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50 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

What is it that makes these EASY persuasive speech topics?

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

An EASY topic is one that...

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

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

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

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics - 1-12 Related to Schools

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

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

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

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

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics - 37-50 Miscellaneous Ideas

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

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99 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

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

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

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

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

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

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

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

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

Steer Clear of Cliches

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

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

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

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

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

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

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

Environment

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

Science & Technology

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

Social Media

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

Parenting & Family

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

Entertainment

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

Arts & Humanities

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

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

Do Your Research

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

Understand Your Audience

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

Have Someone Read Your Speech

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

Practice Makes Perfect

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

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

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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

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

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

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

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

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

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Business and Economy

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

Social Media

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

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics 

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

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Politics and Government

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

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

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

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

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

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

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

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

Lauren Green

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

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105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project

General Education

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

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

It's a Topic People Care About

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

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

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

It Isn't Overdone

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

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

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

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

105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

Science/Environment

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

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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

Do Your Research

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

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

Consider All the Angles

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

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

Know Your Audience

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

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

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

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

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

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

243 Easy and Simple Speech Topics

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

If you have interest and knowledge in a specific subject, it makes for an easy speech topic. If a subject is not complex, it makes for an easy subject. If you have interest and knowledge on a simple non-complex topic, that makes for a really easy speech topic.

If time doesn’t allow for much preparation or research, what’s best is to stick with something you know. This will cut down significantly on your workload because you already know most of what there is to know.

In this article:

Family, Friends, Relationships

Government and the law, miscellaneous, easy and simple speech topics on popular subjects.

• Teachers should be required to take basic skills tests every few years to keep their certification
• Less professional advertisements in schools
• Why single-sex public schools are better than co-ed
• SAT scores for college applicants
• Student cyber bullies should be expelled from school
• Hazing on college campuses is a problem
• Higher education is a basic need for succeeding in life today.
• Schools should not serve french fries and soda
• Students that study online cheat more.
• Classic literature should only be for college students.
• Every student in every school should wear a uniform
• Students should be placed in trade schools after getting a basic education
• Exam scores have little indication on a student’s abilities
• History textbooks don’t tell the whole truth
• Learning about all world religions in schools is important
• Homeschooling is better than traditional education
• Phones are distracting students from learning
• Going to college has little bearing on a successful future
• Students should learn and be fluent in a second language
• Mandatory community service for students to graduate high school
• Should tablets and other technology replace books?
• Schools should educate on proper nutrition from start to finish
• Regulating the music at school dances to eliminate cursing
• The impact of gym class on students

• Dual parent households benefit children more.
• Couples are wrong to stay together for the kids.
• Family must always come first.
• Parents need to stop forcing their own dreams on their children.
• Live together before getting married.
• Married couples must have date nights.
• Breastfeeding is better than formula feeding
• Discipline should be based on rewards, not punishment
• Divorce doesn’t damage children.
• Lower cost childcare or childcare provided at every workplace
• Make help more readily available to single pregnant mothers
• Never borrow money from friends.
• Pros and cons of abstinence
• Imposing a curfew on kids 17 and under
• Parents should be accountable for not providing a healthy diet to their children
• Kids having jam-packed schedules isn’t good for them
• Long distance relationships don’t work.
• It’s not good to be an only child.
• Families eating together is important
• Kids today are being made to be selfish, disrespectful, and entitled
• Teenagers should contribute to household expenses
• The need for parental consent to give teen girls birth control
• Restrictions on how many children one family can have
• Free counseling to at-risk youth
• Parents right to give consent for their child to drink at home under supervision
• Should parents respect kids privacy at all times?
• How it takes a village to raise a child
• Parent’s responsibility to discuss sex education
• Video game violence causing violent kids
• Imposing better and more affordable options for the aging community

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• Dogs are better pets than cats.
• Exotic animals are not pets.
• Neutering pets is a must.
• Humans have turned pit bulls into monsters.
• Zoos do not give animals enough space.
• Adopt don’t shop is key to getting a pet.
• Birds are not meant to live in cages.
• Dolphins are intelligent creatures.
• Zoos cause more harm than good
• Euthanize dogs that have bitten more than once
• Ban slaughter houses for horses
• Why dogs are man’s best friend
• Not allowing people to keep exotic animals as pets
• Pit bulls aren’t the problem , it’s their owners

• Two child max rule should apply worldwide.
• Smoking in all public places should be illegal worldwide.
• Legalize abortion for rape and incest cases.
• Buyers should be punished even harsher than poachers.
• Cosmetic surgery should be regulated.
• Equal punishment and less protection for celebrities who break the law
• Impose bi-annual drivers tests for people over 60
• People on welfare should be drug tested to receive welfare, and at random to keep it
• Moral and legal stance on capital punishment
• Immigrants should be required to speak the primary language of the country they wish to immigrate to
• Red light cameras at every traffic light
• Everyone having access to affordable or even free universal health care
• The government is no longer “by the people and for the people”
• Impose stricter federal restrictions on internet content
• Making self-defense courses available to the public
• Regulate automobile emissions
• All weapons must be registered with the police
• The government shouldn’t censor information given online
• Stricter punishments for driving drunk
• No death penalty for juveniles
• Higher standards held for the President
• Weeding out the dirty politicians
• Protecting the quality of drinking water in America
• Criminals should pay restitution to their victims rather than to society
• Eliminate cursing on day-time television
• Restrictions on garbage output to reduce pollution and carbon footprint
• Legal issues are the best sources to find suggestions for persuasive speech topics.
• There is a need for more prisons.
• Human rights must be respected.

• People need to visit dentists more often.
• Fast foods must be more expensive than healthier foods.
• Music has healing power.
• Fast food restaurants are not responsible for obesity.
• Eating fruit is healthier than drinking fruit juice.
• Medical marijuana isn’t a cure.
• Vegan diets are too extreme.
• Benefits of drinking 2L of water per day is a myth.
• Calcium doesn’t make teeth stronger.
• Losing weight is easy, keeping it off is not.
• Aging cannot be reversed.
• Fat isn’t bad for you.
• Electronic cigarettes are harmful.
• Diet pills do not work.
• Balanced sugar-free nutrition is an effective treatment for ADHD.
• Hospitals should allow owners of pets to have their pets brought in
• Buying local goods is better for the economy and for our health
• The impact of consuming all organic foods on our bodies
• The benefits of alternative medicine vs. Western medicine
•  HIV and AIDS testing done annually for Health Care Professional 
• Fast food and the war on obesity
• Morbidly obese people should have to pay more for public transportation
• Healthcare should include a gym membership and nutrition counseling
• The negative implications of Facebook
• Television programs must be censored before broadcasting.
• Talking during movies at the theater is rude behavior.
• How the paparazzi hinders free press
• The good and bad when it comes to Google
• The paparazzi are the real stalkers.
• Celebrities get away with everything.
• Video games are not evil.
• Downloading copyrighted MP3s is piracy.
• Sex and violence on television is harmful to children.
• Ad spots in news programs should be banned.
• News media should give equal attention to all politicians.
• There is nothing real about reality TV.
• Social media should be blocked at work places.
• Fake news writers should be punished.
• Word of mouth will always be the best form of advertising.
• TV’s will soon be a thing of the past.
• Romantic movies set unrealistic standards.
• Ads aimed at children should be strictly regulated.
• Television has become the number two news source after the internet and tv will be further downsized.
• Beer advertisements promote irresponsible drinking and ought to be banned from the communal street views.
• Harry Potter books are popular even among adults.
• News reporters earn money because of people who make a mess of their lives.
• No news is good news!
• Books should never be burned in public.
• Advantages of having a three-day weekend instead of a two-day weekend
• Why everyone should visit Disney World
• Allow married women to enter Miss World and Miss Universe pageants.
• There couldn’t be enough beauty contests for children!
• Beauty contests degrade women.
• Some market toys provoke and promote violent behavior.
• Mac is better than PC
• Santiago de Chile tourists must be made aware of pickpocketers. (or another city)
• Love is far more powerful than hate
• Make free public wi-fi available
• Bike-sharing programs
• Stealing from the rich to give to the poor is not nobel.
• The morals behind lying
• Silly games like Candy Crush are making people less intelligent
• Using hands-free devices while driving
• Using lie detector tests for employment purposes
• What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
• Money can’t buy happiness
• Is Batman a real superhero?
• Why there aren’t more female construction workers
• Lie detector tests are inaccurate.
• Organic food tastes better.
• Alternative power is the answer to our energy crisis.
• It’s immoral to genetically design babies.
• Every property needs to have at least one tree.
• Nursery rhymes need to be looked at better.
• Hostels are not a place for children.
• Plant fruit trees on sidewalks.
• Religion and science can go hand in hand.
• Everyone should know how to swim.
• Not wearing a seat belt a personal choice.
• Opposites will always attract.
• Climate change is always changing.
• Not enough is done to end world hunger.
• Battery farming is unethical.
• People shouldn’t be paying for drivers licenses.
• Smokers make the most acquaintances.
• First impressions are always right.
• Cash should be abandoned completely.
• Allow mind reading during poker.
• Minimum wage is too low.
• Security cameras are an invasion of privacy.
• Clients don’t want birthday messages from businesses.
• Allow casual dress clothes in the workplace.
• Make public transport free.
• The welfare system doesn’t work.
• Organ donors should be paid.
• All kids on a winning team should get a trophy.
• Illegal immigrants don’t harm the economy.
• Humans are vegetarian by nature.
• Self-driving cars will cause fewer accidents.
• It is time to include internet slang to dictionaries.
• Teens are unfairly stereotyped.
• Group homes are better than foster care.
• Guns don’t kill people.
• Fracking is dangerous.
• Money isn’t the root of all evil.
• Being homeless is a choice.
• The school curriculum is too overloaded.
• Graffiti is art.
• Priests shouldn’t be giving marriage counseling.
• Everyone must be taught to do CPR.
• Juvenile crime is dealt with incorrectly.
• Older generations were crueler.
• Royal families are not needed in this day and age.
• Fame will always be bad for children.
• Prisoners must not be allowed tovote.
• Yearly HIV tests for all health professionals.
• Being skinny is no longer cool.
• Lego’s are not gender bias.
• The drought in Cape Town will happen in other parts of the world too.
• Employees know more than employers.
• Adoption records should be opened.
• Affirmative action is false competition in the workspace.
• Aids tests should be required in federal prisons – for all inmates and the prison guards too.
• The millimeter wave scanner at airports security zones strikes out all privacy that we fought for.
• Water management in our home really does matter.
• Why you should only buy fair trade.
• Hundred percent airline safety is an utopia.
• Helping runaways is a crime.
• Help addicted popstars immediately and save them.
• Hands free cell phone use in cars must be promoted better.
• Drivers quickly forget their drivers education.
• The driving age for teens should be raised to 18.
• The 1st Amendment is not a shield for hate groups.
• Reducing crime is a utopia.
• Impose trade and social sanctions on countries that do not prohibit child labor.
• More cold cases will be solved if investigators make use of DNA available.
• Ban the sale of guns at shops and stores.
• Saying what you want must not include hate speech.
• Immigrants must learn the language of the country they move to.
• Refund or rebate extra taxes collected plus interest on it to those who paid.
• Help the homeless down the streets and persuade them to look for work.
• Cell phone use is dangerous while driving.
• How Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas.
• History of our National Anthem and rituals.
• Paying off mortgage debt early is a good investment.
• Global awareness makes us responsible citizens of the world.

Nothing really stand out? No problem. Start by writing a list of things that interest you. Keep going until you find something you know a good deal about and that you could talk about forever. Choose something that will get your blood boiling, that you feel strongly about, even if others don’t. You’ll likely convert some people to your way of thinking just by the way you speak about your chosen topic.

No matter what topic you choose, always be credible and purpose-driven. Giving false facts is a big “no-no” and so is being wishy-washy with you speech. Give it meaning, give it purpose.

Just remember, what may be  easy speech topics to one person, isn’t always easily understood by someone else. So keep that in mind when persuading your audience.

613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas

The Best Microphone Stands and Desktop Boom Arms of 2022

8 thoughts on “243 Easy and Simple Speech Topics”

which topic is best topic in the world?

Thanks a lot It helped me in debate competition

Oof! that was quite a lot of reading, but it helped me greatly! I’m in a speech contest (middle grade, I’m in Canada).

Nice Idea to Easy and Simple Speech for Student Great Work well done

Thanks a lot it’s helpful

Last year I was super motivated to do a speech, and I came first in my school, with the topic of beach and ocean pollution. But know i’m not even motivated at all. Any suggestions of what I should do?

when your watching a movie with your parents and it gets to a sex scene and you tryna act cool: yes, the floor is very nice

My school has the best topics from this website UWU

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75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

October 4, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

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

What is persuasive speech?

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

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

How to choose a topic for your speech

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

Familiarity

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

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

The audience’s interest

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

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

Not overdone

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

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

Emotional topics

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

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

Desired outcome

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

Persuasive speech topics

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

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

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

Arts/Culture

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

Business and economy

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

Law and politics

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

Science and the environment

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

World peace

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

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

After choosing your topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🔝 Top 10 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2024

✍️ persuasive speech outline, 😊 easy persuasive speech topics.

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

⭐ Good Persuasive Speech Topics

💊 medical persuasive speech topics.

• 🍃 Environmental Speech Topics

⚖️ Ethical Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

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

🎒 Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

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

🎓 Persuasive Speech Topics for College

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

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

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

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

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

🍃 Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics about Food

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

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

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

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

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Political Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Speech?

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech?

Various qualities characterize effective persuasive speeches:

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

What to Write a Persuasive Speech on?

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

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

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

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

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

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

• The Speaker Lab
• June 13, 2024

Table of Contents

If you’ve ever written a persuasive speech, chances are you’ve struggled to choose a persuasive speech topic . It makes sense, right? You want to speak on something relevant yet unique, timely but timeless. Sometimes it feels like every good idea is already taken or too controversial. Or maybe the topic you’re considering seems too bland and won’t stir the pot enough. CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors—everyone with something important to say faces this challenge.

Well, fear not. We’ve got some fresh ideas for persuasive speech topics coming right up. These aren’t your high school debate prompts; they’re designed for individuals ready to make waves across industries and impact audiences. So if you’re on a mission to reshape perceptions and create genuine transformation, stick around.

Understanding the Power of Persuasion

Before we dive into these topics, let’s get one thing straight: understanding persuasion in speech is like having a superpower. But what makes some speeches stick with us forever? Persuasive speaking works its charm by tapping into our emotions and reasoning. It’s that perfect blend of ethos, pathos, and logos that the Greek philosopher Aristotle talked about centuries ago.

• Ethos: This is all about credibility. If the audience trusts the speaker (you), they’re more likely to be on board with your message.
• Pathos: Here’s where emotions come into play. The right emotional appeal can make an audience start to see things your way.
• Logos: Logic seals the deal. A well-reasoned argument backed by solid facts? Hard to argue against that.

This trio works together to create a kind of spellbinding effect that doesn’t just persuade, but also sticks with your audience long after the talk has ended. With these three rhetorical appeals in hand, you can do more than convince; you can transform thinking and ignite action because your persuasive speech topic resonates on a deeply personal level for each listener.

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Choosing Persuasive Speech Topics That Resonate With Your Audience

Tailoring your topic to your audience isn’t just important; it’s everything when it comes to persuasion. After all, if you don’t know who you’re talking to, how will you grab their attention? Imagine chatting about quantum physics with a room full of poets or discussing poetry at a tech conference. See the mismatch? Choosing the right persuasive speech topic means finding one that resonates deeply with your listeners’ lives and experiences.

To analyze your audience effectively, you’re going to want to do a little digging ahead of time.

• Dig into Demographics: Age, occupation, education level—these aren’t just numbers and titles; they’re clues into what might spark interest.
• Catch the Cultural Cues: What cultural backgrounds are present in your audience? Understanding their cultural fabric can influence what makes them laugh, what they hold sacred, and even the subjects that might be touchy.
• Tune into their Concerns: What keeps them up at night? Whether it’s climate change or personal finance, aligning your speech here can keep your audience engaged.

In essence, knowing your audience means respecting them enough to make sure they walk away feeling heard and understood rather than preached at or overlooked. And guess what? When folks feel respected and valued, they listen more closely.

Exploring Persuasive Speech Topics

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out on your public speaking journey, choosing persuasive speech topics that resonate with audiences can feel difficult. However, knowing who’s sitting in your audience can make that decision a lot easier. Analyzing your audience ensures that your message hits home and sparks interest and debate. Consider some of the categories below as you brainstorm your speech topic.

• Current Events and Social Issues: Hot off the press. These topics are fresh, relevant, and have everyone talking already. You’re halfway there.
• Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Questions: Moral dilemmas offer rich soil for persuasion because they invite listeners to explore their values.
• Technology and Innovation: Tech shapes our future every day. Discuss its impacts or ethical considerations for endless engagement.
• Health and Wellness: This area touches everyone’s life at some point. From diet fads to healthcare policies—if it affects well-being, people want to hear about it.
• Educational Reform and Policy Changes: Schools shape societies’ futures; thus discussions around education reforms carry weight for many listeners looking toward tomorrow’s promise.

Your chosen topic doesn’t need to be grandiose or controversial. Sometimes simplicity speaks volumes more than we give it credit for. When crafting your persuasive speech, the goal is simply to choose a topic that both informs and transforms perspectives.

Current Events and Social Issues

Diving into the realm of current events and societal debates has the power to transform a decent speech into one that lingers in memory. Why? By engaging with present-day events and societal dilemmas, we are moved, provoked, and occasionally our perspectives on life are profoundly altered.

So, let’s dive right in. Here are some persuasive speech topics that are not just timely but packed with potential to spark debate, drive change, or at least get people thinking.

• Climate Change: It’s been talked about for years, but with wildfires raging and ice caps melting it’s a more critical topic than ever. How can we not only stop but reverse the damage?
• Social Justice Movements: From Black Lives Matter to Stop Asian Hate, these movements have stirred conversations worldwide. In what ways are governments expected to step up and guarantee fairness among their citizens? How can each person pitch in meaningfully to support these vital movements?
• The Tech Takeover: Technology is shaping our future, but at what cost? Let’s talk digital privacy rights or AI ethics.
• Mental Health Awareness: With a global pandemic throwing life as we know it out of balance, mental health has taken center stage. How do we build societies that support mental wellness?

Right now, we’re smack in the middle of events that will fill history books for generations to come. Each of these topics isn’t just relevant; they’re urgent. But remember this: while diving deep into any of them could make for powerful persuasive speeches, always aim for empathy over controversy.

Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Questions

We live in an era teeming with issues ripe for debate—climate change action versus economic growth challenges; genetic engineering marvels against ethical quandaries; digital age freedoms wrestling with security needs—the list goes on. Persuasive essay topics that deal with ethical dilemmas and moral questions can be great ways to challenge your audience—and even yourself. Take a look:

• Government Surveillance: Is it a necessary protection or an invasion of privacy?
• Vaccine Mandates: Is it a public health safety net or a personal freedom infringement?
• Data Privacy vs. Technological Advancement: Where do we draw the line?
• Artificial Intelligence: Should machines have rights like humans do?

Good persuasive speeches do more than wade through facts. They spark engaging dialogues, challenge people’s beliefs, and maybe even alter their viewpoints. Exploring persuasive speech topics about ethics and morality forces us to dig deeper and frequently nudges us beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. But here’s the kicker: they also make your speech unforgettable.

Technology and Innovation

Technology’s relentless pace has us all on our toes, wondering what’s next. As a result, it gives us plenty of persuasive speech topics to consider.

• AI Ethics: Artifical intelligence can be a force for good, but it can also have negative outcomes, like the loss of jobs. Should it be regulated? If so, how?
• Data Privacy: What responsibility do corporations have to consumers when it comes to data privacy? This would be a great topic to explore data and privacy rights.
• Gene Editing: Thanks to technology like CRISPR, it’s now possible to edit genetic code. But is it ethical to edit the genes of humans, either born or unborn? How far is too far?
• Elon’s Mars Mission: Is exploring other planets our human duty or a waste of resources?

With technology moving faster than legislation can keep up, posing these questions is vital. Without scrutiny, technology can quickly become a dangerous tool, so it’s important to spend time exploring its implications. Whether you’re prepping for your next persuasive speech or simply want to stay informed, digging into these topics is a great way to keep your audience engaged and informed.

Health and Wellness

When it comes to persuasive speech topics, health-related issues pack a punch like no other because, well, who isn’t interested in living their best life? In addition, it’s a topic that everyone can easily relate to because our well-being is something that we all think about. As far the specific issue you choose, you’ll want to look back on the research you did on your audience. Are they fitness buffs looking for the next challenge or parents concerned about family nutrition? Tailor your topic accordingly.

• Effects of the Pandemic: Dive into how global pandemics reshape public health policies.
• Mental Health: In what capacity is mental health affected by technology? Is social media a concern? If so, what steps should parents take to protect themselves and their children in an increasingly digital world?
• Artificial Intelligence:  Chat about wearable tech transforming personal wellness or AI’s role in advancing healthcare solutions.
• Educational Reform & Policy Changes: Debate the necessity of nutritional education in schools or argue for more accessible healthcare services.

Health is a great topic for persuasive speeches because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s wanting good health—not just for us but generations to come.

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Education Reform and Policy Changes

Schooling serves as the cornerstone for nurturing groundbreaking advancements, fostering fairness, and upholding democratic values. However, these days, many are calling for education reform . These voices challenge us to question norms, imagine new possibilities, and rally for collective action. Of course, not everyone sees eye-to-eye on what needs changing in our schools or how to do it. So before you pick one of the topics below, again, make sure you understand who you’re talking to. That’s step one towards making an impact.

• Standardized Testing: How necessary is it and who really benefits from it?
• Educational Funding: What is causing funding inequities between rich and poor districts? How might this be addressed? What solutions have been tried and have they worked?
• School Curriculum: How should schools implement inclusive curriculums reflecting diverse histories and experiences?

Before change can occur, questions must be asked. By posing questions about the state of education in the U.S., you can challenge what people really know about the system in place. And who knows? You just might surprise yourself by what you find.

Exploring persuasive speech topics is the first step towards delivering a memorable speech. When you understand the power behind every word and meet your audience’s expectations, you can craft messages that resonate.

Potential topics range from current events to technology and innovation. Even ethical dilemmas can turn into a great persuasive speech when handled carefully. Similarly, speaking on health and wellness turns personal goals into universal concerns that are sure to grip your audience. Last but not least, educational reform provides plenty of room for conversation, as it’s sure to affect generations to come.

These aren’t just topics, though. When you stand before an audience next time around, remember: you’re not just delivering a speech—you’re igniting change one word at a time.

• Last Updated: June 12, 2024

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July 24, 2024

250+ Ideas for persuasive speech topics

How to choose a great persuasive speech topic, inspiration and ideas, and example presentations for you to get started

Co-founder, CEO

Creating a great persuasive speech starts with picking the right topic. With the right topic, it's much easier to lay the groundwork for a great argument and a great speech.

Some of these persuasive speech ideas are meant to be funny, some are “easier” to create a speech around, and all of them offer the ability to take multiple sides and/or present multiple points of view.

Here are over 250 of the best hand-picked ideas for persuasive speech topics, categorized by topic area.

How to pick a topic for your persuasive speech

To make a great persuasive speech, you should pick a topic that meets the following criteria:

• You’re interested in the subject matter - Life is short! Don’t spend a bunch of time researching something that you don’t want to learn about or discuss.
• There are multiple perspectives - If there’s no need to persuade anyone, it’s not a persuasive speech.
• It’s relevant and topical - Whether it’s relevant to your friends, classmates, or current events, there’s a reason to research and learn more about this topic.
• You can bring unique insights - Whether you have a personal experience, unexpected facts, or can debunk some commonly misunderstood beliefs, surprising and educating your audience is one of the best ways to create an effective persuasive speech.

How to write a persuasive speech

The first step to writing a persuasive speech is to research and understand the different viewpoints on the topic, form a personal opinion based on the facts, and then create a rough outline of your speech.

Depending on how long your presentation is , you will probably want to have 2 or 3 key points as well as supporting information about each of your key points.

Once you have the key points planned out, you can write your full speech and create an accompanying presentation, if needed.

Create a first draft of your presentation with Plus AI

If you want to get a jump start on a first draft of the speech or presentation, you can use a tool like Plus AI to quickly create a starting point for you, and edit it from there.

Most popular persuasive speech ideas

Here are some of the most popular ideas for persuasive speeches, based on topics we have seen in the past:

• Is student debt forgiveness a good idea?
• Should students be allowed to use AI ?
• Would universal basic income improve the day-to-day life of everyone?
• Should AI systems always be able to explain their decisions ?
• Are public figures entitled to the same privacy as private citizens?
• Are politicians getting too old to be effective?
• Is social media bad for you?
• Can money buy happiness ?
• Should the government regulate social media companies? 
• Should religion be taught in schools?

Here’s an example presentation on whether students should be allowed to use AI in school.

Easy persuasive speech ideas

Here are some topics that should be easier persuasive speech ideas for students because you may already have a point of view or personal experiences that could enhance the content of your presentation.

• Should students be allowed to use AI tools?
• Should you exercise every day?
• Is the current tax system fair and effective?
• Should we reduce the use of single-use plastics?
• Should voting be mandatory?
• Should schools teach kids a foreign language?
• Should smartphones be banned in school?
• Should schools teach financial management and other practical skills?
• Are phones and social media affecting how kids grow up?
• Should the government invest more money in space exploration?
• Is math more important than reading?

Persuasive speech ideas about society

Here are some ideas for speeches about society and how we live where it could be interesting to share different points of view.

• What is the most important issue for young people today?
• Are romantic movies good for feminism?
• Would universal basic income improve the day-to-day life of most people?
• How can education reduce social inequality?
• Is there still a stigma when people have mental health issues?
• Do people enjoy the commercialization of holidays?
• How should countries trade off the need for safety vs. privacy?
• How has reality TV changed dating?
• Why is religion becoming less important in modern society?
• Are communities stronger in urban areas or rural areas?
• Should schools encourage students to be politically active?
• Are we headed towards World War 3?
• What are the best ways to reduce homelessness?
• Is cancel culture a bad thing?
• How do government programs like social security benefit society?

Persuasive speech ideas about AI

AI is a hot topic these days, and people have a lot of different opinions on AI. Here are some ideas that can help you find the perfect topic for a persuasive speech about AI.

• Should intelligent AIs have "human rights"?
• Who should be at fault if an AI system makes a bad decision?
• Will AI destroy jobs or lead to new forms of work for people?
• Who is the creator of an AI-generated artwork / book / song?
• Does AI increase inequality?
• How should people handle misinformation in the age of AI?
• Should AI systems always be able to explain their decisions?
• Will AI change the way we interact with other people in social situations?
• Should AI developers be reponsible for making AI behave ethically?
• Should there be a global regulatory framework for AI? 
• If AI performs better than human doctors, should it be allowed to make medical decisions?

Persuasive speech ideas about the environment

Given the media’s polarized coverage of climate change (see what I did there 😄), there are no shortage of opinions on the environment. Here are some interesting speech ideas on the environment.

• What is the cost of climate change? 
• Should cities ban items like plastic bags and plastic straws?
• How should corporations be held responsible for climate change?
• Why is investing in renewable energy important?
• Should all endangered species be protected?
• Should farmers be forced to adopt water conservation policies?
• Are electric vehicles a failure?
• Should "fast fashion" be regulated in order to protect the environment?
• How can overfishing be prevented?
• Is nuclear energy a good solution or a threat?
• Is ecotourism good for local economies and ecosystems?
• Who should decide what makes a building "green"?
• Is "organic" a meaningless word today?
• Can technology solve our environmental problems?
• Should we limit the use of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture?
• Should countries limit the import and export of water?

Persuasive speech ideas about arts and culture

If you’re looking to do a persuasive speech on art or culture, there are certainly a lot of different opinions and interesting media assets you could share with your audience.

Here’s an example slide deck created by Plus AI on whether NFTs should be considered “art.”

• Should NFTs like Bored Apes be considered art?
• Has the quality of music gotten worse over time? 
• Should we keep reading literature that is offensive?
• Should people study video games as a form of art?
• Should paparazzi be allowed to invade celebrities' privacy?
• Is modern art less "artistic" than classic art?
• Should the government fund more arts and culture programs?
• When should art be censored?
• When does cultural exchange become cultural appropriation?
• Is AI-generated art really art?
• Is graffiti on public buildings art or vandalism?

Persuasive speech ideas about ethics

Ethics and moral dilemmas are a classic set of topics for persuasive speeches. Here are some of the traditional questions that often come up in this category as well as some newer ones based on the latest trends and news.

• Should laws and morals always be in alignment?
• Is political lobbying moral and ethical? 
• Is testing products on animals unethical?
• Should people be allowed to sell their kidneys?
• Should capital punishment exist as a form of justice?
• Should people have the right to euthanasia? 
• Is selecting for or against certain traits in embryos genetic engineering?
• Should governments be allowed to use torture in the name of national security?
• How should AI and robotic systems be used in warfare?
• What moral obligations do humans have towards animals and pets?
• What types of performance-enhancing treatments are ethical in sports?
• How should self-driving cars approach situations like the "trolley problem"?
• Are parents allowed to make decisions in the best interest of their children?
• Should prostitution be legal?

Persuasive speech ideas about health

People generally have a lot of opinions about their bodies and how to take care of them. Many debates come from other people having different opinions. Here are some persuasive speech ideas about healthcare and medicine.

• What should be taught in health education in schools? 
• Should we legalize more drugs and other illicit substances?
• Does the government have the right to declare vaccines mandatory?
• Does social media have positive impacts on mental health? 
• Would universal healthcare be a positive impact on our country?
• Who should be held responsible for the opioid crisis?
• Should the government discourage people from drinking alcohol?
• Are there benefits to cannabis use? 
• Should clinical trials use placebos?
• Should people wear masks every day, even when they are not sick?
• What is the best way to encourage people to exercise more? 
• Should pharmaceutical companies make drugs cheaper?
• How should organ transplants be allocated?
• Is alternative medicine legitimate?
• Is it ethical to develop life extension technologies?

Persuasive speech ideas about politics

Could there be a topic that needs more persuasive dialogue than politics? Here are some interesting speech ideas on the topics of politics and government.

We used Plus AI to generate this presentation on whether politicians are getting too old to be effective.

• Should we institute a mandatory military service or civil service program?
• Is there too much spending on the military?
• What is the best system of modern government?
• Should there always be term limits on elected officials? 
• How should we control the influence of money in politics?
• Should political campaigns be funded by the state?
• Do independent political candidates improve elections?
• How should we change our national immigration policies?
• How should public officials be held accountable for their actions?
• Should social media platforms be allowed to take sides in politics?
• Should our country be more focused on self-sufficiency or globalization?
• Are state-sponsored assassinations acceptable for national security?
• Should prisoners have the right to vote?

Persuasive speech ideas about sports

It might be hard to think about a fun topic like sports in the context of making a speech, but here are a few ideas on topics that can be both academic and relate to your passion in sports.

• Is there too much importance placed on football?
• Is betting in sports ethical? 
• Are athletes paid too much?
• Should athletes be allowed to take performance-enhancing drugs?
• Should physical education be a compulsory subject in school?
• Should female athletes be paid the same as male athletes?
• Do replays and other technologies enhance sports or take away from the experience?
• How important is racial representation in sports?
• Are animal sports like horse racing or bullfighting ethical?
• Are youth sports too commercialized?
• Should high school and college athletes be compensated?
• Should transgender athletes compete in gender-specific competitions?
• Is the celebrity culture of sports stars detrimental to the sport?
• What is the best sport? Why?

Persuasive speech ideas about technology

Technology is becoming one of the most important topics in the stock market, in politics, and in our everyday lives. Here are some ideas on interesting topics to present on in tech.

• Will cryptocurrency lead to stronger financial systems? 
• Should private companies be allowed to use facial recognition technology?
• Will automation hurt the economy and workforce?
• Should we place limits on the development of AI technology?
• Who should pay for space exploration?
• Should AI deepfake technology be banned?
• Can an AI be sentient?
• Should social media companies be allowed to collect so much user data?
• Is it ethical for scientists to develop gene editing technologies?
• Should AI companies be allowed to impersonate well-known public figures?
• How should tech companies handle censorship and content moderation?
• Is it good to pursue technology-driven solutions to immortality? 
• Has technology improved the quality of the average person's life over the last 10 years?
• Is lab-grown meat the future of food? 
• Should cloning be illegal?

Persuasive speech ideas about happiness

If you are going to be doing some research for this persuasive speech, you might as well learn something useful - like how to be happy! Here are some ideas on speeches about happiness:

• Can money buy happiness?
• Is the journey or the destination more important in being happy?
• What are the best ways to pursue happiness?
• Are older people happier?
• Is happiness a better measure of a country's success than economic output?
• Would teaching children mindfulness and mediation make them happier?
• Is volunteering one of the best ways to be happy?
• Does more choice lead to better decisions?
• Would getting rid of technology make people happier?
• is it more important to be happy or to feel satisfied?

Persuasive speech ideas about work

Workaholics rejoice! If you want to spend some quality time researching and talking about work, here are some ideas.

• Is work life balance real? 
• Should companies offer unpaid internships?
• Do gig economy companies exploit their workers?
• Should companies be allowed to ask their employees to work after hours?
• Should companies monitor their employees' social media?
• Is the glass ceiling real or outdated?
• Is at-will employment a good thing for the economy?
• Are mandatory retirement ages discriminatory?
• Is remote work temporary or here to stay? 
• Should companies be allowed to use IQ tests and personality tests in hiring?
• Is outsourcing to lower cost locations ethical?
• Should employees be compensated purely on performance?
• Are DEI programs successful?
• Is it ethical for CEOs to get paid 1,000x more than employees?
• Are unions a good thing for workers?
• Should companies be responsible for employees' mental health?
• Would companies be more efficient with a four day workday?

Persuasive speech ideas about religion

Is it okay to talk about religion in a persuasive speech? Depends on the context, but sure! These are all about sharing your opinions and helping other people to understand your views.

Want to get a head start on your presentation? Here’s an example slide deck of whether churches should be classified as non-profits.

• Should churches be classified as non-profit organizations?
• Should religion play a role in the government?
• Is it moral to attempt to convert others to your religious beliefs?
• Can science and religion coexist?
• What happens if religious beliefs conflict with laws?
• How should religions promote interfaith dialogue?
• How should people deal with religious extremism?
• Is the commercialization of religious holidays bad?
• Should religious symbols be displayed in public spaces?
• Were any religious wars like the crusades morally justified?
• Should governments fund religious schools?
• Should religious groups be exempt from medical treatments or military service?

Persuasive speech ideas about animals

Here are some speech ideas if you want to talk about animals and find cute pictures of pets.

• Should animals be used in research instead of humans?
• Is it ethical to use animals in entertainment and agriculture? 
• Is factory farming an unethical way to raise animals?
• Should pet ownership be regulated?
• Is it okay to hunt animals for sport? for subsistence?
• How should people manage invasive species? 
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
• Is it moral to breed animals in captivity? If the animals are endangered?
• Should we respect cultural practices that involve the killing of animals?
• Are animals intelligent or self-aware?
• Should indigenous populations be exempt from laws pertaining to hunting endangered species?
• Should puppy mills be banned?

Persuasive speech ideas about mental health

Mental health is a serious topic, and if you want to do a speech on mental health, here are some idea starters.

• Why are so many people anxious and depressed?
• How should we destigmatize mental illness?
• Should we teach kids about mental health from an early age?
• How should schools support students dealing with mental health issues?
• Should employers give employees mental health days?
• Why is there a crisis in loneliness and mental health?
• Do conservatives have better mental health than liberals?
• Could we solve homelessness and crime by focusing on mental health?
• Should the government fund more mental health research?
• Is technology a major driver of the decrease in mental health?
• How can mental health be better integrated into primary care?

Funny persuasive speech ideas

If you’re looking for funny topics for a speech, you’re probably a lot more funny than the guy who is writing this blog post, but here are some ideas we came up with.

• What is the best fast food chain?
• What is the best Netflix reality show?
• How many days should you wear jeans before washing them?
• Are McFlurrys better than Blizzards?
• Does every adult need a nap time?
• What is the optimal sleeping temperature?
• Who is the smartest reality TV star?
• Are cats better than dogs?
• Should you procrastinate?
• Should teenagers run the government?
• Is tea better than coffee?
• Are night owls more intelligent?
• Is chocolate the best food group? 
• Does toilet paper go over or under the roll?
• Should you shower at morning or at night?
• Should you take your shoes off in the house? 
• Is there evidence that the earth is flat?
• Should we get rid of Daylight Savings Time?
• Should dessert be the first course of every meal?

If you’re worried about coming up with an original idea for your speech, hopefully this list gives you some ideas and inspiration. If you want more inspiration, we also have ideas for informative speeches , Pecha Kucha , and PowerPoint Karaoke as well.

Once you’re ready to get started, check out Plus AI to create a first draft of your speech and slide deck!

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100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

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

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

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

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/31/24

This article provides a comprehensive list of persuasive speech topics and answers to some of your frequently asked questions about speech topics. 

Persuasive writing is hard, and it’s even harder to try to come up with an engaging topic that interests you and your audience. 

Not only do you have to convince your audience to take your side on subjects that are often pretty divisive, but you also have to persuade them to take your side of the argument. The first step to making a successful persuasive speech that will amaze your audience is having a strong topic.  

Keep reading for 125+ persuasive speech topics.

125+ Topics for a Persuasive Speech

Persuasive speech ideas are harder to come up with than you may think. There is a fine balance between interesting your audience, being interesting to you, unique, and fresh, all while being thought-provoking without being outright offensive.

Here is a breakdown of various topics for persuasive speeches, organized by categories, to inspire you. 

1. Arts & Culture

Art and culture are always hot topics among individuals and groups. There are many interesting arguments and stances on both topics, and many people have strong opinions about them. 

See below for prompts for persuasive speeches about art and culture: 

• Is graffiti art? 
• Should art classes be mandatory for all students?
• Should we keep reading classic literature that is offensive? 
• Should there be a distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ literature?
• Are romcoms and erotica series like Fifty Shades of Grey empowering for women?
• Is reading actually more beneficial than watching TV or playing video games?
• Is there any benefit or relevance to teaching high school students Shakespeare?
• Should video games be considered a high form of entertainment?
• Are biographical movies of deceased musicians and artists ethical?
• Is modern music really worse than older music?
• Should paparazzi be banned and unable to sell their photos?

Topics in arts and culture are always fun to debate and discuss because you have the opportunity to talk about your favorite pieces of media!

2. Economics

Economics is a hotly debated topic. There is no shortage of compelling, engaging arguments involving economics. 

Here are some good persuasive speech ideas on the topic of economics: 

• Is capitalism a functional, ethical economic system? 
• Should everyone, despite their income, be taxed at the same rate?
• Can we introduce another economic system to our society? 
• Should each state, the federal government, or individual companies be responsible for setting a living wage?
• Should the minimum wage be doubled?
• Should everyone adapt to the four-day workweek?
• Should people who make under a certain amount per year not be taxed at all?
• Should governments encourage and reward people for shopping locally? 
• Should advertisements be banned during TV and media programming aimed at kids?
• Has modern consumerism gone too far?

Economics is a great topic for a persuasive speech because it affects our everyday lives in so many ways. There are tons of research and perspectives to help support your argument. 

3. Education

Many people feel strongly about education, and many sides and perspectives come into play: teachers, parents, students, student athletes, and more. 

Here is a list of some engaging topics to write a persuasive speech on:

• Should post-secondary education be free?
• Should taking a year off between high school and college be mandatory?
• Is it fair to take cell phones away from kids in middle/high school while they are in class?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory in all high schools?
• Should cursive writing still be taught in schools?
• Do frats and sororities actually serve their purpose? 
• Should programming and coding be introduced to young students?
• Should school lunches be free?
• Is college/university necessary anymore?
• Does the education system prepare students for adult life?
• Should gyms be mandatory for all students?
• Do schools need to do a better job at teaching students a second language?
• Should schools teach sign language?
• What age should students be taught sex ed?
• Should distant learning be encouraged or avoided at all costs?

Education is another great topic to write a speech about because it intersects with economics, culture , and politics . These topics will guarantee an engaged audience. This is a popular topic for high school students who are learning about tuition and scholarships at their top colleges! 

4. Environment

Since the release of Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” and Greta Thunberg’s unapologetic activism, climate change has been at the forefront of many political, economic, and cultural conversations. 

If environmental issues spark your interest, consider writing on one of the topics below:

• Can we ever live in a truly ‘green’ and environmentally friendly society?
• Should water bottles be banned?
• Are businesses responsible for implementing environmentally friendly production and products?
• Should there be a carbon tax?
• Should electric cars be mandatory in the near future?
• Should we switch over to entirely renewable energy?
• Do low-income families have the same duties to be eco-conscious as high-income families do? Should plastic bags and single-use plastic be completely banned?
• Should car racing be banned?
• Should fast fashion be banned?

The environment and climate change are becoming, if not already, some of the most pressing issues of our day. 

Ethics may be one of the most difficult topics to write a persuasive speech about because they tend to involve sensitive subject matter. However, ethics are also some of the most compelling and complex topics to explore. 

Here are some potential topics for a persuasive speech about ethics:

• Is animal testing ethical?
• Is drinking coffee unethical?
• Are animal shelters that allow euthanization ethical?
• Should more people try to adopt a vegetarian/vegan diet?
• Is the death penalty ethical? 
• Can racism ever truly be eliminated?
• Can the prison system genuinely contribute to the improvement and rehabilitation of individuals?
• Should justice systems and incarceration facilities focus on rehabilitation over punishment? 
• Should cosmetic plastic surgery be covered by insurance?
• Are morals objective or subjective?
• Should zoos and circuses be banned?
• Should fur coats be illegal?
• Are censorship laws ethical?
• Is it ethical to genetically modify an embryo? 
• How should we address the homelessness crisis, and who is responsible for it? 
• Should minors who commit violent crimes be charged and tried as adults?

Tackling a persuasive speech on ethics is a challenge, as many of these topics are complex and sensitive. It can also be difficult to wrap up a speech on such huge ethical debates. 

However, these topics also provide some of the most riveting and energizing debates—if you’re up to the challenge, you should definitely try to tackle one of these topics. 

From fitness to food prices to economic privilege, there are tons of debatable topics regarding health. Here are just some of the potential topics you can write a speech on:

• Are individuals solely responsible for their own health?
• Should prescription medications be free?
• Should sugary drinks like pop be taxed at higher rates?
• Should Starbucks be allowed to advertise its high-calorie and high-sugar drinks?
• Should the government regulate the prices of fruits and vegetables?
• Should fast food restaurants regulate and reduce their portions?
• Should gym memberships be free?
• Should the government change and restructure the work week to reduce stress?
• Should nurses be paid more?
• Should smoking be banned?
• Should insurance companies fully cover rehabilitation stays for health issues like eating disorders?

People have varying opinions and understanding of health, which makes these topics very engaging and interesting to write about.

7. Politics

It goes without saying that almost every political issue is debatable. 

• Do we actually live in a truly democratic society?
• Should there be a minimum wage or a living wage?
• Should the legal voting age be decreased?
• Does the pay gap exist?
• Are younger politicians more effective?
• Should there be stricter gun laws?
• Should Presidents be able to serve more than two terms?
• Should everyone get the day off work to go vote?
• Should political party funding be regulated?
• Should political smear campaigns be banned?
• Is there a political bias in mainstream media?
• Should you date someone with opposing political views? 
• Is the government spending too much on the military sector?

Politics is all about persuading people to take a side, which makes it a strategic topic for delivering a moving, persuasive speech. 

Sports is another big topic that people care a lot about. There are sports-related matters that are questioned everywhere: sports on TV, the Olympics, college sports and athletics, and athletic sponsorships . 

Below is a list of captivating sports topics for a persuasive speech: 

• Should the pay for professional teams be based on audience viewership? 
• Are professional sports getting too violent? 
• Are athletes overpaid?
• Is cheerleading empowering or exploitative? 
• Should children be allowed to compete in competitive sports?
• Should we continue spending millions of dollars on the Olympic Games?
• Do people put too much importance on high school and college football?
• Should alcohol and tobacco ads be banned during sports?
• Is betting on sports teams ethical?
• Should high school and college athletes be paid?

Sports is a topic that people don’t often think of as controversial. However, your audience is bound to be engaged and contemplating your argument as you present your speech. 

9. Technology

As the world increasingly moves to online spaces, and technology advances faster than ever before, technology is another hot topic that people have a lot of thoughts and opinions on. 

• Should all workplaces offer hybrid/remote work?
• Should we pursue Artificial Intelligence?
• Do we need to put resources into traveling to space?
• Should parents monitor their children’s online activity?
• Is it okay for phones to use facial recognition and fingerprint technology?
• Is technology actually addicting?
• Can we blame technology for increased stress and anxiety?
• Are security cameras and body cameras an invasion of privacy? 
• Should the internet be surveilled or managed?
• Should video game chats be surveilled or even banned?
• Are machines replacing human labor? 
• Should cloning be outlawed/banned?

As technology continues to advance and expand into our personal lives, it is a great topic to write a unique persuasive speech on. 

Having a unique and creative speech topic discussing one of your interests can make it stand out more! Think about extracurriculars you participate in, podcasts you enjoy, or fascinating facts you’ve learned. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. 

• What makes a hero?
• Are we headed toward World War 3?
• Did humans really land on the moon?
• Are serial killers born or made?
• Can good and evil be separated neatly?
• Is cancel culture a positive or negative thing?
• Can money buy happiness?
• How to become a millionaire
• How to become more confident
• How to live to be 100
• How to survive an apocalypse
• Do extraterrestrial beings exist?
• Why students should start investing at 16
• The true history of… (event of your choice, such as the Chernobyl disaster, the Black Plague, Salem Witch Trials, etc.)

Exploring these diverse and intriguing topics will not only capture your audience's attention but also allow you to share your passions with your peers! 

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

The best persuasive speech topics are topics that are not overdone and that the speaker is genuinely passionate about and knowledgeable about. 

Persuasive topics should also be a bit controversial (this does not mean offensive) because the topic and speech itself should be thought-provoking. The more people are emotionally invested in the topic, the better. 

For example, while you can try to persuade your audience that strawberry ice cream is better than chocolate ice cream, it’s unlikely that many people have a strong emotional investment in that topic. Without an emotional investment, audiences will be sitting listening to your speech, thinking: “So what?” 

On the other hand, a topic like “Should government set limits on how many children a family can have in overpopulated countries?” is emotionally charged and truly matters to people. 

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

Let's take a look at the key components that make up a great persuasive speech topic.

Timeliness and Relevance

Consider what's on people's minds right now. Your topic should be something they care about, whether it's in the news or a long-standing issue. It needs to feel important and connected to their lives. Picking a timely and relevant topic grabs your audience's attention and makes them more interested in what you have to say.

When choosing a topic, aim for something that has layers to it. Controversial topics or ones with lots of different opinions are good because they make people think. By exploring all the different angles of your topic, you can make your speech more engaging and show that you understand it well.

In today's world, facts matter more than ever. It's not enough to simply state your opinion; you need to back it up with solid evidence. Rely on numbers, data, and information from reliable sources to support what you're saying. When you do this, people trust you more and are more likely to believe what you're saying.

Personal Connection

Passion is a powerful tool in persuasion - so choose a topic that you truly care about. Passion is evident in your speech and ultimately makes it more interesting. Your enthusiasm rubs off on the audience, and they're more likely to pay attention. Feeling connected to your topic makes your speech more powerful and convincing.

How to Create a Compelling Persuasive Speech 

Let's delve into the process of creating a compelling persuasive speech.

Understanding Your Audience

Before diving into your speech, take the time to understand your audience. What motivates them? What are their goals and values? Tailoring your message to resonate with their interests and concerns will greatly enhance its impact.

Focus on Key Goals

Keep your speech focused by selecting just one to three key goals to address. Trying to cover too much ground can overwhelm your audience and dilute your message. Instead, hone in on the most important points you want to convey.

Address Objections Head-On

Anticipate objections that your audience might have and incorporate them into your speech. Acknowledging and addressing these concerns demonstrates empathy and builds credibility, making your argument more persuasive.

Start with a Compelling Story

Capture your audience's attention from the outset by starting with a compelling story. Make it relatable and relevant to your message to draw listeners in and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The key to delivering a persuasive speech with confidence is practice. Rehearse your speech until you know it inside and out, focusing on the flow of your ideas rather than memorizing every word. This will allow you to speak naturally and authentically.

Maintain Eye Contact

Engage your audience by maintaining eye contact throughout your speech. This creates a connection and keeps listeners attentive and engaged. Don't just stare at one person; instead, scan the room and make brief eye contact with various individuals.

Reinforce Your Points with Repetition

Repetition is a powerful tool for reinforcing your message. After explaining each key point, circle back and reiterate it to drive it home. This helps ensure that your audience remembers and internalizes your main ideas.

Leave a lasting impression by ending your speech with a strong closing statement. Summarize your key points and reiterate your main message with conviction. This final flourish will leave your audience inspired and motivated.

Embrace Feedback

Be open to feedback from your audience, and graciously accept both praise and criticism. Use feedback as an opportunity to refine your message and improve your delivery. By embracing feedback, you can continuously hone your persuasive skills and become an even more effective communicator.

After reading through all the possible topics you can write a persuasive speech on, you may still have some questions before you get going. Let’s get into them.

1. What Are Some Easy Persuasive Topics?

Any persuasive topic can be easy to write about if you are passionate about your stance. The more passionate and knowledgeable you are about your topic, the easier it will be to research and write. 

There are also easy, persuasive topics that are more lighthearted than controversial, which some people may find easier to debate and write about. Some easy persuasive topics include: 

• Should everyone have a three-day weekend?
• Should every public place have free Wi-Fi?
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Should kids get paid for getting high grades?
• Do we need more holidays?

These topics are all fun to debate, which makes it easy to write a persuasive speech or essay. Whereas some persuasive topics can be complex and sensitive, the topics listed above are pretty straightforward, which makes them easier to discuss than more complex topics. 

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

A good start to finding a good persuasive speech topic for school is looking for a topic that involves something related to school. For example, you can look into talking about school uniforms, class sizes, tuition and scholarships, and school sports, just to name a few. 

Having a speech topic related to school is a good idea for school because your audience (teachers and peers) are directly in that environment as well. This means they will likely be more engaged as the topic, whether they agree or disagree, is relevant to their everyday lives. 

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

Any of the above topics listed in this article are examples of speech topics. Three specific examples that have not been listed are:

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

These topics are examples of speech topics because you need to take a clear stance in order to answer the question. The point of a persuasive speech is to convince or persuade the audience that your side of the argument is valid and should be considered, so the topic needs the individual to take a specific stance. 

As briefly touched upon before, your topic needs to interest your audience for a successful persuasive speech. While you should make sure your topic isn’t overdone, you don’t want to go with something too ‘safe’ as that will most likely bore your audience. 

Final Thoughts

Coming up with a topic for a persuasive speech may be the most difficult part of the writing process. 

Read over our list of topics and pick out a few topics that genuinely interest you. From there, do some preliminary research on each topic and see which one has the strongest evidence to support your argument. Then, you’ll be good to start writing your persuasive speech that will amaze your audience!

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Easy Persuasive Speech Topics: 285 Simple Ideas for 2024

A persuasive speech on any topic is a performance designed to convince people about something and prove your point. Choosing a suitable topic is crucial for your speech’s success.

Do you need some help with finding easy topics for a persuasive speech? Then check these fantastic and easy ideas from Custom-writing.org team. You will also find here some useful tips and answers to frequent questions.

• 🔝 Top 12 Speech Topics
• 📙 52 Easy Prompts
• 💬 Other Topic Ideas
• ✔️ Persuasive Speech Tips
• ✏️ Frequent Questions

🔝 Top 12 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

Start your search for a speech topic with these interesting ideas:

• Freedom is the ultimate human right.
• Life on Mars is possible .
• Obsession with diets is dangerous.
• School uniform should be a must.
• Vegetarianism is not a healthy lifestyle .
• Atlantis didn’t exist: the ultimate proof.
• Ten reasons why people should play PC games.
• Children need private space just as adults do.
• Influencers are unfitting role models for girls.
• Online slang is an important part of youth culture.
• GMO products aren’t as hazardous as people think.
• We shouldn’t split music into “lower” and “refined” genres.

📙 52 Easy Speech Topics with Prompts

Here you will find easy topics in many different fields, including relationships and environment. You can choose to agree or disagree with any of these statements. Choose an idea and captivate your audience with persuasive arguments:

• Children shouldn’t receive pets as gifts. Whether a pet is a good gift is debatable. It is even more complicated when it comes to children. Will it teach a child responsibility? Or will they soon lose interest and relegate all duties to parents?
• All shops and offices should close on Sundays. Everyone is tired after a long week of work or study. Relaxing and recharging is vital for a healthy lifestyle. If the city buzz continues all week long, Monday, Sunday, and all the other days simply blur.
• Art and music should be essential parts of any school curriculum. With university admission committees becoming pickier each year, students race against each other and refine specialized skills. Yet, some claim that focusing on subjects of interest early on makes up for a less well-rounded personality. Art and music have long been parts of traditional education. The question is whether they deserve more attention today.
• School meals don’t have to be delicious as long as they’re healthy. We’ve all heard of alarming obesity rates among American kids. For this reason, it makes sense to care about school meals. Is it more important to provide children with delicious or healthy foods? Can we find the middle ground in this issue?
• Fairy tales are good for young children. From Little Golden Books to Disney’s animated movies, magic stories have won hearts around the world. They teach us kindness and make us believe in the goodness of people. However, some may argue that fairytales are too idealistic, and children should be taught what the real world is like. Do you agree?
• Money is the best gift. Everyone loves birthdays and holidays until they have to shop for impromptu gifts. Guessing what your uncle or your childhood friend would like is often tricky. That’s why some people say that money is the best gift. The receiver gets the freedom to choose whatever they want. But such presents are not as personal and memorable as hand-picked ones.
• We should allow kids to believe in Santa. What makes Christmas magical for children is waiting for Santa to bring them gifts. While some parents play along, others think that children need to grow up as fast as possible. What’s your opinion on this?
• Extracurricular activities are essential for students’ future. Almost everyone has a hobby during their school years. Some may think that extracurricular activities are distracting, while others are convinced that they help to develop valuable skills.
• Talk shows can be educational. Scandals are often at the center of talk shows. Many would agree that they cannot be educational. At the same time, some topics that such shows cover can teach a lesson or two. Demonstrate how this can work.
• Style and hygiene are important for professional success. As the saying goes, you shouldn’t judge the book by its cover. The question is whether it applies to job interviews, meetings, and navigating the corporate world.
• Single-sex or co-ed public schools. What are the main differences between these types of schools? A persuasive speech can reveal profound insights into advantages and drawbacks of each method.
• Federal control over the internet content. The Internet offers a tremendous amount of information. However, some people believe that federal governments should design restrictions for its content.
• Capital punishment should be banned. This topic perfectly fits a persuasive essay format. The death penalty has been a highly controversial issue for a long time. Most societies support the idea to abolish it.
• Laptops and computers can replace textbooks. The convenience of new technologies is not always considered to be the most important aspect. However, many people insist on the idea of replacing textbooks with computers.
• Free public Wi-Fi. Free public Wi-Fi has many advantages, and it has become a significant part of the infrastructure in big cities. Yet, some people are against this technology.
• Internet sources for education. The Internet offers many useful resources for students throughout the world. Thanks to new technologies , educational processes have become more effective.The Internet offers many useful resources for students throughout the world. Thanks to new technologies, educational processes have become more effective.
• The pros and cons of paparazzi. It is another good topic for a persuasive research paper. A free press is a powerful tool that is considered the Fourth Estate. However, paparazzi that make up its substantial part often hinder the purpose of a free press.
• Curse words in music and on television. The freedom of speech not only offers opportunities but also requires certain responsibilities. Do curse words that are widely used in the entertainment industry negatively affect societies?
• The use of headphones and MP3 players. Many clinicians insist on a negative effect of headphones on health. Still, millions of people throughout the world use this device.
• Exotic animals are not pets. Another persuasive presentation might be about people who keep exotic animals like lions or scorpions as pets. The main problem is that these are wild creatures that are supposed to live in nature.
• Bicycles or cars: what should you drive? Environmental issues are a much-discussed topic. Cars are considered to be one of the main sources of air pollution. Hence, many environmental activists suggest using bicycles instead of automobiles.
• Legalization of abortions . This problem divides people into two categories, and one of them perceives abortion as murder. These people oppose the legalization of abortions.
• Study abroad . Many people want to get an education in a foreign country. However, studying abroad has different drawbacks.
• Slaughterhouses. Animal rights are a popular subject for persuasive talks. People around the world believe that animals deserve to be treated more humane. Right now, slaughterhouses are the only effective method to produce meat.
• Reforms in the education system . Education is the major factor that contributes to the prosperity of society. However, the education system requires reforms that enhance its effectiveness.
• Lie detector tests for jobs. Some employers use lie detectors during a hiring process. Many people believe that it violates their constitutional rights.
• Healthcare programs. The healthcare system cannot provide equal services to all citizens. Therefore, it is necessary to design new medical programs.
• Illegal downloading of music and films. The entertainment industry is negatively affected by opportunities that the Internet provides. Various musicians and filmmakers insist on a more severe punishment for the people who illegally get access to their products.
• Street advertisements. Billboards that persuade people to buy unnecessary goods are everywhere. Many individuals suggest forbidding advertisements in the streets.
• Religion in schools . Activists want to make their religions a part of educational programs. However, it is complicated to implement due to the wide diversity of beliefs and values among students.
• Population control. People in some countries should pay additional taxes for their children. Many of them think that such population control policies violate their inherent rights.
• Hands-free devices while driving. Car accidents are a significant issue in many countries. Some people believe that the use of hands-free devices can improve this situation.
• Contrary to popular belief, introverts make great leaders. Extraversion has long been seen as a must for a good leader. After all, leading others means being outspoken, charismatic, and sociable. However, history has seen examples of successful rulers who were on the introverted side.
• All national museums should be free to visit. Museums preserve and transmit a country’s history and culture. If visiting them were more accessible, citizens could be more proud of their homeland. Is it unfair that museums charge both tourists and locals, and should we change this situation?
• Grades in gym class should not affect students’ GPA. School gym class is something that many students are not all that happy about. Indeed, physical ability largely depends on genetics, and setting standards is unfair. Would it be better if grades in gym class were irrelevant to calculating GPA?
• Because of widespread technology use, schools should stop teaching cursive handwriting . These days, children learn to type before they know how to write. For this reason, teaching cursive writing in schools may be a thing of the past. Do you agree with this statement?
• Exams don’t give enough indication about students’ actual knowledge. When it comes to education, standardized tests are often subject to heated debates. It’s true that they were made with good intentions. After all, there should be fair and objective measures of assessing students’ ability. At the same time, tests are often flawed and ignore multiple types of intelligence. Outline these issues in your speech.
• We shouldn’t use real trees for indoor Christmas decoration. It is a sad fact that a lot of fir trees are cut each Christmas . Many people opt for an artificial tree for convenience and to preserve the environment. But researchers say that such trees have a higher carbon footprint compared to the real ones. What should we choose in this situation?
• All students should learn a foreign language at school. The majority of native English speakers never become fluent in a second language. In a world that is becoming increasingly connected, it could be worth introducing a mandatory foreign language at schools.
• It’s unacceptable to correct a foreigner’s grammar when they speak English. English is the most popular language for learning around the world. Many foreigners appreciate an opportunity to improve their command of English. However, they may be insulted by an unexpected grammar lesson mid-conversation.
• The internet should be free for everyone. Nowadays, it’s impossible to imagine life without the internet. Especially with the rise of home offices and distance learning, it became indispensable. Not being able to afford internet costs means being excluded from society.
• Children are not given enough time to play and explore. Helicopter parenting is a relatively new phenomenon.Parents race against each other in providing their children the best opportunities. But at the same time, their overprotection robs children of freedom and playfulness. When it comes to parental involvement, how much is too much?
• Dogs make much better pets than cats. The world’s population is split into two camps—dog and cat people. Both animals are inarguably cute, but the question is who makes a better companion? Cats are known for their independence. In contrast, dogs thrive in close bonds with the owner and show incredible loyalty.
• Sometimes lying can be justified. In the 2019 movie The Farewell , a family hides a cancer diagnosis from an elderly grandmother. She is spared emotional suffering and soon miraculously recovers. The movie ending shows that sometimes lying is not all wrong.
• Bullet journaling is the best self-improvement tool. The technique allows the organization of life and work all in one place. Getting started is easy. Empty notebooks are cheap, and everyone has pens lying around. Moreover, bullet journaling fosters creativity and is a quick, simple method to track one’s life.
• Volunteering is something that everyone should experience. Data shows that pro-social behaviors help people fight anxiety and depression. In other words, altruism makes people feel better about themselves and the world. Volunteering is a form of altruism that offers plenty of psychological benefits and opportunities to make friends.
• Everyone needs stuffed animals. Plushies provide comfort for children and adults alike. Studies show that soft toys reduce negative emotions and give a sense of security. It’s safe to say that the social stigma surrounding them is harmful.
• It’s critical not to skip breakfast in the morning. Maintaining a healthy diet is not that easy with the hectic rhythm of today’s life. Breakfast is often sacrificed due to crazy schedules. Yet, skipping breakfast may have unexpected health consequences.
• We shouldn’t gender children’s toys. Any toy store seems to have a “blue” and a “pink” territory. Girls love dolls and tea parties, while boys like guns and trucks. However, it may be unfair to rob children of opportunities to discover what they actually like.
• Not everyone has to build a career to be happy. Today’s world is largely focused on money and career. Many people think that the meaning of life is to find an occupation and excel at it. Yet happiness could be completely unrelated to one’s professional achievements.
• Schools need classes on personal finance. People forget around 90% of what they’ve learned in a few years after finishing school. Indeed, a lot of subjects have very little to do with everyday concerns. What many people regret learning too late is how to handle personal finance. Maybe schools could set students for life with some practical advice on taxes, loans, and budgeting.
• Traveling without a tour guide will give you the authentic taste of a foreign country. From choosing a destination to booking tickets, planning a trip is often stressful. No wonder many prefer to buy a tour and hire a guide to see the best of a country. Yet, guides rarely take tourists beyond the most popular places.

💬 Easy Speech Topics for Various Fields

Want more persuasive speech topic issues? We have some—just keep reading!

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

A humorous speech captivates the listeners and lightens up the mood. Do you want to escape your study routine? You’ve come to the right section. Check out these fun ideas:

• Diamonds really are the girls’ best friends.
• Mistakes can change people’s life for the better.
• When you marry someone, you must accept their whole family.
• There should be a law regulating who keeps the pets after a breakup.
• The drinking age should remain as it is now.
• Dogs are better friends and companions than most people.
• Movie companies make villains more attractive than good guys.
• Any president should have a team helping them write posts on Twitter.
• Dogs see humans as their masters, but cats see humans as their slaves.
• Anyone can make modern art and sell it for millions of dollars.
• “Netflix and chill” dates are actually good during pandemics.
• All politicians suffer from the Dunning-Kruger effect (correlation between incompetence and confidence in knowledge.)
• Foolish people live happier lives.
• Emojis are a universal language.
• Hell is a better place than heaven because it has more interesting people.
• Being a night owl is more advantageous than being an early bird.
• Vigilante hackers are real-life superheroes .
• A-grade students will end up working for C-grade students.
• More men should consider wearing skirts in summer.
• Vegetarians don’t care about animals—they want to feel good about themselves.
• The Kardashians are perfect role models.
• College tuition fees should cover coffee.
• It’s best to be friends with all your family members on social media.
• There’s no point in using horoscopes when making big decisions in life.
• Dating a celebrity is actually pretty boring.
• Children don’t need daytime naps—adults do.
• All parents want to have their adult children live with them.
• You shouldn’t marry your best friend—marry your worst enemy instead.
• College textbooks should be turned into short videos.
• Soft cheese is superior to hard cheese.

Video Game Persuasive Speech Topics

Video games have long escaped being a nerdy hobby. With the advent of mobile games, almost everyone plays. If you enjoy the virtual worlds, remember: it’s dangerous to go alone. Take one of our persuasive topics with you.

• Gaming can be a family-friendly activity.
• Playing video games can be a bonding experience for friends.
• Valve should never release Portal 3 and Half-Life 3 because it would ruin the company.
• Gaming can be easily integrated into classroom activities and engage bored students.
• Video games promote violence and lead to aggressive behaviors.
• Gaming addiction should be seen as no less dangerous than alcoholism or smoking.
• Video games provide a healthy outlet for anger and prevent violent outbursts in real life.
• Many young people find their true calling thanks to computer games.
• Narrative games are an art form.
• RPGs promote gender bias.
• Video games make young people antisocial and introverted.
• RPG video games help players develop team-building skills.
• Gamification in education distracts students from learning.
• Parents shouldn’t blame video games for their children’s failing grades.
• League of Legends should have reminders that tell players to take breaks.
• Character designs in games don’t adequately represent women.
• Female players and creators are discriminated against in the gamer community.
• Battle.net, Origins, Epic, and the like should be unified under Steam.
• Young people spend less time outdoors because of video games.
• Violent video games introduce children to controversial concepts before they are ready.
• Cybersport should be an alternative to physical education.
• Games teach collaboration, not competition.
• Virtual reality is going to transform the gaming industry.
• Computer game rating systems need to be more stringent.
• It’s unacceptable for people to continue playing games after having kids.
• Streaming will soon replace consoles .
• Playing violent games makes children desensitized to real-life brutality.
• Children need to focus more on school than gaming.
• In recent years, video games have become more violent than ever.
• Social justice topics that promote causes such as equality hurt the popularity of video games.

Simple Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

There’s no doubt that music has a considerable influence on human behavior. Movies use it to stir emotions and companies to promote their products. Even politicians play music in their rallies. Choose one of these simple speech topics and convince your listeners of music’s powerful magic.

• Playing an instrument is not a talent but a skill anyone can learn.
• Music should always remain part of the school curriculum.
• Music artists should be banned from using profanities in their songs.
• Grammys and other awards are purely popularity-based.
• Rap singers promote violent behaviors.
• Music has unique healing powers.
• Genres that a person likes are linked to their personality.
• Music can be used as a powerful marketing tool.
• Calm instrumental tunes increase productivity and should be played in schools.
• The governments should encourage music artists to create more patriotic music.
• Listening to music is a form of therapy.
• Some music genres are objectively better than others.
• Wearing earphones outdoors is dangerous and should be banned.
• Pursuing a career in classical music is not available for people of all social classes.
• Joining a choir can help you develop social skills.
• The US unfairly dominates the global music industry.
• Singing talent shows are biased and don’t measure the actual talent.
• Autotune devalues real vocal training and discourages artists from working on their singing.
• Lip syncing at major events, such as inauguration, should be banned.
• Child music stars are forced to sexualize themselves as they grow up.
• Most aspiring musicians will never become famous.
• Music can be used as a treatment to cure some mental health disorders.
• Looks matter more than talent these days.
• The music business should be more ethical towards creators.
• Children shouldn’t listen to music with violent themes.
• Music that focuses too much on sadness and death can lead to suicides.
• There should be less nudity in music videos.
• Female artists are sexualized by the industry.
• Fan obsession with a musician can be dangerous.
• Having a musical ear depends on genetics only.

Motivational Persuasive Speech Topics

Who doesn’t need a little pumping up sometimes? Motivational speeches are not only great for boosting your peers but also yourself. Find here an inspiring and easy topic to write a speech about:

• You need to set realistic goals to achieve them.
• Achieving success without anyone’s help is impossible.
• Your closest circle defines who you are and what you will achieve.
• Comparing your success to others is more harmful than helpful.
• Regularly taking small steps toward your goal is more important than doing a lot in one day.
• One should follow their dream despite all obstacles.
• It’s useless to sit around and wait for inspiration.
• Success doesn’t always mean earning lots of money.
• Everyone can have their own definition of happiness.
• Becoming successful may mean turning people against you and losing friends.
• Other people’s success shouldn’t discourage you.
• Happiness can only come from within—it is not the responsibility of others.
• The primary source of unhappiness is inadequate expectations.
• Some of us are unhappy because they resist change.
• You should cut off anyone who does not believe in your dreams.
• The majority of people diminishes their achievements and exaggerates failures.
• Actions don’t always speak louder than words.
• Talent means nothing without continuous practice and discipline.
• You can’t control everything, and you don’t have to.
• Human mortality is the best motivation for following one’s dreams.
• Naturally gifted individuals will always have an advantage in life.
• The best investment one can make is in one’s own education and professional skills.
• Ideas can’t change the world unless they are put to practice.
• A person is ultimately responsible for everything that happens to them.
• Staying true to oneself is more important than being liked.
• The only currency that matters is time .
• Taking risks doesn’t mean you have to be fearless.
• Achieving anything meaningful is impossible without sacrifice.
• If you can’t change the situation, change your attitude .
• Following billionaires’ daily routines is completely useless.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Animals

Here are some topics on the important issues surrounding animals. Feel free to use them for your speech.

• Owning pets reduces the risk of getting various diseases.
• Keeping pets has a positive effect on mental health.
• Does being around animals reduce stress?
• Pet therapy can be very effective.
• Growing up with pets is good for children’s development.
• Is it okay for people to have endangered animals as pets?
• Owning a wild animal is not the best idea.
• Exotic pets are dangerous for the owner.
• What are some benefits of animal adoption?
• Why should you adopt a dog?
• Is it ethical to use microchips for pets?
• Breeding animals to create mixed hybrid variations is inhumane.
• We shouldn’t ban animal breeding.
• We should pay more attention to animal welfare worldwide.
• The sterilization of animals is unethical.
• Stray animals are dangerous.
• All kinds of animal experiments should be banned.
• Animal testing in medical research can be justified.
• The castration of animals has more pros than cons.
• Zoos for wild animals should be bigger.
• Zoos are beneficial for scientific research.
• Should animal cruelty be punished more severely?
• Animal abuse in zoos should be stopped.
• Animals do not belong in a circus.
• Animal fight games should be banned.
• Protecting endangered animal species is vital for the environment.
• The law should protect marine animals.

Agriculture Persuasive Speech Topics

Now, let’s look at some speech topics for students that are related to farming and sustainability. We hope that you find them useful.

• Sustainable grazing benefits nature.
• People should buy sustainably harvested products and support local farmers.
• Hydroponic farming has more benefits than conventional farming.
• The use of biosensors improves agriculture productivity.
• The benefits of using solar and wind energy in agriculture.
• Organic foods have more benefits for human health than non-organic foods.
• We should reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture.
• Excessive use of fertilizers leads to contamination of underground water.
• Organic farming reduces the risk of human, animal, and environmental exposure to toxic materials.
• Genetic engineering is necessary in agriculture.
• The public needs to be educated on agriculture.
• Using new technologies in agriculture can help to enhance operation and increase profit.
• Scientists should address risks from the use of pesticides.
• Natural farming is more advantageous than factory farming.
• Farmers in rural areas should be funded by the governments.
• Sustainable agriculture helps to reduce hunger.
• We need an effective technology that helps to analyze the fertility of grounds.
• Every family needs to cultivate a small garden.
• Genetically modified foods are dangerous for consumption.
• Agriculture contributes to the growth of every other sector.
• We should encourage people to invest in agriculture .
• The government should provide free fertilizers for farmers.
• The US government shouldn’t cut its farm subsidies.
• We should limit the number of genetically modified products.
• Farmers should be provided with proper equipment.
• We should use modern automated systems for farming.
• The forests cannot satisfy the increasing demand for wood and energy anymore.
• Agriculture needs to be sustainable .

LGBT Persuasive Speech Topics

The LGBT subject is one of the most important and controversial and topics of today. It has drawn many speculation and arguments over the past decade. Here are some ideas of topics you may use for your persuasive speech.

• People need to be educated more on gender and sexuality.
• Homosexuality is not a mental disorder.
• Do you agree that asexuality is not a disease?
• Prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQ people have a negative psychological impact on individuals and need to be stopped.
• Raising awareness of the LGBTQ community is crucial.
• Hiding and oppressing one’s sexual identity can be harmful.
• Do you think that same-sex marriages should be banned?
• Do you agree that the opposition to the LGBTQ rights movement has the right to exist?
• LGBTQ people should have the same rights as everybody else.
• Lesbian and gay people can be good parents.
• LGBTQ parents don’t impact their children negatively.
• Do you agree that gay and lesbian people should be allowed to raise children?
• Parents play an essential role in raising an LGBTQ child.
• Do you agree that classes on gender identity should be introduced to schools?
• Do you think that there is a need for gender-neutral toilets ?
• Members of LGBTQ have the right to serve in the military.
• The way television portrays the issues of homosexuality affects people’s perception of the LGBTQ community.
• Do you think that pride marches have a positive effect on society?
• Transgender athletes should be allowed to compete.
• Do you agree that LGBTQ youth faces more injustice in juvenile courts?
• Does LGBTQ culture negatively affect society?
• Gender bias still exists within the LGBTQ community.
• The victimization of LGBTQ adolescence has a negative effect.
• Do you agree that gay stereotypes are harmful?
• The way media portrays transgender people is wrong.
• Technology and social media contributed to the increased acceptance of the LGBTQ community.
• There is a stigma against transgender people in our society.
• Asexuality is often misunderstood.

Simple Speech Topics: Discover Extra 18 Ideas

Below you’ll find some bonus topics from various fields:

• Harry Potter should be on the list of school literature.
• Friendship between a man and a woman is possible.
• Parents shouldn’t tell children about “the birds and the bees.”
• Cartoon violence should not be censored.
• Junk food must be avoided at all costs.
• The Earth needs people’s help: industries must be more environment-friendly.
• Team spirit as the basis of coordination between employees and managers.
• Art shouldn’t be a form of protest against the hardships of reality.
• Democracy as the only reasonable system of government.
• The Losing Edge: gambling is a dangerous passion.
• Animals have rights just like people do: ending cruel treatments.
• Endangered species must be protected: poaching prevention .
• Christmas is more than just a reason for a consumption surge.
• Horror movies are a means to experience adrenalin rush.
• The Simpsons should be recognized as a political and social satire.
• Every teenager must get over the stage of having an idol.
• Chupacabras: the ultimate proof of the spooky creatures’ existence.
• People should treat their pets like members of their family .

✔️ Persuasive Speech: Our Experts’ Recommendations

Remember the tips that will help you develop great topics and write the persuasive speech of your dream:

• Create topics that sound intriguing. This would help you captivate your audience from the get-go.
• Introduce some conflict into your topic. Use your arguments to resolve it.
• Pick the issues you’re interested in. This would make it easier for you to do prepare and deliver the speech.
• Use your sense of humor! It’s especially effective in grabbing your audience’s attention.

Using a speech topic generator would be a great idea in case you decide to have a brainstorming session. Keep in mind that any great persuasive speech should include 3 components: ethos, pathos , and logos .

Of all topics persuasive speech writing can be devoted to, the ones mentioned above are the most winning. With these topics, speech writing is easy! Pick the one you like best, and you’ll write a splendid speech.

Further reading:

• Easy Steps to More Persuasive Essays
• Best Sports Persuasive Speech Topics
• Persuasive Speech Outline: How to Write, Tips and Examples
• Persuasive Speech Outline: The Recipe for a Successful Outcome
• Funny Persuasive Speech Topics: Best Ideas
• Racial Profiling Essay: Argumentative & Persuasive Writing

✏️ Persuasive Speech FAQ

The choice of a persuasive speech topic depends on multiple factors, e.g.:

1. Your audience (its age, interests, how knowledgeable it is) 2. The specific task you get 3. Your personal interests

There is a long list of exciting topics; make sure that you choose the one that meets your criteria.

For a persuasive speech, it’s a nice idea to choose a controversial issue. This will give you space for rhetorical questions, persuasion strategies, exciting examples, etc. A great topic is a key to a successful presentation, so choose it carefully.

Any successful presentation has some components of persuasion in it. A great speaker always uses some communicative strategies to achieve their objectives, namely, to impress and influence the audience. Structure your speech, include exciting examples, and be passionate about what you are saying.

The easiest problems to speak about are those that we are passionate about. It is much easier to interest the audience if you feel personally involved. Thus, easy topics for presentations are different for every person. Think about your hobbies, things you find intriguing, etc.

🔍 References

• Persuasive Speaking: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• Introduction to Persuasive Speaking: Lumen Learning
• The Value of Children’s Classics: The University of Queensland
• Do Uniforms Make School Better?: Great Schools
• Do Violent Video Games Contribute to Youth Violence?: ProCon
• Video Game Play May Provide Learning, Health, Social Benefits: APA
• Learning Morality Through Gaming: The Guardian
• Impact of Music, Music Lyrics, and Music Videos on Children and Youth: American Academy of Pediatrics
• The Benefits of Listening to Music: Healthline
• The Great Christmas Tree Debate: Independent
• Motivation: Topics: TED
• Motivation: Entrepreneur
• The Music Industry Facts Every Musician Needs to Know: The Balance Careers
• Does Happiness Really Come From Within?: Psychology Today
• The Music Industry Still Has a Long Way to Go for Gender Equality: Forbes
• Volunteering and Its Surprising Benefits: Help Guide
• How to Use Journaling for Self-Improvement: Thrive Global
• Progress in Our Schools: US Department of Education
• Animal Rights: Britannica
• Animal Rights: BBC
• Topics: United States Department of Agriculture
• LGBT Rights: Human Rights Watch
• Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality: APA
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50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

5-minute read

• 13th January 2023

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

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

Choosing a Topic

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

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

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

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

Should free speech on the internet be restricted?

At what age should children have access to smartphones?

Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?

Should parents limit their children’s screen time?

Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?

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

Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?

Should voting be compulsory?

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

Should the electoral college system be abolished?

Should election procedures be standardized in all states?

Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?

Should the death penalty be legal?

Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?

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

Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?

Are governments doing enough to address climate change?

Is student loan forgiveness fair?

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

Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?

What is the greatest threat to international stability?

What can be done to prevent cyber threats?

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

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

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

Is healthcare a human right?

Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?

Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?

Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?

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

Do school uniforms offer any advantages?

Are school dress codes gender biased?

Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?

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

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

Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?

Should immigrants have access to free language classes?

Should books ever be banned in schools?

Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?

Should schools be cellphone free?

Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?

Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?

Should parents let their children play tackle football?

Should college sports teams receive less money?

Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?

Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?

Should all priests be allowed to marry?

Should prayer be permitted in public schools?

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

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

Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

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

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

Step Up with Confidence

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

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Speech And Debate

Persuasive Speech Topics

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Persuasive Speech Topics - 150+ Topics for Students

By: Cordon J.

11 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Sep 22, 2020

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

However, it’s not impossible.

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

On this Page

What is a Persuasive Speech?

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

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Persuasive Speech Topics for University Students

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

Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

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

Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

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

Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics on Health and Fitness

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

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics about Environment

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

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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Informative Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Simple Persuasive Speech Topics

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

General Persuasive Speech Topics

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

What are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

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

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

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

Secondly, the audience is also equally important.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

Definition of the Persuasive Speech 

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

How to Compose an Excellent Persuasive Speech? 

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

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

List of Persuasive Speech Topics 

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

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

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

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

Persuasive Speech About Art, Media, and Culture

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

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

Persuasive Speech About the Economy and Work

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

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

Persuasive Speech About Education

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

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

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Persuasive Speech About Politics and Society

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

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

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

Discover Thousands of Free Essay Samples! 

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

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

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

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 310 persuasive speech topics for college

 60 education topics, 50 mental health....

By:  Susan Dugdale  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 A subject is right for you if:

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

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 50 mental health persuasive speech topics

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

 60 education persuasive speech topics

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

50 family themed persuasive speech topics

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

50 persuasive speech topic ideas about friends

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

50 society themed persuasive speech ideas

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

50 persuasive speech topics about animals

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

How to prepare a speech for a set time allowance

Here's a three minute speech example to illustrate.

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

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

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

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

For more about speech rate

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

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

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

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

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