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224 School Speech Topics for All Grades [High School, Middle School, Elementary]

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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:

High School

Middle school, elementary school, school speech topics checklists, list of school speech topics.

school speech topics

  • Girls are under more pressure in high school.
  • Schools must not sell unhealthy foods.
  • Cyberbullies should be suspended from school.
  • Peer pressure will help students grow.
  • Parents must not pay kids for good grades.
  • Students don’t spend enough time reading books.
  • Class sizes make a big difference.
  • Schools must get involved with obese students weight issues.
  • All students should join the gym.
  • Schools should offer rewards for good test scores.
  • Cheerleading isn’t a sport.
  • The media is to blame for the pressure of girls wanting perfect bodies.
  • Mass-shooting in schools can be prevented.
  • 16 is an appropriate age to start dating.
  • The in crowd is usually the most insecure group.
  • Failing is a blessing in disguise.
  • Students do not know how to live in the moment.
  • Fashion isn’t all that important.
  • The methods used to deal with bullies are not effective.
  • Private schools are not better than government schools.
  • Co-ed schools are better than single-gender schools.
  • Recess time must be extended.
  • Standardized tests are not a measure of a students ability.
  • Textbooks shouldn’t be replaced by technology in high schools.
  • Students shouldn’t be graded for gym.
  • Birth control should be available at schools.
  • Cheating at school is getting worse.
  • Sugary drinks should not be sold at school.
  • Healthy school lunches are a lost cause.
  • Boys hide their body image pressure.
  • Smoking makes students outcasts.
  • ‘Name and shame’ does not change teenage behaviour.
  • Bystanders must be held responsible for not intervening when there is trouble at school.
  • Gay students need older gay role models.
  • It should be illegal for under 21’s to buy cigarettes.
  • Grouping students by ability only benefit the smartest ones.
  • Students are less religious than their parents.
  • It is important to have a mix of friends to socialize with.
  • Kids purposely make parenting hard.
  • Helping a friend isn’t always good.
  • Not every teacher has the ability to inspire students.
  • High school kids don’t need helicopter parents.
  • High schools don’t recognize a student’s full potential.
  • Class sizes should not exceed 20 students.
  • Extra online classes are worth it.
  • School should be all year round.
  • Parents embarrass their kids too much.
  • Attractive students have an advantage over others.
  • Students have no interest in government matters.
  • Hard work is more important than talent.
  • The morning after pill shouldn’t have an age restriction.
  • Group work in class should be kept small.
  • The best way to learn is alone.
  • Teachers don’t use technology to its full potential.
  • Dropping out of high school should be an illegal offense.
  • The racial make up of a school is important.
  • Outings to museums have no educational value.
  • Creativity isn’t something that can be taught.
  • Students have too much workload.
  • Untidy handwriting is a sign of intelligence.
  • Student’s interests will change in high school.
  • It is important to take career assessment tests.
  • Students do not have to get involved with everything in high school.
  • Weekend jobs make students more responsible.
  • It is important that students volunteer in fields of interest.
  • Students must know their place in the classroom.
  • Teachers want to create leaders.
  • Tutors are necessary even with good grades.
  • Locker room talk is demeaning to female students.
  • Driving must be taught in High School.
  • Plagiarism is getting out of hand.
  • The importance of not being a follower.
  • Students should focus school work ahead of a social life.
  • Students should leave a team if they are never chosen to play.
  • Leaving high school with no clear career path isn’t a bad thing.
  • Students should always have condoms with them.
  • Never shrug off small assignments.
  • High school should be treated as if it were a job.
  • Web filters at school are not restrictive enough.
  • There is too much focus on sports in high schools.
  • All students should get involved in exchange programs.
  • Group projects only cause conflict.
  • Teachers should be allowed to refuse problem students in their classes.
  • Principals don’t help develop teachers enough.
  • Corporal punishment is abuse.
  • Robotics now and in the future – is it helpful in the daycare business?
  • Your most embarrassing moment at school and the way you saved your face, solve and fix the awkward situation.
  • Amazing discoveries or facts you have never heard of before and like to introduce to your class.
  • Adventure racing and famous heroes on motorbikes – so-called off the road movie clips could be nice video aids Such as Steppenwolf.
  • Astronomical signs and their meanings. Make it personal by asking a volunteer to give all the info you need.
  • Nursing your parents when they get older. Lots of young people do that in their spare time, and they do not often speak about it. Take a chance and show them the world of voluntary care by friends, children, and neighbors.
  • Islands in Oceania, in the tropical Pacific Ocean region. There where the date line starts.
  • Railroads and trains from 1850, and great train builders and engineers is a high school speech topic to work out.
  • How to visit and enjoy an art museum with an audio guide tour on your ears.
  • Strange experiences in a restaurant or bar and the moral lesson you draw after that.
  • Hurricanes, how they start and their international accepted standards for name giving (boys and girls names from a to z).
  • Food photography is much difficult than you think.
  • A narrow escape from trouble …
  • How to organize surprise parties.
  • Why are television soaps popular – did you know a whole team of scenarists writes the storylines – often three per edition?
  • I want a new law on … Well feel free to repair and remedy abuses.
  • What do you think about often when you enter the school?
  • What have you always wanted to do and did not have the courage to ask or really act?
  • What would you like to change and why? This one is especially good as graduation input and output.
  • Things we can’t understand.
  • What are your community activities?
  • Suggestions for a school field trip in the autumn.
  • Dream explanation, ask for dreams, explain them. Consult dream reading professional and keep away from the shabby occult business.
  • Rhetorical questions, Socratical debating techniques.
  • Great places to go in the world.
  • Hiking trails nobody knows and you want to share.
  • See Europe in seven days after high school!

Middle school speech topics for public speaking and oral writing assignments from outdoor activities to Greyhound racing and Rodeo riding to sports games. I have brought into being several themes, suggestions and easy to develop ideas for school:

  • My hobby and pet peeves.
  • Free time activities that you can recommend.
  • What brands or products are popular in this school and why?
  • Unusual experiences in the last year.
  • Outdoor activities, and indoor activities on a rainy day.
  • Why we are no longer kids but are called young adults.
  • Suggestions for fun weekends.
  • Animation characters and their voices.
  • Antarctica research of penguins.
  • Aviation pioneers.
  • Celebrities, actors, and actresses.
  • Computer games are great middle school speech topics if you have an interested audience who likes to game at home.
  • Flying discs tricks on the beach side.
  • Foreign flags and their story – perhaps you should play the anthems too for a full picture.
  • Reasons to abandon grounding rules.
  • Rodeo riding: how to survive more than 30 seconds on the riding machine 🙂
  • Strange world records set in history.
  • Skateboarding tips and tricks, safe on the sidewalks.
  • Greyhound racing and the bet systems that are used.
  • The world would be a better place if … (fill in your highest dreams)
  • Environmental problems in our community.
  • Fashion trends in the last century.
  • Pen pals or email pals; how traditional patterns have changed.
  • My favourite sports games on television.
  • My checklist for if you move to another town.
  • Kid cooking is cool – if you know how to prep recipes 🙂
  • My trip abroad to Europe or Latin-America.
  • Monitoring butterflies in the field outside and in our garden.
  • Aztec masks and their amazing stories and secrets hidden inside.
  • Mythological monsters such as the Minotaur and Nymphs.
  • How to organize a fun weekend for the whole family.
  • If I was born hundred years ago, I would be …:
  • African masks and their meaning in holy rituals.
  • Ancient Chinese emperors and their interesting uniform and dress looks.
  • The Ice Age; when, how and the causes are good K-6 subjects to come across.
  • Pollution sources in our world, and what to do about them in a cost-friendly way at home.
  • A Day In the life of a kid in Ancient Rome, compare it with your own modern life.
  • Discovering caves are cool grade 6 speech topics to tell something more and show them the work of speleologists.
  • Traditional fairy tales from around the world – remember the thick book of the Grimm Brothers?
  • Puppets and their funny looking but indeed very serious theatrical performances from Java, Indonesia.
  • The Diary of Anne Frank (book or movie) and the meaning today.
  • My penpal or better: email-pal from the other side of the world.
  • The secrets of the Egypt King Tutankhamun.
  • If I was a journalist, I should investigate …
  • If I won one million dollars, I would …
  • When I am grown up I want to become a / an …
  • Last weekend I was at …
  • The funniest thing that ever happened to me this month or year.
  • Things that make you happy right away if you have the power to buy or dictate.
  • Ways I use to relax.
  • Favorite sports moments.
  • The character I want to be in a movie the hero with heroic courage / or the villain who gets the worst of it in the end.
  • My most memorable vacation trip till now.
  • The best summer camp games I have ever played and enjoyed very much.
  • My favorite spot in the woods near our cabin.
  • Your most favorite memories are also great grade 6 speech topics too to talk about in school.
  • When you take a walk in the woods, you can see more than you might think …
  • Recipes for kids, orally like your favorite meals and food.
  • Cool home computer games I like to play, criticize, review and share in class.
  • The day I was sick and I must see the doctor.
  • Pot and care for a plant or small vegetable ishard labor and needs patience.
  • How to make a marionette puppet – a grade 8 speech topic for the artistic
  • Birds in our backyard, you’re perplexed about the miles they flew to get there.
  • Oceans of the world: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic gulf streams.
  • A ride in a truck for transporting heavy objects.
  • What is a decent dress code for a serious dinner at official moments:
  • My musical instrument and the lessons I take.
  • Why giraffes have long necks.
  • Animals I should take in Noah’s Ark – and the philosophy behind it.
  • Why I like to dance my favorite dance.
  • I cope with fear of public speaking for this grade 8 speech by … (secret tactic)
  • Magic tricks with simple playing cards for every unexpected occassion.
  • Exotic fruits and vegetables in grocery stores; look up where they come from.
  • Best 3D paper models: cars, robots, spaceships, airplanes, buildings.
  • Things to expect when your mother is pregnant.
  • Birds, bears and rabbits spend the winter by sleeping, why?
  • My first visit to a dentist: the correct way to brush and floss your teeth.
  • Family members I admire: uncles, aunts, nieces or nephews.
  • Music festivals and the big logistics puzzle of the organizing parties involved.
  • History of the Panama Canal, and the way the pilotage handle very big ships.
  • How does global warming affect the icebergs?
  • If I was my father or mother for one day.
  • My favorite era in history.
  • What’s in my room at home.
  • The school field trip I would like to make.

Elementary school speech topics on animal keeping, favorite things to do at home or the playground and specific hints that lead to innumerable variations:

  • What makes me happy.
  • Our last vacation trip.
  • Fairy tale characters you would like to talk with.
  • Magic tricks you can show.
  • Funny things my pet has done. A great quantity of this special theme is to be sorted out of animals and keeing them at home. Do consult your atending if you may bring an animal in class. In case of hesitation – do not cross this line:
  • My favorite family story.
  • Oceans in the world.
  • My neighbourhood.
  • Funny Halloween costumes, inspires to lots of funny elementary school speech topics.
  • A visit to the doctor, dentist.
  • How does it feel to wake up an being a giant?
  • Places I lived.
  • Why I want to travel in space to the interstellair universe.
  • The best paper airplanes withput less folding work.
  • How boomerangs return to their sender.
  • Circus clowns in all sorts and characters.
  • My one-day internship at the fire department.
  • Fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
  • The best fishing spots.
  • My best birthday ever.
  • I am good at …
  • This is the song I like to sing every day is: …
  • Making puzzles of thouands pieces and the tricks I have learned.
  • Police uniforms or fire department attire outfits.
  • What can you see in the zoo?
  • Musical instruments in an full orchestra.

School speech topics tips for verification and 1-2-3 step checking at the secondary middle, high and elementary public speaking homework assignments on teaching skills. In a nutshell: they are easy to answer questions to make a better choice for creating the best result.

Also on this page, you will discover tips to concrete communication issues and education resources. They lead you in the right direction; you only have to use your fantasy.

Let the imaginary juices flow in your brains!

Can We Write Your Speech?

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

Read all my checks for writing subjects and after you have completed that task follow all secure education idea links to the online education lists I have shaped and modified in class education material:

More aggravated lists of themes and valuable information regarding different subjects for future generations education are below. As well as a summary of the implications and / or requirements of what you have found, and school speech topics you could analyze in class.

You can sort out any ideas you like to talk about in oral lessons, scan the possible suggestions and think about what your audience like to hear you talking about: cite short passages and quotation excerpts from well-known experts in the field of research, or refer to good knowledge illustrations and sustainable proof.

Learn to gather material from outside sources about your thread for grades 9 through 12 learning, and deliver your opinion strongly and concisely. Give plain reasons for something you believe. Foster support for your solution, theory or device.

This is principally beneficial for achieving higher education institute assertiveness when you are on stage and put two or more views together, and provide a reason for putting them together by logical reasoning. Another method is approaching the subject matter in both positive and negative lights.

Tracing how something has induced artificially from an earlier state to its current form could welcomed by higher pedagogic instructors.

Next tip: workout extensive information on indoor and outdoor recreation activities to tempt your public to explore other activities than dating, dancing and drinking in a local bar.

Sports is a candidate for finding senior graded school speech topics. E.g. sport as profession to earn a living. With a scientific twist you make it more sophisticated, and because you’re highly qualified and have an actively learning attitude you are able to get their thesis commitment.

Some moves that matter in lower classes are the so-called critize teaching skills, often described as asking and wondering through critical inquiry:

You can help your teacher and fill her or him with enthusiasm by going extracurricular in proposing a particular judgment on a certain top topicality and examen the validity of the arguments by criticizing. This has been in practice in the late seventies – when things went the old-fashioned and more severe way 🙂 – but this technique has made a terrific comeback and is now used in grades 5 through 8 homework assignments.

Many of my visitors look for sixth grade inspiration, or class 6 if you live in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, Primary 5 or 6 in Singapore, and 6ГЁme in France for example. Anyway, in what country you are right now does not matter; all school speech topics are created for children in the range of eleven and twelve years old.

The same holds good for class conversations of (usually) thirteen to fourteen years old who try to cover explanations of various objects and their meaning in the accustomed world of the eight grade population.

Children speak the truth, is often said 🙂 And that saying is more than true. Give them something to chew on in public – from colouring plates to planting and caring for trees – and it is so easy, a younger persons can do it 🙂

More for girls and boys – although it depends on the specific age or progress of the pupils – can be found at this index number two. Help them to be able to get to know the material, and to make the first steps on the path of learning the rudimentary public speaking skills (that are valuable for their whole life).

I have shaped a list that also contains some reference information for nursery and primary and kindergarten material.

10 Tips to Write the Best High School Valedictorian Speech

Ceremonial Speech Topics

9 thoughts on “224 School Speech Topics for All Grades [High School, Middle School, Elementary]”

The topics are 1: the worst day in my life 2: how can we take care of our elders at home. 3: good qualities about your classmates. 4: how I learnt cycling. 5: if you are alone at home and a stranger enters what would you do.

My topic ideas are: Why I hate speeches (for middle school or elementary school) My favorite type of music (for elementary school) Why parents shouldn’t spank their children and better ways to punish children (for elementary school)

The key to success is positive thinking

My favorite holiday

Wow. Just wow.

mental health is an important issue

“Prayer should be compulsory”…that’s my suggestion of a topic

At school there should be a free period where you can do anything you want

Why is the canteen so expensive?

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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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English Speech Topics for Students

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  • Updated on  
  • Apr 2, 2024

english speech topics for students

Writing an exciting and thoughtful speech requires selecting a good topic, researching it thoroughly, and forming individual opinions to express the same. School students are usually asked to speak on a contemporary topic to help them become good public speakers as well as learn the art of expressing oneself in front of an audience. While many speech competitions often allot topics beforehand, you might also have heard of extempore where topics are given on the spot for speech. This blog brings you a list of common English speech topics as well as some helpful tips and tricks that can assist you in effectively expressing your thoughts and opinions in front of an audience. Let’s begin!

Checkout our 200+ Essay Topics for Students in English

This Blog Includes:

List of best english speech topics for students, 1-minute speech topics, 2-minute speech topics, 3-minute speech topics, easy topics for speech in english, english speech topics on environment, english speech topics on technology, english speech topics on independence day, english speech topics on diwali, english speech topics on corruption, english speech topics on feminism, english speech topics on mother’s day, english speaking topics on capitalism, engish speech topics on gandhi jayanti, english speech topics on reading, english speech topics on communism, english speech topics on deforestation, english speech topics on social issues, english speech topics on important days & events, english speech topics on greatest leaders in india & around the world, english speech topics on indian culture, english speech topics on proverbs, english speech topics on human rights, english speech topics on education, english speech topics on the importance of water, miscellaneous speech topics, types of persuasive speech topics, tips for writing and speaking a speech.

Speeches are all about one’s thoughts. It should not be copied from somewhere. It is all about what the speaker thinks of any given topic. However, take a look at the following list of English Speech Topics on different contemporary issues as well as concepts.

  • The Best Day of My Life
  • Social Media: Bane or Boon?
  • Pros and Cons of Online Learning
  • Benefits of Yoga
  • If I had a Superpower
  • I wish I were ______
  • Human Rights
  • Environment Conservation
  • Women Should Rule the World!
  • The Best Lesson I Have Learned
  • Paperbacks vs E-books
  • How to Tackle a Bad Habit
  • My Favorite Pastime/Hobby
  • Why should every citizen vote?
  • Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Is it real or not?
  • Importance of Reading
  • Importance of Books in Our Life
  • My Favorite Fictional Character
  • Introverts vs Extroverts
  • Lessons to Learn from Sports
  • Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Quick Read: English Speaking Books

Quick Read: Essay on Peer Pressure

Quick Read: Essay on Health and Fitness for Students

  • I mportance of Kindness
  • Is there Value in Homework?
  • Things I learned in Lockdown
  • How can food be recycled?
  • Should Art be a part of the school curriculum?
  • Should schools teach sign language?
  • Women make better presidents/prime ministers
  • Why books are better than movies?
  • Life was better when technology was simple
  • Impact of technology on our health
  • Should children’s reality shows be banned?
  • Learning in the Wake of COVID-19
  • Hard Work vs Smart Work
  • What Makes Learning Fun?
  • The Coolest Inventions You’ve Seen
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Importance of AI in Education
  • Importance of Extracurricular Activities
  • Should exams be banned?
  • How to Tackle Bullying in Schools?

  • Speech about dreams
  • Speech about life
  • Speech on time
  • Speech on discipline
  • Speech on happiness
  • Speech on kindness
  • Speech on value of time
  • Speech on health and fitness
  • Speech on Doctor
  • Speech on Nurse
  • Graduation Day Speech
  • World Health Day Speech
  • Sex Education Speech
  • Importance of Education
  • Is it beneficial to learn a Second Language?
  • Music has healing power
  • Success in life
  • Self Confidence
  • 18th birthday
  • Love is more powerful than hate
  • Social Impact of Covid-19
  • How can Online Learning be Fun?
  • Make Public Transport Free
  • Should violent video games be banned?
  • Speech on Learning

Exploring English Speech Topics? You must also take a look at Extempore Topics !

  • Climate Change
  • Ozone Layer Depletion
  • Reducing Water Levels
  • Deforestation
  • Global Warming
  • Waste Management
  • Water-Saving Techniques
  • Reducing the Green Cover of Earth
  • Endangered species need protection
  • Importance of fishing regulations
  • Importance of investing in alternative fuels
  • Impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms
  • The misuse of the term “sustainable development” by environmentalists
  • Microbial benefits
  • E-Waste Management
  • Natural Disasters and their impact on economic growth
  • Energy alternatives – Only solution to the environmental damage
  • Extinction of rare species
  • World Environment Day
  • Disaster Management
  • Over and Improper Use of Natural Resources
  • Air, Water and Soil Pollution
  • Efficiency of Recycling

Also Read: How to Write Dialogue: Format, Tips and Examples

  • Technology and Mental Health
  • Privacy in the Digital Age: Navigating the Challenges of Data Collection and Surveillance
  • The Impact of Technology on Society
  • Artificial Intelligence: The New Normal
  • The Role of Social Media in Communication and Social Interactions
  • Sustainable Technology: Innovations for a Greener Future
  • The Rise of E-commerce
  • Gaming Technology: Entertainment, ESports and Interactive Experiences
  • The Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap for Equal Access to Technology
  • The Ethical Dilemmas of Emerging Technologies

Also Read: English Vocabulary: Meaning, Types, Tips to Improve

  • The Journey of Independence Day
  • The Significance of Independence Day
  • Indian Independence Day
  • Remembering the Founding Fathers
  • The Spirit of Independence
  • Independence Day and Volunteering
  • Independence Day Speeches
  • India’s Road to Freedom
  • Independence Day and National Identity
  • Independence Day in the Digital Age
  • Independence Day and Women’s Empowerment
  • Diwali: The Festival of Lights and Its Significance in Hindu Culture
  • Diwali and the Victory of Good Over Evil
  • Diwali and the Art of Giving
  • Diwali and the Spirit of Forgiveness
  • Diwali and Cultural Exchanges
  • Diwali and the Essence of Joy
  • Diwali and Social Responsibility
  • Diwali and Artistic Expressions
  • The Rituals and Traditions of Diwali
  • Diwali and the Symbolism of Light
  • The Economic Consequence of Corruption
  • Corruption and International Aid
  • Media and Corruption
  • Fighting Corruption
  • Corruption in Politics
  • The Role of Transparency and Accountability in Curbing Corruption
  • The Role of Technology in Combating Corruption
  • Whistleblowing and Protecting Mechanism
  • Corruption in Business and Corporate Practices
  • Understanding Feminism
  • The Future of Feminism
  • Feminism and Parenting
  • Feminism and Online Activism
  • Feminism and Environmental Activism
  • Feminism and Reproductive Rights
  • The Gender Pay Gap: Examining Inequalities in the Workplace
  • Feminism and its Evolution
  • Feminism and Body Positivity
  • Feminism and Media Representation: Encouraging Authentic and Diverse Portrayals of Women
  • Expressing Gratitude and Love to Mothers
  • The Influence of Mothers in Shaping Our Values and Beliefs
  • Motherhood and Education
  • Mother’s Day and Volunteerism
  • Mother-Daughter Relationship
  • The Role of Mothers in Shaping Society
  • Mother’s Day Crafts and DIY Gifts
  • Learned Lessons from Mothers
  • Mother’s Day Around the World: Cultural Traditions and Celebrations
  • Capitalism: An Introduction to the Economic System and its Principles
  • The Future of Capitalism
  • Pros and Cons of Capitalism
  • Capitalism and Globalisation
  • Capitalism and Consumerism
  • Capitalism and Financial Crisis: Undertaking the Risk and Mitigation Measures
  • Capitalism and Environmental Sustainability
  • Capitalism and the Role of Government
  • Corporate Social Responsibility in Capitalism
  • Capitalism and the Digital Economy
  • Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation and His Ideals
  • Remembering Gandhi: Reflecting On His Life and Legacy
  • Gandhi’s Influence on the Indian Independence Movement
  • Satyagraha: The Power of Truth and Nonviolent Resistance
  • Gandhi’s Philosophy of Swaraj
  • The Role of Women in Gandhi’s Freedom Struggle
  • Gandhi’s Teaching on Education and Moral Values
  • Gandhi’s Lasting Legacy
  • Gandhi’s Vision for a Just and Inclusive Society
  • The Relevance of Gandhi’s Principles in Today’s World
  • The Influence of Reading on Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
  • Reading and Mental Health
  • Benefits of Reading
  • Reading and Empowerment
  • The Role of Reading in Academic Success and Lifelong Learning
  • Promoting a Reading Culture: Encouraging Reading Habits in Society
  • Reading Biographies and Memoirs
  • Reading and Social Connections
  • The Joy of Reading: Escaping Into the Different Worlds and Characters
  • Reading and Personal Identity
  • The Current State of Communism
  • Communism: An Introduction to the Ideology and Its Historical Context
  • The Evolution of Communist Movements
  • The Role of the State in a Communist Society
  • The Fall of Communist Regimes
  • Communism and Religious Freedom
  • Communism and Gender Equality
  • Communism and Workers’ Rights
  • The Criticisms of Communism
  • Deforestation: Causes, Consequences and Global Impact
  • Deforestation and Climate Change
  • Deforestation and Carbon Sequestration
  • Deforestation and Individual Actions
  • Deforestation and Wildlife Trafficking
  • Deforestation and Sustainable Development
  • Deforestation and Indigenous Communities
  • Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss
  • Deforestation and Forest Fires
  • The Importance of Forests

Quick Read: Speech on Nuclear Energy

  • Women Empowerment
  • Education of Girl Child
  • Unemployment
  • Casteism 
  • Reservation
  • Importance of Maintaining Hygiene
  • Child Labour
  • Social Distancing
  • Organ Donation
  • Importance of the Right to Education
  • Child Trafficking
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Struggles of Immigrants
  • Impact of Globalisation
  • Adult education
  • Independence Day
  • Mother’s Day
  • World Cancer Day
  • World Population Day
  • World Health Day
  • Ambedkar Jayanti
  • Gandhi Jayanti
  • Human Rights Day
  • Zero Discrimination Day
  • Women’s Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Anti-Terrorism Day
  • Hindi Diwas 

Check out this list of all the important national and international days in 202 4 !

  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • Jawaharlal Nehru
  • Raja Rammohan Roy
  • George Washington
  • Albert Einstein
  • APJ Abdul Kalam
  • Nelson Mandela
  • Kailash Satyarthi
  • Diversity in India
  • Speech on Holi
  • The Role of Yoga and Meditation in Indian Culture and Its Global Impact
  • The Importance of Traditional Indian Clothing
  • Indian Folklore
  • Indian Festivals
  • The Art of Indian Dance
  • Traditional Indian Medicine (Ayurveda)
  • Indian Epics and Mythology
  • Social Customs and Etiquettes in Indian Society
  • Indian Sports and Games

Also Read: Speech on Indian Culture

  • Honesty is the best policy
  • When there’s a will, there is a way
  • Actions speak louder than words
  • Knowledge is Power
  • Ignorance is Bliss
  • Don’t judge a book by its cover
  • Hard work is the key to success

Explore these proverbs & their meanings through this blog on Difficult Phrases !

  • The Role of International Organisations in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights
  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Milestone in Human History
  • Gender Equality: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women
  • Ensuring a Safe and Sustainable Environment for the Next Generation
  • The Right to Education: Empowering Minds
  • Bridging the Gap Between the Rich and Poor
  • Human Rights and Armed Conflicts
  • Global Fight to Combat Human Trafficking
  • Human Rights and Climate Change
  • Religious Freedom: Tolerance and Coexistence in a Diverse Society

To know what to mention in such speech topics, explore the Great Personalities in the World !

  • Importance of teacher in your life
  • SAT scores for college application
  • Student bullies should be expelled
  • Consequences of cheating in exams
  • Homeschooling is better than normal schooling
  • Importance of value education
  • Importance of sports and physical exercises
  • Schools vs colleges
  • What is the difference between a school, college and university in the USA?

Check Out: Synonyms List

  • The Water-Energy Nexus
  • The Essence of Water: Exploring the Live-giving Properties of H2O
  • Water as a Driver of Economic Growth and Prosperity
  • Water Security: Ensuring Equal Access and Quality for All
  • Water and Agriculture
  • The Role of Water in Ecosystems
  • Water and Blue Economy
  • Water Diplomacy: Promoting Collaboration for Transboundary Water Management
  • Water and Cultural Significance: Exploring Symbolisms and Rituals
  • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): Foundational for Human Health and Dignity
  • Article 370
  • Women rights
  • The Constitution of India
  • Youth of India
  • Culture of India
  • Importance of Unity
  • Generation Gap
  • Importance of Value Education
  • Old Age Homes
  • Family Values
  • Leadership skills
  • Rise of Smart Classes
  • Grading System
  • Importance of Practical Education
  • Benefits of Co-Education
  • Importance of Co-Curricular Activities
  • The uselessness of Power-Point Presentations
  • Rise of Technology
  • Excessive usage of the Internet
  • Speech on Fear
  • Speech on Dependence on Technology
  • Importance of Social Media
  • Speech on India of My Dreams
  • Indian Education System
  • Speech on My India

While exploring persuasive English speech topics, you must make sure that they are stimulating, engaging, concise and clear. There are three main types of Persuasive Speech topics which are:

1. Factual Persuasive Speech : These topics include facts, figures and statistics to thoroughly analyse the given topic and assess whether it’s true or false.

2. Policy Persuasive Speech : Discussing policies, laws and reforms, these speech topics critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the given policy or law and suggest the improvements that can be made.

3. Value Persuasive Speech : Mainly focusing on social or political issues, these speech topics present the critique and argument of whether certain actions are morally right or not.

While speaking on a particular topic, there are certain things that you must keep in mind to make your speech expressive and effective. Let’s take a look at some useful topics that help you in acing any topic you are speaking on.

tips for writing and speaking

  • Always research the topic. If you are participating in an extempore, then make sure to go through the common and popular topics as well as the unconventional ones that you might get. Preparation is the key to delivering an impressive speech.
  • Whether you are given a topic on the spot or you are prepared for the speech, it is always pivotal that you seem interested in speaking about it. Relate the given issues to your own life and this will help you in giving it your twist.
  • Pay extra attention to your body language and enunciation. While a gesticulative approach will make you seem outward, having timid body language can cause a wrong impression.
  • Ponder upon the different viewpoints on a topic . Try to present a holistic view of the given topic but don’t forget to present your opinion on it as well. Along with this, don’t try to take sides unless the topic demands you to.
  • Involve your audience, if possible. This way, you will be able to interact with the people and it will also be useful in fighting the fear of public speaking.
  • Don’t mug up a speech. It becomes evident when someone just speaks on a topic continuously and the audience might realise that you have memorized it or you might forget a certain part which will let the whole speech fade away from your brain.
  • Instead, make notes about the topic in your mind, remember certain keywords and try to maintain a particular flow in your speech.
  • Incorporate humour in your speech in a way that you do not offend anyone or overdo it but get a positive reaction from the audience. Humour is a great way of lightening the mood as well as ensuring the whole speech is interactive and engaging.
  • When you need more specialized assistance, a  US essay writing service  can be a valuable resource for crafting your speech.

While preparing for English Speech topics, you must also check out IELTS Speaking Topics !

Juvenile delinquency is acceptable. Prostitution should be legal. Underage driving should be punishable by law. Beauty pageants for children should be banned. Prisoner’s right to vote. Voting rights should not be universal. Guns should be banned from college campuses.

A three-minute speech is undoubtedly a wonderful starting point for public speaking. This is because you need to communicate with your audience more effectively when you just have a short amount of time. In addition, the speech ought to be concise, pertinent, and clear.

Life is the gift of God in the form of trust that we will make it meaningful in whatever we can. We are all unique individuals. No one is born like you and no one will ever be, so cherish your individuality. Many times, I come across people accusing God of things that they don’t have. They always cursing their lives.

 2-minute speeches are  short and crisp speeches of about 260-350 words .

Related Reads

Thus, we hope that this list helps you in preparing for different English speech topics. Gearing up for IELTS ? Sign up for an online demo session with our experts at Leverage Edu and we will assist you in preparing for its different sections as well as improving your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills to ensure that you ace the exam with flying colours!

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14 comments

I take english speaking classes, please provide me sone more material to help student’s.

Here are some articles on books and study material that will help your students- https://leverageedu.com/blog/english-speaking-books/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/books-by-charles-dickens/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/best-books-by-george-orwell/

I want topic on students and online classes

It is helpful for my school homework thanks 😸

Glad we could help!

Nice advise 👍

Thank you, Pragya!

Not good topics 🤔🤔

Thanks for the suggestion. We will update the blog!

Helpful for students . So I like it

Thanks for reading! Also, read: Daily Used English Words Speech on Importance of English Reach us at 1800 57 2000 for study-abroad related matters!

You people are giving great contribution in internet learning and it is for all….

Hi, thank you for your valuable feedback.

Awesome! Its really awesome article, I have got much clear idea concerning from this post.

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speech topics for secondary school 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!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

speech topics for secondary school students

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Speech Topics - 100s of them!

By:  Susan Dugdale   | Last modified: 01-10-2023

Speech ideas ordered by speech type & theme 

So you're preparing to give a speech.

The next step, unless you've been told or you've already decided for yourself, is choosing a topic.

What will you talk about?  There are literally so many possibilities.

To make choosing a subject easier, here's a collection of speech topic suggestions arranged either by speech type,  age group or theme. 

  • Demonstration speech topics  (5 pages: 738 + topics)
  • Speech topics for kids  (2 pages: 150 + topics)
  • Persuasive topics  (6 pages: 998+ topics)

125 examples of narrative speech topics

  • 60 vocal variety and body language topics

145 good cause and effect topics for students

  • Fun public speaking topics  (2 pages:165 topics)
  • 180+ interesting topics for students  (1 page: 180 + topics)
  • Good informative speech topics  (1 page: 100s of topics)
  • Commemorative speech topic ideas  (1 page: themes)
  • Argumentative/controversial speech topics  (1 page: 290 topics)
  • Easter themed speech topics  (1 page: 32 topics)
  • Impromptu speech topics  (4 pages: 570 topics)
  • Printable impromptu speech topics  (98 proverbs or quotations ready-to-go)

Teacher or student, these lists are for you.

I hope they're useful! Happy speaking, Susan

Demonstration speech ideas

Image: row of men's neckties. Text: Demonstration speech topic possibilities-How to knot a tie.

These are the 'show and tell' or 'how to' speeches where you demonstrate a skill, make something, or explain how something works. Think of these speeches as stepping through a process from beginning to end, showing and explaining every step of the way.

The goal of them is often to inspire those listening to try whatever is being shown for themselves.

I have five pages of topics specifically selected because they are good for demonstration speeches. You'll see the lists are adaptable to meet the needs of people of middle school age and upwards.

  • 290 themed 'how to' demonstration speech ideas   
  • 6 themed demonstration topic lists using the magic of 'how'
  • 50 soft skill 'how to' demonstrative speech topics
  • 100+ 10-minute, or less, demonstration speech topics
  • 188 funny how-to speech topics

Return to Top

Speech topics for kids

Graphic: painting of a girl swinging on a tire swing. Text: Graffiti is art. Speech topics for middle school.

I've got two pages of speech topics especially chosen with children in mind. They're mainly for kids in the middle school age bracket (11 - 14 years old) but are readily adaptable for those either younger or older.

Both pages are really useful if you're a teacher or parent looking for inspiration! I've carefully put together lists covering social/community issues, arts and culture, sports and games, food, fun and whimsy, hobbies, and more. 

-  8 themed lists of speech topics for children

- 50+ elocution topics for kids

Persuasive speech topics

Image: plate with the remains of a piece of chocolate cake. Text: Having your cake and eating it too is fair. Fun persuasive speech topics - write-out-loud.com

Convince me!

Change my mind!

Challenge my thinking!

Convert me!

And, if appropriate, make me laugh!

Whatever topic you choose you will be expected to take a position on it and persuade your audience to consider what you're saying about it seriously.

For example:

'To be vegan is the only right, and moral way to live.'

'Good or right thinking is a matter of opinion.' 

My six persuasive speech topic pages are below.

  • 50 good persuasive speech topics
  • 5 0+ persuasive speech topic ideas
  • 105 fun persuasive speech topics
  • 309 easy persuasive speech topics
  • 310 persuasive speech topics for college
  • 108 feminist persuasive speech topics

Chalkboard with text written in white chalk: What's your story? 125 narrative speech topics.

125 strong ideas for effective story telling speeches, preparation guidelines, plus a printable narrative speech outline.

If you're looking for suggestions for the Toastmasters Level Three Project 'Connect with storytelling' these will get you off to a great start.

Go to: 125 examples of narrative speech topics

60 vocal variety & body language topics

Label: Your Body Speaks - 60 vocal variety and body language speech topics.

60 speech topic ideas to help you work with body language and gesture. They're perfect for evocative personal storytelling speeches or for either of these Toastmasters Pathway projects:

  • Level 2: Learning Your Style: Effective Body Language or,
  • Level 1:  Mastering Fundamentals: Vocal Variety and Body Language

Go to 6 0 vocal variety and body language speech topics

WW2 cause and effect speech topic question with outline of soldiers in background

Cause and effect topics for speeches and essays to challenge, connect and make a difference. With explanations, examples and a free printable blank fish bone diagram, (an extremely useful visual cause and effect analytical tool), to download for your own use.

Go to 145 good cause and effect topics

Fun public speaking topics

Image:drawing of a man laughing.Text: The purpose of life is to be happy.

They're silly; deliberately daft and ridiculous!

These speech topics focus on light-hearted nonsense, tilting the world side-ways, giving your audience a glimpse of it funny side-up.

Gems include:

  • 'How to procrastinate like a professional',
  • 'How to look innocent',
  • 'Why lying can be useful', ...

Go on. Make them snort with laughter. Visit:

  • 60 fun public speaking topics for kids of all ages 
  • 1 88 funny how-to speech topics

180 + interesting speech topic ideas

Image: young girl with badge showing Facebook thumbs up icon on her tee-shirt. Background text: Please like me, please like me, please like me...

Here's a page of topic suggestions encouraging people to push beyond ordinary.

There's a bundle of 50 ideas around the growing influence of social media, a collection of 45 thought provoking suggestions centered on your very own community and family history, 61 'weird' topics, and more. 

You only need ONE truly bright and original idea, right?

Have a look here for it.

There are  180  interesting speech topic ideas   to browse through. 

Good informative speech topics

Informational speech topics button

An informative speech does what its title says: it informs. It gives the facts about the topic. Not people's feelings about the subject - just the facts.

Informational speech topic possibilities are quite truly endless.  Use my page as a beginning to set your own creative juices in motion.

Visit:  100s of good informational speech topics

Commemorative speech topic ideas

Definition of the word commemorate.

A commemorative or tribute speech honors the memory of  a person, a group, an institution, a thing, an event or an idea.

Use this  commemorative speech topic helper  page (and its resource links) to identify the right topic and theme to match the event you've been asked to speak at.

239 controversial or argumentative speech topics

Image:drawing of homeless man on street sitting a heart shaped beam of light. Text: The homeless on our streets need our help.

These topics are deliberately provocative. They cover four broad areas affecting us all: the food we eat, our children (from infancy through to teenage years), and the communities/countries we live in.

In addition to the 239 topics there are comprehensive guidelines about choosing the best topic: one fitting yourself and your audience. 

Find yourself a controversial speech topic .

Note: these topics are best suited for high school and college students.

32 Easter themed speech topics

Graphic : drawing of palm tree lined street leading to old buildings. Text: What is the history of Palm Sunday? 30+ Easter themed speech topics.

Easter - what is its history? What are the special days, like Palm Sunday, all about? What do bunnies and chocolate eggs have to do with it? Why does the White House have a tradition of egg-rolling as part of its Easter celebrations?

Use this page of 32  Easter speech topic possibilities  to find an idea for an inspirational  demonstration or an interesting informative speech.

Impromptu speech topics

Graphic - antique light bulb. Text: Dozens of bright ideas for impromptu speaking topics.

Help! I have a class and need lots of impromptu speech topics for them to practice with.

You've got them here. I have four pages of topics for impromptu speeches.

You'll find them suitable for middle school and upwards. They're great for public speaking clubs too.

  • 200 impromptu speech topics
  • 150 1 minute speech topics - with sample speech outlines, speeches: full text & audio
  • 11 themed sets of fun topics for impromptu speeches
  • 80+ themed table topic questions, with printables   

And last, but not least there's ...

98 printable impromptu speech topic cards, an almost* instantly available resource for busy public speaking teachers.

If you're time-poor and need a grab-and-go solution to your "HELP! I want speech topics for my public speaking class, and I need them now" problem, check these out.

Printable Impromptu Speech Topic Cards

Graphic: girl riding a wolf. Text: Who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl.

* It'll take you 5 minutes to select the set you want, (proverbs or quotations), pay, and have it downloaded ready for printing. You'll be getting 98 themed speech topic cards - a great reusable resource for $4.75.

& One Minute Speeches!

Another almost instantly available resource.

write-out-loud.com - one minute speeches

A fun and hugely effective impromptu speaking activity. You get topics + instructions for the core activity, plus three advanced variations for $5.95. Take a look - One Minute Speeches .

  • Return to write-out-loud.com homepage

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College Minor: Everything You Need to Know

14 fascinating teacher interview questions for principals, tips for success if you have a master’s degree and can’t find a job, 14 ways young teachers can get that professional look, which teacher supplies are worth the splurge, 8 business books every teacher should read, conditional admission: everything you need to know, college majors: everything you need to know, 7 things principals can do to make a teacher observation valuable, 3 easy teacher outfits to tackle parent-teacher conferences, 136 persuasive speech topics for students.

speech topics for secondary school students

Are you looking for persuasive speech topics to assign to your students? Don’t worry; we have you covered. Check out our list of 136 persuasive speech topics for students.

  • Testing products on animals: is it ethical or not?
  • Is it right to keep animals in zoos?
  • Should we use products made with animal fur?
  • Euthanizing stray animals: is it ethical?
  • Can a companion or service animal change someone’s life?
  • Is it rational to be scared of harmless yet frightening or unusual animals?
  • Keeping wild and exotic pets away from their natural habitat. Is it ethical?
  • Should we spay pets to control overpopulation?
  • Keeping exotic animals at home. Is it good for them?
  • Ten ways we can help animals live better
  • Personality disorders among teens. Are they easy to identify?
  • How our differences make us unique
  • Phobias of children, teens, and adults. What are the similarities and differences?
  • When is it right to give children medication for mental issues?
  • Suicide among teenagers. Is the media affecting it?
  • Studying psychology stresses students out
  • Peer pressure is the cause of a lot of delinquency during the teenage years
  • The importance of people skills
  • Are introverts better entrepreneurs?
  • How can a mentor affect your success as an entrepreneur?
  • Understanding your position in the market. How can it affect your current and future business plan?
  • Can social media affect your marketing plan?
  • Should you start a business based on your passions?
  • Starting a successful business with no money
  • The value of unique business ideas
  • Using feedback from unhappy customers to enhance your sales
  • The importance of delegation
  • Employers are asking for their employees’ social media accounts. Is it right or wrong?
  • Employers shouldn’t ask questions related to an employee’s personal life
  • Life as a teen addicted to technology
  • Teachers contribute more to society than a lot of other professions
  • Video games promote violence among children and teens
  • Are music videos appropriate for children and teens to watch?
  • Mental health and well-being should be one of the subjects studied in school
  • Kids under 16 years shouldn’t have their own social media accounts
  • Exam results shouldn’t be used to label students
  • Dealing with bullies. Is it suitable to punish them?
  • Are K-12 schools rigorous enough?
  • How to overcome shyness
  • Which sport should you play to stay fit and healthy?
  • How to write the best title for your speech?
  • How to overcome your fear of public speaking?
  • What is the best way to solve challenging Math problems?
  • A migraine is usually overlooked at school or in a workplace
  • Alternative medication: The truth and the myths
  • Infertility in couples is related to stress and unhealthy lifestyles
  • Mental health issues affect the whole society
  • The food industry causes obesity
  • Everyone should donate blood at least once a year
  • How to overcome back pain? Different treatment options
  • Using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth is essential for your dental health
  • Do cell phones affect our brains?
  • Non-smokers should be first on organ transplant lists
  • Is biohacking good for your health?
  • Diet beverages do not make you lose weight
  • How to keep your immune system strong
  • How to improve the way your body and brain function
  • Social media affects people’s self-image and self-esteem
  • Competitive sports teaches us a lot about life
  • Who is a hero? What are the qualities of a hero?
  • Learning from your mistakes
  • Spending time with your grandparents
  • Brilliant ways to make money in the 21st century
  • Living underwater: A reality or science fiction?
  • Texting while driving should be illegal
  • Using single-use plastic containers should be banned
  • School days should start later in the day
  • Immigration laws should be more lenient
  • Living with refugees from other countries
  • Students should be able to pick their schools
  • Parents should be able to pick their child’s schools
  • Should human beings control the weather?
  • Simple ways to overcome stress
  • People who spend their time playing video games are more prone to depression
  • Video games can enhance people’s brain functioning
  • Children who play video games have faster responses
  • How will gaming look ten years from now?
  • Virtual reality affects people’s perception
  • Living without computers is impossible
  • A video game can be the easiest way to teach kids
  • Watching people playing video games is as fun as watching sports in person
  • Will playing video games cause behavior problems?
  • The gaming industry is affecting every aspect of our lives
  • Video games are just as popular among adults
  • Playing video games with random people online makes you more sociable and outgoing
  • Using genetically modified foods is bad for our health
  • Using painkillers is not healthy
  • The technology revolution is changing life way too fast
  • Human beings should depend more on renewable energy
  • The power of crystal healing can improve our mental and physical health
  • How your diet can cause the onset of different health conditions
  • Using supplements should be controlled
  • Coming up with guidelines that control STEM cell research
  • How can science be used to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals?
  • High-school and middle-school students should be trained to do PowerPoint presentations
  • Improving students’ presentation skills
  • Should uniforms be obligatory in schools?
  • Should there be separate classrooms for boys and girls?
  • Students sent to boarding schools: A responsibility and a risk
  • The possible positive effect of spending a year as an exchange student
  • Cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in schools
  • Taking a year off school. Can it help you?
  • Hilarious games in the class can help shy students get along with others
  • Grades: Are they a fair way to evaluate academic performance?
  • More political and legal measures should be taken to protect the environment
  • Keeping an animal away from its home will affect the environmental balance
  • Businesses have a serious obligation towards protecting the environment
  • There should be a strict policy against polluting the ocean
  • Should there be government policies against the use of disposable diapers?
  • Recycling paper is going to save our planet
  • Are we taking the right measures to address global warming?
  • Can child abuse and traumas lead to future mental disorders?
  • Can family history make children more prone to stress and anxiety?
  • Should children and teens be worried more about their privacy or safety?
  • Can video games be used to educate children and teens?
  • Having an older/younger sibling. The perks and the challenges
  • Internet censorship for kids, is it a must?
  • The problem of governmental spending on biological weapons
  • Are we taking the right steps to eliminate cultural sensitivity?
  • Obesity in children is related to living a fast-paced life. What is the role of the parents
  • Getting and renewing a driving license: Is one test per lifetime enough?
  • Should smokers pay a health tax?
  • Is the government spending too much on the military sector?
  • Can writing a journal help you become a better person?
  • Reality shows affect people’s mental health
  • Song lyrics affect our lives in several ways
  • Should an artist comply with the rules set by society while working on a project?
  • Can action movies cause stress and anxiety?
  • Reading inspirational and humorous quotes improves your mood
  • Why reading an informational article in a list form is easier
  • Studying religion is motivational
  • How do we overcome conflicts and arguments between people who believe in different religions?
  • Should religion be allowed in schools?
  • Scriptures from the Bible can help people renew their belief
  • Current vs. ancient interpretations of the Bible: Which is more factual?
  • Children should be allowed to choose their religion

Bonus: How can companies like Prepaway diversify their companies?

Ph.D. vs. Ed.D., Which One is Right ...

120 debate topics for high and middle ....

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School Speech Topics: 200+ Unique Ideas

School Speech Topics

Delivering a speech is an essential part of every student’s curriculum. It requires confidence to articulate your thoughts and represent them in front of the entire school. It is a beautiful way to interact with your audience, engage with them, and add to their knowledge. This scholarly exercise helps students showcase their critical thinking, soft skills, creative writing, knowledge, viewpoints, and public speaking skills, which allows them to boost their confidence and stand out from the crowd.

The initial step of crafting a speech requires a unique school speech topic. Before starting the business of writing, students must consider their school speech topics. One should decide on their speech topics and get to the writing part as early as possible. But, sometimes, even after brainstorming for hours, students still need help deciding what topic to choose. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

No more stomach-churning and anxiety-inducing thoughts about what topic to choose; our experts have compiled a list of excellent school speech topics. You can use these speech topics to frame an incredible piece of writing.

Table of Contents

Three Pillars of Any Speech

No matter what kind of speech you’re delivering, in all speeches, especially academic speeches, there are always three significant components. These include logic (logos), ethics (ethos), and emotions (pathos).

pillars of speech

  • Logic (Logos):-  “Logos” refers to the logical reasoning in your speech. A single link must connect all the pieces of your arguments and statements. Thus, from the introduction to the conclusion, draft logical, meaningful, and reasonable points to give substance to your opinions.
  • Ethics (Ethos):  The second aspect, emotions, or ethos, signifies your ethics, morality, and believability as a speaker. Increasing your credibility will help persuade your professors or readers to accept your arguments and consider the necessary actions.
  • Emotions (pathos):  Emotions play a significant role in convincing someone. It is likely the most crucial aspect of your academic speech. Emotions pique people’s interest, which motivates them to listen to your arguments and consider taking the recommended actions.

Thus, to present a unique, intriguing academic speech, students must ensure that their speeches successfully comply with all these three pillars of speech.

How to Research Speech Ideas for School

There are some fundamental suggestions that you need to follow for selecting your speech topics. These suggestions will help you navigate through the selection process. These include:

  • Research and narrow down crucial topics   that would perfectly fit into a coherent speech topic. Ensure that the selected topic is suitable to enhance your abilities and interact with your audience.
  • The next step is to identify your targeted audience .  Knowing your audience’s demographics will enable you to choose a subject that will capture the audience’s   attention from the start. Ensure to be more aligned with the audience’s   general areas of interest.
  • Ensure that your selected topic is not leading your audience in distinct directions where they will find it hard to follow your speech flow.
  • When you’ve selected your educational speech topics, follow the answers to these 5 Ws to ensure you’re on the right track:
  • Who is affected by your topic or problem?
  • Why is this subject significant? What drives the exploration of it?
  • What regions of the world does the topic affect, or where is it located?
  • When and how was/is this subject discussed? Is time a crucial component?
  • What is the most crucial argument or point of view?
  • The next step is to understand your audience.   Knowing your audience’s demographics will enable you to choose a subject that will capture attention from the start and be more in line with general areas of interest.
  • Keep things interesting for yourself and your audience.   Speeches can be tedious. Choose a creative, exciting topic to keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation.

200+ Captivating School Speech Topics

Captivating School Speech Topics

Writing a speech requires coming up with a brilliant topic and then articulating your thoughts and knowledge in a systematic and disciplined manner. Either teacher assigns students their topics for speeches, or students might have the opportunity to select for themselves.

Below is a list of 200+ great speech topics for high school students that can help you draft a powerful speech.

Speech Topics for High School Students

For high school students, the scope of research extends to another level. They can do research on anything and anyone they want. There are numerous topics for speeches that could be interesting to you. Look through the list of topics below to see if you can find something that interests you.

  • The 1917 Spanish flu
  • The opioid outbreak in the United States
  • Ignorance is bliss
  • The Salem witch trials
  • Cruelty in animal testing laboratories
  • How do books make a difference?
  • Fashion in Victorian Britain
  • Modern politics, culture, and society
  • Racial discrimination in the workforce
  • The power of satire in comedy
  • Censorship issues in the film industry
  • Classical mythology in popular cultures
  • Superhero culture in society
  • Body donation for medical science: why and why not?
  • Depletion of the ozone layer
  • What is the reason for deforestation in developing countries?
  • Waste management from a global perspective
  • Water-saving agriculture in China: an overview
  • Why do endangered species matter?

Read Also – Top 100 Position Paper Topics

Persuasive Speech Ideas for Students

Persuasive speech is crafted to persuade individuals to believe in something or do something irrespective of their traditional beliefs. It is the type of speech that revolves around everything, whether it’s arguing about politics or talking about a balanced diet.Below are some engaging, persuasive speech topics for students. Use this list to get inspired and craft a fantastic speech:

  • Impact of marketing on individuals and their perception
  • Effect of peer pressure on students’ mental health
  • Are zoos ethical? Why animals should not be kept in zoos
  • Strategies involving students’ interest in learning
  • Critical global issues: what is the biggest threat to the world?
  • The past, present, and future of recycling
  • Conservation of oil and natural gas
  • Understanding the importance of water reservations
  • Why is global warming still a threat to human health?
  • Advertising standards: advertising should be more regulated.
  • Why has Indonesia banned palm oil exports?
  • How can television once again be instructive and beneficial?
  • The truth about political correctness: the two-fold connection of liberalism
  • Euthanizing stray animals: is it ethical?
  • How our differences make us unique
  • The importance of delegation
  • Technology dependency among teenagers
  • Benefits of conserved oil
  • Search engine technologies are replacing traditional research methods.
  • Is graffiti art or vandalism?

Informative Speech Ideas for School Students

An informative speech is a type of speech that is crafted by centralizing people, events, places, news, things, or processes. This speech is entirely and exclusively focused on facts.

Thus, in simple words, an informative speech imparts knowledge to the audience regarding a particular subject. If you’re thinking of drafting an informative speech, then here are some topic suggestions you can consider:

  • The importance of the arts for students
  • The life cycle dynamics of ocean animals
  • Customer satisfaction surveys in the business world
  • A prohibition on advertisements that depict violence, ragging, or body shaming to gain TRPs.
  • Relationship between religion and Education
  • IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
  • Why one shouldn’t be afraid of their competitors
  • The psychology of colors: the effects of colors on behavior
  • Self-tanner has real-world adverse effects.
  • Antipodes map: tunnel to the other side of the world
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Owning a pet: things to know
  • Could fining parents cut childhood obesity?
  • Ancient and Asiatic horse breeds
  • The history and present of the ivory trade
  • Causes of deforestation in developing countries
  • Causes and effects of overpopulation
  • medical dangers of consuming nicotine
  • Sexual prejudice in sports

Read Also – Top 100 +Group Discussion Topics

Arts & Culture Speech Topics for High School Students

Here we’ve compiled a catalog of some outstanding arts and culture speech topics to help you frame a memorable speech:

  • Culture and nationalism
  • The importance of multicultural Education
  • Graffiti should be considered an art.
  • Preserving traditional games as cultural treasures
  • Classic literature readings versus modern e-books
  • Art and music therapy
  • The economics of art museums
  • The importance of music and the arts for young minds
  • The E-Library Culture

Incredible School Speech Topics for English & Classical Literature

If you’re a literature student or are keen to study literature or English, then you can look at these below-given school speech topics connected with English and literature.

  • Keats, the man, medicine, and poetry
  • Women writers who shaped American literature in the twentieth century
  • Resolving writer’s block
  • Shakespeare’s role in shaping the modern language
  • Evaluating Ernest Hemingway’s narratives for promoting toxic masculinity
  • The history of book bans in the United States
  • Symbolism in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Which current literature will endure as classical literature in the future?
  • Pride and prejudice: the limits of societies
  • Understanding Virginia Woolf as a feminist
  • Contemporary movies that depict works of classic literature
  • The role of Lady Macbeth in the downfall of Macbeth
  • contribution of women in shaping early American literature
  • Romanticism in the 18th-century British literature
  • The status of women in 20th-century English society
  • Male dominancy in the texts of early British literature
  • An examination of the “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Understanding power and identity in Gothic literature
  • Agatha Christie as the first lady of crime
  • The post-romantic and Victorian eras

Read Also – 100+ Anthropology Research Paper Topics

School Speech Topics Regarding Current Affairs and Social Issues

Finding exciting topics regarding current affairs or social issues is pretty straightforward. Crafting a speech around current and social events will have an exceptionally significant impact on your audience. Carefully analyze each topic in the following list:

  • White nationalism
  • What lessons have we learned from the pandemic?
  • The Occupy Wall Street movement
  • Afghani women under Taliban rule
  • Modern protest culture
  • Israel-Palestine relations
  • Ukraine and Russia are at war.
  • Liberalism vs socialism
  • The Me Too movement
  • Role of the UN in protecting human rights
  • “Viral” culture in today’s society
  • Black Lives Do Matter.
  • Anti-hijab protests in Iran
  • Human rights as a western construct
  • A Green New Deal
  • Tortured justice: no pain, no gain?
  • Syrian civil war
  • Global human trafficking: a 2022 report
  • Generational divisions between Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Generation Z
  • DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Politics, Law, and Business Related School Speeches Ideas

Writing a speech regarding politics, law, or business can be complicated. Despite their interest in these subjects, students chose them as speech topics. While watching current events or the news can be advantageous, you can also analyze the below-given list for some inspiration:

  • Marketing niches: is it beneficial for your business?
  • The role of elections in a democracy
  • Understanding the influence of social media on shaping political campaigns
  • Political ideologies that shook the world
  • Analyzing the government’s role in combating the environment
  • The future of small businesses
  • Business performance management
  • Unorthodox business ideas
  • Anti-trust policies and provisions
  • Juvenile Delinquency Prevention
  • America is not a democracy.
  • An overview of activity-based management in businesses
  • Gender-based discrimination in the workplace
  • Youth and politics: youth participation in changing the world
  • The business world has forgotten competitive marketing skills.
  • Democracy vs communalism
  • Image of “Justice” in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment
  • Modelling the impact of AI on the global economy
  • Emerging issues in the private panel institutions

Speech Topic Suggestions on Psychology

Today, psychology is a highly contentious issue. Many students are interested in learning more about psychological issues. Therefore, consider creating your speech around psychology. Check out our collection of topics!

  • Mental health issues and war veterans
  • Why does human multitasking fail?
  • Drug Addiction Hypnotherapy
  • The impact of media and peers on eating disorders among children
  • impact of social media on our mental health
  • The psychology behind cults
  • Sigmund Freud’s Theories: Simply Psychology
  • Social determinants of mental health
  • The psychology of sleep paralysis
  • Cognitive approaches to insomnia
  • Abnormal psychology
  • The psychology of dreams and nightmares
  • The psychological essence of child geniuses and prodigies
  • Early identification of autism disorders
  • The consequences of childhood bullying on mental health and low self-esteem
  • The relationship between physical and mental illness
  • The formation of memories in the human brain
  • Emotional reaction to music: how does music evoke emotions?
  • The psychology of money

School Speech Topics Based On Technology

Being science students, nobody knows this better than you; those technological speech topics can never be dull or tedious. This field is undoubtedly the most complex or challenging, but what can be fun if there’s no challenge? So, here are some fascinating technology-related speech topics for high school students:

  • It is preferable to have printed images than to retain electronic copies on a computer.
  • The significance of regularly creating backups of your computer files
  • Search engines are replacing libraries.
  • Future Space Science and Exploration: A Historical Overview
  • A Scientific and Ethical View on Human Cloning’s Developments
  • What Is the Future of Artificial Intelligence?
  • Increase in robotics
  • How can we continue to profit from the internet?
  • The Effects and Consequences of Bio-warfare
  • The future of humankind and its technological impact
  • The significance of being alert to internet fraud
  • Phones make it difficult for us to communicate with one another.
  • Why free internet music should be available.
  • The role of technology in shaping our lives
  • The future of AI watches
  • How are evolving technologies harming human lives?

Topics for Scientific Studies Speeches

Are you searching for compelling subject matter for your speech? You’ll need to choose the proper topic carefully because this is one of the most challenging disciplines of study. Here are a few suggestions.

  • What Is a Computer Virus?
  • What Is the Influence of Social Media on Us?
  • Discover Interesting Facts About the Human Brain
  • How does the human brain work?
  • Drug testing shouldn’t be done on animals.
  • How can geniuses be produced?
  • How can rainforests be preserved for future generations?
  • The contribution of Newton to science
  • The historical scientist with the most impact
  • How are search engines operated?
  • How do modern technologies change our lives?
  • Why shouldn’t whales be used as a food source?
  • The AI of tomorrow observes

Environmental Education Speech Topics

Despite only minor Ozone Layer loss, we still have a long way to go to protect our environment. If you are into environmentalism, then these given environmental speech topics can help you craft a memorable speech about enhancing the ecological system. Carefully analyze the following intriguing environmental speech ideas for college students:

  • How to Create a World That Runs on Alternative Energy Sources
  • What Can We Do to Prevent Animal Abuse?
  • What human behaviors cause landslides?
  • There is no longer a lot of fish in the seas and oceans. Why?
  • Effects of a Growing Population
  • Why Do Farmers Use Organic Fertilizers?
  • Are Our Tropical Rain Forests Dying?
  • The benefits of using reusable bags every day
  • Whether Pluto should be classified as a planet
  • Advantages of requiring recycling for everyone
  • Should the US government increase its funding for space initiatives?
  • What are the primary risks posed by oil spills in the ocean?
  • Is it crucial to be informed about what’s going on in space?
  • Importance of environmental cleanliness

In addition to research and diligent work, brilliant work is essential to prepare an educational speech. Please remember that this is not a research paper but only a speech. Prepare accordingly. Research credible sources, but don’t go overboard. Know when to stop researching and get back to writing.

Speech isn’t just about your writing skills; it also involves your communication skills. Don’t leave it to the last minute; start practicing your speech delivery as soon as you finish writing. Using words is simple if you are precise and confident in your presentation of your work. Be intellectual, passionate, and enthusiastic, and your audience will applaud you appropriately.

If you can’t handle your papers, Edumagnate is a paper help service that meet your needs.

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  • High School Speech Topics

High School speech topics are often difficult to discover. Also, giving a speech may cause you to shake with anxiety, wondering how my classmates will perceive me.

On this page, you'll not only find some great topics, but also a SUPERB video to help you overcome your fear of speaking in public.

learning high school speech topics

Public speaking doesn't have to be something you shy away.

Making speeches in high school can help you build confidence in your ability to interact with your peers.  Public speaking practice is also a GREAT way to learn to communicate in the outside world effectively.

And the good news is that coming up with high school speech topics - then turning them into compelling speeches - is not as difficult as it seems. Just take a deep breath and check out the video below. The presentation contains excellent tips to overcome public speaking anxiety and gives great ideas on how to deliver your speech topics and turn them into amazing speeches!

After that, scroll down, and you'll find 25 high school speech topics that I hope will inspire you!

25 High School Speech Topics

  • Joining the debate club will help you be successful in College/University.
  • High school is the best time of your life.
  • High school is a waste of time.
  • Should marijuana be legalized?
  • Should parents be held legally responsible for their children's actions?
  • Should animals be given chemotherapy for cancer or should they be euthanized?
  • Should volunteer work be mandatory in order to graduate from high school?
  • Should students have to take mandatory drug tests?
  • Should the Government be involved in internet censorship?
  • Assisted suicide should be legalized.
  • Will weapons of mass destruction one day bring about the end of the world?
  • Mothers should stay at home with their kids.
  • Why are vampires so popular with school kids?
  • Teachers' pay should be based on performance.
  • Should adoption records stay sealed forever?
  • Eating meat is detrimental to your health and to the planet.
  • Television, video game and movie violence all contribute to greater juvenile crime rates.
  • Students should be allowed to choose the school they attend.
  • People should be allowed to sell their organs for transplants.
  • Ancient methods of torture.
  • Overuse of cell phones causes trauma in young brains.
  • The voting age should be reduced to 16.
  • Why you deserve an A in your course.
  • Should any country be allowed to use torture to obtain intelligence information?
  • Dependence on technology is making humanity less intelligent.

high school speech topics

I hope these high school speech topics have helped to kickstart your brain. Just remember to take a deep breath before you begin speaking and have fun with your subject!

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370+ Speech Writing Topics For Students

Discover our guide with great speech writing topics for debate speeches, persuasive speeches, informative speeches, and much more. Get answers below.

Writing and delivering a speech can be nerve-wracking, especially for the first time. Explore our top speech writing topics for college and high school students and get answers to your frequently asked questions about how to choose a speech topic and overcome anxiety surrounding public speaking. For tips on how to write a speech , check out our guide!

How to Prepare For Public Speaking 

Persuasive speech topics, informative speech topics, speech topics on environment and nature , speech topics on science and health , speech topics about technology , motivational speech topic ideas, speech topics on friendship , speech topics on family , speech topics on sports , debate speech topic ideas , speech topics on politics , speech topics on social issues , business speech topics , personal speech topics , special occasion speech topics  , travel speech topics, speech topics on education , psychology speech topics , funny speech writing topics , what are the different types of persuasive speech , what are some effective and easy ways to fight a fear of public speaking.

College and high school students often find themselves giving a speech for the first time, which can be stressful if you’ve never done public speaking before. Students can prepare ahead of time in several different ways to help set the stage for success – here are just a few:   

  • Learn the fundamentals of giving a good speech. This includes understanding the elements of a speech, such as the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should flow smoothly into the next and build upon the main point. Pay close attention to which words you choose and how your delivery comes across.
  • Practice makes perfect. Try to find opportunities to speak in front of an audience in different situations, even if it’s just in front of family, friends, or in front of a mirror. It can also help to record yourself so you can listen back and identify areas that need improvement. The more practice you have, the more confident you’ll feel when it comes time to give your speech.
  • Use relaxation techniques before giving your speech. You can start by taking some deep breaths and focusing on exhaling slowly. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body several times until your muscles begin to relax on their own naturally. You can also check out these quick writing topics .

Speech Writing Topics: Persuasive speech topics

  • The dangers of social media. 
  • How to improve American healthcare. 
  • The problems with plastic bags. 
  • How cell phones lessen the quality of life. 
  • Why criminals need rights. 
  • If students should be required to study art. 
  • How the war on drugs harms communities of color.
  • If schools should ban certain types of books. 
  • If statues of slave owners should be removed from public property. 
  • If more practical subjects should be taught in school instead of algebra. 
  • If religion causes fighting and wars. 
  • If outlawing drugs makes them more desirable. 
  • If taking photographs of children in public should be illegal. 
  • How making food a reward sets the stage for eating disorders. 
  • If men should be granted paternity leave when they have or adopt a baby. 
  • If routine circumcision should be banned in the United States. 
  • How artificial intelligence stands to change the world. 
  • How American prisons are a form of modern-day slavery. 
  • Why the media needs more cultural and racial diversity. 
  • If restaurants have an obligation to purchase produce from local farmers. 
  • Global Warming & Climate Change 
  • Renewable Energy Benefits 
  • Problems In The American Education System 
  • Harmful Ingredients In Fast Food
  • Animal Testing, Zoos, And Other Forms of Animal Cruelty 
  • The Difference Between Real Life And Reality Shows
  • The Issue Of Indoor Pollution
  • Unethical Fast Fashion Practices 
  • The Benefits Of Journal Writing 
  • The Dangers Of Texting And Driving 
  • The Benefits Of Gender-Affirming Care For Trans People 
  • The History Of Racism In America 
  • The Dangers Of Hazing In College 
  • How Natural Disasters Develop With Climate Change 
  • How To Think Critically When Watching The News 
  • Homelessness Statistics And Trends In America 
  • The Use Of Color Psychology In Marketing  
  • The Physical Effects Of Tattoo Ink 
  • The Psychological Impacts Of Beauty Pageants  
  • How Social Media Affects The Brain
  • How best to protect endangered animals. 
  • If having pet birds is ethical. 
  • If vegetable gardens should replace grass lawns. 
  • The impact of plastic disposables on the environment. 
  • The most efficient type of renewable energy. 
  • How increasing train travel can benefit both people and the environment.
  • If zoos should be strictly regulated or banned. 
  • The impact of fracking on the environment. 
  • If animal testing should be outlawed. 
  • If the government needs to allocate more resources to national wildlife preserves. 
  • The deforestation crisis. 
  • Air pollution and the impact of poor air quality on human health. 
  • If people should be allowed to own certain types of exotic animals and keep them as pets. 
  • How to reduce the presence of microplastics in the ocean. 
  • How drilling for oil impacts water aquifers and sources of clean, fresh water in America. 
  • If all grocery stores should stop using plastic bags. 
  • If parents should be allowed to choose their child’s sex and physical characteristics 
  • If vaccinations should be mandatory. 
  • If private corporations have a responsibility to create sustainable products. 
  • The impact of robots on the environment. 
  • If cloning animals and humans is moral. 
  • Whether physician-assisted suicide and compassionate euthanization should be legalized.
  • If cigarette smoking should be outlawed. 
  • If minors should be allowed to purchase birth control without parental permission. 
  • If sugary drinks should be taxed to discourage overconsumption. 
  • If America should have a single-payer healthcare system. 
  • The importance of adequate mental health care for high school students. 
  • Racial bias in the American healthcare system. 
  • If women face higher rates of being denied adequate pain control by healthcare providers.
  • If cannabis is harmful or helpful for certain medical conditions. 
  • If fast food restaurants have a responsibility to offer more affordable healthy food options. 
  • The role of relaxation in physical and mental health. 
  • If organ donation should be mandatory. 
  • How to address the obesity epidemic in America. 
  • If doctors should be paid according to their patient outcomes. 
  • How to reduce the cost of prescription medications for the average person. 
  • The benefits of laughing on physical and mental health. 
  • If breastfeeding should be more normalized in America. 
  • Sources of indoor air pollution and its impact on physical health. 
  • If food additives in America are unsafe. 
  • How technology can improve daily life. 
  • The consequences of biological warfare. 
  • How the advancement of robotics will impact the human population. 
  • If the internet is more dangerous than it is beneficial. 
  • The role of social media and online bullying in teen suicide. 
  • Practical applications for 3D printing. 
  • The future of self-driving cars. 
  • The differences and similarities between computers and the human brain. 
  • If colonizing the moon is possible and beneficial or harmful to the human species. 
  • How cell phones affect the human body. 
  • If humans can be grown in an artificial womb. 
  • If text messaging jargon is having a negative impact on human language. 
  • How technology has changed over the years for the better or worse. 
  • The impact of cryptocurrency on world economics. 
  • Using virtual reality to augment mental health treatment. 
  • The intersection of artificial intelligence and animatronics.
  • The future applications of nanotechnology. 
  • The applications of drones in global military efforts. 
  •  If dependence on technology is a danger to humanity. 
  • The impacts of Wi-Fi signals on human health. 

Motivational speech topic ideas

  • Women’s Empowerment 
  • The Me Too Movement 
  • Overcoming Peer Pressure 
  • The Value Of Community Service 
  • Mental Health And Wellness 
  • Productivity And Time Management 
  • How To Own Up To Mistakes And Learn From Them 
  • The Benefits Of Meditation 
  • Money Management 
  • Taking Time For Yourself 
  • How To Become A Winner 
  • How To Be A Better Role Model
  • Turning Failures Into Successes 
  • Handling Rejection Gracefully 
  • How To Work Smarter Instead Of Harder 
  • Why Time Is More Valuable Than Money 
  • Setting Effective Goals 
  • How To Break Bad Habits 
  • How To Cope When Bad Things Happen 
  • Thinking And Speaking Positively
  • How mental health can affect friendships and other relationships.
  • Tips for managing conflicts with friends. 
  • How to communicate special needs effectively to friends. 
  • The qualities of a good friend. 
  • Signs of a toxic friendship and how to get out of one. 
  • How people from different generations can be friends. 
  • If sororities and fraternities promote friendships or cause problems. 
  • How to help a friend who is experiencing thoughts of self-harm. 
  • What loyalty and dependability mean in a friendship. 
  • How to hold friends accountable for wrongdoing without destroying the friendship. 
  • What can be done about bullying that occurs inside a friend group? 
  • If friends have a responsibility to report dangerous behavior. 
  • If men and women can be friends. 
  • If it’s a good idea to develop a friendship with someone before dating them and why. 
  • The benefits of keeping in touch with your childhood or high school friends. 
  • If groups of single parents can become friends and raise their children together. 
  • How friends can help each other succeed in life. 
  • The challenges of maintaining friendships as a busy adult. 
  • What gifts would you get your friends if money was no object? 
  • How to avoid jealousy in a friendship. 
  • Signs of toxic family dynamics and how to get out of harmful cycles. 
  • The definition and impact of generational trauma. 
  • Qualities of a strong and healthy family dynamic. 
  • How parents can build a loving family and home life. 
  • Communication tips for family members. 
  • If families with young children should limit their screen time. 
  • The benefits of going on family vacations. 
  • The best ways to balance work and family commitments.
  • The importance of staying in touch with family members who are far away. 
  • How having a family can enrich someone’s life. 
  • If you should be required to donate a lifesaving organ or blood to a family member. 
  • If children should be required to take care of elderly parents. 
  • If the Christian religion promotes misogyny within conservative families. 
  • If the number of children a couple can have should be regulated by the government. 
  • If parents should be held accountable for crimes committed by their children. 
  • If couples should be required to take parenting classes before starting a family. 
  • How spanking causes brain damage in young children. 
  • Misconceptions new parents have about raising kids in modern society. 
  • What it means to go “no contact” with a parent and why adult children choose to leave their families.
  • What a “chosen family” is and how people develop familial relationships outside of their blood relatives. 
  • What Is Good Sportsmanship?
  • Professional Sports Salaries 
  • How Sports Impact Human Psychology
  • Sports And Mental Development 
  • Benefits Of Childhood Sports 
  • How Sports Teach Morals 
  • Do International Sports Promote World Peace?
  • Why Dance Is A Sport 
  • Should School Sports Be Mandatory?
  • What Competitive Sports Teach About Life 
  • Sports and Performance Enhancing Drugs 
  • Trans People In Sports 
  • The Role Of Social Media In Sports 
  • How Sports Build Social Skills
  • How Losing At Sports Teaches Life Lessons 
  • Are Professional Sports Too Commercialized Now? 
  • Sports And Virtual Reality 
  • The Future Of College Sports 
  • What Players Want Sports Coaches To Know 
  • Sports And Disabilities 
  • Violent Video Games 
  • The Death Penalty 
  • Human Rights Issues 
  • Obesity in America
  • Mass Shootings In Public Places 
  • Alcohol Has A Greater Negative Impact On Society Than Cannabis 
  • The War Against Drugs 
  • Cellphone Policies In Schools 
  • Religious Indoctrination Is Child Abuse 
  • Police & Qualified Immunity 
  • Regulating Senior Drivers 
  • Affirmative Action 
  • Stem Cell Research 
  • Peaceful Protests 
  • Contraceptive Regulation 
  • Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) 
  • Arranged Marriages 
  • Censorship 
  • Animal Breeding 
  • The Adoption Industry 
  • If America is not a true democracy. 
  • If corporations should be allowed to donate to political campaigns. 
  • If celebrities should be able to run for public office. 
  • If poverty should be a government priority. 
  • The prevalence of political corruption in America. 
  • If the voting age should be raised in America. 
  • If the United States should fund wars between other countries. 
  • If national voter ID laws would disenfranchise minority voters. 
  • The definition and prevalence of domestic terrorism in America. 
  • Why it’s important for young people to vote. 
  • If far-right influencers promote dangerous ideals. 
  • If the government should spend less money on the military and wars. 
  • If Social Security benefits should be preserved for future generations. 
  • If Americans should get to vote for who serves on the Supreme Court. 
  • If Congress should have term limits. 
  • If the Electoral College should be abolished. 
  • How minorities are represented in Congress. 
  • If private for-profit prisons should be banned or heavily regulated. 
  • If the police should be required to operate their body cameras at all times. 
  • If people imprisoned for marijuana offenses should be let out in states where cannabis is now legal. 
  • Abortion 
  • Free Education In America 
  • Right To Marry 
  • Racism And Poverty In America 
  • Food Deserts And Malnutrition 
  • Substance Abuse And Crime Rates 
  • The Right To Housing 
  • Wage Inequality 
  • Crime Recidivism Reduction 
  • Child Labor 
  • Agricultural Integrity 
  • Taxing Religious Institutions 
  • Prostitution 
  • Minimum Wage 
  • Common Sense Gun Control Laws 
  • Gender And Sexual Orientation Discrimination 
  • Violence In Media 
  • Paid Maternity And Paternity Leave In America 
  • What skills do entrepreneurs need to be successful? 
  • How to motivate and engage employees at work. 
  • Top indicators of business success. 
  • How to make money using your passion. 
  • The importance of good financial planning for businesses. 
  • How companies can create loyal customers for life. 
  • Why businesses need to create a powerful brand image in today’s competitive market. 
  • Tips for people who want to start their own business. 
  • How to create a home office. 
  • Why do some companies have high turnover rates? 
  • If incentivized customer reviews are unethical. 
  • If businesses should be held responsible for false advertising. 
  • If businesses should be allowed to lobby people in Congress. 
  • Ethical marketing practices for new businesses. 
  • How to balance owning a business and starting a family. 
  • Women entrepreneurs in America. 
  • Do companies have a responsibility to help manage inflation?
  • The disparity between CEO and employee pay. 
  • If the existence of billionaires is ethical. 
  • How businesses can cultivate positive company culture. 
  • The scariest thing you ever did and how you overcame your fear. 
  • A difficult decision you had to make and why you made the choice you did. 
  • Your favorite teacher and what you learned from them. 
  • Something you learned about yourself that improved your life. 
  • A regret that you have and what you wish you would have done instead and why. 
  • Something valuable you broke or lost and how it made you feel. 
  • Someone you admire in your personal life and what they taught you. 
  • Your ambitions and why you want to achieve them. 
  • A family member you looked up to as a child and why. 
  • The most exciting thing you’ve ever done and if you would do it again. 
  • The type of job you want to hold in the future and why. 
  • Specific expertise you hold and how it can provide value to your community. 
  • Charities or social initiatives you support and why. 
  • What your favorite motivational quote is and why. 
  • Something that makes you unique and distinguishes you from other people. 
  • The historical figure you most look up to and why. 
  • A time you failed at something you tried but learned an important lesson from the experience. 
  • A close call you had with something and how the situation might have turned out differently. 
  • Somewhere you would visit in the world and why you would go there. 
  • Something you learned watching television or listening to the radio that changed your life. 
  • Graduation Speeches 
  • Valedictorian Speeches
  • Independence Day Speeches 
  • Wedding Toasts
  • Eulogies 
  • Speeches For Beauty Pageants 
  • Pep Rally Speeches 
  • Award Acceptance Speeches 
  • Introduction Speeches 
  • Presentation Speeches 
  • Farewell Speeches 
  • Dedication Speeches 
  • Commemorative Speeches 
  • Retirement Speeches
  • Welcome Speeches 
  • Birthday Speeches 
  • Tribute Speeches 
  • Keynote Addresses 
  • Anniversary Speeches 
  • Bar/Bat Mitzvah Speeches 
  • If traveling to Hawaii is ethical. 
  • If it’s dangerous for women to travel internationally alone. 
  • How travel can be educational. 
  • If vacations have a positive impact on emotional and psychological health. 
  • How travel can help prevent burnout. 
  • The dangers of drinking tap water when traveling to other countries. 
  • If there should be more travel accommodations for plus-size people. 
  • How viruses spread on cruise ships. 
  • Top reasons people travel. 
  • How to manage travel frustrations like missed flights and canceled reservations. 
  • What to do if there’s an emergency while traveling. 
  • Ethical tourism in poor countries. 
  • How to get to know a country’s customs when traveling. 
  • The impact of traveling on the economy. 
  • How American tourism impacts politics. 
  • The intersection between travel and religion. 
  • How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the travel industry. 
  • What travel means to you. 
  • If young children should be allowed to travel to dangerous places. 
  • How to navigate currency exchange issues when traveling. 
  • How COVID-19 impacted public education in America. 
  • The benefits of e-learning for children of different ages and education levels. 
  • If corporal punishment should be allowed in schools with or without parental consent. 
  • If sodas and energy drinks should be allowed in high schools. 
  • The different types of learning styles and how these play a role in public education. 
  • The impact of public school on child socialization. 
  • If schools should abolish homework policies. 
  • How elementary and middle schools should treat young trans students. 
  • The role of the Internet in American education today. 
  • How schools can provide more support to students with learning disabilities. 
  • If special education in schools is actually beneficial to students who are struggling in class. 
  • Comparing American schools to educational institutions in other countries. 
  • If students should be taught sex education in schools and if so, to what degree? 
  • If high school students should have access to condoms at school. 
  • If college should be free. 
  • Why teachers of all grade levels don’t make enough money in America. 
  • If a student’s grades are an indicator of their intelligence. 
  • If students should be required to learn etiquette at a certain age. 
  • If public education institutions should implement school uniform policies. 
  • If the pressures of school have a negative impact on kids who should be enjoying their childhood. 
  • The definition of trauma and how it impacts young children. 
  • How emotional abuse impacts psychological development in children. 
  • How dissociative disorders work to protect the brain from the impact of severe trauma. 
  • How reverse psychology works. 
  • The greatest contribution to modern psychology in history. 
  • How people with different personality disorders experience the world. 
  • The psychological relationship between parents and their children. 
  • The intersection between sleep and psychology. 
  • The differences between psychology and psychiatry. 
  • How psychologists benefit society and human development. 
  • How child psychology differs from adult treatment modalities. 
  • How psychological treatment has changed over the years. 
  • If basic psychology should be a required high school or college course. 
  • How violent movies and television impact human psychology.
  • How short and long-term memories form. 
  • The impact of bullying on child psychological development. 
  • The psychological impact of childhood neglect. 
  • If antidepressants are overprescribed.
  • The comorbidity of trauma and personality disorders. 
  • If birth order affects a child’s psychological development. 

Looking for more? You might also be interested in our list of the best report writing topics .

  • How Trix cereal discriminates against rabbits by making their cereal for kids. 
  • If plants have feelings and if vegans are committing acts of vegetable cruelty. 
  • Why the grass might literally be greener on the other side of a fence. 
  • How to be good at being lazy. 
  • Why lying well can be considered a talent. 
  • How being annoying can be considered an art. 
  • How to fail at a job interview. 
  • Tell a story about a joke that didn’t go over well. 
  • Compare Instagram to real life. 
  • If regifting is an ethical practice.
  • Why clothing companies don’t put pockets in women’s clothes. 
  • Why bad pickup lines work better than traditionally good pickup lines. 
  • Why a cartoon character should be elected President. 
  • A practical guide to surviving the zombie apocalypse. 
  • If internet surfing counts as an aerobic workout. 
  • Why kids shouldn’t have to clean their rooms. 
  • The worst business slogans and why. 
  • The correct way to offend someone. 
  • How to cheat at the game of Life. 
  • A list of the worst gifts ever. 

If you liked this post, you might also find these essays about being a student helpful.

The three main types of persuasive speeches are value-based, policy-based, and emotional-based. Value-based speeches argue a certain concept based on its merits, while a policy persuasive speech argues for a certain course of action. Emotional-based speeches seek to elicit a certain response from the audience by evoking an emotional reaction.

Some people find that focusing on their breathing helps to calm their nerves, while others find visualization exercises like picturing the audience in their underwear to be a helpful way to diffuse the tension. Others say that simply accepting that they will be nervous and embracing that feeling is the best way to get through it.  

Looking for more? Check out our round-up of the best inspirational books !

speech topics for secondary school students

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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435 PERSUASIVE Speech Topics for High School Students (Top)

PERSUASIVE Speech Topics for High School Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

issues among young adults ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

323. Can the use of technology within classrooms improve student engagement and learning outcomes?

324. How can educators effectively address cyberbullying amongst students today with minimal disruption for classes ?

325. To what extent should parents be allowed to monitor their children's online activity when it comes to school work assignments, tests & exams etc.?

326. Do afterschool programs offer tangible benefits that impact both academic performance and well being amongst high schoolers ?                                                                   ­

327. Does the legalization of marijuana have an effect on student behaviour and attitudes towards drug abuse in general?

328. Are there any strategies for reducing teenage crime rates in a given community beyond law enforcement measures alone?

329. Should students be encouraged to take part in political debates and campaigns within their communities?

330. Is the current educational curriculum adequate enough for providing a holistic learning experience to high schoolers ?

331. What are some of the best teaching practices that can help develop strong critical thinking skills among students?

332. How should educators approach controversial topics such as religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation when teaching high schoolers?

333. Is there evidence that homeschooling has any effect on academic performance or personal growth amongst teens ?                                      

334. Can young learners benefit from internships & apprenticeships programs offered by companies in their respective areas?

335. Are there methods teachers can adopt so as to better motivate underperforming students with special needs while still maintaining classroom discipline?                                      ­           

336. Should all states have strict policies regarding underage drinking & drug use both within schools and outside of them ?

337. Does student participation in art projects improve cognitive development such as problem solving, memory recall & creativity ?

338. What measures can be taken towards helping teenage parents balance attending classes with raising children successfully? ­

339. Are there any cultural implications on the learning process for teenagers from diverse backgrounds ?

340. Can teenage volunteering positively influence their social and emotional development?

341. Is it possible to create a safe environment in schools where students can freely express themselves without fear of discrimination?

342. Should classes be scheduled differently so as to allow more time for independent study or extracurricular activities?

343. Does peer pressure have an impact on academic performance amongst high schoolers ?

344. Do standardized tests adequately assess the knowledge & skills of teens while preparing them for college studies ?                                                                    ­

345. How could education reform effectively address growing student loan debt among young adults?

346. Is there any evidence that shows how physical activity such as sports, exercise etc. is beneficial to cognitive functioning among teens? ­               ­ ‐

347. What are some effective ways in which teachers can engage with parents better when addressing issues faced by students at school?

348. Does participation in community service projects help develop altruism within teenagers’ social circle and beyond ? ­                  ­

349. Should students be taught financial literacy from a young age in order to prevent them from making costly mistakes with their money?

350. Is there enough emphasis on practical skills such as coding, robotics etc. in high school curriculums?

351. Are online classes & virtual learning environments an effective way of teaching teenagers?

352. How can schools best address the issue of bullying among students and what steps should be taken for prevention ? ­                        ­           

353. Can restorative justice approaches significantly reduce student suspensions & expulsion rates within schools ?

354. What are some of the ways that parents can better support their children throughout the transition into high school? ­      ­ ‐

355. In what ways could meditation and mindfulness practices improve academic performance amongst high schoolers ? ­                        ­

356. Does parental involvement have any significant impact on teenage behavior related to drug or alcohol abuse?

357. To what extent does technology influence how teens interact with each other both inside and outside school grounds?

358. Do teachers need additional resources/training when it comes to addressing mental health issues amongst their students ?

359. Should there be stricter regulations in regards to the information that is sha

360. Are there any advantages to teaching students with a blended approach of online and physical classes?

361. Is social media use beneficial or detrimental to teenagers’ development & wellbeing?

362. What precautions should schools take in order to ensure student safety on campus?

363. How could introducing vocational courses help high schoolers gain skills for their future jobs ?

364. Does the current education system allow for equal opportunities for all students regardless of socio-economic backgrounds ?

365. Have digital devices and technology caused an increase in attention span issues amongst teens? ­  ­           

366. In what ways can career guidance counselors better assist teenage students make well informed decisions about their educational paths ?

367. What are some effective methods teachers can use when it comes to imparting knowledge as well as inspiring curiosity among high schoolers ?

368. Should the government enforce stricter laws and regulations regarding student safety in high schools?

369. Is it necessary for young people to learn a second language from an early age?

370. What are the long-term effects of sleep deprivation among teenagers?

371. How has social media changed communication dynamics between teens & their peers/family members ? ­  ­            ‐

372. Do standardized tests accurately measure the knowledge & skills acquired by students during their high school years ? ­                 ­

373. Are extracurricular activities beneficial to a student's academic performance and personal development ?

374. To what extent can technology assist with personalized learning experiences in order to better facilitate understanding amongst teenage students? ­        ­ ‐

375. Is there any benefit of introducing longer summer breaks into high school curriculums ?

376. Does interdisciplinary teaching have any positive effect on teen engagement within classrooms ? ­           ­           

377. Can increasing awareness about mental health issues help reduce stigma faced by those seeking help or support at school? ­

378. Should the legal drinking age be lowered for high school students?

379. Are there any effective ways to address bullying in schools?

380. How do dress codes impact teenagers’ self-expression?

381. What can be done to reduce the number of dropouts in high schools?

382. Can we use technology as a tool for teaching critical thinking skills to teens?

383. Is it necessary to maintain strict gender roles when it comes to academic activities amongst teenage students ?

384. Do standardized tests have any value when assessing student performance & should they continue being used ? ­         ­ ‐                        ‐            ­           

385. In what ways could developing countries benefit from introducing programs that encourage girls' education in secondary schools ? ­               ­ ‐

386. Are there any innovative methods teachers could utilize in order to promote healthy competition amongst their pupils ? ­              ­ ‐

387. How much of an influence does socio-economic status play on educational outcomes among teenage students worldwide?

388. Is media literacy an important skill for teenagers to learn in order to combat the negative effects of fake news?

389. Should there be stricter laws concerning food labeling and ingredients in school cafeterias?

390. What are some effective methods parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's internet usage & digital footprints ?

391. Can video games have a positive impact on teen learning outcomes ?

392. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used ?

393. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better ?

394. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students?

395. Is there any benefit of increasing recess times for high schools students & could it improve concentration levels during classes?

396. Should students be allowed to choose the topics they want to learn in school?

397. Are religious holidays important enough to be taken off from school?

398. Is it necessary for young people to have a basic understanding of coding and programming languages?

399. Can technology help reduce the amount of cheating on tests/assignments within high schools ? ­             ­ ‐

400. What are some effective ways parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's mental health & well-being ?

401. How can we foster better relationships between teachers, students, and parents in order to create a more productive learning environment for teens? ­             ­ ‐

402. Does using smartphones during classes really have any negative effects on student engagement & concentration levels ?

403. To what extent should educational institutions introduce courses that emphasize financial literacy amongst teenage students ? ­   ­               ‐                         ‐

404. Should there be stricter regulations regarding student safety in high schools?

405. Do standardized tests accurately measure the knowledge & skills acquired by teenagers during their high school years?

406. Should social media be regulated to prevent cyberbullying amongst high school students?

407. Is it necessary to have stricter regulations regarding the use of cellphones in classrooms?

408. Are there any effective ways educators can reduce educational inequality between low-income and affluent communities ? ­      ­ ‐

409. What strategies or activities could teachers utilize in order to facilitate meaningful conversations during class discussions ? ­    ­ ‐

410. Could introducing courses related to mental health awareness help teenage students cope with stress & anxiety better?

411. Does student participation and engagement decrease when laptops are used for coursework ?           ‐                         ‐ ­          What is the value of learning a foreign language in secondary schools, should it still be mandatory ?

412. How can teenagers become more civically engaged within their own community & political environment ?

413. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used? ­          ­ ‐

414. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online? ­      ­ ‐

415. Should students be able to pick their own topics within school curriculums?

416. Is homework a necessary part of the learning process or an outdated practice?

417. How could introducing courses focused on personal development help teenagers reach their full potential?

418. What are some effective methods parents can use when it comes to monitoring their teen's internet usage & digital footprints ?

419. Can video games have a positive impact on teen learning outcomes ?

420. Are standardized tests necessary for universities/colleges admissions and should they continue being used ?

421. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better ?

422. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students?

423. Is there any benefit of increasing recess times for high schools students & could it improve concentration levels during classes?

424. Is it beneficial to introduce a more active learning environment for teens?

425. Does homeschooling offer better opportunities for high school students?

426. Should schools relax their dress codes to create a more inclusive teaching environment?

427. What are the benefits and drawbacks of offering free public college tuition & education reform ?

428. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online ?

429. Are there any effective ways educators can reduce educational inequality between low-income and affluent communities ? ­      

430. What measures can teachers take in order to create a more inclusive classroom environment among teenage students ? ­

431. To what extent should educational institutions introduce courses that emphasize financial literacy amongst teenage students ?

431. Should social media be regulated to prevent cyberbullying amongst high school students ?

432. How could introducing budgeting courses help high schoolers understand personal finance & money management better?

433. Should schools offer more flexibility in course options for their students?

434. Should technology companies take responsibility for data privacy issues among young people online? ­               

435. What strategies or activities could teachers utilize in order to facilitate meaningful conversations during class discussions ?

Please note

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Never rely solely on digital information.

Taking into account your individual situation will help you make the best decisions for your own wellbeing.

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80 Impromptu Speech Topics For High School Students

Could you share a few words about yourself? This is one of the common questions asked in interviews, scholarships, or even when getting to know a new group of people. While you may be confused as to the pieces of information to be shared, it is so important to be present in the moment.

It is significant to understand that you are certain to come across various situations that require promptness and creativity. This is why impromptu speech is one of the helpful ways to build this skill for high school students.

Just as history essay topics help you express your words through written communication, impromptu speech allows you to build a better grasp of verbal communication. This article helps you with interesting impromptu speech topics that are thoughtfully selected to help students exercise their critical thinking skills and map their ideas. 

Creative impromptu speech topics for high schoolers 

  • The significance of humor in life.
  • Technology’s effects on society.
  • The advantages of reading.
  • The parent’s role in their child’s education.
  • The force of goodwill.
  • Significance of time management in life. 
  • Impact of climate change in everyday life.
  • Importance of friendship in life.
  • Influence of social media on young adults.
  • Public speaking is an art.
  • Advantages of exercising.
  • Importance of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling.
  • Why is quality education a need for the time?
  • Advantages of Goal setting for the future.
  • The role of women in history.
  • The significance of voting.
  • The power of positive thinking.
  • The benefits of volunteering.
  • The impact of video games on children.
  • The value of cultural diversity.
  • The role of mentors in life.
  • The effects of fast food on health.
  • Do dreams have a hidden meaning?
  • The importance of forgiving.
  • Advantages of picking up a new language.
  • Is adventure travel a lesson for life?
  • Technology’s function in education.
  • The significance of productive dialogue.
  • Smoking’s negative consequences on health.
  • Importance of building interactive museums for children.
  • The influence of good role models.
  • Effects of artificial intelligence on human beings.
  • Advantages of sports for students.
  • Significance of enhancing other skills in high school.
  • The importance of cultural customs.
  • The function of the media in forming views.
  • The value of raising awareness of mental illness.
  • Online shopping’s implications on small local businesses.
  • Importance of Renewable Energy Sources.
  • Why is meditation important for personal well-being?
  • The impact of fashion on self-esteem.
  • The value of wildlife conservation.
  • The importance of learning from failure.
  • The effects of overpopulation.
  • The significance of personal hygiene.
  • Power of storytelling for students and adults.
  • The benefits of a healthy diet.
  • The impact of space exploration.
  • The value of community service.
  • The role of art in therapy.
  • The importance of sleep for well-being.
  • The effects of social inequality.
  • Do art activities impact learning in high school?
  • The significance of clean water access.
  • Importance of saving environmental resources for the future.
  • The benefits of learning to play a musical instrument.
  • The power of volunteer firefighters.
  • The value of cultural heritage preservation.
  • The impact of smartphones on relationships.
  • The effects of deforestation on the environment.
  • Why is empathy an important value for students?
  • The importance of supporting local businesses.
  • The value of emotional intelligence.
  • Is internet privacy an important element in today’s time?
  • The role of space exploration in scientific advancements.
  • The benefits of eco-friendly transportation.
  • The value of lifelong learning.
  • The advantages of neighborhood gardening.
  • Virtual reality’s effects on education.
  • The importance of programs for cultural interaction.
  • The function of humor in stress reduction.
  • The significance of eco-friendly clothing.
  • The results of online activism.
  • The value of sustainable resources.
  • The efficacy of self-care techniques.
  • Advantages of urban gardening.
  • The results of schooling in coding.
  • The significance of being disaster-ready.
  • Impact of music therapy for students.
  • Why should you indulge in self-care practices? 

Helpful tips for impromptu speech

Delivering a speech with preparation on funny persuasive topics or political debate topics might be way different than talking on impromptu topics. Hence, it is vital to check for helpful tips and tricks that channel your thoughts in a more organized manner. Check the below tips to make your impromptu speech engaging for the audience.

  • Organize your thoughts on the topic and join the connecting links. This helps you decide the introduction, main theme, and conclusion of your speech. 
  • Map your ideas and always keep some extra pointers in case you forget the main ones. Mapping ensures that you go in a series without disturbing the rhythm of the speech.
  • If you relate to the topic well and have something personal to share, go ahead and make it seem like an example thereby entertaining the audience.
  • Be confident while speaking as there is no wrong or right in sharing your opinions on the topic. Make sure to showcase the firmness in your ideas to create an engaging time.
  • You can also practice writing by using literary essay topics that allow you to fill your mind with interesting ideas and a plethora of words to enhance your vocabulary. 

Wrapping Up 

An impromptu speech is certainly a helpful way to encourage participation from everyone in the class. As you deliver your speech, you also get an opportunity to hear others and learn from them.

It is super important to know that impromptu speech is to polish your skills and not a typical competition among your fellow mates. Trust yourself and be clear with the ideas you deliver in your speech. The more confidence you show in your attempt, the more you improvise in verbal communication.

speech topics for secondary school students

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

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Language Arts Classroom

Public Speaking Activities for Secondary Students

Public speaking activities should engage secondary speakers & create classroom community. These free public speaking activities are in a speech activity PDF. Looking for speech activities for high school students? Try these interactive & scaffolded public speaking lessons for high school language arts classes. Add these speech activites to your high school English classes or public speaking unit.

Read on for six public speaking activities. Then, sign up for a free download of the activities that you can hopefully use in diverse ways, even as public speaking games. 

I earned an endorsement in “speech” for my teaching license. (I’m in Illinois.) In college, I took extra communication courses and observed high school speech classes. Plenty of my extracurricular activities (plus my classes) required me to prepare and deliver speeches. When I started teaching, I had experienced public speaking activities as a student and a teacher observer.

Still, I felt underprepared to teach public speaking. I had zero speech activities for high school students. My first year of teaching, I thought materials were lacking on the Internet, from textbooks, from anywhere (and I searched). This was pre-TpT and I was sinking or swimming. My textbook for the class was about sixty years old, and I had no teacher edition.

That first year I did lots of paddling, but over the years I grew confident in teaching a speech class. I developed fun impromptu speech activities and other speech activities for high school students.

That isn’t to say that I didn’t make mistakes ; I made plenty. Through messy lessons, too-short of lessons, and confused students, I learned to provide structure for students without squashing them. I realized how much preparation was needed. I changed basic rubrics to rubrics that encouraged students to set goals and take ownership of their improvement. Scaffolding and modeling became part of my class.

So! I improved and reflected. After years of teaching public speaking, I crafted ideas for what would help young speakers. Hopefully, these activities help your speech classes too.

What are some ice-breaker exercises that can be used in a public speaking activity?

Some ice-breaker exercises that can be used in public speaking activities include “Two Truths and a Lie,” where participants share two true statements and one false statement about themselves, and “Would You Rather,” where participants are asked to choose between two options and explain their choice.

What about public speaking games?

Sometimes, structure helps young speakers, so I created these public speaking activities to address common areas of concern with high schoolers. Most students fear the nature of a speech class, use too many fillers when speaking, and focus on one area, such as volume and forget about the rest: non-verbal communication, tone, eye contact, etc.

Through coaching speech, spending many weekends at speech tournaments, and teaching public speaking, I created these public speaking activities. I’ve seen variations of these or adapted these from activities geared toward younger students. These speech activities should work well with high school students, but you can modify them for middle school or college speech classes.

These are included in my public speaking unit as well because they can be used numerous times.

Public speaking activities should address the fillers that creep into speeches. Speech class activities can address unnecessary fillers.

Fillers can distract an audience from hearing a really well-developed speech. First, not all fillers are bad. We naturally pause and add fillers. The abundance of fillers, however, can be distracting.

Sometimes speech students are unaware that they use fillers. Other times, students become nervous, pause, and fill the empty time with a filler. Talk with students about the reasons why fillers occur and if they have a time they rely on one. Showing compassion and understanding about a common problem during speeches will relax students, and they will be more likely to work on eliminating an abundance of fillers.

After showing compassion, play public speaking games to address filler words.

Before starting, choose your topic and write a list of common fillers that don’t positively add to spoken communication: um, yeah, like, uh. Ask students to contribute to the list. I normally write the list so that students can consult it.

Instruct students to speak for 30 seconds (vary the time if necessary) and not use any fillers. Students should realize how easily fillers creep into their speech. NOW! Everyone uses some fillers, and fillers can make public speaking natural. However, too many fillers can distract audiences.

Each student will give a short speech for 30 seconds. The topic isn’t too important. You can choose one for the entire class or allow students to choose.

Students must restart their speech if they use a filler. Some students will try to pause and draw out the speech by not speaking, but most students speak at a normal pace. Overall, the audience is compassionate toward the speaker because everyone realizes the difficulty of not relying on these words.

This activity is perfect after the first formal speech. Students need to decompress, but they also need to eliminate fillers. When I ask students to write goals for their future speeches, eliminating fillers is a common goal.

Speech activities for high school students should work on nonverbal communication. Activities for public speaking can address all forms of communication.

2. Nonverbal practice

Nonverbal communication matters. To help students experience that, ask them to perform an activity where the focus is nonverbal communication.

Students will line up in alphabetical order only using nonverbal communication. I have students line up by order of their middle names since they typically know everyone’s last names. They experiment with different forms of nonverbal communication and have fun. Most often they make a capital letter with their fingers. If some students know middle names, they will switch classmates around.

The real practice is when students realize many of them have a middle name that starts with the same letter. “A” is a common one. Then students must figure out how to communicate the second letters of Aarron, Ann, Alice, and Abraham. I will say I’ve never had a class line up correctly.

This activity is the perfect introduction to nonverbal communication. As students continue through the semester, they’ll be able to focus on purposeful movements that emphasize their points. This nonverbal activity breaks the ice as you start to work on nonverbal communication. I never plan on this nonverbal practice becoming a public speaking game, but it often does.

Activities for public speaking can be simple. Add the power of one to your public speaking lesson plans. Speech activities for high school students can be used throughout the semester.

3. One goal

Speeches can overwhelm students. Help students focus on one goal. The best part about the “one goal” activity is that students choose their focus which creates less work for you and buy-in for students.

As students continue with class, ask them what area they see as the greatest potential for improvement. Brainstorm areas as a class. There is no right or wrong! Students normally list eye contact, proper volume level, appropriate nonverbal communication, and natural movement. Then let students decide what they desire to improve.

Students will individually decide what they want to improve in their speaking—they will each have a goal. Some students want to work on eye contact, others want to balance their volume, others want to stop fidgeting. Then I divide students into small groups. Students will practice the current speech they are creating, receiving constructive feedback when they need to correct an action to meet their goal. Their group will also tell them when they did well and moved toward meeting their goal.

(This is a bit like #1 but fillers are such a huge issue with high school orators that it gets its own activity.) I normally do this activity later in the year after students are comfortable with each other. I also don’t do this activity if I feel a class may not give meaningful feedback. Finally, I share with students that improving in an area is part of most jobs. In teaching, for example, teachers often record themselves and reflect on the video later. They then develop goals for improvement in their profession. (Sometimes it is a public speaking goal!)

This activity works well to meet individual goals and to build classroom community. My speech rubrics contain a spot for consideration on improvement of a goal. Plus, the art of reflection will serve students in any field or career, so I stress that message to them. This focused practice works well because it encourages students to work on a goal in which the teacher had very little involvement.

Public speaking activities can be fun for public speaking students.

4. M&M/ Skittles

Who doesn’t like candy? With this fun exercise, students share information about a topic. You’ll get students talking in a low-stress, engaging way.

This candy activity is fun and quick. Bring a large bag of small candies like M&M or Skittles to class. Ask students to take as many pieces of candy as they like, but stress not to eat the candies yet. Pass the bag around. Then, students must tell a fact about themselves for each piece of candy. 15 pieces of candy? 15 facts.

This also works with review. 5 pieces of candy? Review 5 facts with the class concerning public speaking terms. After speaking, students may eat their candy. I’ve used a similar process in other classes to review material.

This activity works well as a review or as a first day of school activity. Students are publicly speaking in their speech class on the first day of school without any feedback or real regulations. Since the process is fun, their first experience in class is a positive one. Plus, the candy aspect lends itself to making a public speaking game.

Impromptu speaking practice

5. Impromptu

Most speeches in real life are actually impromptu speeches. Interviews, business meetings, and proposal presentations require people to think quickly and to speak eloquently, all while proving their point. Body language matters too!

Activate prior knowledge with a bit of an anticipatory set. Ask students about a time they gave an impromptu speech (even though they did not probably label it “impromptu” at the time!). Most people can relate to the frustration of having ideas but not conveying them well. Many times, people think of what they should have said days later! Students probably face this frustration. Acknowledge that feeling, share they you’ve experienced it too, and supply a solution.

Thinking and speaking on your feet might come naturally to some people. With practice, even those who struggle to articulate their ideas under pressure can improve.

Have students organize a speech quickly by delivering an impromptu speech. Often I would ask a class to write a topic on a piece of paper. (Sometimes I would say that the topic needed to be persuasive or informative—but it always needed to be clean.) Students would write their topic, add it to a box, and draw from a box. The topics were great because I didn’t make them and because students knew they had the potential to draw their own.

After drawing, provide 30 seconds to outline their speech. Then, students will talk about the topic for one minute. As the school year continued, I would increase the speaking time.

Older students who have been in class for a bit will probably organize their speech with a general introductory statement, two concepts, and a concluding statement. (That varies, of course.) If students struggle with the format, create a quick outline they can apply to their topics.

Students enjoy creating their own topics and learn to speak on the spot in a mature, organized manner. At first, students groan about impromptu speaking. This area is actually where I see the most growth. Students gain confidence that they can think and speak quickly, and they start to enjoy the process.

work on tone in speeches

Tone matters! Many adults don’t realize the tone that they convey shapes their communication. We should certainly work with our students concerning tone so that they are aware of its power. Not only can the wrong tone hurt speakers, but the right tone can also emphasize their message.

Define “tone” for students. Brainstorm times that students know their tone has affected them. (Normally students share stories about times they were in trouble with their parents for having the wrong tone.) Then think of times that the right tone conveyed the correct message. Students might struggle to come up with examples for best use of tone. Oftentimes, a tone that matches a speaker’s message doesn’t stand out, and that is probably because the tone was woven into the message so well.

Experiment with tone with students. Put students into groups, and assign a speaker. (Everyone will have the chance to be a speaker.) Give the speaker a list of emotions and a list of generic statements. Then ask the speaker to choose a question and an emotion that conveys tone.

Finally, the rest of the group must decide the speaker’s tone. This opportunity allows for discussion about intentional tone and miscommunication. You’ll want to circulate as students practice this.

Public speaking activities should engage secondary speakers & create classroom community. These free public speaking activities are in a speech activity PDF. Looking for speech activities for high school students? Try these interactive & scaffolded public speaking lessons for high school language arts classes. Add these speech activites to your high school English classes or public speaking unit.

Public speaking activities can be engaging and memorable. Students might be nervous about giving speeches, so provide a variety of opportunities for them to practice. As you build a classroom community, these activities easily can become public speaking games.

Work on material slowly and purposefully. By helping students see success with public speaking, they will gain more confidence in your speech class and in life. Soon, your speech activities for high school students will be personalized and fit your community.

As you incorporate these public speaking games and activities into your speech units, you’ll discover that they are easily adaptable. Plus, you’ll find the perfect timing for each exercise. Teaching public speaking requires experimentation and reflection. I hope these help!

Would you like these public speaking activities at your fingertips? Download these six lesson plans (plus many more!) when you sign up for library access.

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125 High School Debate Topics To Challenge Every Student

Learn how to argue with logic instead of emotion.

speech topics for secondary school students

Some teachers shy away from debate in the classroom, afraid it will become too adversarial. But learning to discuss and defend various points of view is an important life skill. Debates teach students to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. You’ll find plenty of engaging high school debate topics in this list for inspiration. Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

School and Education Debate Topics

Life and ethics debate topics, entertainment and technology debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

Students should be required to wear school uniforms.

  • It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
  • Final exams should be abolished.
  • Students should be required to wear school uniforms.
  • Private schools are better than public schools.
  • Year-round school is better for students.
  • Standardized tests are effective.
  • Every student should have to participate in athletics.
  • All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
  • Junk food should be banned in school cafeterias.
  • Single-gender schools are better for students.
  • Schools should be allowed to teach critical race theory.
  • Math is the most important school subject.
  • Schools should teach sex ed instead of abstinence only.
  • Letter grades should be abolished.
  • Teachers should be replaced by computers.
  • People who get better grades in school will be more successful in life.
  • Sometimes it’s OK to cheat on homework or a test.
  • Students who fail a test should be given the chance to take it again.
  • Outdoor recess is important at every grade level.
  • Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
  • Everyone should be able to bring their pets to school.
  • Shorter school days are better for students.
  • Schools should eliminate dress codes.
  • Everyone should be required to go to college.
  • College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
  • Schools should install safe rooms in case of mass shootings or natural disasters.
  • Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
  • Book smarts are better than street smarts.
  • Schools should provide free mental health services to students and teachers.
  • Schools should teach life skills like cooking and personal finance.
  • School vouchers benefit students and schools.
  • Religion has no place in schools.
  • In-person school is better than online school.
  • Traditional school is better than homeschooling.
  • Charter schools should receive public school funds.

Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.

  • Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
  • The voting age should be lowered to 16.
  • Humans should not eat animals.
  • Democracy is the best form of government.
  • All Americans should be required to vote.
  • Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
  • Giving is better than receiving.
  • Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
  • Animals should not be kept in zoos.
  • Happiness is more important than success.
  • The driving age should be raised to 18.
  • The drinking age should be lowered to 18.
  • Plastic bottles should be banned.
  • People should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
  • If you find money on the ground, it’s automatically yours to keep.
  • It is better to be kind than to be truthful.
  • Learning about history can stop us from repeating past mistakes.
  • It’s important to spend money exploring space.
  • White-collar jobs are better than blue-collar jobs.
  • The death penalty should be abolished.
  • Drug addicts should receive help instead of punishment.
  • Euthanasia should be legal.
  • GMOs are more helpful than harmful.
  • Human cloning should be legal.
  • A progressive income tax is better than a flat tax.
  • Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.
  • Vaccines should be mandatory.
  • We should ban fossil fuels.
  • Marijuana should be legal everywhere.
  • All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed, like alcohol.
  • Nuclear weapons should be banned worldwide.
  • Police funding should be redirected to social services.
  • Religion does more harm than good.
  • Testing on animals should be illegal.
  • We will never achieve world peace.
  • The United States should implement a universal basic income.
  • We should require people of all genders to register for the draft.
  • Healthcare should be universal.
  • Gun safety laws infringe on the Second Amendment.
  • Anyone over 12 should be tried as an adult in court.

Social media does more harm than good.

  • Reality television depicts real life.
  • Schools should allow students to use phones in class.
  • Macs are better than PCs.
  • Androids are better than iPhones.
  • Social media is making us less social.
  • Social media does more harm than good.
  • Video games are better than board games.
  • Video gaming is a sport.
  • Reading books is better than watching TV.
  • We should replace all paper documents with electronic versions.
  • The book is always better than the movie.
  • Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track them.
  • Playing video games makes you smarter.
  • Scientists should try to develop a way for everyone to live forever.
  • Paper books are better than e-books.
  • Schools should have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways.
  • All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
  • There is intelligent life on other planets.
  • People rely too much on technology.
  • Everyone should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
  • Net neutrality should be mandatory for internet service providers.
  • Expanded use of artificial intelligence will be good for humanity.
  • Technology is creating more jobs than it eliminates.
  • The United States should provide free internet access for everyone.
  • Cryptocurrencies should replace cash.

Dogs are better pets than cats.

  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • A taco is a sandwich.
  • Summer is better than winter.
  • Coke is better than Pepsi.
  • Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
  • Fruit counts as dessert.
  • The number 13 is not unlucky.
  • People should eat to live, not live to eat.
  • Monday is the worst day of the week.
  • Clowns are more scary than funny.
  • Modern music is better than classical music.
  • Aliens live among us here on Earth.
  • It’s OK to put ketchup on a hot dog.
  • Was Robin Hood a thief or a rebel hero?
  • It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
  • Pluto should still be considered a planet.
  • It’s better to be too hot than too cold.
  • We should allow people to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
  • Fiction is better than non-fiction.
  • Using profanity is good for your mental health.
  • Leftover pizza is better cold than reheated.
  • It’s OK to wear socks with sandals.
  • Being famous is actually not all that great.
  • GIF should be pronounced “JIFF” not “GIFF.”
  • People shouldn’t have to go to school or work on their birthdays.

Did we miss one of your favorite high school debate topics? Then come share on the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus, how to use fishbowl discussions to engage every student ..

These high school debate topics range from fun and funny to complex and ethical, with links to reliable pro/con sources for each.

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50+ Persuasive Speech Topics For High School Students in 2023

Unique topics for persuasive speech.

Good persuasive speech topics needs to be interesting and captivating. It’s easier said than done. It’s true that choosing the right topic for a persuasive speech is a time-consuming process.

You need to speak on something that isn’t cliché and grabs the listener’s attention. The type of speech also involves generating a convincing argument and making your audience sways to your side. 

This factor makes topic selection a significant endeavour. But, if you don’t know how to write a speech on such topics, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. This detailed blog features engaging and easy persuasive speech topics with other essential information. 

What is a Persuasive Speech?

Before we discuss topics, it’s good to understand what is a persuasive speech. 

You can consider it a special kind of speech in which a speaker convinces the audience to agree with his point of view. As a speaker, you need to organize your speech and present one idea at a time. 

Moreover, persuasive speeches have the ultimate objective to make the audience understand your point of view. 

There’s no denying that persuading the entire audience to agree to one idea with one speech isn’t an easy task. You can seek assistance and opt for speech writing services to make maximum listeners agree on your point of view. 

Persuasive Speech Components

It isn’t a secret that every speaker wants to ace their speech. But they don’t always manage to do it. That’s why they often look for tips and tricks about how to write a speech.

The case is somewhat similar to persuasive speech. To nail it, you need to maintain a balance between logical and emotional appeals. 

Let’s elaborate on logical and emotional appeals further. 

Logical Appeals 

It refers to incorporating well-researched and authentic facts and figures into your persuasive speech. You need to use comprehensive stats in the logical appeal to persuade the audience. 

This way, you can make listeners agree with your point of view. For example, when speaking about the adverse effects of global warming , you can include stats about marine life.

You can also talk about the dangers of melting glaciers or others to make your speech valuable. 

With logical appeals, you can emphasize the practical applicability of your speech and encourage your audience to think that such data-driven speech can be true. 

Emotional Appeals

Emotional appeals are great to fill the gap between stats and the audience’s connection to it. This component involves narrating a story to increase the value of a logical statement. 

For example, you can talk about glaciers melting at an “X” rate. Your statement will be informative but not persuasive. To persuade your audience, tell a beautiful narrative about the data and the consequences associated with it.  

To deliver an effective persuasive speech, it needs to have balanced components. The absence of stats or storytelling will defeat the purpose and ruin your efforts.

Significance of a Persuasive Speech 

What if we tell you that persuasive speeches have real-world value? Therefore, as a student, don’t fret when you’ve to prepare to deliver a speech. 

You can also find engaging, persuasive speech topics for college students that you can ace while maintaining the balance of stats and emotions.

Moreover, the art of delivering a persuasive speech will serve as an asset to every student. These speeches can help students make a strong stand based on facts and stats. They also incorporate emotional appeals to connect to them.

How to Choose the Right Persuasive Speech Topic for High School?

When it comes to choosing a topic for a persuasive speech, here are a few factors you need to consider. 

Familiar Topic

Try to go for the topics that you’re familiar with. This way, you will prepare it quickly and in less time. 

Unique Speech Topics 

Selecting a unique speech topic that genuinely interests you is the best. It might involve plenty of research. 

But when your audience will see and feel the enthusiasm when you’re speaking, add more persuasiveness to it. 

Avoid Cliché Topics

When choosing a topic, ensure that you don’t select something overdone or cliché. The reason is that they don’t keep the listeners engaged for more than a few minutes. 

If you’ve new data for such a topic, make it clear at the beginning of your speech. 

Choose Relatable Topics

You need to go for a relatable topic as people like to hear about the ideas that affect them and their community. You can research local issues and turn them into an engaging and persuasive topic. 

Focus on Emotional Topics

Emotions are motivators, and speaking on an emotional topic will help persuade your audience. However, don’t overdo it and strike a balance between emotion, facts, and figures. 

Focus on Visualization

You need to opt for a topic that allows you to be descriptive. The descriptive nature of a topic will enable your audience to visualize, which ultimately persuades them. 

Focus on the Desired Outcome

Do you want any kind of outcome from your audience as a result of your speech? Ask this question to yourself and use it as a guide to choose the right topic. 

Consider Audience’s Interest

Your audience’s interest in the topic also matters. You can’t afford to lose their attention; therefore, you need to select a topic that keeps the listeners engaged till the end. 

Persuasive Speech Topics 

You can find plenty of topics to deliver a persuasive speech. However, keep an eye on persuasive speech topics to avoid, and don’t waste your efforts on mundane topics.  

Here’s a list of interesting topics to write a persuasive speech.

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics For High School

  • Science courses must include topics regarding mental health.
  • Should learners be allowed to use smartphones on school premises?
  • Degree or skill – which one is essential in 2023?
  • Rising cost of education is depriving students of higher studies. 

Persuasive Speech Topic Related to Technology

  • What is the scope of paper media in the digital age?
  • Should cyberbullying be considered in-person bullying? 
  • Are automated or self-driving cars our future?
  • Are robots a threat to human employment? 

Persuasive Speech Topics Related to Business & Economy

  • Introverts make great leaders – is it true?
  • Do we need to make tips essential in restaurants?
  • Unpaid internships should be banned.
  • Is it reasonable to offer bonuses or incentives for walking or biking to work?

Persuasive Speech Topics Related to Ethics

  • Does equality exist? 
  • Is it essential to ban guns in the U.S?
  • Can negotiations stop a war?
  • Do we need to legalize cannabis for medical reasons?

Persuasive Speech Topics Related to Media

  • Why is it wrong to promote a particular beauty standard in the media?
  • Freedom of the press is widely misused.
  • Moral degradation of teenagers – is the media responsible? 
  • Should we keep children away from social media?

Persuasive Speech Topics Related to Sports

  • Do schools need to teach swimming to all students?
  • Does parental pressure affect the performance of young athletes?
  • Should female athletes be paid more than males athletes? 
  • Would it be harmful to allow doping in professional sports?

Persuasive Speech Topics Related to Science & Environment

  • The long-term impact of recycling on the environment
  • Adverse effects of smoking in public on infants.
  • How plastic bags have ruined the environment over the decades?
  • Genetically modified foods – do we need them?

Topics Related to History, English, or Humanities

  • Were women oppressed in an ancient culture?
  • Did Jane Austen play a significant role in early Victorian feminist literature?
  • Were ancient Egyptians smart?
  • Wealthy people are consumed by power and arrogance. 

Topics Related to Social Issues

  • Factors that changed speaking English in America.
  • Does setting a retirement age necessary?
  • Do we need to promote prayer time in schools?
  • Public display of affection – do we need to reconsider our values? 

Topics Related to Politics/Government

  • The U.S education system needs more budget.
  • Who was the best president and why?
  • Are government branches important? 
  • What present president needs to learn from former presidents?

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics 

  • Streaming services such as Netflix have changed entertainment.
  • What is the future of magazines and newspapers?
  • Do award shows nominate celebrities in real or is it a different case? 
  • Are all actors paid equally?

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

  • Significance of volunteer work for college or university students.
  • Are high schools capable enough to handle bullying?
  • Do we need high-tech classrooms to facilitate learning?
  • Significance of physical education in schools.

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Who gossips more? Boys or girls.
  • Blaming your horoscope for making silly decisions.
  • Autocorrect can be dangerous for relationships.
  • Why does mathematics feel like mental abuse?

Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

  • Students should be allowed to bring pets to school  
  • We need longer lunch breaks
  • Is homework necessary for school goers?
  • Do kids need pocket money?

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Is television censorship necessary?
  • Why does the internet need to be free?
  • Do you think music should be played in mental health therapies?
  • Relationships in the digital era.

Deliver a memorable speech with our expertly crafted speeches!

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Creating and Delivering Speeches 

Just choosing a persuasive topic, writing, and delivering a speech on that topic is also essential. You can create a persuasive speech outline to ease the process. 

Keeping it concise, using rule of three and following these steps help you compose a compelling persuasive speech. 

Find your Argument

Start writing your speech by finding an opinion or belief you want your audience to agree with. If you want them to take any action after listening to your speech, ensure that you add a clear call to action. 

Organize your Argument

It’s best to stay organized to ease the entire speech writing process. Think about creating an outline containing evidence or points that support your argument. Make sure that these ideas flow logically and make your argument stronger. 

Examples, Facts, and Stats

You need facts and stats to support your ideas. It’s also best to use real-life examples to boost the effectiveness of your persuasive speech.

Add Emotions 

It isn’t a secret that persuasive speeches contain a balance of logic and emotions. These emotions enable your audience to connect with the argument. It helps them to evoke their sense of nostalgia and shared beliefs. 

Incorporate Counterarguments 

Don’t wait for your audience to object. Do it yourself, then include additional facts, examples, and anecdotes to make a strong counterargument. 

Conclude your Speech

Restate your argument in the closing lines and connect with your audience one last time. You can use emotional appeals and finish your speech with an awesome call to action.

Persuasive Speech Examples

Writing a persuasive speech can become interesting if you know how to do it. Here are a few examples that will help you compose a fantastic speech.

Example for Students

Public schools encourage students to participate in speech competitions. It also enables teachers to evaluate student’s creative writing and public speaking skills. 

However, speaking in front of a group of people can be challenging which you can overcome by practicing speaking skills. You can also follow the example to ace your overall experience.

For example, if you’re speaking on topics related to crime or criminal, you can begin your speech with a quote or question. It’s also best to incorporate facts, real-life examples, and stats to make your speech credible. 

Example for Adults 

Convincing adults to agree on a particular idea isn’t an easy task. However, you can try doing that by delivering a persuasive speech. It may require lots of research to gather authentic information but may achieve your objective. 

Take the topic “distracted driving” as an example. The topic is directly referring to adults who drive and get distracted at times too. 

You can talk about the dangers of getting distracted while driving. More importantly, you can discuss distraction as a cause of life-threatening accidents. 

Read Next In Line:

  • Best Argumentative Speech Topic Ideas
  • Steps to Writing Valedictorian Speech
  • Tips to Writing Salutatorian Speech

Brainstorming good persuasive speech topics can be time-consuming. The list we’ve incorporated in the blog contains various topics from different domains. It should help you find a topic to compile a remarkable speech.

Moreover, you can go for the topics you’re most interested in. But, ensure that the topic you choose is unique and keeps your audience engaged as well.

You can also talk on a common topic, incorporating new research, facts, and stats to make it interesting. To write a persuasive speech, you need to start from research and should spend most of the time on it.

Researching will provide ample information to cover your topic from every angle. Lastly, don’t forget to consider your audience before working on your speech. 

Struggling to compile a persuasive speech? Get in touch to get a speech written by professional writers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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speech topics for secondary school students

50+ Easy English Speech Topics for Students: 2 & 5 Minute Speech

  • Muskan Agarwal
  • March 16, 2024

Table of Contents

Best english speech topics for students.

Best English Speech Topics for Students

Speech topics are definitely going to be essential for students to learn about what they can speak when they are presented with an opportunity to speak on a particular topic which is common. There are lots of topics which may be common but students may not be well versed in those topics and hence they may find it difficult to speak clearly and in detail.

In this particular article, we will be mentioning more than 50 easy English speech topics for students and these topics will definitely make them feel better and explore all these to make sure that they become better in terms of public speaking and giving speeches. They can also try to write some content on these topics which can make them feel comfortable with these topics and they can write and speak anywhere confidently and fluently.

Also Check : Popular Proverbs in English

Easy English Speech Topics For Students 

There are lots of easy topics on which students can speak and they can definitely find their content available on various sources on the Internet and these topics have been mentioned as follows:

  • What is success in life?
  • How can we save ourselves from fake news?
  • What is self-confidence?
  • Is love more powerful than hate?
  • What is the social impact of COVID-19?
  • Can online learning be fun?
  • How can violent video games be restricted?
  • Speech on online games?
  • Benefits of Music
  • What are the benefits of learning a second language?
  • Importance of education in our life

2-Minute Speech Topics For Students

There are lots of topics on which 2-minute speeches can easily be delivered by the students and they need to make sure that these topics are handled very well with enough content to be spoken. Below is a list of these topics about which students can easily feel confident once they start speaking at least for 2 minutes:

  • Importance of homework in school
  • Learnings from lockdown of COVID-19
  • Is it possible to recycle food?
  • Why should schools teach sign language?
  • Are women better to become Presidents and Prime Ministers than men?
  • How are books better than movies for students?
  • Impact of technology on our life
  • Should children’s reality shows be completely banned?
  • Smart work versus hard work: which one is better?
  • What is nuclear energy?
  • Importance of kindness in our life

5-Minute Speech Topics For Students 

There are topics that students can choose to speak at least for 5 minutes and they can prepare for their speeches for schools and colleges. Below is a list of these topics on which students can try and speak confidently and that will help them feel better in terms of their English:

  • What are the benefits of music?
  • How can we get rid of fake news?
  • Is making public transport free a good step?
  • What should the government do regarding violent video games?
  • Speech on honesty
  • Speech on humanitarian work
  • Speech on the importance of learning computer
  • Speech on learning foreign languages
  • How can self-confidence decide our career?
  • Is it possible to learn English fast?
  • How can good politics change a country’s future?

English Speech Topics On Environment

If you speak on topics related to the environment, it will definitely help you speak all the related topics comfortably. Let us know some of the topics from the environment that you can give speeches on:

  • Speech on ozone layer depletion
  • Speech on deforestation
  • Global warming
  • Water saving methods
  • Speech on waste management
  • Speech on climate change
  • How do natural disasters influence the environment? 
  • Extinction of rare species
  • Benefits of recycling

English Speech Topics On Technology

Technology plays a very important role in our life and there are many topics that can be helpful for you as a student as you can try to explore them and know more about them to deliver speeches in an effective manner. Let’s look at some technology-related topics:

  • The Impact of technology on our society
  • The rise of artificial intelligence
  • E-commerce and its benefits
  • Gaming technology
  • Entertainment industry

English Speech Topics On Festivals

Festivals play a very important role in everyone’s life and they are great especially for brotherhood and there are lots of festivals on which speeches can be delivered. Let us get to know some of the important topics that you can deliver speeches on:

  • Speech on Diwali
  • Importance of celebrating festivals together
  • Speech on Holi
  • Speech on Eid
  • Speech on Christmas
  • Speech on religious festivals and rituals

English Speech Topics On Corruption

It is crucial to spread awareness about corruption and this can be done through speeches as well. There are lots of corruption-related topics that need to be explored.

  • What is corruption?
  • Impact of corruption
  • Media and corruption
  • How is politics affected by corruption?
  • How can corruption spoil a company’s environment?

English Speech Topics On Social Issues 4

Social issues are the most important issues that everyone needs to talk about. Having a good grasp on social issues can really make anyone give speeches comfortably. If you are aware of social issues, there are a number of topics you can select and prepare speeches on:

  • Importance of equality
  • Education for females
  • Reservation
  • Woman empowerment 
  • Child labour
  • Unemployment in society
  • Globalization

Also Read : Common English-Speaking Sentences for Beginners

Tips To Prepare And Present A Good Speech

Giving a great speech is an art and you have to do with lots of things that are important for you to keep in mind. Understanding the topic that you are going to speak on is one of the most important things that you as a student of public speaking can think about. If you know that you have a topic, then it is important to go through other things that have been mentioned as follows:

1. Know your audience and engage with them

Since you already know that this is the topic that you are going to speak on, it is imperative for you to understand the type of audience that you are going to speak before. Once you know the audience, you have to start engaging with them during speech which can really enhance the speech in a better way.

2. Keep it simple

You don’t have to complicate your speech by using complicated vocabulary but you have to make sure that your speech is simple and you are able to connect with your audience in a better way. Your main focus should be to convey the message that you want to in as better way as possible.

3. Use your body language

The importance of body language is such that once you understand it and start using it, it will be able to give you more and more confidence in terms of giving your speech in a better. You have to use your body language to make sure that your audience is able to connect with you very clearly. The importance of body language while delivering any speech plays a very essential role in terms of conveying the message effectively.

4. Do as much practice as possible beforehand

Practice is what becomes the key when it comes to delivering a great speech on any topic. Beforehand, you need to practice the written content as much as possible and then you will be able to feel more confident before you step on to deliver your speech.

5. Structure your speech

Having a fixed structure of the topic that you are going to speak on is something which can make you feel more confident. Know what are the things that you are going to speak about next. The structuring of the speech will make sure that there are a few points that are going to be in your mind and you have to speak those points in a very clear manner.

Topics related to the environment, corruption, social issues and technology are so common topics that you as students studying in schools and colleges can make yourself ready with in order to deliver speeches. Once you are able to deliver speeches in English on these topics, it will certainly help in boosting your confidence level and you will be able to feel the difference in your language and in the manner of delivering speech yourself. This is something which if done on a regular basis can certainly make you a better speaker of the English language.

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High School Debate Topics

Illustration: Hugo Lin. ThoughtCo. 

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Debates tend to instantly engage students, but they can also sharpen their research and public speaking skills. No matter your reasons for using them, having debates in your classroom is a sure way to get your students thinking and talking.

You may require your students to research topics before debating them or even prepare speeches to state their point of view. Learning how to productively debate will improve your students' communication skills as they practice speaking and listening. These skills will serve them in college and the diverse career world beyond. 

Debate Topics

The following 50 debate topics  can be used in high school or advanced middle school classrooms. They are organized by genre and some can be modified for use in different subjects. Each item is listed in the form of a question to propose to your students that has at least two points of view.

Watch Now: Ideas for Great Classroom Debate Topics

Science and technology.

  • Should human cloning be banned?
  • Should renewable forms of energy be subsidized by the government?
  • Should the U.S. government fund a space mission to Mars?
  • Should social media comments be protected by free speech?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose their baby's gender?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • Should the U.S. government provide internet service to every citizen?
  • Are video games too violent for children?
  • Should the manufacturing of nuclear weapons be permitted?

Laws and Politics

  • Is it ever appropriate for the government to restrict freedom of speech?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Should citizens who do not vote be fined?
  • Is the right to bear arms a necessary constitutional amendment today?
  • Should the legal voting/driving/drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Should a border fence be constructed between the U.S. and Mexico?
  • Should America give foreign aid to other countries?
  • Should drone attacks against specific targets be used for modern warfare?
  • Should affirmative action be abolished?
  • Should the  death penalty  be abolished?
  • Should microaggressions be punishable by law?
  • Should the cruel treatment of animals be illegal?

Social Justice

  • Should partial-birth abortion be illegal?
  • Should all parents be required to attend parenting classes before having a child?
  • Should parents be required to vaccinate their children?
  • Should mixed martial arts be banned?
  • Should celebrities be required to be positive role models?
  • Should people be fined for not recycling?
  • Are progressive tax rates just?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • Should marijuana use be considered a crime?
  • Should every student be required to take a performing arts course?
  • Should homework be banned?
  • Should school uniforms be required?
  • Is year-round education is a good idea?
  • Should physical education be required of all high school students?
  • Should all students be required to perform community service?
  • Should schools block YouTube?
  • Should students be able to leave school grounds for lunch?
  • Are single-sex schools better for student learning and mental health?
  • Should schools punish cyberbullying that occurs outside of school?
  • Should teachers not be allowed to contact students through social media?
  • Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
  • Should high-stakes state testing be abolished?
  • Should poetry units be removed from the curriculum?
  • Is History (or another subject) actually an important subject in school?
  • Should schools be allowed to track students by academic level?
  • Should students be required to pass algebra to graduate?
  • Should students be graded on their handwriting?
  • Should all students be required to co-op?
  • Should the theory of creation be taught in schools?
  • Middle School Debate Topics
  • 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
  • 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
  • Classroom Rules for High School Students
  • 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
  • 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
  • 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
  • Course Requirements for Homeschooling High School
  • 30 Writing Topics: Persuasion
  • The Best Interactive Debate Websites for Students and Teachers
  • Violence in the Media Needs To Be Regulated
  • Great Summer Dance Programs for High School Students
  • Public Vs. Private School Teaching
  • Holding Debates in Middle School Classes
  • Controversial Speech Topics
  • How to Use ABC Books All the Way Through High School

Record number of Student of the Week nominees: Cast your vote for the winner today

speech topics for secondary school students

The Montgomery Advertiser received a record number of nominations for this week's Student of the Week.

We launched the initiative in January to honor the hard work that local high school students are doin in their schools and the greater community, and this spring, teachers and administrators seem to have a lot to celebrate.

From National Merit finalists and accomplished ballerinas with perfect GPAs to national science competition winners and student council leaders, Student of the Week has recognized dozens of Montgomery area students. \

School administrators and high school teachers from across the Montgomery, Elmore and Autauga counties send in nominations of their top students, and readers get to pick the best of the best. This week's poll will be open from the morning of Monday, April 8 until noon on Thursday, April 11.

New polls and nominees will be announced every week. If your school didn't nominate a student this week, there's always next week. Every public and private high school in the outer Montgomery area is eligible to nominate one student a week who is exemplifying success in academics and community involvement.

And the nominations for the 4/8 Student of the Week are...

Paris Howard, River Region Academy : Leaders at River Region Academy nominated Paris because of her outstanding leadership in various roles. She is the president of the Senior Class of 2024, and she is an A honor roll student. Paris has provided leadership in being compassionate, in working hard to achieve your goals, in fundraising and as a mentor to her classmates. She is an enthusiastic learner, and her teachers expect her to excel in her future as a registered nurse.

Antonio Key, Sidney Lanier High School : Antonio consistently demonstrates outstanding qualities that make him an exemplary student, according to his teachers at Lanier. He exhibits exceptional qualities that set him apart from his classmates. For example, he consistently participates in class discussions, he always helps others and he is always eager to learn. He consistently maintains a positive attitude and shows great enthusiasm for learning. Leaders at Lanier said he is truly a model student.

Sara Headley, Prattville High School : A senior at PHS, Sara is an extremely hard worker who is a great representative of the school, according to her teachers. She is active in theater, show choir, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor's Society and art club.  She works hard to maintain good grades while balancing these extracurricular activities.  You will always find Sara with a smile on her face and ready to lend a helping hand, PHS teachers say.

Jaiden Cleveland, Park Crossing High School : With a 3.9 GPA, Jaiden not only excels academically and shines in football and track, but also, his involvement in the National Honor Society highlights his leadership and service. He embodies the Park Crossing way through his positive actions and dedication. As such, Jaiden is "a perfect example of what we value and an outstanding nominee for Student of the Week," administrators said.    

Maryam Khan, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School : A sophomore at LAMP, Maryam recently placed second in the state for the Poetry Out Loud competition. She qualified for Nationals in Speech and Debate for the second year in a row, and she is a finalist for a spot on the Student Leadership Council for the National Speech and Debate Association. Her teachers call her "one of the most selfless leaders we have at LAMP."

Julius Williams, Wetumpka High School : A senior at Wetumpka High School, Julius works diligently to balance his academics and extracurricular activities, and he always strives to challenge himself. Many students try and take an easier course load during senior year, but WHS leaders said Julius continues to strive to prepare himself for college by taking advanced courses.  He is currently ranked in the top 25 percent of his graduating class.  Julius is involved in WHS’s award-winning JROTC Indian Battalion, where he has served for four years, with three of those being in a leadership position. Also, Julius has an extensive community service background, including Read Across America activities, volunteering at the Montgomery Zoo, Selma tornado clean-up, Paint the Park for Jody Run, Elmore County Board of Education’s Ability Games and the Elmore County Food Pantry. Moreover, with his certification in mental health first aid, he participated in the mental health check-in event at WHS. You would be hard-pressed to find another candidate with more service hours and school/community involvement than Julius, his teachers said.

Jada Timmons, Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School: Jada is a hardworking, respectful young lady who is an honor roll student at BrewTech. Through the school's rigorous magnet curriculum, Jada currently holds a 3.9 GPA  while being active and involved in the school. She was elected as the 2023-2024 Student Government Association president, is a member of the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society and serves as a representative for her school as a school Rambassador.

Hadley Hitson covers children's health, education and welfare for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at  [email protected] . To support her work, subscribe to the Advertiser .

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Parents of Michigan school shooter sentenced

By Antoinette Radford and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Parents of school shooter sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. Here's what happened in court today

From CNN staff

The  parents of the teenager who killed four students  in the 2021 school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, were each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison Tuesday, weeks after being convicted of manslaughter.

James and Jennifer Crumbley, who each had faced up to 15 years in prison, have already been imprisoned for more than two years since their arrest in a Detroit warehouse days after the shooting. Though they were tried separately, their sentencing took place together in an Oakland County courtroom.

They are the first parents to be held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting committed by their child as the nation continues to grapple with the scourge of gunfire on campus and mass shootings.

Here's what everyone said in court today:

  • Several family members of the four students killed in the shooting delivered emotional victim impact statements before the judge handed down the sentencing. The mother of Justin Shilling said "the ripple effects of both James and Jennifer's failures to act" to prevent their son from carrying out the deadly shooting " have devastated us all ." The father of Hana St. Juliana said the Crumbleys continue to deflect blame , adding his daughter's death "destroyed a large portion of my very soul."
  • Jennifer Crumbley began her statement to the court on Tuesday by expressing her condolences to the victims and their families. She also said a previous statement that she made on the stand in her own defense  during her trial in Februar y was "completely misunderstood." Jennifer Crumbley previously said, “I’ve asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldn’t have.” Now, before sentencing, she said if she knew her son was capable of the crimes committed, her answer would have "absolutely been different."
  • James Crumbley apologized to the victims , something he said he had not been able to do yet. He said he was not aware his son was planning a school shooting, and he asked the judge, "sentence me in a fair way."
  • Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald urged the judge to exceed the sentencing guidelines for the Crumbleys and to consider the "devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable." In separate pre-sentencing memos, the attorneys for the parents asked for them  to be sentenced  to less than five years in prison.
  • Judge Cheryl Matthews said the decision should be a deterrent to try to stop school shootings in the future. She pointed to James and Jennifer Crumbley's lack of action, saying, “These convictions confirm repeated acts or lack of acts that could have halted an oncoming runaway train."

Crumbley case sets a precedent on who can be held accountable for a mass shooting

From CNN's Celina Tebor

The historic trials, and stunning verdicts, of James and Jennifer Crumbley  tested the limits of who can be held responsible for a mass shooting.

The prosecution of both parents, and an uptick in other criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits tied to mass shootings, indicates attorneys are increasingly seeking to hold responsible people — and companies — who didn’t pull the trigger .

Prosecutors over the past few years have been slowly, but steadily, expanding the notion of who can be held accountable for a mass shooting, CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig, a former federal and state prosecutor, said last month.

While he cautioned each case rests on its own merits, "we’ve seen groundbreaking prosecutions of parents and security personnel," he said, "and I’d expect that trend to continue."

The question remains whether prosecution of non-shooters will be effective in reducing the number of mass shootings in the United States. But undoubtedly, it has expanded prosecutors’ tool boxes, according to Ekow Yankah, law professor at the University of Michigan.

“It gives different prosecutors something to aim at – it gives them a new theory, it gives them something to try,” he told CNN. “It gives prosecutors who are frustrated, are facing a devastating crime, a mass shooting that’s hurt their community, some set of actions that they can take.”

Read about some other high-profile prosecutions of non-shooters in recent years.

Prosecutor says she is disappointed James and Jennifer Crumbley did not express remorse

From CNN’s Nicki Brown 

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald speaks in court on Tuesday.

The lead prosecutor in James and Jennifer Crumbley's criminal trials said it was "disappointing" that the parents didn't express remorse.

"Feeling bad is natural, and we don't dispute that they feel bad ... that's not what's important to victims of crime," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said to reporters after the Crumbleys' sentencing Tuesday. "What they want and need most of all is remorse, which means acknowledgment of the wrongdoing and some sort of reconciliation or apology for that — and that didn't come."

The prosecutor said she didn't think that the case would set a precedent for parents of other school shooters.

"There's a difference between precedent-setting and rare, and this is really a rare set of facts, it really is," McDonald said. 

"Most of us know that you have to exercise reasonable care at least to prevent other people from the dangers that you know are foreseeable," she added.

She said her team did the "absolute best" they could, and the victim's families know that.

"It's really hard ... to remark about how hard we work and how hard it's been when you're looking in the eyes of these parents every day, who get up in unbelievable pain and grief and see this play out every day and they still go on," she said. "And so, my focus is there."

James and Jennifer Crumbley each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison

James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the teenager who killed four students in a 2021 school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, were each sentenced Tuesday to 10 to 15 years in prison, respectively, weeks after they were convicted of manslaughter.

They will receive credit for 858 days already served.

Sentence for Crumbleys should be a deterrent, judge says

From CNN's Elise Hammond

Judge Cheryl Matthews speaks in court during the Crumbleys sentencing hearing on Tuesday.

The judge presiding over the sentencing of James and Jennifer Crumbley said the decision should be a deterrent to try to stop school shootings in the future.

"Opportunity knocked over and over again, louder and louder, and was ignored," Judge Cheryl Matthews said. "No one answered and these two people should have and sure didn’t."

She said she is "aware of my job in this situation” and promised not to be “swayed by public opinion” when handing down the sentencing decision.

Talking to the families in the courtroom, Matthews said she could never understand the pain they are experiencing, but reassured them, “I saw what you saw and I heard what you heard” during the trials.

Prosecutor urges judge to consider the "devastating impact" of the Crumbleys' "gross negligence"

From CNN's Nicki Brown

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald urged Judge Cheryl Matthews to exceed the sentencing guidelines for James and Jennifer Crumbley, asking the judge to consider the "devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable."

"I want to be clear, remorse does not sound like, 'I feel really bad.' I'm sure they do. I don't dispute they feel bad, I don't dispute they have grief. That's not the kind of remorse and accountability these victims are looking for," McDonald said in court Tuesday.

She continued, addressing the judge:

"When fashioning a sentence, it is absolutely critical that you listen and consider the impact of what that gross negligence caused. So we're asking you to exceed the guidelines because I believe all of the factors pursuant to the case law, with the necessary consideration of the impact of these crimes, justifies you to do. We're asking you, the people are asking you, to consider the devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable."

James Crumbley apologizes to the families of his son's victims

From CNN's Antoinette Radford

James Crumbley addresses the court on Tuesday.

James Crumbley, the father of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, addressed the courtroom, opening his statement by apologizing to the victims, something he said he had not been able to do yet.

"I want to say I can't imagine the pain and agony ... for the families that have lost their children and what they are experiencing and what they are going through. As a parent, our biggest fear is losing our child or our children, and to lose a child is unimaginable. My heart is really broken for everybody involved," he said.

"I really want the families of Madisyn Baldwin, Hana St Juliana, Tate Myre and Justin Shilling to know how truly sorry I am, and how devastated I was when I heard what happened to them," Crumbley said.

Crumbley added that he was not aware his son was planning a school shooting, and he asked Judge Cheryl Matthews to "sentence me in a fair way."

Jennifer Crumbley says previous statement made in court was misinterpreted

From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury

Jennifer Crumbley delivers a statement to the court on Tuesday.

Jennifer Crumbley began her statement to the court by expressing her condolences to the victims and their families.

"I sit here today to express my deepest sorrows for the families of Hana, Tate, Madisyn, Justin and to all those affected on November 30, 2021," she said.

Crumbley said that a previous statement made on the stand was "completely misunderstood."

When she took the stand in her own defense during her trial in Februar y, she had said, “I’ve asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldn’t have.”

On Tuesday, Crumbley said that she did not foresee the actions of her son and therefore would not have done anything different, and that is how she interpreted the question.

"With the benefit of hindsight and information I have now, my answer would be drastically different," she said.

Crumbley added that if she knew her son was capable of the crimes committed, her answer would have "absolutely been different."

 Father of Hana St. Juliana says Crumbleys "choose to blame everyone but themselves"

Steve St. Juliana, the father of Hana St. Juliana, speaks during a victim impact statement in court on Tuesday.

James and Jennifer Crumbley continue to deflect blame, the father of a victim of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting said at the Crumbleys' sentencing Tuesday.

"The defendants, through their choices, through their indifference and gross negligence, enabled their son to murder my daughter Hana and three other children," Steve St. Juliana, the father of Hana St. Juliana, said in a victim impact statement Tuesday.

"They chose to stay quiet. They chose to ignore the warning signs. And now, as we've heard through all of the objections, they continue to choose to blame everyone but themselves," he said.

Steve St. Juliana said his daughter's death "destroyed a large portion of my very soul."

"I will never think back fondly on her high school and college graduations. I will never walk her down the aisle as she begins the journey of starting her own family. I am forever denied the chance to hold her or her future children in my arms," he added.

St. Juliana said his position on the Crumbleys' sentencing evolved throughout the trial as the defendants' "defiance" increased. "Hana, Madisyn, Tate, and Justin are the ones who have lost everything — not the defendants," he said before requesting the parents receive the maximum possible sentence.

Buck Myre, the father of victim Tate Myre, gave his impact statement following Steve St. Juliana. He was the last person to give an impact statement.

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Parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley both sentenced to 10-15 years for involuntary manslaughter

PONTIAC, Mich. — The first parents to ever be charged , then convicted, in their child’s mass shooting at a U.S. school were both sentenced Tuesday to 10 to 15 years in prison after they faced the victims' families at a sentencing hearing in a Michigan courtroom.

James Crumbley, 47, and his wife, Jennifer, 46, were sentenced one after another by Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews as they appeared together for the first time since they attended joint hearings before their landmark trials were separated last fall. Their son, Ethan, now 17, pleaded guilty as an adult to the 2021 shooting at Oxford High School in suburban Detroit and was sentenced to life in prison.

Matthews' sentencing decision was in line with what Oakland County prosecutors had asked for after both parents were found guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter, one for each of the students their son killed.

Matthews told the Crumbleys that the jury convictions were "not about poor parenting" but about how they repeatedly ignored warning signs that a "reasonable person" would have seen.

"These convictions confirm repeated acts that could have halted an oncoming runaway train," she said.

The couple will get credit for time served in an Oakland County jail since their arrests in the wake of the shooting on Nov. 30, 2021. The pair sat apart at the defense table with their lawyers beside them as the families of the four students who were killed asked before sentencing for the maximum terms to be imposed.

"When you texted, 'Ethan don't do it,'  I was texting, 'Madisyn I love you, please call mom,'" Nicole Beausoleil, the mother of shooting victim Madisyn Baldwin, 17, told the Crumbleys. "When you found out about the lives your son took that day, I was still waiting for my daughter in the parking lot.

"The lack of compassion you've shown is outright disgusting," she added through tears.

Jill Soave, the mother of another slain student, Justin Shilling, 17, said the parents' inaction on the day of the shooting "failed their son and failed us all."

Justin's father, Craig Shilling, said he was troubled by Jennifer Crumbley's testimony during her trial in which she said she would not have done anything differently, even today.

"The blood of our children is on your hands, too," Craig Shilling said.

James Crumbley wore an orange jumpsuit and headphones to help with his hearing, and Jennifer Crumbley wore a gray-and-white jumpsuit. He did not look at his wife, while she glanced in his direction.

Jennifer Crumbley looks at her husband, James Crumbley, during their sentencing on April 9, 2024 at Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac, Mich.

In Michigan, prosecutors said, felonies that rise out of the same event must run concurrently, so the most Matthews could have imposed is 15 years in total. And while prosecutors wanted the parents to receive sentences that exceeded the advisory guideline range, Matthews had the ultimate discretion, weighing factors such as past criminal behavior and the circumstances of their crimes.

Before she was sentenced, Jennifer Crumbley told the court that she felt "deep remorse, regret and grief" about the shooting, but she also deflected some of the blame onto school officials and took offense to the prosecution's strategy portraying her as a neglectful mother .

"We were good parents," Crumbley said. "We were the average family. We weren't perfect, but we loved our son and each other tremendously."

James Crumbley also addressed the court, explaining to the judge that he did not know beforehand about his son's planned attack on his school and telling the victims' families directly that he would have acted differently on the day of the shooting.

"Please note that I am truly sorry for your loss as a result of what my son did," he said. "I cannot express how much I wish I had known what was going on with him or what was going to happen."

Matthews said during Tuesday's sentencing that the family would not be housed together and that the state Corrections Department has indicated James and Ethan Crumbley specifically will not be in the same facility given their relationship. Ethan is being held in a state prison 17 miles from Oxford High School. Jennifer Crumbley would be sent to the state's only women's prison.

James and Jennifer Crumbley have not been able to communicate as part of a no contact order since their arrests.

In both parents' cases, prosecutors wrote that their "gross negligence changed an entire community forever."

They both could have prevented the shooting with "tragically simple actions," prosecutors wrote, adding that they "failed to take any action when presented with the gravest of dangers."

A side by side of Jennifer and James Crumbley in court.

Legal experts had suggested James Crumbley could have faced a harsher sentence than his wife after prosecutors said he made threats in jail.

During his trial, Matthews restricted his communication to only his lawyer and clergy.

The sentencing memo for James Crumbley referred to allegations that he made threats against the prosecutor and said that "his jail calls show a total lack of remorse" and that "he blames everyone but himself."

The memo details the expletive-ridden threats he is alleged to have directly addressed to the prosecutor on multiple recorded jail calls. In one call before the trial, he said, "Karen McDonald, you're going down," according to prosecutors. In other calls, he threatened retribution, they said.

James Crumbley’s lawyer, Mariell Lehman, wrote in court documents that the calls did not include threats to physically harm the prosecutor but that he expressed his desire to ensure that McDonald is not able to continue practicing law as a result of her actions in the case.

"It is clear Mr. Crumbley is venting to loved ones about his frustrations related to the lack of investigation done by the prosecution prior to authorizing charges," Lehman wrote, saying her client is understandably angry at his situation.

The prosecution's memo also says James Crumbley asserted his innocence in a pre-sentence report, indicating a lack of remorse.

"I feel horrible for what happened and would do anything to be able to go back in time and change it! But I can't. And I had nothing to do with what happened," he wrote, according to the prosecution memo. "I don't know why my son did what he did. HE is the only one who knows."

Lehman has not said whether she plans to appeal James Crumbley's verdict, while a lawyer for Jennifer Crumbley, Shannon Smith, has written that she will.

Two separate trials

James Crumbley did not take the stand during his trial. His wife testified that she placed the responsibility of securing the 9 mm semiautomatic handgun used in the shooting on her husband.

Asked whether she would have done anything differently, Jennifer Crumbley told jurors, "I don't think I'm a failure as a parent."

Prosecutors argued that she knew of her son's deteriorating mental health and social isolation and that he had access to a gun but that she cared more about her hobbies and carrying on an extramarital affair than about being present at home.

Her defense lawyer attempted to portray her as a caring mother, albeit one who did not know her son was capable of such violence — suggesting instead that his school failed to fully inform her of his troubles and that her husband was responsible for the weapon.

Smith continued to defend her client in her sentencing memo.

"Criticizing Mrs. Crumbley for being 'rarely home' is a sexist and misogynistic attack on a mother," Smith wrote.

In a pre-sentence report, Jennifer Crumbley said she has the hindsight now to know she would have handled things differently.

"With the information I have now, of course my answer would be hugely different," she said. "There are so many things that I would change if I could go back in time."

Both her and her husband's trials centered on the day of the shooting.

A day after Thanksgiving, prosecutors said, James Crumbley bought their son the handgun, while Jennifer Crumbley took him to a gun range that weekend.

On Tuesday, a teacher said she had found a note on Ethan's desk with a drawing of a gun and a person who had been shot, along with messages including: "The thoughts won't stop. Help me."

That discovery prompted the school to summon the parents for a meeting, but school officials testified that they declined to bring him home because they had to go back to work.

The officials also said that if the parents had informed them that their son had access to a gun, they would have been more authoritative to ensure immediate safety.

Ethan would go on to commit the school shooting later that afternoon, killing Baldwin; Shilling; Tate Myre, 16; and Hana St. Juliana, 14.

Victims' families want accountability

In the aftermath of the trials, the victims' families have demanded further accountability. They are seeking changes to governmental immunity laws that protect schools from being sued and want to see a requirement for independent reviews after any mass shooting.

Oakland County prosecutors have said they do not plan to charge anyone else in connection with the massacre.

Buck Myre, the father of Tate Myre, said during Tuesday's sentencing that families still want a government-led investigation.

"It's time to drive real change from this tragedy," he told the judge.

Later, James Crumbley stood and addressed Buck Myre directly when he was given the chance to speak.

"It is time that we all know the truth," he said. "I, too, want the truth, because you have not had it."

Selina Guevara and Maggie Vespa reported from Pontiac and Erik Ortiz from New York.

Selina Guevara is an NBC News associate producer, based in Chicago.

NBC News Correspondent

speech topics for secondary school students

Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.

Read our research on: Gun Policy | International Conflict | Election 2024

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3. problems students are facing at public k-12 schools.

We asked teachers about how students are doing at their school. Overall, many teachers hold negative views about students’ academic performance and behavior.

  • 48% say the academic performance of most students at their school is fair or poor; a third say it’s good and only 17% say it’s excellent or very good.
  • 49% say students’ behavior at their school is fair or poor; 35% say it’s good and 13% rate it as excellent or very good.

Teachers in elementary, middle and high schools give similar answers when asked about students’ academic performance. But when it comes to students’ behavior, elementary and middle school teachers are more likely than high school teachers to say it’s fair or poor (51% and 54%, respectively, vs. 43%).

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing that many teachers hold negative views about students’ academic performance and behavior.

Teachers from high-poverty schools are more likely than those in medium- and low-poverty schools to say the academic performance and behavior of most students at their school are fair or poor.

The differences between high- and low-poverty schools are particularly striking. Most teachers from high-poverty schools say the academic performance (73%) and behavior (64%) of most students at their school are fair or poor. Much smaller shares of teachers from low-poverty schools say the same (27% for academic performance and 37% for behavior).

In turn, teachers from low-poverty schools are far more likely than those from high-poverty schools to say the academic performance and behavior of most students at their school are excellent or very good.

Lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing that most teachers say the pandemic has had a lasting negative impact on students’ behavior, academic performance and emotional well-being.

Among those who have been teaching for at least a year, about eight-in-ten teachers say the lasting impact of the pandemic on students’ behavior, academic performance and emotional well-being has been very or somewhat negative. This includes about a third or more saying that the lasting impact has been very negative in each area.

Shares ranging from 11% to 15% of teachers say the pandemic has had no lasting impact on these aspects of students’ lives, or that the impact has been neither positive nor negative. Only about 5% say that the pandemic has had a positive lasting impact on these things.

A smaller majority of teachers (55%) say the pandemic has had a negative impact on the way parents interact with teachers, with 18% saying its lasting impact has been very negative.

These results are mostly consistent across teachers of different grade levels and school poverty levels.

Major problems at school

When we asked teachers about a range of problems that may affect students who attend their school, the following issues top the list:

  • Poverty (53% say this is a major problem at their school)
  • Chronic absenteeism – that is, students missing a substantial number of school days (49%)
  • Anxiety and depression (48%)

One-in-five say bullying is a major problem among students at their school. Smaller shares of teachers point to drug use (14%), school fights (12%), alcohol use (4%) and gangs (3%).

Differences by school level

A bar chart showing that high school teachers more likely to say chronic absenteeism, anxiety and depression are major problems.

Similar shares of teachers across grade levels say poverty is a major problem at their school, but other problems are more common in middle or high schools:

  • 61% of high school teachers say chronic absenteeism is a major problem at their school, compared with 43% of elementary school teachers and 46% of middle school teachers.
  • 69% of high school teachers and 57% of middle school teachers say anxiety and depression are a major problem, compared with 29% of elementary school teachers.
  • 34% of middle school teachers say bullying is a major problem, compared with 13% of elementary school teachers and 21% of high school teachers.

Not surprisingly, drug use, school fights, alcohol use and gangs are more likely to be viewed as major problems by secondary school teachers than by those teaching in elementary schools.

Differences by poverty level

A dot plot showing that majorities of teachers in medium- and high-poverty schools say chronic absenteeism is a major problem.

Teachers’ views on problems students face at their school also vary by school poverty level.

Majorities of teachers in high- and medium-poverty schools say chronic absenteeism is a major problem where they teach (66% and 58%, respectively). A much smaller share of teachers in low-poverty schools say this (34%).

Bullying, school fights and gangs are viewed as major problems by larger shares of teachers in high-poverty schools than in medium- and low-poverty schools.

When it comes to anxiety and depression, a slightly larger share of teachers in low-poverty schools (51%) than in high-poverty schools (44%) say these are a major problem among students where they teach.  

Discipline practices

A pie chart showing that a majority of teachers say discipline practices at their school are mild.

About two-thirds of teachers (66%) say that the current discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat mild – including 27% who say they’re very mild. Only 2% say the discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat harsh, while 31% say they are neither harsh nor mild.

We also asked teachers about the amount of influence different groups have when it comes to determining discipline practices at their school.

  • 67% say teachers themselves don’t have enough influence. Very few (2%) say teachers have too much influence, and 29% say their influence is about right.

A diverging bar chart showing that two-thirds of teachers say they don’t have enough influence over discipline practices at their school.

  • 31% of teachers say school administrators don’t have enough influence, 22% say they have too much, and 45% say their influence is about right.
  • On balance, teachers are more likely to say parents, their state government and the local school board have too much influence rather than not enough influence in determining discipline practices at their school. Still, substantial shares say these groups have about the right amount of influence.

Teachers from low- and medium-poverty schools (46% each) are more likely than those in high-poverty schools (36%) to say parents have too much influence over discipline practices.

In turn, teachers from high-poverty schools (34%) are more likely than those from low- and medium-poverty schools (17% and 18%, respectively) to say that parents don’t have enough influence.

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New Major Reflects Growth in Speech-Language Pathology

Communication Sciences & Disorders program prepares students for graduate school in the fields of communication science disorders, speech-language pathology and audiology.

Do you think you know what a speech pathologist does?

You may be surprised.

The professional helping a premature baby learn crucial sucking and feeding skills in a neonatal nursery?

Speech pathologist.

What about the one working with individuals battling vocal cord cancer to regain the ability to speak? That’s a speech pathologist too.

Or how about the member of a rehab facility’s care team helping a stroke patient relearn how to swallow? You guessed it — speech pathologist.

“There’s a great need for speech pathologists, and it continues to grow,” said Robin Goldberg, director of Stonehill’s new Communication Sciences & Disorders major , which will debut in the fall. “We cover the full lifespan in the services we provide for people. There’s so much diversity in the field, which makes it very exciting.”

That growth is only accelerating. According to the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in the speech-language pathology field were expected to grow by 29% from 2020 to 2023.

And there’s more exciting data for future speech-language pathologists: U.S. News & World Report named the field as the No. 10 career choice on its list of the best 100 jobs .

In Stonehill’s Communication Sciences & Disorders curriculum, students learn about topics such as speech and hearing science, audiology, phonetics, and speech and language development, along with core courses in topics such as biology, chemistry and physics.

The major builds on the success of Stonehill’s speech-pathology minor, which was introduced at the College in 2017. The development of the minor was student-driven, making it just one of the latest examples of Stonehill’s commitment to developing academic programs that are responsive to student interests and market demands.

“I believe that one of the main reasons I was able to get into UNC Chapel Hill was because of the opportunities I was given at Stonehill college,” said Lorraine Smith ’17, who earned her master’s degree in speech and hearing sciences in the nationally renowned University of North Carolina Chapel Hill program. “I am proud to say that I graduated from Stonehill not just because of the academics but also because of the people that never stopped supporting me in all my academic endeavors.  

“The minor was a great experience,” adds graduate Grace LeBlanc ’19, who also earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and now works as a speech-language pathologist for students ages 11 to 22 at the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph, Massachusetts. In this role, she partners with teachers and staff to implement individual student goals in the classroom, conducts social groups to help students learn new skills for interacting with others, and assists the students in developing self-advocacy skills as well as techniques for managing their own learning devices and other aids. 

LeBlanc continued: “I loved that we had professors who were working in the field at the time too. It helped me gain perspective regarding what a career in speech-language pathology could be, and the confidence I could do it.”

Renaming the program from speech pathology to its current title is yet another change that more accurately reflects the range of career options students can pursue after graduation.

Susan Gibbons, instructor of Speech Language Pathology at Stonehill, works with students in the program.

“The field has become broader,” said Goldberg. “We work with people who have hearing loss, experience feeding and swallowing disorders, are nonverbal, or who may need adaptive communication devices. It’s not just about speech and language, but communication as a whole.”

Another standout feature of Stonehill’s program is the strong relationships it has built with real-world employers, offering students a breadth of internship opportunities. Current student Kelly McCormick ’24 completed an internship at Village Speech in Stonehill’s hometown of Easton. The private practice is owned by Karen Howe, an instructor at the college. 

“My internship confirmed for me that I’m going into the right field,” said McCormick. “We learned about the different assessments we would use, how to conduct a session and how to counsel families. I’ve observed a speech-language pathologist before, but it was a highlight to do it in this setting.”

Post-graduation, many students in Stonehill’s program have pursued graduate degrees at leading schools such as Boston University, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Northeastern University, Northwestern University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

“You need 25 observation hours for graduate school programs, which I was able to complete through my internship,” said psychology major Molli McNeil’19, who interned at Let’s Talk in Easton, a private practice owned by Stonehill alum Amy Mello ’06. “The opportunity to watch a speech-language pathologist doing their job, and seeing what I could do if I pursued a graduate degree, was really helpful to me.”

That path led to McNeil’s current career as a speech-language pathologist for Quincy Public Schools in Quincy, Massachusetts, where she serves at two different elementary schools, teaching language and communication skills to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and supports children learning in both regular and special needs classrooms. 

According to Goldberg, one of the biggest benefits to a speech-language career is how rewarding it can be for the patient and practitioner alike. 

“It’s extremely fulfilling to be part of other people’s growth and development,” she said. “By working on their communication skills, we get to see them blossom as human beings.

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Young children misbehave. Some are kicked out of school for acting their age

Thousands of young students were removed from class for behavior common for kids their age. children often act out as they learn to regulate emotions..

Dawn Mendralla, a social worker at Johnsburg Elementary School, leads a group session for students who struggle to regulate their emotions.

JOHNSBURG, Ill. – A group of fifth grade boys trailed into the conference room in the front office of Johnsburg Elementary School and sat at the table, their feet dangling from the chairs.

“It was brought to my attention yesterday that there was an incident at football,” Principal Bridget Belcastro said to the group.

The students tried to explain: One boy pushed a kid, another jumped on the ball, and yet another jumped on the boy on the ball. It depended on who you asked.

“I tripped – if I did jump on him, I didn't mean to,” one student said. “Then I got up and turned around and these two were going at each other.”

Belcastro, listening closely, had the unenviable job of making sense of the accounts and deciding on consequences.

In elementary schools across the country, an incident as common as a playground fracas over a football could result in kids being suspended.

An analysis by The Hechinger Report of school discipline data from 20 states found widespread use of suspensions for students of all ages for ill-defined, subjective categories of misbehavior, such as disorderly conduct, defiance and insubordination. From 2017 to 2022, state reports cited these categories as a reason for suspension or expulsion more than 2.8 million times.

In many cases, young students were removed from their classes for behavior that is common for kids their age, according to additional discipline records from half a dozen school districts obtained through public records requests.

In Montana, students in K-5 made up almost 4,000 suspensions for disorderly conduct. In New Mexico, it was nearly 2,700. 

Elementary school students are often punished for conduct that experts say is developmentally typical of children who are still learning how to behave and appropriately express themselves in school. Even severe behaviors, like kicking or punching peers and teachers, can be a function of young children still figuring out how to regulate their emotions.

In many other cases, the behavior does not appear serious. In Washington, a kindergarten student was suspended from school for two days for pulling his pants down at recess. A second grader in Rhode Island was suspended when he got mad and ran out of the school building. In Maryland, a third grader was suspended because she yelled when she wasn’t allowed to have cookies, disrupting class.

Suspending younger kids can be especially damaging

At Johnsburg Elementary School, which serves about 350 third through fifth grade students on the northern outskirts of Chicago’s suburbs, administrators are trying to limit the use of suspensions. Student conferences, like the one after the fight during football, are just one piece of a much larger effort aimed at preventing and addressing misbehavior. In the end, the boys didn’t lose time in the classroom, but they were no longer allowed to play football at recess.

Belcastro’s decision not to suspend the boys was based on research that consistently shows suspending students makes it more difficult for them to succeed academically and more likely they will enter the criminal justice system as adults.

Suspension can be particularly damaging when doled out to younger students, said Iheoma Iruka, a professor of public policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Being kicked out of the classroom can fracture kids’ trust in their teachers and the institution early on. Those early impressions can stay with students and cause long-lasting harm, Iruka said, particularly to students for whom school is the most consistent part of their lives.

“Over time, it erodes children’s sense of safety. It erodes their relationship with teachers,” said Iruka, who is also the founding director of the Equity Research Action Coalition at UNC, a group that researches and develops policies to address bias in the classroom.

In part, because of concerns like these, advocates and policymakers across the country often focus on the early grades when pushing for discipline reform . At least 17 states and Washington, D.C., have passed laws to limit the use of suspension and expulsion for younger children, typically students in pre-K through third or fifth grade. In Illinois, where Johnsburg Elementary School is located, schools are allowed to suspend young students, but legislators passed a law in 2015 that encourages using suspension as a last resort.

Young children still learning to manage emotions 

Child development experts say that, ideally, suspensions should be used only in extremely rare circumstances, especially in elementary school.

Misbehavior at any age is often a symptom of deeper issues, experts say, but young children, especially, struggle to identify those issues and communicate them effectively. Students in the early grades are also still trying to figure out how to function in a school environment and need to be explicitly taught how to manage their emotions.

“We can hold older students accountable to know the rules of behavior in their schools,” said Maurice Elias, a professor of psychology who researches social-emotional learning at Rutgers University. “We certainly can’t expect younger children to know all of those things and to anticipate the consequences of all their actions.”

This year, Johnsburg Elementary adopted a new program called Character Strong, which is aimed at helping students with coping, emotional regulation, self-management and relationships. A few weeks into the school year, teachers filled out a screener to identify students struggling in those areas.

On a Thursday morning in November, four third graders left class to meet with social worker Dawn Mendralla. Twinkling lights lined the ceiling of her office; a small flip book depicting various emotions was opened to a page with a purple creature gritting its teeth and holding up its fists in frustration. A poster on the cabinet said: All feelings are welcome here.

“Regulation means we’re controlling ourselves, we’re controlling our behaviors, we’re controlling our emotions,” Mendralla said to the students. 

Once a week, the identified students attend a group session with Mendralla focused on improving those skills. Children who need more help also briefly check in with Mendralla, individually, every day. Students who misbehave, like the group of boys who got into a fight at recess, are also sent to Belcastro’s office.

Like other schools throughout the country, Johnsburg Elementary has been dealing with the ongoing impact of the pandemic on children’s behavior.

“There’s an increase in emotional outbursts, frustration, and they don’t know how to manage their emotions effectively,” Belcastro said. “Secondly, would be social interaction changes because they weren’t around other kids and other people for so long, they didn’t have that and now they’ve forgotten how or never learned how to make friends.”

During the 2022-23 school year, Johnsburg Elementary had 687 referrals, or disciplinary write-ups, involving a student misbehaving, up from 222 referrals in 2021-22 and 276 referrals in 2018-19.

Even with the rise in behavior challenges, the school has tried to limit student suspensions. Through February this school year, only three students had been given an in-school suspension and one had been sent home. 

Backtracking on limiting suspensions after pandemic

Elsewhere, though, the post-pandemic rise in misbehavior has caused some states to backtrack on policies limiting exclusionary discipline and instead made it easier for schools to kick students out of class.

In Nevada last year, legislators lowered the age at which students can be suspended or expelled from 11 to 6 and made it easier for schools to suspend or expel students.

In 2023, Kentucky lawmakers gave principals the ability to permanently kick students out of school if they believe the student will “chronically disrupt the education process for other students” and if they have been removed from class three times for being disruptive.

“There’s just been more and more discipline problems across the nation, and definitely across the state. We’ve just gotta get things under control,” said Rep. Steve Rawlings, who was among the legislation’s sponsors. “We have to prioritize the safety of teachers in the classroom and fellow students so that the focus can be on academics and not be distracted by issues of discipline.”

Elias and other experts say suspension should act more as a rare safety measure in extreme cases, rather than a disciplinary measure.

In the discipline records The Hechinger Report obtained, some school districts reported suspending young children for infractions like hitting their peers or teachers or throwing chairs and desks. 

In such cases, suspension may make sense, experts say, while allowing educators time to develop a longer-term response to the misconduct. But schools should not expect that removing kids from class will magically improve their behavior. 

That’s something Belcastro has argued as well. Occasionally, there are tensions with parents who want to see other students punished when their own child has been harmed in some way. Belcastro doesn't think that’s an effective approach.

“Punishments do not change behavior. No kid at this age level considers what the potential consequences might be before they do an action,” Belcastro recalled telling one parent who was upset about a student at the school. “So it really serves no purpose, it’s not helpful. But instead, working to prevent the behavior is what we need to do, so it doesn't happen again.”

In Mendralla’s room, a small group of fourth grade boys showed up for a group session one day in November. The goal of this weekly session is for students to learn how to better regulate their emotions.

“What happens when we keep things all to ourselves, things build up, and we keep things bottled up inside us?” Mendralla asked.

“Then you explode,” a student said. “With emotions.”

Mendralla asked the students to think of rules they would like to have for these group sessions. A couple of students threw out suggestions: no running around the room, no interrupting, no blaming others, nobody is better than anybody else.

Another fourth grader raised his hand.

“If there’s another person making fun of another person because of the way they look and act, don’t join in,” he said. “We don’t know what they’re going through.”

This story about misbehavior in young children was produced by USA TODAY publishing partner The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.

  • WEATHER ALERT Flood Warning Full Story
  • solar eclipse

Berwyn teacher uses LightSound to 'show' visually impaired students 2024 solar eclipse

Leah Hope Image

BERWYN, Ill. (WLS) -- One thousand students at Morton West High School in Berwyn, Ill., got permission to watch Monday's solar eclipse outside, but one employee went above and beyond to make sure visually impaired students were included as well.

Instructional Coach James Conley realized the school's visually impaired students would not be able to have the same eclipse experience as their peers. He found a solution in a device called LightSound.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

"I'm super excited about it," Conley said. "Technology is opening a whole new way of educating the modern student."

The device was developed at Harvard University. It registers light brightness and converts that data into sound.

"It's one of many examples of how technology is opening up educational opportunities that did not exist before," said Conley.

READ MORE: Solar eclipse 2024 draws crowds in Carbondale, Chicago and Indiana for awesome sight

Conley applied to get a LightSound and was approved. It's one of only seven devices in the Chicago area.

Monday, students in Ms. Schultheis' special education class got to hear the LightSound, and the changes as the eclipse intensified and waned.

"It makes my heart so happy," said Kayla Schultheis. "I love my job, I love my kids, and to see them be a part of a nationwide event and to witness it, it's something I will always remember."

Conway said this device was gifted to them by Harvard, and they will gift their LightSound to another school, likely in Chile or Argentina for the annular eclipse later this year.

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    Creative impromptu speech topics for high schoolers. The significance of humor in life. Technology's effects on society. The advantages of reading. The parent's role in their child's education. The force of goodwill. Significance of time management in life. Impact of climate change in everyday life.

  16. Public Speaking Activities for Secondary Students

    After drawing, provide 30 seconds to outline their speech. Then, students will talk about the topic for one minute. As the school year continued, I would increase the speaking time. Older students who have been in class for a bit will probably organize their speech with a general introductory statement, two concepts, and a concluding statement.

  17. 125 High School Debate Topics To Engage Every Student

    125 High School Debate Topics To Challenge Every Student. Learn how to argue with logic instead of emotion. Some teachers shy away from debate in the classroom, afraid it will become too adversarial. But learning to discuss and defend various points of view is an important life skill. Debates teach students to research their topic, make ...

  18. 50+ Persuasive Speech Topics For High School Students in 2023

    You can research local issues and turn them into an engaging and persuasive topic. Focus on Emotional Topics. Emotions are motivators, and speaking on an emotional topic will help persuade your audience. However, don't overdo it and strike a balance between emotion, facts, and figures. Focus on Visualization.

  19. 50+ Easy English Speech Topics for Students: 2-5 Minute Speech

    Best English Speech Topics for Students. Speech topics are definitely going to be essential for students to learn about what they can speak when they are presented with an opportunity to speak on a particular topic which is common. There are lots of topics which may be common but students may not be well versed in those topics and hence they may find it difficult to speak clearly and in detail.

  20. 50 Debate Topics for High School

    The following 50 debate topics can be used in high school or advanced middle school classrooms. They are organized by genre and some can be modified for use in different subjects. Each item is listed in the form of a question to propose to your students that has at least two points of view. Read More. Middle School Debate Topics.

  21. My Favorite High School Materials

    Some favorites: Simon's Cat, Mr. Bean, Pixar shorts, and Zig & Sharko. Commercials are wonderful for working on inferencing, social skills, and comprehension. Commercials are entertaining and are often humorous. Hallie Sherman has a great blog postwith ideas for using commercials in speech therapy.

  22. Meet the April 8 Montgomery Advertiser Student of the Week candidates

    This week's poll will be open from the morning of Monday, April 8 until noon on Thursday, April 11. New polls and nominees will be announced every week. If your school didn't nominate a student ...

  23. Live updates: James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of Michigan school

    James and Jennifer Crumbley each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the teenager who killed four students in a 2021 school shooting in Oxford ...

  24. Parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley both sentenced to 10

    PONTIAC, Mich. — The first parents to ever be charged, then convicted, in their child's mass shooting at a U.S. school were both sentenced Tuesday to 10 to 15 years in prison after they faced ...

  25. 3. Problems students are facing at public K-12 schools

    34% of middle school teachers say bullying is a major problem, compared with 13% of elementary school teachers and 21% of high school teachers. Not surprisingly, drug use, school fights, alcohol use and gangs are more likely to be viewed as major problems by secondary school teachers than by those teaching in elementary schools. Differences by ...

  26. New Major Reflects Growth in Speech-Language Pathology

    According to the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in the speech-language pathology field were expected to grow by 29% from 2020 to 2023. And there's more exciting data for future speech-language pathologists: U.S. News & World Report named the field as the No. 10 career choice on its list of the ...

  27. Young students kicked out of school for age-appropriate behavior

    In many cases, young students were removed from their classes for behavior that is common for kids their age, according to additional discipline records from half a dozen school districts obtained ...

  28. Morton West High School in Berwyn 'shows' visually impaired students

    BERWYN, Ill. (WLS) -- One thousand students at Morton West High School in Berwyn, Ill., got permission to watch Monday's solar eclipse outside, but one employee went above and beyond to make sure ...