should do away with cars and go back to horse and carriage for transportation.
  • We should use more wind power.
  • We should pay more taxes.
  • We should do away with taxes.
  • Teachers should be tested like students.
  • We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries.
  • Every student should join a club.
  • Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
  • People should stay married for life.
  • Smoking in public should be illegal.
  • College students should live on campus .
  • Parents should let students fail.
  • Giving to charity is good.
  • Education makes us happier people.
  • T​he ​ death penalty should be outlawed.
  • Bigfoot is real.
  • We should increase train travel to save the environment.
  • We should read more classic books.
  • Fame is bad for young children.
  • Athletes should stay loyal to teams.
  • We should reform our prisons.
  • Juvenile offenders should not go to boot camps.
  • Abraham Lincoln was the best president.
  • Abraham Lincoln gets too much credit.
  • Students should be allowed to have cell phones in elementary, middle, and high school.
  • College student-athletes should be paid for playing.
  • Elderly citizens on fixed income should receive free public transportation.
  • Colleges and universities should be free to attend.
  • All American citizens should complete one year of community service.
  • Students should be required to take Spanish language classes.
  • Every student should be required to learn at least one foreign language .
  • Marijuana should be legal for recreational use nationwide.
  • Commercial testing of products on animals should no longer be allowed.
  • High school students should be required to participate in at least one team sport.
  • The minimum drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
  • Replacing fossil fuels with cheaper alternative energy options should be mandated.
  • Churches need to contribute their share of taxes.
  • The Cuba embargo should be maintained by the U.S.
  • America should replace income taxes with a nationwide flat tax.
  • Once they reach the age of 18, all U.S. citizens should be automatically registered to vote .
  • Doctor-assisted suicide should be legal.
  • Spammers—people who bombard the internet with unsolicited email—should be banned from sending junk mail.
  • Every automobile driver should be required to take a new driver's test every three years.
  • Electroshock treatment is not a humane form of therapy.
  • Global warming is not real.
  • Single-parent adoption should be encouraged and promoted.
  • Gun companies should be held accountable for gun crimes.
  • Human cloning is not moral.
  • Religion does not belong in public education.
  • Juveniles should not be tried as adults.
  • American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law.
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Are you struggling to find good persuasive speech topics? It can be hard to find a topic that interests both you and your audience, but in this guide we've done the hard work and created a list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. They're organized into ten categories and cover a variety of topics, so you're sure to find one that interests you.

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

It's a Topic People Care About

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

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

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

It Isn't Overdone

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

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

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

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

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105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

Science/Environment

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

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3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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

Do Your Research

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

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

Consider All the Angles

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

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

Know Your Audience

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

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

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

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

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

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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  • persuasive speech topics for college

 310 persuasive speech topics for college

 60 education topics, 50 mental health....

By:  Susan Dugdale  

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

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

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

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

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

Label: 310 persuasive speech topics for college

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

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

 A subject is right for you if:

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

Return to Top

 50 mental health persuasive speech topics

Label: 50 mental health persuasive speech topics

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

 60 education persuasive speech topics

Label: 60 education persuasive speech topics

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

50 family themed persuasive speech topics

Label: 50 family persuasive speech topics

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

50 persuasive speech topic ideas about friends

Label: 50 friends persuasive speech topics

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

50 society themed persuasive speech ideas

Label: 50 society persuasive speech topics

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

50 persuasive speech topics about animals

Label: 50 animal persuasive speech topics

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

How to prepare a speech for a set time allowance

Here's a three minute speech example to illustrate.

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

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

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

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

For more about speech rate

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

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

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

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

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topics for persuasive speech for college students

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

212 Speech Topics For College Students [Persuasive, Informative, Impromptu]

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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.

In this article:

Informative

For higher education, thesis statement examples.

speech topics college students

List of Speech Topics For College Students

  • How Schools Should Improve the Quality of Teaching.
  • Why You Should Apply For International Exchange Programs.
  • What to Do About Low Self-esteem?
  • What You Can Do to Cut Poverty Rates.
  • Refurbish your old computer PC!
  • Seat belts in school buses increase passenger safety.
  • Qualitative consumer market research give fundamental insight.
  • Professors should never be allowed to crush a student’s dream.
  • It is important for students to find organisations to get involved in.
  • Students should take time to go visit their family and friends back home.
  • Setting goals is important.
  • Students must not be afraid to ask questions.
  • Students shouldn’t be afraid to challenge a professor if they disagree with something.
  • A study now and party later attitude should be adapted.
  • Contrary to popular belief college kids do want their parents to fuss.
  • Every college student needs a mentor.
  • College students should start applying for jobs before they leave college.
  • Students should spend more time enjoying their campus.
  • It is important to be able to cook and do washing before starting college.
  • Students need to make dorm check lists.
  • Students should form study groups.
  • Students should do extra credit.
  • Students shouldn’t drink or smoke just because they want to fit in.
  • Every student sharing a dorm or apartment should get themselves earplugs.
  • Changing a major isn’t the end of the world.
  • Students should make time to work out.
  • Getting a job on campus is beneficial to a student.
  • Students should write down questions that they need to ask the college tour guide.
  • To get a true sense of what a college is really like students should visit while it’s in session.
  • It is important to have study time scheduled into your day. Study time should be scheduled into a students day.
  • A student’s syllabus is a wonderful tool that should be used to its full potential.
  • Students should not be embarrassed to go see a tutor if they are struggling.
  • Rewriting notes is a good way of reviewing study material.
  • Students need to take breaks to do things other than just studying.
  • Students should treat themselves to something they like at the end of very demanding weeks.
  • Students should make use of student discounts.
  • Being well organise will help students to avoid stress.
  • The internet is full of great resources that are beneficial to students.
  • Students can volunteer their way into scholarship money.
  • Students should attend all the orientations available to them.
  • Finding an ideal place to study is important.
  • Academic advisers are key resources for students.
  • When students don’t get along with their advisers they should request another.
  • It is important that students have a balanced life.
  • Never make hasty decisions on what to major in.
  • Students should not procrastinate.
  • Homesickness will affect even the students who could not wait to leave home.
  • Students need to set up a budget and stick to it.
  • Professors want students who want to learn, participate and show commitment to learning.
  • Having a conversation with a classmate during class is an insult to the professor.
  • Students should dress appropriately to class.
  • Students should never turn in work that doesn’t follow their professors guidelines.
  • It’s a good move to sit towards the front of the classroom.
  • There should be a system in place to minimise students from dropping out of college.
  • To save money students should make use of campus amenities.
  • College students will need flip-flops in the bathroom.
  • Students should visit their college counselling centre at least once a week.
  • Students should take advantage of all the free activities on campus.
  • Getting caught doing illegal things will be very bad for any college record.
  • Students should register for classes as early as possible.
  • Getting a job during the first semester isn’t a good idea.
  • Study groups should be kept small.
  • Students living in dorms should wash their hands often.
  • College demands 100% effort.
  • Parents shouldn’t yell at kids who no longer get straight A’s like they did before attending college.
  • Students need to carry condoms with them at all times.
  • Pregnancy shouldn’t be the end of a student’s college dream.
  • Students need to realise that most people’s social media posts are exaggerated.
  • High levels of pressure can lead to suicide.
  • Students should never be told they are failures, even when they have failed.
  • Virtual classroom will take over in future.
  • Students who were raised by over controlling parents will have a hard time dealing with all the changes once they start college.
  • Convincing a student to stay in college is very important.
  • Long distant relationships do not work.
  • Students should marry someone with the same level of education.
  • Believing that everyone will mature in college is a myth.
  • Students should always back up their files.
  • Roommates need to have a good talk when they are having issues.
  • Applying for a summer orientation position for incoming students will be good for a student.
  • There is no need for a car in campus.
  • Keeping a journal is a great idea.
  • Going to career fairs is a smart move.
  • Students should not over commit themselves just to look good on their resumes.
  • It is important that students check their emails often.
  • Becoming a Resident Assistant is a good idea.
  • Libraries are a cool place to study.
  • Freshman 15 is a real thing.
  • Students should be careful about whom they borrow things to.
  • Credit cards are not a good idea for college students.
  • Shy students should attend a public speaking class.
  • Students should take small classes with professors that write recommendations.
  • A student should write a thesis even if they don’t need to.
  • Opportunities to study abroad should always be accepted.
  • College students should not go home every weekend.
  • Internships are overrated.
  • Students should take advantage of free tutoring.
  • Most college friendships are temporary.
  • Undergraduation does not mean you are not qualified for a succesful career.
  • The majority of graduate students struggle with emotional fatigue.
  • Legalizing prostitution will avoid campus date rape incidents.
  • It is important for college students to take a Sabbatical.
  • Every graduation student should obtain foreign experience.
  • An online spell checker isn’t enough for your research paper essay.
  • Censorship is needed in college and high school drama productions.
  • Why you must sign the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence.
  • Persuade the government to pay the basic healthcare of students.
  • Do undercover FBI agents belong on campus?

College speech topics to attain indirect clues about themes intended to apply in higher learning presentations by little or less effort on the road to a successful presentation.

  • Award or graduation ceremonies revealed from the backstage.
  • How to become a cheerleader and transcend yourself to indispensability.
  • Chemistry experiments and scientific breaktroughs.
  • Horse racing and betting procedures – compare odds bookmakers.
  • My plans for the future after I have completed this year:
  • How spy sunglasses and airport bodyscans can see through clothes.
  • Diving expeditions to shipwrecks that are buried on the ocean sand floor.
  • Famous painters and paintings from the Golden Century.
  • Favourite movie characters which are voiced by actors.
  • Why meet and greet Asian people politely.
  • Dining etiquette you must know for all occasions.
  • Digital multitrack music recording works to compose top hits.
  • Impress people at first sight – the psychology behind that adagium.
  • What would you do if you should have an unexpected week off?
  • What would you like to know more about.
  • What is your favourite career field, something that make all the difference?
  • Clothing styles and name brands for prom nights.
  • Famous fashion or sports apparel designers – as seen on tennis tv shows.
  • Your worst campus activities in the days your are off.
  • Mountain biking is fun and earth-friendly they say, it is risky too.
  • How I earn money with … (fill in a not ordinary student job)
  • Enhance campus life in dorm rooms by nice pranks.
  • Fashion trends this spring and summer, autumn and winter.
  • Secrets of the Bermuda Triangle revealed.
  • The hip-hop lifestyle is a no-life style.
  • Dangers of a cyber relationship on shady late night moments.
  • Start your own internet broadcast program in three steps.
  • How to impress people at first sight.
  • Ways to enhance campus life.
  • The causes of the American civil war.
  • How i prepared my trip to Europe.
  • The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • The Wonders of the Medieval World.
  • The Natural Wonders of the World.
  • The Wonders of the Modern Word.
  • The Vikings Boats – The fighting fleet of prehistoric Scandinavia.
  • The Samurai Warriors – Story of the Japanese military nobility.
  • Bermuda Triangle – The haunted southeastern Atlantic coast area.
  • Harry Houdini – The Great Illusionist and Magician.
  • The most famous cities of the Maya culture.
  • What are bar and bat Mitzvah.
  • The travels of Marco Polo.
  • What is an ISBN number and how it works.
  • What is an eclipse.
  • The secrets of crop circles.
  • Yoga for beginners.
  • 5 dangers of cyber relationships.
  • The world’s time zones.
  • How photosynthesis works in plants.
  • Special tricks to remain focused during lectures.
  • Sanction for students that are caught cheating around the world.
  • Summer jobs for students.
  • How our graduate system compares to other countries.
  • Check list for leadership of student council members
  • Graduation party ideas to impress your guests.

College speech topic inventory of logical action sequences for higher education students. All are broad and should be narrowed for a classroom speech. For example, Safe Sunbathing can be narrowed to persuasion on your personal tips on how to enjoy the sun safely on holidays.

Another sample: Homesickness. E.g. describe what it is, how it feels, what forms exist and what you can do about it yourself or with help from professionals.

Most and for all, read the higher education assignment rules and requirements very, very carefully. Do not take issues everyone will consider as overused.

Choose the one you like. When in doubt: ask friends or your public speaking professor.

Can We Write Your Speech?

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

  • College education years are absolute not the best years of our life
  • Coping with anxiety in life
  • Dealing with loss and mourning grief
  • Honesty in college really matters
  • How to communicate effectively at our campus
  • How to cope with an autistic person
  • The international diplomatic circus
  • My motto: Learn from the past, prepare the future, and live present
  • Limiting the promotion of alcohol diminishes traffic casualties
  • My goals for the student council election
  • The pros or cons of organ donating
  • Safe sunbathing is a must in sunshine states
  • Sports football vs. soccer, or other sports for another college speech topic
  • Studying alone or studying with a group of college students?
  • Why skipping classes can isolate a student socially.
  • Ten rules for achieving successes
  • Cheesy pickup lines you should not stick on your vehicle
  • Funny awards and their meanings
  • High Tech industry job opportunities
  • Homesickness is not pose
  • How to boost confidence in public speaking
  • Handling your drunken roommate
  • How to stay in touch with old college mates
  • Money problems – this is a very hot college speech idea 🙂
  • Problem drinkers and the problems that occur
  • Human services in health care
  • The Free Speech Movement
  • Time management skills are no luxury these days
  • What I will do when I retire
  • Why movies are popular, or take one special movie that’s in and make a presentation of it.

The inventory can be expanded to many more. Here are three methods for developing:

  • Look in the education resources you have access to for surprising new bare facts and background data sheets.
  • And categorize the information in easy to do step by step instructions and logical educational action sequences.
  • Ask college classmates and peers for their opinions, thoughts, ideas and needs on the chochosenllege speech topic.

These informative speech topics for college students are not only nice for preparing the best public speaking speech, but also for essay writing, I have noticed.

Some students who provide me feedback and additional tips, wrote that they have successfully adapted these five samples for writing and essay or paper.

The suggested sub-points are given to spark your imagination,; expand or focus them till they fit the requirements of the educational assignment.

Impromptu speech topics for college in case your are required to speak in front of everyone out of the blue about specific issues ad-libbing as public speaking training:

Second, use my basic outline template. Print it and learn the simple structure by heart. No worries, it is really that simple 🙂

Do keep it simple. Especially when you have to speak for let’s say a minute of three to five. To put it roughly: one minute per main point often will do the trick! Rehearse your first line.

Rehearse your last line; that is your relevant call to action. See more of my basic checks for speaking off the cuff when you are invited to do so.

  • Show the essence of a college sports scholarship.
  • Present the reasons why international climate change mitigation strategies will fall short. Tip: each of those reasons could be good by themselves.
  • Decide the value of a BA or Master degree.
  • Show similarities and differences of good college essays.
  • Distinguish the economic differences between the North and South.
  • Give a judgment of the positive and negative effects of video games on kids.
  • Make clear what the word quality means under certain circumstances.
  • Provide the detailed features of your new iPhone. Or take an alternative gadget for similar impromptu speech topics for college.
  • List and judge the for and against of anti-doping programs in sports.
  • List the steps to help making an informed decision about a future professional career.
  • The usefulness of your public speaking training abilities.
  • Make clear how and why people get a burnout.
  • What is a final salary scheme in calculating retirement pensions?
  • The value of information provided through school libraries.
  • Why intelligence services must apply forms of domestic spying.
  • The effects of industrialization after the invention of the steam engine.
  • Teen girls are getting very liberal with sexual favors, no that’s a false understatement.
  • Be a critic of impromptu speech topics for college of your public speaking instructor suggests.
  • Wrap up the last meeting of your campus community board; any decisions taken for example about sports scholarships improvements?
  • The interesting process of genetic reproductive cloning, by which an animal is created with the same DNA as an existing animal.

Speech topics for college students formulated as ready to go public speaking education thesis statements.

Just alter the sentences in the way you like it and there you are: you have your own personal slides and sheets writings for stirring the fire up somewhat and start a function or action based on the classic rhetorica essentials and oral hints for a higher education auditor.

Safety considerations related to school buses which operate under the supervision of the transportation authority boards.

Methods family genealogists use to research history and how they interpret data in an annotative critical perseverance way.

These are also very usable for starting up the thinking process for example essay writing and researching projects

  • Mass vaccination is a good public health strategy for protecting people in potential disaster regions against cholera. Or of course choose other diseases to get stringent in content speech topics if you study for gaining a degree in a specific area.
  • The concerns raised by the refurbishing of old computer PCs and recycling other consumer electronics.
  • Sedation could be a humanitarian solution for transporting acutely or critically ill patients and diminish safety risk issues on the way to hospital.
  • How a financial planner can identify those estate planning issues that are most forthcoming to you, and how you can solve many of the financial problems encountered.
  • I have also grouped and explained the famous travels of Marco Polo in three periods for vocal expressions if you like to orate on a great adventurer of centuries ago.
  • Consumer market research is an inevitable instrument to collect exact or valuable haphazard speech topics for college students data before you sell any goods.
  • How the seventeenth century judicial system of Checks and Balances is constituated in the US Constitution based on the hypothesis and theories of the father of the modern state structures, the honorable French politician Charles de Montesquieu.
  • Persons who are following a 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grades course and who are gifted and talented should be provided with special education funds for high-achieving pupils, like the tropicana program for public speaking education.
  • Common emotional problems with wills and trusts and ways to handle them adequately.
  • There should be one uniform standard set of higher learning edu challenges in closing commencement rates with the same characteristics for similar bookworm populations.
  • Employees have the responsibility to prevent sexual harassment, to response appropriate, and participate in misconduct investigations.
  • The importance for college students, teachers, and instructors of improving social studies knowledge of controversial civic issues.
  • You can distillate many college persuasive speech topics out of this topic for public speaking. Map out the food gap between developing and rich countries; the trends over time and how the United Nations Millenium Goal policy could cut poverty rates.
  • The labor force population explained. The employed, unemployed and self-employed put into the context of the labor policy of our government. The problems, causes and possible solutions.
  • How emerging India has become a serious international space competitive in the past years, and future topics related to India’s space race in the next decade.
  • Why bilingual language education divides us Americans. Some persuasive speech topics for school to consider for public speaking students are: why every new citizen should learn both English and Spanish, or just another universal foreign language.
  • Five ways to help the partially sighted or blind; visually impaired people in ordinairy life. Motivate your public speaking audience to act immediately!
  • The National holidays other countries around the world celebrate with various names, traditions and cultures. Why do we have so much national holidays. Take some discutable ones and translate them into college persuasive speech topics.
  • Husbands and wives should have the right to decide freely to have as many children as they can properly raise. The one-child policy in the People’s Republic of China is not acceptable for us in the Western Hemisphere? Or is it the only way to stop overpopulation?
  • The goals of the science of Paleontology – what do students want to achieve with the studying of prehistoric life, olds stines and fossils. Are they sufficiently enough?
  • Why we should help to prevent and to improve therapeutic treatment methods and extensive educational programs on stuttering. Do the existing methods work?
  • The basics of risk management explained in detail – the determination, the prevention, and the control of dangers.
  • Human body language is the one and only Cupido guide to success in dating; it reveals everything about her or him and of course about yourself.
  • How to cut the expensive costs of dorm fees, books, food and transportation and have a good and relaxed campus life as well. Wow, these are real speech topics for college – it paves the path to many more supplements.
  • Why a professional business and management liability insurance is not a luxury, but an essential need for each and every company.
  • What every employee should know about earn gratuities and the related regulations and obligations under the Income Tax Act.
  • Why we should buy an IPhone and why not – the pros and cons of the Apple invention explained for mobile phone dummies.
  • Why so-called Pro Bono Lawyers are not philanthropically legal aid attorneys for charity. How they work on deductive premises – bring home the steps in the legal process – is an alternative option to work out.
  • Human Papillomavirus and Chlamydia are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases at college campuses and therefore actual public speaking speech topics for college students to deliver in class.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning or the silent assassin that can build up to dangerous levels while you are sleeping – describe the causes, the problems, the treatment and how it can be prevented.
  • Stop the state and federal budget cuts to the deaf access programs and services for persons with a hearing disability. Or take other disability programs to make a personal and political statement.

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

130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

persuasive speech topics

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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topics for persuasive speech for college students

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

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

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

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

🔝 Top 10 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2024

✍️ persuasive speech outline, 😊 easy persuasive speech topics.

  • 🎒 Speech Topics for High School
  • 🎓 Speech Topics for College

⭐ Good Persuasive Speech Topics

💊 medical persuasive speech topics.

  • 🍃 Environmental Speech Topics

⚖️ Ethical Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

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

🎒 Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

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

🎓 Persuasive Speech Topics for College

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

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

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

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

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

This image lists common myths about mental health.

Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

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

🍃 Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

This image shows environmental issues to argue about.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Food

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

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

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

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

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Political Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

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

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

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

This image shows current problems with possible solutions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Speech?

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech?

Various qualities characterize effective persuasive speeches:

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

What to Write a Persuasive Speech on?

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

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

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

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics

Cathy A.

Good Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas for Debaters

18 min read

persuasive speech topics

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

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

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

So let’s dive into the topics!

Arrow Down

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

What is a Persuasive Speech?

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

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

Wondering what some good topics for a persuasive speech are? 

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

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics for University Students

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

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

Best Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

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

Science and Technology Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Health and Medicine Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Bioethics Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Economy and Work Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Media

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Government and International Relations

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

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Policy Speech Topics for Students

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

Law and Politics Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics on Business

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

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Religion Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Automotive

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Travel 

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

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

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Persuasive Speech Topics About Workplace

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Great Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

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

Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

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

Persuasive Speech Topics Related to Food and Beverages

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

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

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

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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What Makes A Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

How To Create And Deliver A Compelling Persuasive Speech

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

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

Let’s sum it up!

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

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

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

Table of Contents

What To Keep In Mind While Selecting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Audience Relevance

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

Personal Interest

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

Knowledge and Expertise

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

Controversy and Debate

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

Impactful and Timely

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

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

Feasibility

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

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

10+ Religion Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion

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

10+ Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Government Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Family Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Education Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Video Games Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Business Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Persuasive Essay Topics About Animals

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

10+ Persuasive Speech Topics for College

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

10+ Unique Persuasive Topics

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

10+ Economic Persuasive Speech Topics

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

10+ Ethics Persuasive Speech Topics

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

How To Craft Persuasive Speech?

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

An Example Of Persuasive Speech Topic

Title: the importance of volunteering in our community.

Introduction:

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,

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

Building Stronger Communities:

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

Making a Difference in Individual Lives:

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

Personal Growth and Development:

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

Addressing Social Issues:

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

Conclusion:

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

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

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

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

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

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50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

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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Best Ideas For Persuasive Speech

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Table of contents

  • 0.1 What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?
  • 1.1 Good persuasive speech topics for college students
  • 1.2 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics About Animals
  • 1.3 Unique Persuasive Topics
  • 1.4 Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.5 Business Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.6 Persuasive Speeches for Kids
  • 1.7 Medical Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.8 Funny Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.9 Video Games Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.10 Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.11 Education Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.12 Sports Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.13 Environment Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.14 Social Issues Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.15 Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 1.16 Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion
  • 1.17 Advocacy Speech Topics
  • 1.18 Technology Speech Topics
  • 1.19 Economics Speech Topics

College students often struggle with writing persuasive speeches and even more, they struggle with finding good topic ideas for their performance. In fact, it is not that easy to define which topics for a persuasive speech will be interesting, not only to your audience but also to you, because the idea should also be significant and relevant.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

A wide array of captivating persuasive speech topics is available for your next academic assignment. Furthermore, it is imperative to ensure that your chosen topic aligns with the subject matter you are studying. Your speech can revolve around individuals (real or fictional), historical, contemporary, or cultural events, conspiracy theories, societal processes, human psychology, and much more.

But first, we must define common types of persuasive speech:

  • Factual Persuasive Speech: This type relies on factual evidence to establish the veracity or falsehood of a statement or claim.
  • Value Persuasive Speech: These speeches engage in arguments regarding the morality or ethical rightness of a particular issue.
  • Policy Persuasive Speech: This category of speeches aims to advocate for specific policies, electoral programs, laws, or similar matters.

However, before we can get to our list of persuasive speech ideas, we want to give you an idea of what makes a particular topic good for your speech and also give you a few tips that can help you choose the best topic!

Many factors influence the effectiveness of the chosen topic, but here we will discuss the top:

Relevance: A good topic for a persuasive speech is relevant to the audience and the current context. It addresses issues or concerns that matter to the audience, making them more likely to pay attention and connect with the message.

Significance: The topic should be significant and have real-world implications. It should address important issues, challenges, or opportunities that can impact individuals, communities, or society as a whole.

Controversy or Debate: Great persuasive speech topics often have an element of controversy or debate. They present different perspectives or viewpoints, allowing for a robust discussion and exploration of different arguments.

Clarity and Focus: The topic should be clear and well-defined, with a specific angle or point of view. A focused topic allows for a more coherent and persuasive presentation.

Audience Engagement: It should captivate the audience’s interest, evoke curiosity, emotion, or a sense of urgency, encouraging the audience to listen attentively and consider the message.

Feasibility: The topic should be feasible for research and discussion. It should offer enough credible sources and evidence to support the speaker’s arguments.

Personal Connection: A great topic may have a personal connection for the speaker, making their passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter evident to the audience.

Potential for Change: The topics for a persuasive essay should have the potential to lead to change or action. Whether it’s inspiring the audience to adopt a new perspective, take action, or change their behavior, a persuasive speech should have a clear goal.

Timeliness: Current and timely persuasive speech ideas can be particularly effective, as they reflect the issues of the moment and can generate greater interest and relevance.

Uniqueness: While common topics can be persuasive, a unique or uncommon angle on a topic can stand out and capture the audience’s attention.

Ethical Considerations: Great persuasive speech topics are ethically sound and considerate of the well-being and sensitivities of the audience.

Top 160 Persuasive Speech Topics

When it comes to captivating an audience and making a lasting impact, persuasive speeches are a powerful tool. Whether you’re a student looking to ace a class presentation or a professional aiming to sway opinions, selecting the right persuasive speech topic is crucial.

Therefore, to save you some time and energy, we have prepared a list of the best ideas that will help you write a compelling persuasive speech and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Here are some persuasive speech topics for teens, kids and college students in various fields:

Good persuasive speech topics for college students

  • Should College Education Be Free for All?
  • Why Voting in Every Election is Essential.
  • The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet for Health and the Planet.
  • The Role of Technology in Fostering Social Isolation.
  • Why College Athletes Should  Be Paid for Their Performance?
  • The Ethics of Privacy in the Age of Social Media.
  • The Impact of Fake News on Democracy.
  • The Need for Increased Funding for Space Exploration.
  • Does Genetic Engineering and Human Cloning Raise Ethical Concerns?
  • How to Encourage Job Seekers to Explore Continuing Education Options

Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics About Animals

  • Exploring the Ethics of Trophy Hunting in Wildlife Conservation.
  • The Role of Service Animals in Enhancing the Lives of People with Disabilities.
  • The Importance of Spaying and Neutering Pets to Control Overpopulation.
  • Why Should Be Stricter Regulations on Puppy Mills
  • The Ethics of Horse Racing: Is It Cruel or a Sport?
  • Ban of Shark Finning and Its Impact on Marine Ecosystems.
  • Why Animals Don’t Have Legal Rights Similar to Humans?
  • The Need for Stricter Laws Against Animal Cruelty and Abuse.
  • The Impact of Noise Pollution on Marine Life and Whales.
  • Ways to Encourage the Adoption of Shelter Animals

Unique Persuasive Topics

  • Should Artificial Intelligence Be Given Legal Personhood?
  • Promoting Mindfulness and Meditation in the Workplace.
  • Advocating for a Four-Day Workweek.
  • The Role of Public Libraries in Building Strong Communities.
  • The Ethics of Biometric Surveillance and Privacy.
  • Promoting Inclusive Playground Design for Children with Disabilities.
  • The Role of Local Farmers’ Markets in Promoting Sustainable Agriculture.
  • Should Incentives Be Given for Green Roof Implementation in Cities?

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Improving Access to Mental Health Care Services.
  • The Role of Physical Activity in Managing and Preventing Mental Health Issues.
  • The Ethics of Medication for Teenagers.
  • The Connection Between Mental Health and Academic Performance.
  • The Need for Mental Health Screenings in Schools and Colleges.
  • Improving Strategies to Cope with Financial Stress
  • The Connection Between Nutrition and Mental Well-being.
  • Why is Sleep Hygiene important?
  • The Role of Resilience-Building Programs in Schools for Mental Health Promotion.

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Why Does Paid Family Leave for Employees Matter?
  • Gender Diversity in Corporate Leadership
  • Businesses and Income Inequality: Strategies for a More Equitable Society
  • Equal Pay for Equal Work: Closing the Gender Pay Gap in Business
  • Training and Development for Employees
  • Corporate Social Responsibility’s Impact on Brand Reputation and Profitability
  • Ethical Considerations in Automation in Business.

Persuasive Speeches for Kids

  • The Importance of Eating Healthy Snacks
  • Do Kids Should Get More Playtime?
  • The Value of Being Polite and Saying ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’
  • Why Kids Should Share Their Toys
  • Why Kids Should Help with Chores at Home
  • Wearing Helmets When Riding Bikes

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The Ethics of Organ Donation and Transplants
  • The Role of Telemedicine in Expanding Healthcare Access
  • The Impact of Childhood Obesity: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
  • The Need for Stricter Regulations on Prescription Drug Pricing
  • The Ethics of Assisted Suicide and End-of-Life Care
  • The Impact of Healthcare Disparities on Vulnerable Populations
  • The Importance of Sexual Education in Preventing Teen Pregnancy and STIs
  • The Role of Holistic Medicine in Complementary Healthcare

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Optimizing Commute Times by Mastering Traffic Light Timing
  • The Therapeutic Benefits of Talking to Your Plants
  • How to Survive a Horror Movie
  • How to Master the Procrastination
  • The Underrated Skill of Selecting the Loudest Chip Bag in Public
  • The Joy of Laughing at Your Own Jokes
  • The Sense of Ordering the Same Food Every Time
  • Why does Messy Room embrace A Creative Mind
  • Your Pet is the best interlocutor in Conversation

Video Games Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Why Video Games Help with Stress Relief
  • Parents Preference in Children’s Video Game Choices
  • The Impact of Video Games on Social Interaction and Communication Skills
  • What are Healthy Limits in Video Gaming?
  • The truth about Video Game Violence on Aggressive Behavior
  • The Positive Impact of Esports
  • Advocating for Ethical and Inclusive Representation of Women in Video Games
  • Video Game Addiction is closer as we think

Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Prioritizing Scientific Research Funding in Schools.
  • The Ethical Considerations of Dangerous Scientific Research.
  • Should governments allocate more funding to support scientific research and discovery?.
  • Is there a need for stricter regulations on scientific experiments involving animals?
  • Advancing Gender Diversity and Equality in STEM.
  • Is it ethical for scientists to conduct genetic engineering and cloning experiments?
  • Assessing Risks in Gene Editing with CRISPR Technology.
  • Should scientific institutions prioritize mental health support for researchers?
  • The Role of Ethics Committees in Scientific Research.
  • Should scientific journals adopt open-access publishing to make research more widely available?

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Education Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Discuss whether an expulsion is a deserved punishment for students who bully others
  • Advantages and disadvantages of making a certain number of volunteering hours mandatory for high school students
  • Advantages and disadvantages of making uniforms mandatory at every school, college, or university (Also, we have some examples of essays about School Uniforms)
  • Reasons why student GPAs should not be influenced by grades received in gym class
  • Reasons to prohibit the use of cell phones on school grounds
  • Effective ways to fight bullying in schools (Also, we have some examples of essays about Bullying)
  • Reasons to teach boys and girls in separate classrooms
  • Reasons to make the learning of at least one foreign language a mandatory requirement at all schools
  • Reasons to award teachers with bonuses when their students perform well on standardized tests
  • Ways to increase student  interest in learning

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Is participation in youth sports beneficial for character development?
  • Are contact sports too dangerous for children and teenagers?
  • Are sports scholarships a fair way to distribute educational opportunities?
  • Should violent sports, like boxing and mixed martial arts, be banned or regulated more strictly?
  • Is it ethical for countries to invest heavily in winning medals at the Olympics?
  • Ethical Considerations of Athlete Endorsements for Unhealthy Products.
  • The Role of Sportsmanship in Youth Sports.
  • Public Funding for Sports Stadiums and Arenas in Cities.
  • The Influence of Technology, Such as Video Assistant Referees, on Sports.
  • Athletes Using Political Platforms for Social Issues.

Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Reasons to use reusable bags in our everyday life
  • Whether Pluto should be considered a planet or not
  • Benefits of making recycling mandatory for everyone (Also, we have some examples of essays about Recycling)
  • Should the US government spend more funds on space programs?
  • What are the main dangers of ocean oil spills? (Also, we have some examples of essays about Water Pollution)
  • Is it important to be aware of what’s happening in outer space?
  • Importance of keeping our environment clean
  • Reasons to donate your body to science
  • Benefits of conserved oil
  • Reasons to ban palm oil

Social Issues Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Raising Awareness of Noise Pollution’s Health Impact.
  • Is it time to address the issue of social isolation among the elderly population?
  • Should we prioritize mental health support for first responders and emergency workers?
  • Providing Mental Health Support for First Responders.
  • Is there a need to reform the criminal justice system’s treatment of non-violent drug offenders?
  • Is it time to combat the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with invisible disabilities?
  • Balancing Screen Time and Social Development in Children.
  • Promoting Digital Literacy to Counter Misinformation.
  • Are we doing enough to address the issue of elder abuse and protect vulnerable seniors?
  • Addressing Solitude and Loneliness for Mental Well-being.

Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Graffiti should be considered an art
  • Prove that offensive or inappropriate language has to be removed from classic literature
  • Advantages and disadvantages of replacing paper books with electronic ones
  • Reasons to make music and art therapy covered by standard health insurance
  • The effectiveness of art and music therapy
  • Importance of cultural education for a young generation
  • Benefits of encouraging students to participate in cultural events
  • Benefits of making national museums free for all citizens
  • Importance of increasing people’s cultural level
  • Reasons why students should be required to learn to play at least one instrument at school

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion

  • Harnessing the Power of Music on Mood and Emotions
  • Positive Influence of Clothing on Behavior
  • Fashion as a Cultural Expression: Identity and Diversity.
  • Celebrity Influence on Fashion Choices and Consumer Behavior.
  • Exploring Traditional Clothing’s Historical and Cultural Significance.

Advocacy Speech Topics

  • Raising Awareness about Food Security and Hunger Relief
  • The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement
  • Advocating for Affordable Housing Solutions
  • Sustainable Farming and Agriculture Practices
  • Fair Trade and Ethical Consumer Choices
  • The Fight Against Human Trafficking: Building Awareness and Support
  • Reasons why wearing fur is unethical
  • Positive influences of fairy tales on young children

Technology Speech Topics

  • Technology makes kids lazy
  • Electronics tend to make people less creative
  • Having printed photos is better than keeping their electronic versions on a computer
  • The importance of making a backup of computer files several times each day
  • Search engines are replacing libraries
  • The influence of technology on humanity’s future
  • Importance of being aware of the fraud that operates online
  • Phones prevent us from communicating with each other
  • Reasons why online music should be free of charge
  • Ways in which technology has made our lives better and easier

Economics Speech Topics

  • Why should all internship opportunities be paid?
  • Did/will Brexit help or harm the UK’s economy?
  • Why should imported products come with an extra tax?
  • Reasons to make tipping in restaurants mandatory
  • Importance of increasing the minimum wage for federal workers
  • Benefits of free public transport for people over 65
  • Hazards of the trade deficit with China
  • Reasons to buy products manufactured in your country
  • Benefits of Black Friday sales for the county’s economy
  • Reasons to give bonuses to employees who are biking or walking to work

Tip: Also, we have some examples of essays about Brexit and Minimum Wage essay examples .

Students face different difficulties during their academic studies. Although performing a speech is not the biggest one, it is still quite challenging and takes lots of time to prepare. Thus, even if after reading our topic of the best ideas for persuasive speech and you still aren’t sure whether you can handle it or not – do not get upset. There is a solution that can remedy the situation. You can easily request assistance from a professional essay writing service – PapersOwl and get a helping hand that will rid you of unnecessary issues and guarantee a stunning result!

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Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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topics for persuasive speech for college students

PresentationSkills.me

100 Speech Topics For College Students

topics for persuasive speech for college students

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

Related Posts:

Motivational Speech Topics

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Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

When given a task to come up with a persuasive speech , it is most often up to a student to pick the topic. Choosing the right topic for a persuasive speech is sometimes not such an easy thing to do as it may seem. The infinite choice often gets a student confused. Problem solution essay topics may help to clear things out.

In any case, it is always a better idea to work with a topic that is particularly close to you and that you have a genuine interest in, as opposed to just picking a random topic. Discussing something that you are familiar is not only more fun but also a lot easier.

To aid the student, we have compiled this long list of topics in a broad range of categories. The topics in our list vary greatly in their subjects but are equally engaging and exciting. We have included both classic persuasive speech topics done by millions of students and other people throughout the years – such as termination of pregnancy, firearm control, same-sex matrimony, public smoking, etc., as well as some of the more original that remain relatively uninvestigated – for now.

persuasive speech topics

Here we go:

PETS AND FAUNA

Is it better to adopt a pet from an animal nursery or to buy one at a pet store?

Do some pets pose a danger to the community?

Should the owner get rid of a pet that has done harm to someone else’s health?

Should more kinds of animals be tamed and turned into household pets?

Is battery farming ethical?

Is factory farming too cruel to be legal?

Why is adopting a kitten better than buying one?

Is it a good idea to breed pets for sale?

How having a pet makes our lives better?

What makes a dog a perfect pet?

How having a pet affects a child?

How can one benefit from having a snake as a pet?

Why is it better to neuter your pet?

The amazing advantages of having your own horse

How having a cat benefits you?

Why is it important to safeguard dolphin populations?

Why we should not adopt forest animals?

How come some animals face the threat of extinction and what should we do about it?

CARS AND TRANSPORTATION

Should the familiarity with manual transmission be obligatory for getting a driver’s license?

What courses should one take before one can get a driver’s license?

How effective and safe are booster seats for kids?

If one should use the phone while driving, should one at least call hands-free?

At what age should people be allowed to drive?

What makes texting while driving unsafe?

How effective is it when the police chase cars?

What makes cars made in Japan stand out?

Why one should not drive sports cars in everyday life?

Is it justified to charge people money for passing driving tests?

How to optimize the street traffic to ensure the safety of bicycle drivers?

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

How advertising can mess with our minds?

How can advertising be regulated to make it more ethical?

Why should a business understand its target group(s)?

CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT

Is it justified to detain people without any proper procedures if they are suspected of terrorism?

Is burning flags a valid form of protest?

Should silent prayers at schools be outlawed?

How should the government control and manage the turnover of alcohol and other narcotic substances?

Why should school students be given the right to refuse from prayers?

ECONOMIC ISSUES

Is it fair to tax imported goods extra?

Why is it important to buy locally manufactured or grown goods?

How free trade agreements affect the national employees?

Can a trade deficit have a dramatic effect on home economy?

Why is it possible and necessary to increase the income of workers?

Why is it necessary to test and re-certify school workers for their pedagogical skills on a regular basis?

Is it justified to offer free higher education to all applicants from financially challenged backgrounds?

Should high schools be put in charge for the college admission exams?

How should students caught cyberbullying be prevented or persecuted?

Should community service become an obligatory part of the high school curriculum?

Pros and cons of allowing school students to use their phones in school territory.

Should only honor roll students be allowed into school sports teams?

Why should art classes be enforced in all public schools?

Does it really make studying at a study hall less effective when you listen to music?

Why boys and girls mostly share classrooms these days and how this rule holds up?

Should soda and sweets be present in vending machines and on the menu at buffets in schools?

Is it justified to let gym grades affect the GPA?

Is it justified to shut down schools that underperform on test scores?

Should college admission officers run obligatory psychological tests on all applicants to evaluate them?

Should it be made illegal to drop students out?

Is it a good idea to complement the curriculum with obligatory life skill classes?

Should state schools be run only for taxpayers money?

Should we replace textbooks with laptops or tablets entirely?

How important is it to support education in other countries and why?

Is it effective to force underperforming students to repeat the class?

Should there be quotas for minorities when it comes to college admission?

Is it really necessary for every student to learn a foreign language in the USA?

Should students who are on school sports teams be free from the gym class?

Should computer science be made into a compulsory discipline?

Should the college be concerned about their students’ employment upon graduation?

Should creationism be taught at biology classes alongside evolution theory?

Is it outdated to count the given and received amounts of education in hours at class?

Should commercial advertisement at schools be allowed?

Do students have to ask for permission to go to the restroom?

Is it a good idea to add a handwriting class to the curriculum?

Would it make sense to start school an hour or two later in the morning?

Should students be allowed to leave campus for the lunch break?

Why a study hall is equal if not better than a traditional class today?

Can we justify a student who listens to music in class?

Should school field trips be restricted to our country?

Should there be a certain age before and after which one could not work as a teacher?

How many foreign languages should be taught to a student?

Is the implementation of new technologies at schools sufficient?

Why is music education essential?

Should college fraternities and sororities be expanded into high school?

Should the students' financial backgrounds influence the amount of financial aid that they earn by studying hard?

Is it necessary to add home economics to the compulsory curriculum?

Should more students be encouraged to choose Chinese as the foreign language to study?

The importance of studying Spanish at schools

If SAT scores don't influence the chance for being enrolled in college, then why do they exist?

The pros and cons of private schools as opposed to public schools

Does standardized testing truly contribute to equal opportunities?

Why should students be encouraged to take part in international exchange programs?

Why are some social groups deprived of proper education and why it needs to be fixed?

Is the PARCC test adequate and/or necessary?

How should children be prepared for school before they start it?

From which grade should study hall be introduced?

Should everyone try and go to college?

Why do the students get insufficient financial assistance?

What it takes to make high school education for one student possible?

Does the school year have enough time to fit all the curriculum?

Should anime be studied at schools?

Should higher education be made available for all the population?

Why is homework necessary?

Is the curriculum overloaded?

Is it a good idea to take a year off from studying?

Is the school buffet menu sufficient?

Should schools owe (and provide) the housing for their teachers and other employees?

Do we need more scholarships for minority groups?

Should we give more opportunities for alternative education?

Is education in prisons working?

How we benefit from accelerated learning?

Is education overpriced?

Should private education institutions be forced to offer scholarships of their own?

Is security at schools sufficient?

How can schools attract extra funding?

The ways to confront and prevent various kinds of violence at schools

The benefits of home education

Are training programs for adults adequate?

How many languages should an average student learn?

Should the Oxford comma be made optional?

NATURE PROTECTION

Are the existing regulations to protect the environment enough?

Should garden owners be allowed to grow exotic plants?

Why is it crucial to decrease the number of cars by enforcing public transportation?

Are we using our natural resources wisely?

The negative effects of pollution today

How making oil from algae will improve the environment?

Is hydraulic fracturing that dangerous?

Disposable diapers are a threat to nature

The positive effects of implementing hybrid cars

How is everyone personally responsible for protecting the nature?

How hazardous are oil spills to marine species?

Why we need to enforce recycling

The negative effects of single-use bags

How harmful is palm oil?

We need to preserve the environmentally sensitive regions

The long-run negative effects of oil drilling

Are fishing restrictions sufficient?

Why is it important to protect the rare species?

Alternative energy sources should be enforced more decisively

The regulation to protect ocean life are insufficient

How nature can benefit from reducing the use of paper?

Why the reckless use of natural resources is dangerous and why they should be conserved

ETHICAL ISSUES

Should women plumbers be paid the same as men plumbers?

Should we legalize euthanasia when doctors lack other options?

Are there better alternatives to death penalty?

Are stereotypes about certain social and other groups of people justified?

Is it necessary to test products on animals and/or humans before launching the mass production?

Should we try and influence our unborn children’s genetics?

Does donating to charities that help the poor improve the situation with poverty?

Why do women still have their genitals artificially deformed and why we should no longer take it

Why eating meat is not unethical

Why we should stop buying and wearing fur clothes

RAISING CHILDREN

Should parents be entitled to allow their underage children to drink alcohol and smoke?

Should there be parental guidance for music video clips and music television?

How harmful can watching R-Rated movies be for children?

Does it help to restrict teenagers from playing violent video games?

Why parents of child performers and sportspeople should be less pressing

Why family violence is never a good idea

How fairy tales help to raise a good person

The potential harm of playing R-rated video games

How daycare helps children to be social

Why children should listen to their parents

Why children should stay away from chat rooms in the Internet

Why we need to raise awareness about family violence

The harm we do by lying to children about Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Toothfairy, etc.

Why women should not monopolize the pink color

FINANCE-RELATED ISSUES

Why should people be banned to wear hats and sunglasses at banks?

Why student loans need to be marked off in most instances

Why casinos at reservations are not as good idea as they seem

Is labeling genetically modified foods really helpful?

Why banning alcohol from being advertised on TV did not help?

Should every kid know how to cook?

Should cooking classes be added to the school curriculum?

Better things to do with unsold food products than throwing them to the garbage

Is adding sugar to food necessary?

How growing our own crops can improve our health and environment

Is there enough fruit and vegetables in our diet?

Genetically engineered food products are the future of humanity

How we underestimate peanuts

The amazing effects of drinking orange juice regularly

Are farmers’ markets that we have enough?

Can we get rid of the disease by switching our diets to exclusively organic food products?

Are the artificial chemicals in our food products that harmful?

STATE CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY

Should the Internet be controlled more strictly?

Should there be state-run websites where companies would be obligated to write about all of their job openings?

Is it the responsibility of the state to take care of the homeless?

Should the schools run by religious institutions get the taxpayers’ money?

Barack Obama’s portrait on newer dollar bills

How likely is Puerto Rico to be recognized as the 51 st State?

The imperfections of the US legislative system

Can the state interfere with what people choose to eat and drink?

How inflated is the military budget?

Should the state offer aid to everyone who claims they need it?

Where should we draw the line between local and federal governing?

Why are railroads so ineffective in the USA?

Local authorities neglect the problem of potholes

Are there any valid reasons for practicing eminent domain today?

Why drug-restricting regulations keep failing

Why is the zoning legislation ridiculous in its core

Should parents be informed if their underage daughter chooses to make an abortion?

Should aborted fetuses be utilized for genetic research?

At what age does it become healthy to use contraceptive medical treatment?

The American healthcare system is largely flawed and needs thorough revision

Does free distribution of condoms at schools improve the situation of sex-related problems among children of school age?

Exercise as an easy way to avoid health problems

All restaurants serving potentially allergenic ingredients in their meals should inform their customers thereof properly

How harmful fast food really is?

Why medical research would be rendered ineffective without animal testing

How effective are seat belts to prevent lethal casualties in traffic accidents?

How diabetes may affect your performance at work

The unpleasant consequences of skipping breakfasts

Is healthy fast food possible?

Is sex ed at schools effective?

Why we should consume as little salt as possible

Do we eat too much meat?

Why is the importance of good sleep underestimated?

School kids need to be educated about the prevention of rape and other sexual misconduct

How much soda can one drink without causing any damage to one’s health?

How junk food can be improved not to be junk

What happens if one works for several years without a good vacation

Why is it important to pick the right toothpaste

We consume too much sugar

Do we need more strict regulations regarding the advertisement of drugs?

Can we lower the percentage of suicides by legalizing euthanasia?

The underused potential of electroconvulsive treatment

The effective methods to withstand stress factors

The negative long-term and short-term effects of steroids for farm animals

Pros and cons of donating organs

The dangers of homeopathic treatment

The dangers of anti-vaccination ideology

How sleepwalking can be fatal

The hidden threat of vaporizers

The myth of electronic cigarettes being less harmful than tobacco

Why we should be skeptical about diet pills

What is Red Cross day for?

How donating blood benefits the society and you

The underestimated importance of drinking enough water

How to maintain a healthy diet without overdoing it

How few people can do a CPR

How you endanger others by smoking

Are there any 'easy' tips for staying fit?

Why and how should society confront mass obesity

Why are healthy food products too expensive?

The misused potential of gluten

How little do we know about side effects of popular drugs?

Do doctors get enough wages?

How high heels are bad for one's health

How we endanger ourselves by using tanning beds

Why prescription drugs need to be more accessible

The real and mythical dangers of smoking

Easy steps to keep your teeth healthy

Medical studies are dramatically underfunded

How to develop healthy everyday life habits

How laughing improves your health

Bike helmets save lives and should not be neglected

How having good friends can literally save your life

The deeds of the AA should be more advertised and appreciated

Medical care needs to be more accessible

How contraceptive treatment saves lives

Infectious diseases can be prevented more effectively

The health benefits of dark chocolate

Why positive thinking is good for you

How stomach stapling is being overused

Is it safer to chew tobacco than to smoke it?

Driving without seatbelts should be punished more severely

Do we know enough about food additives?

Until what age should mothers breastfeed their children?

Is binge drinking as great of a menace as it used to be?

Should teenage pregnancy be prevented?

What new factors cause teenage suicide?

Do we know enough about fire safety precautions?

Why people should donate their organs?

How to prolong your life without medical interference?

HISTORY IN GENERAL AND IN DETAIL

Did the USA drug their soldiers in Vietnam without their consent?

Do we know enough about the important figures from the African-American history?

What makes Abraham Lincoln a role model for all Presidents?

Why no nation should revise their history?

Why so many people believe that Neil Armstrong did not land on the Moon?

CROSS-CULTURAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

The USA should involve in international processes less

The actual dictatorships supported by the USA government

Should Catalunya be independent from Spain?

How independent can a country be?

Why should every nation seek to be independent in terms of energy sources

Is nuclear disarmament moving too slowly?

The USA should have never invaded Iraq

Is the UN as effective as it is supposed to be?

Whose responsibility is it to enforce human rights in regions where they are violated?

LEGAL ISSUES

How should drunk drivers be punished adequately?

Should we outlaw using a cellphone while driving?

Should any unauthorized use of music and films be outlawed?

Should an illegal immigrant be able to pass the driving test and get a license?

Should we outlaw driving motorbikes without helmets?

Should elderly people be allowed to drive?

What should be the legal age for driving?

Is it dangerous to keep the possession of deadly weapons legal?

Does forbidding the use of explicit vocabulary on TV in the daytime help its cause?

Is owing exotic pets regulated well enough legally?

Should one be able to sue a fast food joint if they become obese?

Would it help to introduce additional taxation for unhealthy food products?

It to rightful to outlaw public smoking?

Should English remain the only universally official language of the USA?

Why do some groups of people argue that abortion should be illegal and punishable?

Should gambling remain legal?

Do same-sex couples deserve to be granted the same rights as traditional ones?

Should being in a moving car without a fastened seatbelt be punishable more severely?

Is the current voting age justified or should it be lowered?

Should being too loud be considered a crime?

Should bullying be considered a full-scale crime?

Should recycling become mandatory?

Is it a good idea to legalize medicinal marijuana?

At what age should people become eligible for Social Security?

Was it a mistake to legalize abortions?

Is the current immigration legislation wise and fair?

The restriction of smoking in public places violates rights of citizens

Should military (or navy) service be mandatory for all the US citizens?

Why are laws against drunk driving ineffective?

Why same-sex couples should be granted same rights as other couples

Should it be legal for everyone to hunt

Is having death penalty as a practicable punishment justified today?

Should it be completely outlawed to employ the underage at any kinds of work?

LITERARY STUDIES

In what ways are books better than TV?

The positive impact of the likes of Twilight and Fifty Shades of Gray

Why is reading a good idea

Why media promotes certain beauty standards and how harmful it is

Do younger generations actually degrade due to the influence of the TV?

Should the teenage-oriented media be more careful about the messages they send to their audiences?

Has the Star Wars franchise and lore benefited after being acquired by Disney?

Children would treat TV more critically if Photography was studied at schools

Should age restrictions for TV shows be stricter?

How comic books are useful

How educational are educational TV shows?

Should TV be more education-oriented?

Public broadcasters are critically underfinanced

Violence, nudity and coarse language on TV needs to be regulated more strictly

The Cable TV market is too monopolized

How guitar music is better than synthetic

Lyrics in songs should not be censored

Music is the easiest and the most effective way to lighten up

How music contributes both to the individual and to the society

Music in MP3 format should be free as a promo material, whereas music in better sound quality formats should be for sale

POLITICAL ISSUES

Why is it dangerous to allow political parties to accept financial donations from large corporations?

The importance of every vote

Politicians should at least be fined for using personal abuse rhetoric

Why Bernie Sanders lost the primaries

LIFE SKILLS

Survival basics that everybody needs to know

Few simple rules of camping for everyone

How being clean affects your personal and professional life and wellbeing

PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

How much is intelligence pre-determined genetically?

To what extent does our environment influence who we are

Can a “shrink” be trusted?

What is the purpose of love in our lives?

How much does your feeling of happiness depend on your financial state of affairs?

PERSONAL ISSUES

Are long-distance relationships possible via online means?

Are words of love gender-biased?

It is possible to maintain a relationship being far away from one another

How to know the person for real before marrying?

RELIGION AND SPIRITUAL ISSUES

Should religion studies be included in the curriculum of public schools?

Can students from religious backgrounds make their prayers at schools?

Why most religions are not ready to allow women be priests

Why are religious conflicts the fiercest?

Why every religion claims to be peaceful?

Why fundamentalist movements arise

How we decide whether a certain cult is dangerous

Why it is important to allow people practicing their religion or lack thereof

SELF-IMPROVEMENT

How to confront stress and depression using art

Zeal is the most important factor in mastering anything

Why we should not overthink our lives

Is there any 'simple' time management advice for everyone?

How to benefit from stressful situations

How your looks influences your success

Why personal development is never enough

Confidence is crucial to any undertaking

Being persistent will help you achieve any results

EVERYDAY LIFE

Should obese people be forced to pay for two seats at public transport or entertainment venues?

Would it be effective to restrict the number of children in an American family to a certain number?

Is it justified to obligate residents to clear their adjacent sidewalks from snow?

Will we get rid of drunk driving if we appoint a responsible police officer to every pub?

Is it justified to present senior citizens with free use of public transportation?

Is it a good idea to make a certain period of community service compulsory for every US citizen?

Should we join the rest of the world and adopt the metric system?

How should we deal with people who refuse to stand up for the pledge?

Is it the responsibility of a good municipal government to arrange free Wi-Fi spots all over the city?

What makes urban life better than the countryside one?

Why it is important to stay open-minded at all times

Should an education worker give up on a “hard” kid in favor of the rest of the class?

Internet connection should be free of charge for everyone

Paparazzi and stalkers violate privacy of other people too often

Human life has improved a great deal in past 100 years

Why stereotypes exist?

Why raising awareness about feminism and gender studies is crucial

Is it ethical to aim marketing campaigns to underage audiences?

Should convicts be able to practice their right to vote?

How justified is Social Darwinism?

Why are jails so overcrowded with convicts in the US?

Are the currently running campaigns against poverty effective?

Is it possible to prolong weekends by one day without compromising working efficiency?

Are imposed gender roles a thing of the past?

The implications of traditional "trick or treat" custom

Should the state provide homes to lonely senior citizens for free?

Why are public restrooms so messy and what should be done about it?

Are genetically modified food products really that harmful?

Bullying is a destructive social factor

Society imposes downright dangerous beauty standards

Being polite will get you everywhere

Why buying at Walmart should be avoided

How to bring good to your community right now

Lack of fair-priced residences is a serious problem

The holidays are too short for no good reason

What makes propaganda a hazardous weapon?

How excessive wealth corrupts people

Why elderly people need the opportunity to use public transportation for free?

How public transportation system can be improved

Why everyone should contribute to the community

Why should all the homeless be assisted with finding homes

Cyberbullying is a serious threat

What you achieve by supporting charities

People can and should retire at an older age than they used to

Censorship is suffocating the emerging information society

Foster parenthood should be more advertised and encouraged

The real reasons for equality

How can we help children with single parents

How to tame corruption at a country level

Why it is important to buy local goods

Security alarms are a simple thing that can improve our lives drastically

The importance of alternative penitentiary options

Lawsuits are becoming a circus and profanate the very legislative system

Poverty cannot be dealt with unless we invest more resources into the social system

Working hours in pubs need to be reconsidered

Police should be the last place to come across corruption

The society should show more support to non-working single parents

Female workers still usually have to work at lower wages than their male colleagues, and it is a big problem

Cosmetic surgery is abused as a result of poor regulation

Senior citizens today need more care than ever

Why some companies still maintain the infamous tradition of racial profiling

How can we enforce more respect to people’s privacy

Why the struggle for women equality advances so slowly

Why relations between various ethnic groups still leave much to be desired

Mass media are biased and subjective

Should support crew such as marching bands and mascots be regarded as sportspeople?

Is bike sharing more than just a fresh trend?

Should college team players be treated as professional sportspeople and be rewarded financially?

Are school teams overfinanced?

Why are women sports less interesting to the media?

Why drug tests for professional sportspeople are still not a must?

Is it fair that sportspeople earn such tremendous amounts of money?

Sports is about pushing yourself to the edge, and not about defeating others

Is it justified to reflect ethnical-cultural details in team names and other attributes?

Are cheerleaders as good sportspeople as others?

Why even the most professional team would have no chance with a name like Yellowfaces?

Why sports get so much attention?

Gym classes should be more focused on practical physical skills like swimming

Why professional sports should remain privately financed?

Are the existing safety precautions for athletes sufficient?

Physical training is overrated

Sure, as we know from diagnostic essay page, with such a huge variety of topics to choose from, picking just one may be a challenge. As we already mentioned, the trick is to pick a subject that appeals to you personally. This is one of the surest ways to approach any academic paper because it's going to be way more interesting to research the subject and because writing the actual paper will quite a lot of fun!

Still, figuring out the best topic for your essay is not your only concern as a student. The next step would be crafting a compelling thesis statement. As a rule, essay writers present their thesis at the end of the introductory paragraph. Further on, you will base your paper on this statement, so choose wisely.

> The best tip on constructing a great thesis statement would be to choose something that is not too obvious. This way, you will have a chance to hook your reader and make him/her interested in what you have to say on the topic.

The number of body paragraphs will mostly depend on the length of your paper. Normally, having three major arguments to prove your point is enough for a convincing paper. This, in its turn, will give you three body paragraphs, each starting with its own point. Make sure to use logical transitions between the paragraphs, though - do not just skip from one issue to another.

The last (and usually, the fifth) paragraph of your paper is the conclusion. Here, it is very important to restate your thesis statement. But remember - you should not do it word for word. The main point of a quality conclusion is to summarise everything you have written and prove your thesis statement either right (this is the most common approach) or wrong (it may sometimes happen in argumentative papers).

All in all, you can see that writing a persuasive essay is no brain surgery. Still, it would be hard to argue that the process requires quite a bit of time and concentration. Plus, if you are assigned a persuassive paper topics in one of the minor subjects, it may often be challenging to take some time off the subjects you're majoring in. Fortunately for you, there is always a way out. In this particular case, custom writing is the perfect solution that saves time and effort.

Our company has already helped thousands of overworked students from all over the world with their academic assignments. We deal with a vast variety of essays in social, exact sciences, and humanities. And the best thing is - each paper is assigned to a qualified expert in the area, which is why all custom papers written here meet the high educational writing standards, as well as student's particular requirements.

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topics for persuasive speech for college students

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Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas

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

Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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Article Contents 13 min read

The art of persuasion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unbiased Expertise

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are three potential goals of any persuasive speech:

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

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

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

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

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

Know your audience

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

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

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

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

Hook the audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

This sentence performs several tasks:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research and Arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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topics for persuasive speech for college students

topics for persuasive speech for college students

125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience

Speaker talking to audience

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

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, 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, 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 amongst individuals and groups. There are many interesting arguments and stances on both topics, and many people have strong opinions when it comes to the subject matter. 

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 minimum wage be doubled?
  • Should everyone adapt to the four-day work week?
  • 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 there are many sides and perspectives that 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 the topics tend to cover 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, and who is responsible, for addressing the homelessness crisis? 
  • 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 their high-calories 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 are 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 travelling 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 towards 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 kinds of diverse and intriguing topics will not only capture your audience's attention but will 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 topics that the speaker is genuinely passionate and knowledgeable about. 

Persuasive speech 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’s set limits on how many children a family can have in overpopulated countries?” is emotionally charged and truly matters to people. 

FAQs: Persuasive Speech Topics

After reading through all the possible topics you can write a persuasive speech on, you may still have some questions before you get going. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about persuasive speech topics. 

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 Persuasive Speech Topic For School?

A good start to finding a good 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 persuasive speech topics. Three specific examples that have not been listed are:

  • Is social media to blame for the rates of depression and anxiety amongst youth?
  • Do young adult romance novels encourage harmful and toxic relationships to their target audience?
  • Should children under 18 have total control over medical decisions made about their bodies?

These topics are examples of persuasive 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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  • Top 99 College Speech Topics

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

topics for persuasive speech for college students

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round 1 - First 50 College Speech Topics

1st Fifty (50) College Speech Topics

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

Round 2 - 49 More College Speech Topics

49 More College Speech Topics

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

Knockout Your College Speech with a Great Topic

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

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

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

Truth About Caffeine

Hybrid Animals

Childhood Obesity

Global Warming

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

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By Rick Vacek | May 9, 2024

There are many different events University of Texas at Dallas students can enter when they join Comet Speech and Forensics , but there is only one way to learn how to excel at speaking in front of an audience.

topics for persuasive speech for college students

“We coach it like anything else – through practice,” said Dr. John Gooch, who directs the team with the help of Kathy Lingo, a colleague in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology.

These sessions are nothing like a sports workout, however. Rather than taking direction solely from the coaching staff as they alternate practicing their speeches, team members join the coaches in offering their feedback.

“I get everyone involved,” said Gooch, the Bass School’s area head for communication studies and associate professor of rhetoric and communication studies.

Gooch also provides written feedback, and students can have individual practices with him. But the team gatherings contain the most benefits thanks to the let’s-help-each-other tone.

“A lot of it has to do with Dr. Gooch,” junior Pranav Kumar said. “If there ever are any issues, they get resolved very fast and in a very effective way.”

But before attending a practice, a prospective team member usually has to resolve whether to memorize a speech for the platform events or learn how to think quickly and react in the limited preparation (LP) events.

There also are oral interpretation events, but platform and LP were the categories most frequently entered by the UT Dallas contingent in its recent trips to national and international tournaments.

Here’s a look at each category, with comments from Gooch and team members:

Platform Events: Persuasive and Informative

The preparation is as important as the delivery in this category.

“You have to come prepared with your analysis and research in a 10-minute digestible format for an audience that may or may not be experts and persuade them about why this is a prominent issue right now,” senior Alex de Jesus-Colon said. “You have to do it in a way that people will respect it and understand it and see how it weighs against other topics.

topics for persuasive speech for college students

“There are a lot of topics going on right now that people feel a need to inform or persuade about.”

Persuasive speaking presents solutions. Gooch loves it because it “very much reminds me of the Greeks and Romans. There’s an argument and they have these areas with a call to action at the end, like someone on the floor of Congress or the Parliament.”

Informative speeches are designed to raise awareness. Junior Sneha Elangovan wrote hers, about health care, in September and then kept changing it based on judges’ remarks. Memorization isn’t a problem for her (“Sometimes I mess up more when I have the script in front of me,” she said), but part of the refinement is learning how to connect with the audience.

“I’m very big on eye contact when I talk to people,” Elangovan said. “When I break the eye contact, I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh. Where was I?’, and then it takes me a little bit to recover. But once it’s in my memory, it’s almost like muscle memory.”

The other platform events are after-dinner, which Gooch likens to “standup comedy with sources,” and communications analysis, defined by the American Forensic Association as “an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles.”

Limited Preparation: Extemporaneous and Impromptu

These are very different events with very similar challenges.

In extemporaneous, a random draw gives competitors a hot topic in politics or society. They have 30 minutes to research and then present it in a seven-minute talk.

“You have to deal with questions that make people uncomfortable – things they don’t want to talk about,” said de Jesus-Colon, citing this example: Do you believe the TikTok ban is justified?

topics for persuasive speech for college students

“I view extemp to be the most challenging and rewarding. It forces you to think about topics you don’t like thinking about in your day-to-day life. Or you might have to explain it in a way the average person can understand.”

Said Gooch, “When I think of public speaking, I think of extemporaneous speaking. I always have.”

Impromptu creates even more pressure to think fast. The student is handed a quotation – sometimes themed, usually from someone famous in history – and has a total of seven minutes to think of what to say and then say it.

Three examples from a recent event:

  • “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” – Malcolm X
  • “Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor.” – James Baldwin
  • “To know how much there is to know is the beginning of learning to live.” – Dorothy West

Students have seven minutes to prepare and deliver the speech, which means that the faster they prepare, the more time they have to speak. The most successful contestants usually need only 30 seconds to think of the right words.

“With prepared speeches, you have an idea of how well you’re going to do. With impromptu, it truly is a wild card at a tournament, but I think that’s what makes it so fun,” said senior Arlin Khan, who uses her studies as a history and neuroscience major to think of past examples. “When we get back the placements of who made it to finals, it truly is a surprise every time.”

Equally surprising is the feeling when the short-but-stressful talk is over, she added: “Once you’re up there, words come out. Most people feel like they have no idea what they just said.”

Even though he’s the coach, Gooch marvels at how his students react to these speech challenges.

“They’re smarter than I ever thought about being, that’s for sure,” he said. “I often half-jokingly say to people, ‘I wonder what I could have done if I were as smart as these people.’”

Read more: It was far and away a great year for Comet Speech and Forensics

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