persuasive speech topics with 3 main points

Your Trusted Advisors for Admissions Success

Admissions and test prep resources to help you get into your dream schools

110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience

Learn how to give an impressive persuasive speech and explore our comprehensive list of persuasive speech ideas .

A group of students applauding a persuasive speech

Learn what makes a persuasive speech with these topics

Introduction

What makes a good persuasive speech topic, how to create and deliver a compelling persuasive speech, 110 interesting persuasive speech topics, introduction .

Are you having a hard time coming up with the right persuasive speech topic? One that isn’t boring or cliche? Are you looking for a persuasive speech topic that will both interest you and captivate your audience? It’s easier said than done, right?

Creating and delivering an interesting persuasive speech is a major endeavor. The last thing you want is to get stuck on the first step—selecting a persuasive speech topic. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To help you identify the perfect persuasive speech topic for you, we’ve compiled a list of 110 compelling persuasive speech ideas. Every single one of these ideas has the potential to be an outstanding persuasive speech.

In addition, we’ll peel back the curtain to teach you what makes a good persuasive speech topic and give you expert tips on delivering a successful persuasive speech that will convince and astound your audience.

Want to know exactly what it takes to get into America’s most selective colleges?

Get the free 110-page guide we use to help our students routinely get admitted to schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford: How to Get Into America’s Elite Colleges: The Ultimate Guide

100% privacy. No spam. Ever.

Thank you! Your guide is on its way. In the meantime, please let us know how we can help you crack the college admissions code . You can also learn more about our 1-on-1 college admissions support here .

There are three questions you can use to determine which persuasive speech topics will lead to enthusiastic applause and standing ovations.

Does the persuasive speech topic interest you?

A major part of writing a persuasive speech is doing ample research on the subject you choose. So one of the first things you should ask yourself when considering a potential persuasive speech topic is, “Would I enjoy learning about this subject extensively?” If you can’t answer that question with an emphatic, “Yes!” you might want to continue your topic search. You don’t want to spend hours diving into a subject you don’t enjoy.

Plus, an audience can easily pick up on boredom or lack of interest in a persuasive speech, and you clearly don’t want that. On the other hand, if you’re explaining a subject you’re passionate about, your audience will get caught up in your excitement—resulting in a much more compelling and persuasive speech.

Here’s another word of advice. Some people will tell you to pick a persuasive speech topic you’re already an expert in, and that’s certainly one way to go about it. While we won’t tell you being an expert in the subject should be your top deciding factor, this approach has its advantages—you’re already familiar with the lingo and the basics of the subject are. This helps you significantly speed up your research process. But if you have the time and willingness to tackle an entirely unfamiliar subject that utterly fascinates you, we say go for it!

Will the persuasive speech topic interest your audience?

So you’ve found a few persuasive speech topics that interest you. But what about your audience? Do they share your interest? Even if you argue your points with enthusiasm, will they be bored by your subject?

To answer these questions, you have to understand your audience well. Study them to learn what grabs their attention. What do they care about? What topics are relatable to their lives or their communities? What subjects will they be more likely to get emotionally invested in?

When you find persuasive speech topics that equally interest you and your audience, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Has the persuasive speech topic been covered too many times?

This is the last question you should ask yourself before committing to your persuasive speech topic. Has this topic been overdone? Even if your audience is invested in the subject, they’ll be quickly bored if they’ve listened to ten similar speeches prior to hearing yours. You won’t be persuasive if your listeners can predict each of your arguments before you give them.

Instead, search for persuasive speech topics that are unique and fresh—something your audience hasn’t heard a hundred times before. The one exception to this is if you can approach an overworked topic with a completely fresh and unusual perspective. For example, maybe you can approach the gun control debate as someone whose friend died from an accidental shooting, but your family still owns guns and enjoys hunting as a pastime.

Once you’ve chosen your persuasive speech topic (our list of 110 riveting persuasive speech ideas is coming next!) and completed your research on the subject, you’ll begin the writing process. Use this step-by-step approach to produce an outstanding speech that easily persuades your audience to adopt your viewpoint.

Determine your thesis. What opinion or belief are you convincing your audience to embrace? Are you asking them to take a specific action after listening to your speech? Just as you do when writing a college essay , make sure your thesis or call-to-action is crystal clear before you start writing.

Organize your main arguments. Create an outline of the evidence or points you’ve collected to support your thesis. Make sure your ideas flow logically into each other and build your case.

Support your arguments with facts and examples. You’ll want to use multiple sources for your evidence, with a preference for well-known or reputable sources. (Please don’t cite Wikipedia!) You can also get personal by using anecdotes from your own life or the lives of someone close to you. This will increase your persuasive speech’s impact.

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

Address counterarguments. Rather than waiting for your audience to think up objections to the points you make, do it yourself. Then dispute those objections with additional facts, examples, and anecdotes.

Wrap up your persuasive speech with a strong conclusion. In your closing, restate your thesis, tug on your audience’s heartstrings one last time with an emotional connection, and deliver your decisive call to action.

Now that you have a strongly written persuasive speech, your final task is this: practice, practice, and practice some more! We guarantee your delivery won’t be perfect on your first attempt. But on your tenth or fifteenth, it just might be.

Record yourself delivering your persuasive speech so you can play it back and analyze your areas needing improvement. Are your pauses too long or not long enough? Did you sufficiently emphasize your emotional points? Are your anecdotes coming out naturally? How is your body language? What about your hand movements and eye contact?

When you’re feeling more comfortable, deliver your speech to a friend or family member and ask for feedback. This will put your public speaking skills to the test. Ensure they understood your main points, connected emotionally, and had all their objections answered. Once you’ve fine tuned your persuasive speech based on your warm-up audience’s feedback, you’ll be ready for the real thing.

Now for the fun part! We’ve compiled a list of 110 persuasive speech topics—broken down by category—for you to choose from or use as inspiration. Use the set of three questions we shared above to determine which of these interesting persuasive speech topics is right for you.

Art, Media, and Culture

Should tattoos still be considered “unprofessional”?

Do romantic movies and books glorify an unrealistic idea of love and lead to heartbreak?

Should offensive and inappropriate language be removed from classic literature?

Does watching TV shows or movies about teenage suicide encourage it or prevent it?

Is creating films and documentaries about criminals glorifying them and inspiring some to become criminals themselves?

Should art and music therapy be prioritized over traditional talk therapy?

College and Career

Should the cost of college be reduced?

Are income-share agreements better for students than taking out student loans?

Should college athletes be paid like professional athletes are?

Are same-sex colleges beneficial or antiquated?

Should everyone go to college?

What are the benefits of taking a gap year before starting college?

Would removing tenure and job-protection from professors improve or reduce the quality of higher education?

Has the traditional college model become outdated in the age of the Internet?

Should you pursue a career based on your passions or a career based on earning potential?

Economy and Work

Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Is the boom of e-commerce harmful or beneficial to small communities?

Should everyone receive paid maternity and paternity leave?

Is capitalism a harmful or beneficial economic system?

Should manufacturing and outsourced work be moved back to the United States?

Would three-day weekends increase work productivity?

Should working from home be the new standard?

Why should we pay more to support small businesses and services instead of going to large companies and retailers?

Should the US establish mandatory military service for all its young people, such as the countries of Israel and South Korea do?

Should there be a mandatory retirement age?

Should classes about mental health and wellness be added to school curriculum?

At what age or grade should sex education be taught in schools?

How can sex education be taught more effectively?

Should school funding be dependent on taxes of district residents or should all schools receive an equal amount of funding from the state?

What are the benefits of year-round schools?

Are charter schools hurting or helping low-income communities?

Is homeschooling beneficial or harmful to children?

Should students on the Autism spectrum be integrated into regular classrooms?

What should be the qualifications for books to be banned from schools?

Should advanced math classes in high school be replaced with more practical courses on financial literacy and understanding taxes?

Are grades an accurate representation of learning?

Should we switch to the metric system?

What is the most important book every high school student in America should read?

What are the benefits of teaching art and music classes in high school?

Should independent learning be offered as a larger option in high school?

What are the benefits of making preschool free to all families?

Environment and Conservation

Should fuel-run vehicles be banned?

How does it benefit nature to reduce human paper consumption?

Should it be okay to own exotic animals as pets?

Should hunting be made illegal?

What is the biggest current threat to the environment and how would you suggest we remedy it?

Should disposable diapers be banned?

Should zoos and animal theme parks (such as Sea World) be closed?

Family and Religion

Should children have the right to virtual and physical privacy from their parents?

“It takes a village to raise a child.” How important is a community in raising children?

Is it better for a young child to attend daycare or stay home with a parent?

Should children be told to believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy?

Nature vs. nurture—which is the most powerful influence on a person’s character?

Should parents have to give approval in order for their minor children to receive birth control?

How does learning about family ancestors impact you in the present and future?

Should parents teach their kids about sex or is it the responsibility of the school system?

What is the most beneficial parenting style and why?

Should cults receive protection under freedom of religion?

What are the benefits of belonging to a religious community?

Should parents force their children to go to church or let them decide for themselves?

Government and International Relations

Should states have the ability to secede from the U.S.?

Should Puerto Rico be added as a state to the U.S.?

How long should judges serve on the Supreme Court?

Should the U.S. have open borders?

Should the U.S. get involved when leaders of other countries commit human rights violations against their own people?

Is the U.S. overly dependent on manufactured goods and imports from other countries?

Should the government focus on increasing revenue or reducing spending?

Health and Medicine

Should universal health care be freely given to everyone?

Should soda and candy be banned from school campuses?

Should tobacco products be completely banned in America?

Is a plant-based diet better than a meat-based diet?

Should addiction counseling and treatment be covered by health insurance?

Would taxing fast food help combat obesity?

Should we ban all genetically modified foods?

What would be the benefits of making all birth control methods (e.g. condoms, the pill) free of charge?

Should homeopathic and alternative medical treatments be covered by health insurance?

Politics and Society

Should voting become mandatory?

What could politicians do to appeal to younger generations of voters?

Should prisoners have the right to vote?

Would it be better in the U.S. if elected politicians were younger?

Should the police use rubber bullets instead of real bullets?

Are private, for-profit prisons a threat to prisoners’ rights?

Should U.S. military funding be increased or decreased?

Should there be stricter or looser restrictions to qualify for welfare assistance?

Is our current two-party political system good enough or in need of replacing?

Should major corporations be eligible for tax breaks?

How can the current policy on undocumented immigrants in America be improved?

Should it be illegal for politicians to receive donations from large corporations?

Science and Technology

Should animal testing be banned?

Should organ donation be optional or mandated for all?

Is artificial intelligence a threat?

Should parents be allowed to scientifically alter their children’s genes?

What is the best option for renewable energy?

Should military forces be allowed to use drones in warfare?

Should self-driving cars be illegal?

Do the benefits of the internet outweigh the loss of privacy?

Should it be illegal for companies to sell their consumers’ information?

Should the government more strictly regulate the Internet?

How much screen time is too much?

Should everyone receive free internet?

Should we build a colony on the moon?

Social Media

At what age should children be allowed to be on social media?

Should schools be responsible for teaching safe social media education?

When should children be allowed to have a cell phone?

What should the punishment be for cyberbullying?

Do online friendships have the same benefits as in-person friendships?

Are social media influencers beneficial or harmful to society?

Has the popularity of “selfies” increased self-confidence or self-centeredness?

Is cancel culture a positive or a negative thing?

What are the most reliable, unbiased sources to receive news and information?

How to Get Into Harvard Undergrad: Strategies and Essays That Worked

Ivy League Acceptance Rates 2021: What You're Up Against

Extracurricular Activities for College Admissions: The Ultimate Guide (Examples Included)

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

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!

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

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

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

🔝 Top 10 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2024

✍️ persuasive speech outline, 😊 easy persuasive speech topics.

🎒 Speech Topics for High School
🎓 Speech Topics for College

⭐ Good Persuasive Speech Topics

💊 medical persuasive speech topics.

🍃 Environmental Speech Topics

⚖️ Ethical Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

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

🎒 Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

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

🎓 Persuasive Speech Topics for College

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

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

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

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

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

This image lists common myths about mental health.

Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

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

🍃 Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

This image shows environmental issues to argue about.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Food

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

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

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

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

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Political Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

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

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

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

This image shows current problems with possible solutions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Speech?

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech?

Various qualities characterize effective persuasive speeches:

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

What to Write a Persuasive Speech on?

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

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

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

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

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

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

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

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

Writing a Persuasive Speech

Why are you writing a persuasive speech ? Perhaps your Speech 101 class teacher has just assigned you a 5 minute presentation, where you have to persuade your listeners that more homework will benefit everyone!

Or, maybe you just got off the phone, and you are a nervous wreck. The company CEO has asked you to write and give a persuasive speech encouraging your employees to put in voluntary overtime.

Either way, your heart may be racing, your palms may be sweaty, and your throat may feel a little dry! What will you say to convince them?

Don't worry! Follow the steps below and you'll be on your way to presenting a great speech!

Three steps to writing a persuasive speech that gets results

1. make sure you believe in the cause you are promoting.

John Henry Patterson, an American businessman, once said, "Before you try to convince anyone else, be sure you are convinced. If you cannot convince yourself, drop the subject."

Sometimes your body language and tone of voice speak louder than the actual words you say.

Before you start writing, take the time to see the benefits of what you are trying to persuade your listeners to do. Once you believe in your topic it will be much easier to convince others to act.

Don't worry about dissenting points of view. Stay focused on the one point you are trying to persuade your audience to take action on or believe in.

Your passion can be the deciding factor in whether your audience will be swayed around to your point of view. If you're wishy-washy, you'll have a hard time convincing anyone of anything.

2. Put yourself in the shoes of the audience.

How would you feel if you were in their position and you heard the speech you are about to give?

Try to anticipate how they will react to the topic of your speech. If you know they will have objections, try to address those concerns in your speech.

Having said this though, it is not your responsibility to address every objection. You need to know and believe and present your subject so passionately that EVERY concern the audience may have is blown away by your persuasive speaking.

But the more you can connect to your listeners and show empathy, the more receptive they will be to your topic .

3. Follow a basic writing outline of what you want to say.

When writing a persuasive speech, it sometimes helps to come up with an introduction and conclusion first.

The introduction should break the ice and make the audience feel comfortable with you and what you are going to say. It should also state the main thing you want them to do or believe after hearing your speech.

The conclusion is really similar to the introduction. You just wrap up the main points and call the audience to action.

The middle sections of your speech can usually be broken down into 3-4 main points. Sometimes these can be the benefits your listeners will receive if they follow your advice.

It's natural to feel nervous when someone asks you to go about writing a persuasive speech.

Try to relax and remember the three steps: Believe in your cause, put yourself in the listener's shoes, and follow a basic writing outline.

Good luck creating your presentations - and for more guidance, check out the links below.

You might like these

Persuasive Topics for Valentines

The top five persuasive topics for Valentines day including commercialization, paternalism, inclusiveness, and religion

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

Here are 54 fun persuasive speech topics for your consideration, around which you can create a light-hearted and entertaining speech.

Persuasive Speech Topics - Find Great Ideas for Your Presentation

Find lots of persuasive speech topics and discover how to influence your listeners' beliefs, change their opinions and ultimately prompt them to take action!

Free email delivery

MASTER INFORMATIVE SPEAKING WITH OUR FREE CHECKLIST!

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

Share this page

Easily search your speech type

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

Return to the Top of the Page

Get to Know Us

Attention Grabbers

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

Select a Speech Topic

Argumentative
Commemorative
Inspirational
Interesting
Other Topics

Let Us Help You

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

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).

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

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

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

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

The Admissions Strategist

191 best persuasive speech topics: give an amazing speech.

Does the thought of public speaking make you cringe?

While almost everyone experiences some stage fright speaking in front of an audience, there are ways to tame this debilitating fear.

Half the battle of giving a speech is selecting a topic that engages your audience.

For any speech, whether informative or persuasive, your speech idea should meet these criteria:

Well-researched with solid examples and evidence
Broad enough to be universal, narrow enough to be original
Meaningful and customized to your audience

Additionally, you should possess a measure of expertise on your topic.

Understanding the nuances of what you are speaking about is a sure way to ease those jitters. This is how you come up with the best speech idea.

When choosing a persuasive speech topic, all of the above criteria apply, along with a few additional requirements.

Click above to watch a video on Speech Topics.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

While an informative speech merely presents factual information, a good informative speech topic goes a step further.

The goal of a persuasive speech is to convince the audience that your perspective is valid.

This does not mean that the audience will agree with every opinion you present, but a good persuasive speech makes the audience think* .

A great persuasive speech makes an audience act.

As transcendentalist writer Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”

Therefore, a strong persuasive speaker will:

Present a clear and sincere perspective. The audience should not be questioning your stance on an issue.
Exhibit passion that inspires others to think or act.
Be confident in both your perspective and topic.

Not all persuasive speeches need to be deeply controversial, but there should be some gray area in your chosen topic.

Political , social and ethical issues make compelling persuasive speech topics for this reason.

The persuasive speech should address a burning question that incites intellectual debate:

Should strict gun control laws be implemented?
Is it possible to be an animal lover and a carnivore?
Is the government at fault for the increasing homeless population?

Such questions may seem divisive, but, in a civilized society, they are essential to ask.

Posing such questions directly to your audience during your speech engages a group in the Socratic Method of critical thinking.

Furthermore, if a topic isn’t inherently controversial, then it might not make the most powerful speech.

Your job as a persuasive speaker is to argue your point, which is not necessary to do on topics that most people agree on.

In that vein, here are a handful of topics that would not make for good persuasive speeches.

Learning a foreign language is important.
Fighting in overseas wars can be dangerous.
Social Security income is not sufficient for many retired Americans.
Technical skills are crucial in the 21st-century job market.
Cardiovascular fitness improves longevity.

…And you get the picture. So, what does make a good persuasive speech topic? Well, there are at least 191 answers to that question.

Get personalized advice!

191 best persuasive speech topics.

Before we reveal the 191 best persuasive speech topics, let’s preview each of the categories:

Politics and law : This topic revolves around pressing issues including voting, Supreme Court decisions, political leadership, and criminal justice.
Environmental activism : Climate change, offshore oil drilling, and green technology are just a few of the hot-button issues you’ll discover in this category.
Social justice : Covering all issues of equality, social justice topics invite debate – and demand solid supporting facts or powerhouse emotional appeals .
Ethics : Comprising our basic morals and values that drive our behaviors, the ethics category examines how to deal with issues like animal abuse, abortion, and stem cell research.
Health : Regarding important issues like our food supply, how should we best protect and promote human health in the 21 st century?
Potpourri : And now we come to the miscellaneous category of “everything else.” You’ll find engaging or even entertaining ideas related to music, movies, curriculum, and more.

Take a deep breath and read on!

Politics and Law

Alternative political parties (i.e., Green Party, Libertarian Party, etc.)
Declaring “Independent” or “No Party Affiliation” on voter registration.
Should voters with no party affiliation be allowed to vote in primary elections?
Are newly proposed voter registration laws discriminatory?
How many terms should politicians be allowed to serve?
Popular vote vs. Electoral College
Are women underrepresented in Congress?
Swing states (i.e., Florida and Ohio)
Do current proposed abortion laws violate Roe v. Wade?
Political correctness versus freedom of speech
Terrorist watch lists – safety precaution or blatant prejudice?
Corporate lobbyists and campaign contributions
Are laws too lenient on violent criminals?
Tax responsibility: income tax, property tax, sales tax.
Should the voting age be increased or decreased?
Capital punishment: right or wrong?
DNA evidence in criminal cases: is it enough?
Should criminal minors be prosecuted and sentenced as adults?
How to deal with the issue of illegal immigration
Should cigarettes be taken off the market and made illegal?
Legalization of Marijuana
Should health insurance be mandatory by law?
Is the death penalty obsolete?
Private vs. Public Prisons
Should politicians be allowed to use private donations to campaign?
Is it right for the government to fund partisan organizations?
Appointment of Supreme Court Justice
How can the mass shooting crisis be solved?
Minimum wage: should it exist or be forgotten?
Should citizens be required to serve in the military for a period of time?
Gun rights on school campuses: is it safe?
Military members and income tax

Environmental Activism

Hybrid and electric cars on the road
Oil spills and world wildlife
Saving rainforests and their indigenous species
Palm oil: should it be outlawed?
Make all bills and business correspondence paperless.
Dangers of drilling for oil
Replacing plastic with glass and cardboard
Trophy hunting: should the penalties be harsher?
Banning disposable diapers in favor of cloth diapers
Benefits of public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling
Conserving water in our everyday lives
Wildfires on the rise in California
Greenhouse gas emissions in Asia
Global climate change and increased severity of storms
Growing food as a homesteader
Impact of big box stores on the environment
Impact of online retailers’ packaging and shipping on the environment
Turning the practice of recycling into a law punishable by hefty fines
Overfishing and dwindling populations of marine wildlife
Factory farms and greenhouse gas emissions
Controlling E. Coli and other food borne illnesses
Are is worth it to ban plastic straws?
Drones and the environment
Should hunting be outlawed in national parks to protect its wildlife?
Hair care and air quality
Better education for at home waste management
Should it be illegal to flush certain things into the sewage system?
Is it right to cut down a tree for the holidays?
How do marijuana farms affect the surrounding area’s environment?
Water contamination: What preventative measures can be taken?
How to reduce your carbon footprint
Should new homes support solar energy only?
Organic farming practices

Social Justice

Do you agree with the research on equal pay between men and women?
Should government employees go without pay during a shutdown?
Police brutality and shootings (in general or a specific case in the news such as Philando Castile in Minnesota)
Should all policemen wear body cameras?
Is racial discrimination on the rise? Why or why not?
Scholarship opportunities for minority students
The benefits (or challenges) of a multicultural society
Should bullies be expelled from school?
What can be done about anonymous online bullying?
Unrealistic beauty/body standards and self-image
How to create a strong community
Welfare, SNAP, and other social assistance programs
The 40-hour work week is too long.
Comparing the work week in Europe to the work week in the United States
Caring for an aging population: are Social Security and Medicare enough?
Civil lawsuits should not receive so much attention in the media.
Racial and ethnic profiling (including FBI criminal profiling)
Being a foster or adoptive parent
Buying local builds up the community.
Refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance
Battling stereotypes and making them obsolete
Mandatory community service for all U.S. citizens
Is common law marriage outdated?
Should companies be allowed to deny service to anyone?
Changing gender on a driver’s license
Affirmative Action today
DACA DREAMers Movement
Legalization of gay marriage
Should individuals be allowed to adopt?
Re-sentencing for crimes involving marijuana in states where it is now legal
Unlimited Paid Time Off vs Accrued time off
License revoking for older drivers: is it against their rights?
Wearing fur or using fur for any profit
Mistreatment of farm animals: what is the solution?
How do we address the increasing problem of homelessness?
Tithing – how much should each person give?
Euthanasia for terminally ill individuals
Was it right for Dr. Kevorkian (assisted suicide physician) to be imprisoned?
Pet shops and breeders versus shelters
Returning or rehoming pets: is it right?
Preselecting the gender and other aspects of an unborn baby
Abortion: pro-choice or pro-life?
Product testing on animals in labs
Stem cell research
Protecting children from inappropriate websites
When should a child be allowed to have a smartphone?
Should children be allowed into an R-rated movie even with a guardian?
Should violent movies and video games be banned?
Do zoos and circuses abuse animals?
Arranged marriage: a cultural tradition or outdated practice?
Raising children without being married
How to impart ethical behavior to the next generation
Ethics as a mandatory high school class
Do parents deceive children by telling tales of Santa Claus?
Should pharmaceutical patents be removed so affordable generics can be made?
13 Reasons Why: Did it glorify suicide?
Wrongful termination case study
Is the borrowing limit for student loans too high?
Pay for play in college athletics
Performance enhancing steroids in competitive sports
Is it right to own a gun for personal protection?
Mandated reporting (Mandated reporters are individuals who are required to report any information they receive about abuse, suicidal ideation, etc.)
Can an influencer be held responsible if they promote a harmful product unknowingly?
Conventional versus organic produce
Food additives, preservatives, and cancer rates
Meat consumption and its effects on life expectancy
Dangers of sitting at a desk all day
Fast food industry and obesity rates
Medical marijuana to treat chronic conditions
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in foods: to label or not to label?
Mandatory CPR and First Aid training for new parents
School cafeteria food and children’s health
Alternative uses of oral contraceptives
Restaurant responsibility with peanut, gluten, and other allergies
Everyday products that could be dangerous: deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
Teaching yoga and meditation in public schools
Moving from the “medical model” to holistic health
Massages as necessities rather than luxuries
Which vitamin supplements are worthless and should go off the market?
The mind-body connection and its influence on health
Social media and mental health
The cumulative effects of poor sleep (and how electronics impact our sleep)
IVF (Invitro fertilization): Should becoming a parent be covered?
Should there be more physical education in schools?
Is diabetes reversible?
Doctors and insurance: should they accept all insurance?
Do detox diets really work?
Is binge-watching Netflix bad for our health?
Keto vs Paleo vs Vegan: which is better?
Should a patient be allowed to deny medical care?
Pre-existing conditions and insurance rates
Employers should offer mental health days without question
Alternative sex education (not abstinence-only and inclusive of LGBT lifestyle)
Mind-body fitness versus traditional Western sports
Best genre and time period of music
Healthiest world cuisine
Uneven distribution of wealth: the top 1% versus everyone else
Cost of living versus average salaries
What to do about cults, gangs, and similar groups
How to get accepted into an Ivy League school
Religion versus spiritualism
Survival skills should be taught in school.
Benefits of forest schools for children
The best U.S. President in history
The most influential leader or figure in history
Most effective ways to manage stress
Obscure movies that people should watch
Multitasking: fact or fiction?
Buying a house versus renting an apartment
Most exciting travel destination
How to ace any test
Overcoming social anxiety
How our phones are hurting our eyes
Are multi-level marketing companies really pyramid schemes?
Protests: are they effective?
Is a wedding reception worth the price tag?
Should catfishing be a criminal offense?
Mandatory study abroad semester in college
Student loan borrowing: should it ever be forgiven?
Responsible credit card strategies
Living with parents to save money
Can someone find true love on The Bachelor?
Telemarketers and Harassment
Marvel vs DC

And there you have it – 100+ unique topics to stoke your imagination and help you identify your passion.

Feel free to go beyond these springboard ideas or customize them to your perspective.

Advice from Persuasive Speech Experts

To help you out even more, we asked the experts on the best tips for giving a persuasive speech.

From Melora Kordos, visiting assistant professor of theatre arts at Sweet Briar College:

When selecting a persuasive speech topic, a student should first look to her own interests and passions. If she chooses something that she cares deeply about or has great interest in, then she will be able to more easily identify the best three points that support her argument and focus on those in her speech. If she is not already engaged in the topic, it will be much harder to persuade others to agree with her point of view. She should use both logical and emotional appeals throughout her speech, giving her a better chance of resonating with a larger percentage of her audience.

From Dr. Allison Beltramini, associate professor of communications at Waubonsee Community College:

When doing a persuasive speech , it’s helpful to choose a topic that you personally believe in or support. It’s much easier to speak on something that you have a connection to. The next tip is to do your homework. This includes exploring the opposite side of the issue. Your audience needs to know that you are well-versed in the topic. Incorporate this research to support the claims you are making. Curate your sources carefully. Know who/what organizations are behind the sources you are using. And please, verbally cite your sources. Using research without the verbal citations in your speech is plagiarism. Persuasion is incremental. You can’t just tell someone something and expect they will believe you. You have to set up the issue, show how the problem effect people, talk about what will help or fix the problem and show why the solutions will work. All of these steps are vital. Finally – practice is essential. Your speech should be prepared but conversational. Reading to an audience word for word is not a good idea.

From Nate Masterson, HR manager of Maple Holistics :

The key to giving a persuasive speech is to engage your audience, and there are several ways to do this. Firstly, make eye contact with different people in the audience, but make sure to scan the whole room and not just focus on one area. Also, research the group of people you will be addressing so that you better know their priorities, cultural norms, inside jokes, etc. To make sure that your speech is sufficiently compelling, stick to just a few main talking points or objectives. This will ensure that your speech stays focused and that you can spend adequate time and energy backing up these main points without boring your audience.

From Jeffrey Davis, executive speech coach at Speak Clear Communications :

First, the best speakers build their argument emotionally as well as logically. Every point has a complelling story attached to it. Second, they make arguments that are novel and innovative. The “how” of the argument is as important as the “why.” Lastly, great speakers do not hold back on hand gestures! Gesturing is scientifically proven to enhance a speaker’s impression with the audience.

From Bridgett McGowen, CEO of BMcTALKS :

While it’s important your audience has a memorable experience during your presentation and that it learns something new or gains a new perspective on something it already knew, it is equally important to move the audience to actually do something with what you shared … something that will inspire or change their lives, professions, or communities … because you are there to persuade! Remember any time you present, consistently think to yourself “In what difference-making endeavor do I want my audience to join?” or “Now that everyone has heard this, now what?” Give them the answers to those questions to further your persuasive message.

From Martha Krejci, business coaching leader :

Don’t write everything out! The last thing you want to do is look like you’re reading a speech verbatim. You want to illuminate your authority in the field you are speaking about. Reading does not do that….at all. So, here’s what I do. I think about the end goal of what I’m trying to communicate. Then, reverse engineer the points that take us there. Write the points out on a notecard if you need it, or if you’re lucky enough to have a teleprompter, use that. And finally, above all…tell stories! Don’t just have a bunch of dry information that anyone with a wifi signal could google. Tell stories that bring your audience into your problem, but also your solution you propose. If you can master storytelling, you may just be surprised by how good you can get at public speaking.

From Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek :

Telling an easy-to-follow story is crucial in being persuasive. If people have to think too hard to understand what you’re talking about, they’re less likely to listen. If they don’t listen, you won’t have a chance to persuade them. If there are studies, surveys, or other types of data that can vouch for what you’re saying, that’ll also go a long way to persuading others. Lastly, you have to believe what you’re talking about. If you truly believe your message, it’ll shine through and people will be inclined to believe you, too.

From Adam Cole, expert writer and author:

Number one is the invitation to listen. It ensures that the listener has a context in which to understand what you are presenting so that everyone is on the same page when the important information comes. The invitation may contain relevant humorous anecdotes to break the tension and present the speaker as appealing, and it must be accessible enough that the listener will at least know what the topic is and why they should care. Number two is the topic. Depending on the complexity of the topic, it should be structured for maximum clarity. While humor and anecdotes can be used to illustrate the point, they should not distract from it or become the focus (unless the task is to highlight the speaker, rather than the topic, which is ok). Number three is the follow-through. If the listener has learned something, a good summation will help them retain the most important points from the learning so that they can remember it and follow up with more learning (perhaps from the speaker’s books, videos, or other appearances!) Taking the topic and framing it in terms of an action step for the audience may be a powerful way for them to keep the presentation (and the speaker) in their heads.

Conclusion: Best Persuasive Speech Topics

Remember, your passion and expertise on the topic will translate to audience engagement – and hopefully a good grade!

Delivering a persuasive speech doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience if you’re prepared and passionate.

In the words of Cicero: “A good orator is pointed and impassioned.”

To follow the advice of the great Roman orator, find your passion and then express it through your persuasive speech.

The skills you develop now in this area will benefit you throughout your professional and personal life.

*As an Amazon Associate, buying products recommended in this blog will help us create more amazing content.

Learn how we can help you with college and career guidance! Check out our YouTube channel!

Click Here to Schedule a Free Consult!

persuasive speech topics with 3 main points

Stay on track and ease your anxiety with our second-to-none college application assistance.

Ethics & Honesty
Privacy Policy
Join Our Team

(732) 339-3835

[email protected]

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

There is a small but important difference between planning a persuasive speech and writing a persuasive essay. First, 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 the list to generate an idea of your own.

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.
The 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 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 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.
Middle School Debate Topics
40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
Controversial Speech Topics
How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
30 Writing Topics: Persuasion
100 Persuasive Essay Topics
The Best Summer Plans for High School Students
50 Argumentative Essay Topics
50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches
Impromptu Speech Activities
How Much Damage Do Bad Grades Do?
Choosing the Perfect College
20 Tips for Success in High School
Great Colleges for Students with "B" Averages
Personal Essay Topics

Improve your practice.

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

Persuasive Speech Outline, with Examples

March 17, 2021 - Gini Beqiri

A persuasive speech is a speech that is given with the intention of convincing the audience to believe or do something. This could be virtually anything – voting, organ donation, recycling, and so on.

A successful persuasive speech effectively convinces the audience to your point of view, providing you come across as trustworthy and knowledgeable about the topic you’re discussing.

So, how do you start convincing a group of strangers to share your opinion? And how do you connect with them enough to earn their trust?

Topics for your persuasive speech

We’ve made a list of persuasive speech topics you could use next time you’re asked to give one. The topics are thought-provoking and things which many people have an opinion on.

When using any of our persuasive speech ideas, make sure you have a solid knowledge about the topic you’re speaking about – and make sure you discuss counter arguments too.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

All school children should wear a uniform
Facebook is making people more socially anxious
It should be illegal to drive over the age of 80
Lying isn’t always wrong
The case for organ donation

Read our full list of 75 persuasive speech topics and ideas .

Preparation: Consider your audience

As with any speech, preparation is crucial. Before you put pen to paper, think about what you want to achieve with your speech. This will help organise your thoughts as you realistically can only cover 2-4 main points before your audience get bored .

It’s also useful to think about who your audience are at this point. If they are unlikely to know much about your topic then you’ll need to factor in context of your topic when planning the structure and length of your speech. You should also consider their:

Cultural or religious backgrounds
Shared concerns, attitudes and problems
Shared interests, beliefs and hopes
Baseline attitude – are they hostile, neutral, or open to change?

The factors above will all determine the approach you take to writing your speech. For example, if your topic is about childhood obesity, you could begin with a story about your own children or a shared concern every parent has. This would suit an audience who are more likely to be parents than young professionals who have only just left college.

Remember the 3 main approaches to persuade others

There are three main approaches used to persuade others:

The ethos approach appeals to the audience’s ethics and morals, such as what is the ‘right thing’ to do for humanity, saving the environment, etc.

Pathos persuasion is when you appeal to the audience’s emotions, such as when you tell a story that makes them the main character in a difficult situation.

The logos approach to giving a persuasive speech is when you appeal to the audience’s logic – ie. your speech is essentially more driven by facts and logic. The benefit of this technique is that your point of view becomes virtually indisputable because you make the audience feel that only your view is the logical one.

Ethos, Pathos, Logos: 3 Pillars of Public Speaking and Persuasion

Ideas for your persuasive speech outline

1. structure of your persuasive speech.

The opening and closing of speech are the most important. Consider these carefully when thinking about your persuasive speech outline. A strong opening ensures you have the audience’s attention from the start and gives them a positive first impression of you.

You’ll want to start with a strong opening such as an attention grabbing statement, statistic of fact. These are usually dramatic or shocking, such as:

Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead from the food that they eat – Jamie Oliver

Another good way of starting a persuasive speech is to include your audience in the picture you’re trying to paint. By making them part of the story, you’re embedding an emotional connection between them and your speech.

You could do this in a more toned-down way by talking about something you know that your audience has in common with you. It’s also helpful at this point to include your credentials in a persuasive speech to gain your audience’s trust.

Speech structure and speech argument for a persuasive speech outline.

Obama would spend hours with his team working on the opening and closing statements of his speech.

2. Stating your argument

You should pick between 2 and 4 themes to discuss during your speech so that you have enough time to explain your viewpoint and convince your audience to the same way of thinking.

It’s important that each of your points transitions seamlessly into the next one so that your speech has a logical flow. Work on your connecting sentences between each of your themes so that your speech is easy to listen to.

Your argument should be backed up by objective research and not purely your subjective opinion. Use examples, analogies, and stories so that the audience can relate more easily to your topic, and therefore are more likely to be persuaded to your point of view.

3. Addressing counter-arguments

Any balanced theory or thought addresses and disputes counter-arguments made against it. By addressing these, you’ll strengthen your persuasive speech by refuting your audience’s objections and you’ll show that you are knowledgeable to other thoughts on the topic.

When describing an opposing point of view, don’t explain it in a bias way – explain it in the same way someone who holds that view would describe it. That way, you won’t irritate members of your audience who disagree with you and you’ll show that you’ve reached your point of view through reasoned judgement. Simply identify any counter-argument and pose explanations against them.

Complete Guide to Debating

4. Closing your speech

Your closing line of your speech is your last chance to convince your audience about what you’re saying. It’s also most likely to be the sentence they remember most about your entire speech so make sure it’s a good one!

The most effective persuasive speeches end with a call to action . For example, if you’ve been speaking about organ donation, your call to action might be asking the audience to register as donors.

Practice answering AI questions on your speech and get feedback on your performance .

If audience members ask you questions, make sure you listen carefully and respectfully to the full question. Don’t interject in the middle of a question or become defensive.

You should show that you have carefully considered their viewpoint and refute it in an objective way (if you have opposing opinions). Ensure you remain patient, friendly and polite at all times.

Example 1: Persuasive speech outline

This example is from the Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Specific purpose

To persuade my audience to start walking in order to improve their health.

Central idea

Regular walking can improve both your mental and physical health.

Introduction

Let’s be honest, we lead an easy life: automatic dishwashers, riding lawnmowers, T.V. remote controls, automatic garage door openers, power screwdrivers, bread machines, electric pencil sharpeners, etc., etc. etc. We live in a time-saving, energy-saving, convenient society. It’s a wonderful life. Or is it?

Example 2: Persuasive speech

Tips for delivering your persuasive speech

Practice, practice, and practice some more . Record yourself speaking and listen for any nervous habits you have such as a nervous laugh, excessive use of filler words, or speaking too quickly.
Show confident body language . Stand with your legs hip width apart with your shoulders centrally aligned. Ground your feet to the floor and place your hands beside your body so that hand gestures come freely. Your audience won’t be convinced about your argument if you don’t sound confident in it. Find out more about confident body language here .
Don’t memorise your speech word-for-word or read off a script. If you memorise your persuasive speech, you’ll sound less authentic and panic if you lose your place. Similarly, if you read off a script you won’t sound genuine and you won’t be able to connect with the audience by making eye contact . In turn, you’ll come across as less trustworthy and knowledgeable. You could simply remember your key points instead, or learn your opening and closing sentences.
Remember to use facial expressions when storytelling – they make you more relatable. By sharing a personal story you’ll more likely be speaking your truth which will help you build a connection with the audience too. Facial expressions help bring your story to life and transport the audience into your situation.
Keep your speech as concise as possible . When practicing the delivery, see if you can edit it to have the same meaning but in a more succinct way. This will keep the audience engaged.

The best persuasive speech ideas are those that spark a level of controversy. However, a public speech is not the time to express an opinion that is considered outside the norm. If in doubt, play it safe and stick to topics that divide opinions about 50-50.

Bear in mind who your audience are and plan your persuasive speech outline accordingly, with researched evidence to support your argument. It’s important to consider counter-arguments to show that you are knowledgeable about the topic as a whole and not bias towards your own line of thought.

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

Easy persuasive speech topics: examples

309 good persuasive topics + resources for writing persuasive speeches

By: Susan Dugdale

Let's be right up front about this.

'Easy' and 'persuasive' are seldom paired when it comes to speech topics! Therefore, examples of easy persuasive speech topics are a bit of a rarity, and finding them can be tricky.

However, all is not completely lost. They can, and do, come together, but only if you work at it. Let me show you how.

What's on this page

309 potentially easy persuasive speech topics.

the myth of 'easy' and an 'easy speech'
what makes a successful persuasive speech
how a persuasive speech topic can become easy
additional persuasive speech resources

The myth of 'easy' and an 'easy' speech

That word 'easy' is so very tempting. It seductively implies something you can fling together, without a lot of effort, at short notice.

Image: a tiger-budgie. Text: Easy and persuasive are seldom paired when it comes to speech topics. That makes easy persuasive speech topics a bit of a rarity. Just like this tiger-budgie.

An 'easy' persuasive speech is not going to take a lot of work to plan, research, to write, or to practice. Everything needed to prepare it will be done without hassle, because it's, 'easy'. The entire process will flow smoothly from start to finish without fuss.

When you present the speech, the audience will be spell-bound, riveted by your outstanding choice of subject and its treatment. In short, they will be amazed. Gob smacked * , and 100% persuaded!

* astounded, overwhelmed.

Return to Top

What a successful persuasive speech usually takes

To give a successful persuasive speech means being able to use a compelling mix of reasoning and emotional appeal to convince whoever you are talking to that your point of view is right or at least, worth considering. Generally doing that well takes thought and effort.

You need to have chosen a subject your audience will be genuinely interested in and to use just the right combination of logical reasoning and emotional appeal to engage and hold them from the first words you say till your last. That in turn means thinking your speech through carefully, step by step, and then doing whatever is needed to make it work.

Those things include:

deciding on a specific speech purpose, (what you want people to do as a result of listening to your speech)
research to pull facts together to ground your speech, to give you a solid platform to build your speech on
understanding your audience so you know how best to shape your material to address their concerns
sorting out any additional resources you may want to use (e.g. images, graphs, handouts ...)
practice, and then more practice.

You, see? Easy and persuasive don't seem to have a lot in common.

However, there is a way through.

How a persuasive speech topic becomes easy

You'll be glad to know there are exceptions.

A persuasive topic becomes 'easy' if:

it fits with the criteria you've been given,
you already know a lot about it,
there's a readily accessible, and credible body of knowledge covering it,
you're passionate about it, and
you genuinely want to do what is required to do it well.

Difficulties miraculously melt away when you are totally engrossed!

Below are 309 good persuasive topics chosen for their broad appeal, and because they are subjects people generally feel strongly about.

69 topics based on education
135 based on aspects of health : mental health , the psychology of motivation , autism , natural medicine , the dangers of alternative medicine , current medical issues

21 food themed persuasive speech topics

53 topics based on ethics, morals and values
20 economy themed topics

Read them through, making a note of any that jump out and that you think you may be able to use. These will be the ones you'll find much 'easier' than the others because you're already interested!

69 persuasive speech topics on education

Put a group of people together who share concerns about the direction society seems to be headed and it won't be long before the hot topic under discussion is education!

Nelson Mandela quote: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

that there is no such thing as the best form of education
that some types of education are a waste of time and resources
that all education should be free
that education should be paid for by those who want or use it
that schools should provide experienced specialist support teachers to meet the needs of all their pupils
that no child should be denied an education on the grounds of gender, race, poverty or the legal status of their parents
that online learning can never replace real-time and place class room learning
that competition with other students is a necessary part of education
that different learning styles need to be to be taken into account by teachers
that a student who drops out of school has been failed by the school system
that the problems created by illiteracy are bigger than we think
that society benefits from promoting gender equality and women's empowerment through education
that it is vital to teach media literacy to combat fake news and misinformation
that scholarships for those who need them should be increased
that a college education is not the right choice for everyone
that private schools support elitism
that the advantages of project-based learning far outweigh the disadvantages
that having a bilingual education is an advantage in a globalized world
that a good education is the passport to a better life
that a school uniform helps make everyone equal
that schools need to systematically teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills
that teachers should be held responsible for the performance of their students
that the students of a teacher who is enthusiastic about their topic will always achieve better grades
that textbooks, and other school supplies, should be provided free of charge to those who need them
that there needs to a comprehensive education program on consent and sexual assault prevention in schools
that life skills, (how to cook, how to budget and manage money effectively, how to shop economically, how to garden...) should be taught in schools
that making some school subjects compulsory should be abolished
that coding and computer science should be taught from an early age
that taking a gap year should be encouraged
that an arts education fosters creativity and critical thinking
that alternative forms of education should be encouraged, and supported
that teachers should be thoroughly background checked
that teachers should have to pass a regular 'fitness to teach' test
that the school leaving age should be raised
that students should not be forced to take classes they do not want to
that there are significant advantages for using technology in the classroom
that school violence is a mirror of the society we live in
that students who take part in protests are actively learning about their rights and responsibilities
that grades do not reflect intelligence
that truancy is powerful comment on the relevancy of schools
that homework, for homework's sake, should be banned
that residential segregation has a direct impact on the quality of education students receive
that prestigious schools maintain their prestige through only admitting students who are likely to succeed
that schools should focus on the core subjects: reading, writing and arithmetic
that parents should be far more involved in their children's education
that a person who is homeschooled is not disadvantaged
that far too much importance is placed on IQ tests
that corporal punishment should never be used
that meditation and other forms of mindfulness should be taught in schools
that single sex schools are better for girls
that intelligence is more than quick accurate recall and clever problem solving
that a holistic education is best
that an education should be a right, not a privilege
that it is important to teach students about empathy and emotional intelligence
that no girl should ever be barred from school because she is pregnant
that there is no 'right, one way' to educate a child
that bullying, in any form, by anyone, should be addressed immediately and appropriately
that students need to be taught how to handle social media responsibly
that the arts are equally as valuable as the sciences
that an old-fashioned school curriculum teaches respect and values
that it is advantageous to learn at least one other language, in addition to your mother tongue
that the foundation of all education is laid down in the home
that civics and ethics should be core subjects
that extracurricular activities are an essential part of a well-rounded education
that cheating on a test or in an examination is understandable
that community service should be an essential part of education
that financial education is essential and should be taught to all students in all schools
that guns should never be taken to school
that getting top marks in an examination is not the only way to prove a person’s intelligence

135 persuasive speech topics about health

Health, according to the World Health Organization , is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." It's a huge topic! And that is an understatement!

46 mental health persuasive speech topics

Knowing your own darkness is the best method of dealing with the darkness in others. - Carl Jung

that mental health should be taken more seriously by general health practitioners
that mental health should be discussed in schools
that mental health and physical health are interdependent
that early intervention is important to prevent long-term mental health problems
that good mental health begins with a good diet
that being 'mad' does not mean a person is 'bad'
that a person can learn to become more mentally resilient
that to be vulnerable is to be strong
that laughter heals
that how the media portrays mental health issues influences public perception for better and for worse
that mental health issues are passed down from generation to generation
that mental health issues can unnecessarily limit what people choose to do with their lives
that poverty and homelessness underpin many mental health issues
that we need mental health screenings and regular check-ups to monitor our overall well-being
that prolonged lack of sleep can cause mental health concerns
that religious practices and beliefs can contribute to mental health problems
that anxiety and depression need to be more widely understood
that sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me is a lie.
that vacations are essential for good mental health
that learning to live with mental health is very different from suffering from it
that acknowledging our own struggles with mental health makes it easier to understand other people's
that teachers need training to recognize symptoms of possible mental health issues in their students
that there is a direct link between physical exercise and mental health
that substance abuse can mask mental health issues
that green environments promote good mental health
that bullying can have serious consequences
that the real reason a bully bullies is never the person who is being bullied by them
that the impact of chronic pain on mental health needs to be more widely understood
that negative self-worth beliefs are reflected in mental health problems
that treatment for mental health issues should be fully integrated with any other health service providers
that loneliness and isolation are often factors in mental health concerns
that cultural difference can underpin mental health issues
that being mentally unwell is not a sign of weakness
that shaming a person for needing treatment for mental illness is both cruel and ignorant behavior
that regular doom-scrolling significantly impacts on a person's mental health
that overlooking symptoms of mental health problems is dangerous
the pressure to 'fit in', to conform and to become someone else's idea of who you should be is unhealthy
that seeking help for mental health concerns is a positive proactive thing to do
that taking responsibility for our own mental wellbeing is vital
that to be a little bit crazy is a good thing
that understanding the cyclical link between addictive behaviors and mental health issues is critical to providing solutions
that how we talk to ourselves, about ourselves, influences our state of mind
that self-care and self-compassion are important for maintaining good mental health
that the adverse impact of traumatic events on mental health is often ignored or underestimated
that strategies for recovery from trauma and ongoing resilience should be taught in schools
that peer support groups and community networks are an important part of a person's recovery because they provide a sense of belonging and support

For 50 more mental health persuasive speech topics

24 persuasive ideas: the psychology of motivation

Why do people behave the way they do?

What makes one person deliriously happy when they're in front of a large group of people telling them what to do and another person, utterly miserable?

Why do some people absolutely have to have the latest widget-wodget? And why do others not think about widget-wodgets at all?

The answers are found in motivation.

Motivation is the driving force behind our behavior. It provides the explanation for what we do.

that personal success is motivating
that envy is a powerful motivator
that 'Fear of Missing Out' (FOMO) motivates/influences people to do things regardless of whether they really want to or not
that seeing success in significant others gives people the motivation to make positive changes
that finding out what motivates a person at a fundamental level is key to persuading them to follow a certain course of action
that social media is responsible for motivating people to strive for the unattainable
that carefully selected strategies for motivating students lead them to excel in their studies.
that fear of failure motivates many people
that the desire to be better than others, and to be seen to be better, is a powerful motivator for many people
that money makes the world go round: the need and desire for money motivates how we behave
that desire for public recognition and acknowledgment is a powerful motivating force
that the possibility and promise of becoming famous and powerful can motivate all sorts of extreme behavior
that knowing what you do is helpful, useful, and kind is motivating
that mindfulness practices increase personal motivation
that the desire to understand a particular process or to solve a specific problem is the motivation behind most innovative developments and inventions
that setting inspiring yet realistic goals motivate a person to strive to reach them
that fear of consequences motivates people to continue to do what they would rather not
that curiosity motivates exploration and experimentation
that being motivated by the acquisition of material rewards, wealth and possessions, will ultimately not be enough
that fear and anxiety motivate aggression
that serving your community the best way you can is motivating
that positive self-talk increases and sustains motivation
that people are happiest and most creative when they motivated by what they are passionate about
that being genuinely and sincerely proud of oneself is motivation to keep ourselves on track
that we need to understand and nurture what motivates us to become the best of ourselves

For more information: Motivation and What Really Drives Human Behavior (positivepsychology.com)

10 persuasive speech topics about autism

Image: jigsaw puzzle with a piece missing. Text: Persuasive speech topics on Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of mild to severe conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. A recent (2020) study revealed that 1 in 36 children (2.7%) in USA have been diagnosed with the disorder. And that number is increasing.

that promoting autism awareness matters and makes a difference
that early intervention and treatment is important
that education for students with autism should be inclusive and supportive
that the myths and stereotypes about autism need challenging
that inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations are beneficial for everyone: employers and employees.
that families affected by autism need accessible resources, services, and support systems.
that technology plays an important role in enhancing communication for nonverbal individuals with autism.
that ongoing research, and funding, is required to improve understanding and treatment options.
that there needs to be a holistic approach to autism care.
that individuals on autism spectrum have value and strengths just like any other person.

19 persuasive speech topics on natural medicine

The term 'natural medicine' is one of several used interchangeably to describe any medical product or practice that is not standard (conventional) medical care.

Other synonyms are:

alternative medicine or therapies,
holistic medicine which implies taking into account the 'whole' person rather than focusing on and treating isolated symptoms,
herbal (plant based) remedies and,
complementary medicine: a treatment regime that includes elements of conventional and alternative medical care.

'Natural medicine' polarizes people. There are those who are vehemently against any form of it and who will not consider any treatment other than what is current standard medical practice. Then there are those who resolutely choose alternative options. Either way, it's a fascinating field!

Image: chamomile daisy plants. Text: Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to aid relaxation.

that traditional herbal remedies effectively treat common ailments
that acupuncture is beneficial for pain management
that practicing meditation and mindfulness improves mental health
that chiropractic treatments effectively relieve back and neck pain
that yoga supports physical and mental wellness
that naturopathy should be used as a complementary approach to conventional medicine.
that homeopathy is effective in treating chronic illnesses.
that aromatherapy can relieve stress and enhance relaxation.
that traditional Chinese medicine should be incorporated into modern healthcare.
that good nutrition prevents disease
that massage therapy promotes physical and mental well-being.
that energy healing treatments like Reiki and acupuncture work well
that CBD (cannabidiol) oil helps people effectively manage pain and anxiety.
that the advantages of integrative medicine: combining conventional and alternative approaches should not be underestimated
that herbal supplements support good immune system health.
that holistic Ayurvedic medicine and practices are proven and promote wellness.
that the common myths about alternative health care and its potential harms are overstated
that acupuncture is an effective fertility treatment
that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for public speaking fear, smoking cessation, weight loss, and more...

14 persuasive speech topics on the possible dangers of using alternative medicine

that there are hidden risks in using unregulated alternative health care practices
that there are potential dangers in relying solely on alternative health care for serious medical conditions
that there are risks in self-diagnosis and self-treatment with alternative health care
that misinformation is a problem in alternative health care practices
that there are potential adverse effects with unproven alternative health care treatments
that there are hidden financial risks with alternative health care therapies
that evidence-based medicine is more reliable than alternative health care approaches
that we need to protect vulnerable people from the dangers of untested alternative health care remedies
that unqualified practitioners in alternative health care fields can cause harm
that relying on unverified testimonials and anecdotal evidence in alternative health care is dangerous
that there are risks of negative interactions with conventional medications while using alternative health care treatments
that unregulated supplements and herbal remedies in alternative health care could be dangerous
that alternative health care therapies for incurable diseases promote false hopes
that informed consent and transparency in alternative health care practices is important

22 current medical issues speech topics

that vaccine hesitancy must be addressed and countered
that stigmas around mental health must be challenged
that good accessible mental health care should be available for all
that cosmetic and reconstructive surgery should only be for those who genuinely need it
that comprehensive specialized mental health programs and support systems need to in schools
that the lessons for the opioid crisis must be learned
that inequal access to medical services needs addressing
that the balance between patient autonomy and a physician's responsibility needs careful monitoring
that strategies for promoting healthy aging and elderly care are essential with an aging population
that organ donation needs to be actively encouraged to overcome the shortage of organs available for transplantation
that the ethical implications of genetic testing need careful consideration
that healthy active lifestyles must be promoted to combat childhood obesity and the obesity epidemic
that the increasing role of technology in healthcare presents as many innovations as it does challenges
that pharmaceutical drugs need to be accessible and affordably priced
that the impact of social media on body image need to be countered by actively promoting positive self-perception
that developing countries need support to improve health care infrastructure and access
that precision medicine or personalized healthcare has better patient outcomes
that we should encourage conversations about end-of-life care before the need for it arises
that the legal and ethical concerns about euthanasia and assisted suicide can be humanely and respectfully resolved
that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine presents great opportunities as well as challenges
that improving obstetric care would lower maternal mortality rates
that for the good of the health of the mother, abortion on demand should be legal
that all tobacco products should be banned
that the use of medical marijuana by patients in hospitals needs careful consideration from a legal standpoint

The subject of food: its cultivation, preparation, scarcity or abundance, generates passionate debate regardless of who we are, or where we are on the planet.

Have fun with these!

Image: root vegetables growing in garden Text: 21 food-themed persuasive speech topics. Example: that a plant-based diet is healthier.

that poor nutritional health in first world countries is the result of poor food choices
that the use of unsustainably produced palm oil in food and other products should be banned
that the benefits of eating locally sourced food outweigh the disadvantages
that we must reduce food waste to lessen its environmental impact
that eating fast food long-term is dangerous
that a plant-based diet is healthier
that the negative effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food system outstrip their shorter term benefits
that organic farming has positive effects on health and the environment
that nutrition education in schools helps combat childhood obesity
that a sugar tax would help control the consumption of foods with high sugar content
that factory farming is unethical
that we need to adopt humane animal welfare practices
that advertising and marketing of unhealthy food choices makes them attractive
that food safety and strictly enforced regulations are necessary for public health
that food waste should be against the law
that food deserts (areas that have limited access to affordable and nutritious food) have an enormous impact on the health of communities
that there are workable, sustainable, affordable strategies to combat the effects of food deserts and food insecurity
that the food we eat effects our mental as well as our physical health
that producing food sustainably helps combat climate change
that there are significant health risks associated artificial food additives and preservatives
that genetically modified foods must be labeled for consumer awareness

53 topics: ethics, morals and values

The words 'ethics', 'morals' and 'values' are frequently interchanged as if they mean the same thing. However, although there is considerable overlap between them, they don't.

Diagram showing the overlap of values, morals and ethics.

Values are the core beliefs on which we center and base our lives. They are the values we have decided are important and can be personal as well as shared. Examples are honesty, service, cooperation, family, heritage, freedom of expression, independence, privacy, loyalty, integrity, or success.

Morals are based on our values. They elicit feeling or emotional responses in us. For instance, we feel good when we behave in accordance with our values, and bad when we don't. Like values, our moral codes can be either personal or shared.

For example: if one of our core values is the importance of family, then we will feel guilty and uncomfortable if we don't honor it. We make a moral judgment about our own behavior.

Ethics : These let us know what is right and wrong. For instance, many professions have a code of ethics to regulate the behavior of their members. Examples are medical practitioners, lawyers, and teachers. They are rules based on a shared moral code as are the laws governing how we function as a society.

Because life and people's experience of it, is not static, values, morals and ethics can change over time. And although there are some behaviors that have generally always been unlawful, (murder, fraud, infanticide...), what was acceptable and normal once, does not guarantee its rightness now.

For a fuller explanation please see this excellent article: What's the Difference Between Ethics, Morals and Values?

28 topics based on morals and ethics

that there are major ethical implications of the role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives
that the unmonitored use of facial recognition technology is a violation of individual rights
that corporations have a moral responsibility to address climate change
that war is never right ethically or morally
that the ethics of genetic engineering and its impact on society need careful monitoring
that it is important to fully consider the ethics in the development and use of emerging technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency need
that the ethical challenges of data privacy and protection in the digital age must be met for the safety and security of society
that the ethical implications of using animals for scientific research requires regular reviewing
that the ethical and moral implications of our current abortion laws need thorough and careful investigation
that the ethics of capital punishment need scrutinizing. Is it ever morally justifiable?
that the ethical implications and long-term impact of gene editing and designer babies need careful consideration
that it is no longer either ethical or moral to differentiate salaries or workplace benefits on the basis of gender
that the moral obligations of healthcare professionals in end-of-life decisions need to be fully considered
that whistleblowing is an ethical way of ensuring corporate accountability
that the use of drones and autonomous weapons demands a thorough review of the ethical considerations involved
that an individual has the right to choose their own death. The moral dilemma of euthanasia, if there is one, is their own to solve.
that the ethical implications of the long-term impacts of genetic testing and personalized medicine need to be thoroughly investigated
that social media platforms have ethical responsibilities in combating the spread of online harassment and misinformation
that the moral issues surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports need to examined calmly and carefully
that the ethics of factory farming and its impact on animal welfare need to be thoroughly and regularly reviewed
that the ethical and moral implication of discriminatory adoption laws should be investigated
that the ethics and impact of online advertising should be independently monitored
that the ethical considerations in the allocation of healthcare resources should always play a major role in decision making
that the moral implications of genetic cloning and its potential consequences will force our governing bodies to legislate against it
that the ethics of global wealth distribution and poverty alleviation will always be in question while inequality exists
that the ethical challenges of conducting research on human subjects is entirely justifiable
that internet censorship is both sensible and ethical
that it is ethical and morally responsible that children should have their use of social media and the internet monitored.

25 persuasive speech topic ideas on values

Image: Father Christmas. Text: 309 persuasive speech topics. Example: that we must never tell lies to children, except about Father Christmas...

that we must never tell lies to children except about Father Christmas, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Rabbit
that honesty in personal and professional relationships is best at all times
that embracing diversity is essential for a harmonious society
that team sports build good character traits
that empathy, (compassion and understanding), has the power to change lives
that education is fundamental for personal growth and the progress of society
that privacy and the protection of personal information matters more than ever
that everybody is entitled to privacy, including children and teenagers
that taking personal responsibility and promoting sustainability for our planet's environment is vital for our and its survival
that actively advocating for gender, racial and social justice promotes equality
that life was better before the influence of online social media took over
that everyone should spend several months per year working for the betterment of others in a non-profit social service organization
that regular acts of kindness and goodwill make a positive impact no matter how small
that becoming self-aware increases our emotional intelligence, which in turn, improves our relationships with others
that the lives of all living creatures should be valued and protected
that we need to celebrate, tolerate and accept differences in beliefs, cultures and lifestyles
that expressing oneself freely is more important than getting the grammar, punctuation and spelling right
that integrity, honoring moral principles, in personal and professional settings, builds trust and respect
that cooperation, volunteering and civic engagement builds strong healthy communities
that everybody should learn to cook and clean for themselves
that we need to value, understand and learn from our history
that genuinely and sincerely acknowledging and apologizing for hurtful, damaging behavior promotes healing and encourages transformation
that it is better to earn your own living rather than to be financially provided for by someone else
that money is not a meaningful measure of success

20 persuasive speech topics about the economy

Diagram of the interrelationship of economics

What is an 'economy'? What does the word mean? I hear and read it frequently and its often in different contexts.

For example, at my local grocery store there's a large sign telling me that buying 10 cakes of soap at a never to be repeated discounted rate of 33% off per cake is good economy.

On the news I hear that our economy is challenging. There have been significant rises in the price of food over the past six months and mortgage rates are set to increase.

That's two different uses. The first is implying that buying in bulk will save me money. The second suggests it refers to the ebb and flow of monetary exchange for goods and services in society.

I sought a definition for clarity and found this:

"An economy is a complex system of interrelated production, consumption, and exchange activities that ultimately determines how resources are allocated among all the participants. The production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services combine to fulfill the needs of those living and operating within the economy.

An economy may represent a nation, a region, a single industry, or even a family."

For more information: Economy: What It Is, Types of Economies, Economic Indicators (investopedia.com)

This definition covers the dynamic interconnecting web of exchanges for goods and services underpinning our daily lives, and that is the focus of the topics below.

that promoting entrepreneurship for economic growth has benefits
that investing in renewable energy for a sustainable economy is important
that there are both advantages and disadvantages of globalization on national economies
that the impact of automation on employment requires carefully thought through strategies for economic adaptation.
that multinational corporations need stricter regulations
that increasing the minimum wage to improve income equality benefits everyone
that the advantages of a universal basic income for economic stability outweigh its disadvantages
that government should play an active role in fostering innovation and technological advancements
that financial literacy education benefits both individuals and the economy
that promoting fair trade practices benefits developing economies
that income inequality impacts on social stability and economic growth
that free trade agreements have significant advantages
that investing in infrastructure for economic development is important
that implementing sustainable economic policies has benefits for long-term growth
that government has a role in reducing poverty and income disparities
that immigration and inclusive immigration policies have a positive impact on the economy
that the advantages of austerity measures during economic crises outweigh the disadvantages
that promoting small businesses is important for local economic development
that investing in education and skills training benefits economic competitiveness
that technology transforms traditional industries and creates new economic opportunities

Yellow banner. Text: You're most welcome to use this content in your online learning program. Please make it a do follow link.

More persuasive speech resources

Persuasive speech topics.

105 fun persuasive speech topics : ideal for light-hearted, informal speeches
100 non-boring persuasive speech ideas - a 'tired' topic is not for you. Choose something fresh and original.
50 good persuasive speech topics with treatment examples to show you how the same topic is treated differently for different audiences.
310 persuasive speech topics for college : mental health, society, family & friends, animals, education
108 feminist persuasive speech topics : the top current women's rights & feminist issues

For assistance with planning and writing

Writing a persuasive speech - a 7 step action plan that includes how to choose a topic, analyze your audience, set a good speech purpose, decide on a structural pattern (with examples) and, more.
A persuasive speech outline example using the 5 step structural pattern: Monroe's Motivated Sequence. (With a free printable outline)
A persuasive speech example using Monroe's Motivated Sequence

speaking out loud

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

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

Top 10 popular pages

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

From fear to fun in 28 ways

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

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

Useful pages

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

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

Get Best Essay Written by Essay Writers

Enter phone no. to receive critical updates and urgent messages !

Please upload all relevant files for quick & complete assistance.

New User? Start Here

100+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics For 2024

Think of times when you want to go to a movie, but your best friend prefers staying back home. It can be difficult to pursue. But eventually, you do it, right? The way you talk her into going movie is by persuasion. That means you are already giving persuasive speeches every day but just did not know about the technicalities.

Don't worry. After you read this blog, you'll also get familiar with them. To begin with, let's know what persuasive speech means. Later in the blog, you'll get more details and a list of relevant persuasive speech topics.

What is a Persuasive Speech?

Persuasive speech refers to when you are convincing the audience to believe in what you are saying. Consider the salesman trying to sell bathroom cleaner. He is only using his best-pursuing skills to convince you to buy from him.

Not just sales and marketing, persuasive speech is important in most sectors. Persuasion is important even when you are going for an interview. You need to convince the employer about why they should choose you. That’s why this type of speech is gaining popularity in education curricula.

The audience must accept your point of view. With this goal in mind, you must guide their chain of thoughts and actions. The best way to ensure the same is to rely on rhetoric.

The 3 Major Rhetoric Concepts are:

Ethos refers to the speaker’s credibility. As a speaker, you have to show the audience that you are an expert on the discussed topic. This will attract more audience attention for you. You can use stats, facts, and stories to prove your point. The more details you give, the better your speech sounds. In return, persuading the audience becomes smooth.

Pathos is your ability to appeal to the audience's emotions. When the audience relates to your speech, persuasion becomes easy, and that should be your target. Often emotions like compassion are the key to connectivity. For example, when you are talking to the readers about the benefits of getting up early. Share with them how oversleeping kills your stamina for the day. Share with them how it makes you lazy.

Logos allows you to connect logic to your speech. This is also extremely crucial when you are giving a persuasive speech. Random sharing of thoughts and facts can go in vain. It will only pay off when it has proper logic and a good transitional flow. Try giving essay examples. As per orators, they are good evidence to prove logic in what you say.

Examples of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

During the speech, you notice that he begins by sharing his position and proving his credibility to give the speech. He says, "Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, 4 Americans would be dead through the food they eat. My name is Jamie Oliver. I am from Essex in England, and for the last 7 years, I have worked tirelessly to save a life in my own way. I am not a doctor; I am a chef. I do not have expensive equipment or medicine, but I use information and education.”

In the highlighted portion above, the author clarifies who he is and why he is fit to speak on the topic. This is a very good example of Ethos. It proves that without even saying, ' I am the best,' you can prove your credibility.

Everybody knows how important food is for living, family bonding, celebrations, etc. Thus, hitting that point, he establishes pathos . He says, “I profoundly believe that the power of food has a primal place in our homes. It binds us to the best bits of life." Each and everyone in the audience will relate to this. This will intrigue the audience to listen to Jamie.

In one instance, he tries to prove that not homicide but the food landscape around people will kill them faster. To prove this, he shows a graph. The audience bursts into clapping and applause. This is where Jamie establishes logos and connects to the audience via logic.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

An important factor in the case of persuasive speech is the choice of topic. Choosing the right persuasive speech topics is tricky. However, it is crucial; therefore, you have to give some effort before making the final call. In this case, there are a few criteria you can look into.

Things to Consider While Choosing Persuasive Speech Topic

Do the persuasive speech topics interest you.

You need to know everything about the speech topic. With time and research papers , you can learn every important detail. But you need to be patient. The patience for good research comes from an individual interest in the topic. If you don't find a topic compelling, choose from interesting persuasive speech topics. Remember that you can’t draw people’s attention to something you are not interested in.

Ask yourself – “ Would I like to learn about this topic?" The answer to this question has to be a prompt and empathetic YES! If not, this is not the right choice. When you are speaking about something and are bored, the audience will pick up on it instantly. Better avoid such risks.

Will the persuasive speech topics interest your audience?

If you have selected some captivating topics for your speech, it is time to consider your audience choices as well.

Do they share your interest?
Will they lose interest in your topic, despite your enthusiastic explanation?

These questions will help you. To answer these questions, it's crucial to have a good understanding of your audience. Research their interests and concerns to tailor your speech accordingly.

For example, consider Jamie Oliver's speech mentioned above. The audience comprises American citizens who want to protect their kids from the rising obesity in the country.

For them ‘ Teach your children about food’ is most suitable. Additionally, Jamie being a chef, knows a lot about food consumption. So, this makes the topic perfect for him. As the topic satisfies both grounds, it becomes the perfect choice.

Have the persuasive speech topics been covered too many times?

This last question is very important. To understand, you need to consider the above-mentioned example once again. There Jamie chose to speak on “Teach your children about food ." Instead of it, if he had chosen " Ways to make your diet healthy ," do you think the audience would have been more interested? The answer is NO!

The reason is that the second option is comparatively common among the audience. On the other hand, the former topic is more fresh. More or less everybody in the audience will know about the healthier alternatives to the food they eat. But explaining the same to their children is a big concern. Jamie's speech solves it for them.

Therefore, choosing unique persuasive speech topics is essential. At least try to change the perspective if you are addressing a common problem. Provide the audience with something that they don't know. It should also be relevant to their requirement. This is applicable only if you are not assigned a topic. What to do otherwise? In such cases, try including rarely known facts and stats in your speech.

The Components of a Persuasive Speech

Preparing a perfect persuasive speech is no rocket science. You only have to be careful with what information you include and what tone you speak in. This becomes easier when you know the components. The components here refer to the elements that perfectly shape your persuasive speech. Including these components in your speech makes it complete. Let's have a look at these individually.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement must be crystal clear. Recall how you do it for your essay guide, the same needs to be done in this case as well.

Background Information

Topics can have background information. For example, while discussing how to control teenagers' diets, you need to disclose details about their diets. But make sure to do it in the initial paragraphs.

Compelling Arguments

Remember, your arguments must have an impact on the audience. Arrange them in a logical flow, and add evidence to support them as well. Take care to not make it too overwhelming. Creating the right balance is the key.

Counter Arguments

What you are saying may not be a universal truth. There can be opposing thoughts. Include them in your speech and explain why they are unreliable. Present a critical essay topic analysis of the counterarguments. This will make your speech more reliable.

Call to Action

Audience interaction is an important part of speech success. A call to action is the best way to initiate it. When you are done presenting, ask the audience questions, and ask for their point of view even if it opposes your idea.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Ethos, pathos, and logos are rhetoric of persuasive speech. Establishing them is compulsory. After you prepare the speech, check if the rhetoric is satisfied. If not, make changes. You cannot give a successful persuasive speech without paying attention to these. Read the above-mentioned examples once again if you need a clearer idea.

Here is an Example

Let’s have a look at one of the famous persuasive speeches from history. This speech was presented by Winston Churchill during World War II.

Examples of a Persuasive Speech Topic

Below mentioned are a few easy persuasive speech topics. A short text of how the speech should be is also provided. Read to form a clearer idea about persuasive speech. Note that the examples below are just instances of how to do the persuasion.

The Importance of Recycling:

Benefits of regular exercise:, gun control:, the dangers of smoking:, cyber bullying:, the importance of financial literacy:, animal testing:, climate change:, media literacy:, how to create and deliver a compelling persuasive speech.

Stop rewriting several times. Know the right way to write compelling, persuasive essays. The steps below are curated after research and are accepted by most professors around the globe. The steps are simple and easy to follow. Follow them while writing persuasive essays .

Step 1: Anticipate Counter Arguments

To speak confidently about a topic, it's important to do some research. Looking for reliable sources like scholarly journals, books, or articles can be good sources of information. This way, you'll know all perspectives. Understanding the opposing viewpoint. Only then your learning will be complete.

Participating in forum conversations, listening to podcasts, and reading opinion pieces are great ways to know others' opinions. When you address the opposing viewpoint in your speech, you may also persuade the opposing audience to agree. This will bring your audience's attention.

Step 2: Set and State Goal

Determine your purpose while you prepare your speech so that you may center your discussion around a unified theme. You can better organize your message and strategy if you know your aim.

When giving introduce your main point or goal and explain ur speech, and why it is important. This makes your intentions clear to the audience and may help you come off as a more reliable speaker.

Step 3: Know the Audience

When you want to convince others, it's important to understand where they're coming from. Simply explaining things can help if they're not familiar with the topic. Avoid using big, confusing words they might not know.

If your audience already agrees with you, it might be easy to get them to act. But if they think differently, you might need to show more proof to support your point of view.

Step 4: Choose the Approach

When you want to convince people, think about whether it's best to use authority, emotion, or reasoning based on what you're talking about and what the audience likes. Figure out their beliefs first, then decide what to do. You can try using one or all three ways to make them feel convinced. Using all three can be the most effective way to make your point.

Step 5: Create an Outline

Use an outline to group your speech's important ideas. Depending on how much time you have to talk, decide how many points you want to utilize to support your claim. In most cases, you may present a compelling argument in less than 10 minutes, sufficient to hold the audience's interest. Aim for three to four supporting points, at the very least.

Step 6: Find Common Ground with Audience

To convince someone, it's important to find common ground. In this case, with your listeners. One way to do this is by showing how everyone can benefit from a particular action. By connecting with your audience, they will be more interested and attentive.

Step 7: End with a Call to Action

When you finish giving your speech, including a call to action is crucial. It summarizes your key points and motivates your listeners to take action. This could involve signing a petition, getting behind a specific candidate, or purchasing a product. First, make sure to emphasize your main ideas. Then explain how they tie into the call to action.

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive speech topic for college students.

College athletes ought to be compensated for participating.
Public transit should be free for senior folks on fixed incomes.
The cost of attending colleges and universities should be nothing.
Every American citizen should perform one year of volunteer work.
Spanish classes ought to be obligatory for all students.
Learning at least one foreign language should be a requirement for all students.
All states should allow the recreational use of marijuana.
Commercial product testing on animals ought to be prohibited.
High school students should be required to participate in at least one team sport.
In the US, the legal drinking age ought to be 25.

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on College and Career

Better education can be obtained by studying overseas.
There is no benefit to homework in terms of learning.
Higher education should be more affordable.
A student's knowledge is not indicated by a grade.
A modern teenager's mental growth is impeded by excessive Internet use.
Technology shouldn't be a factor in education.
Students' critical thinking abilities grow as they write essays.
A system of education should promote creativity.
Diversity among the students should be present in the classroom.
Why should college students be concerned with their physical and emotional well-being?

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

The Value of employee skills to your company's Success
Do introverts make better business people?
How can a mentor impact your ability to be a successful entrepreneur?
Knowing where you stand in the market. How might it impact your business plan now and in the future?
Social media will have an impact on your marketing strategy.
Why should you pursue your business passion?
How to launch a profitable business without any money
The importance of unconventional business ideas
Utilizing complaints from dissatisfied consumers to increase sales
Employers request the social media profiles of their employees. Is it good or bad?

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics on Environment & Conservation

The government should reduce the population to avoid negative environmental effects.
To protect biodiversity, human activity should be kept to a minimum.
We must consider a sustainable ecological strategy.
For the planet to be saved, alternative energy sources are crucial.
We should make every effort to lead a waste-free lifestyle.
Environmental organizations should place a high priority on saving endangered species.
The environment can be saved via solar energy.
The practice of hunting should be outlawed since it threatens biodiversity.
The preservation of the planet's lifecycle depends on the protection of its resources.
Waste sorting ought to be required everywhere.
By halting deforestation, we can keep animals' natural habitats intact.

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Foods that have been genetically engineered are detrimental to people's mental health.
Mentally ill individuals shouldn't be stigmatized as crazy.
There is no need to feel ashamed of having mental health issues.
Ten Methods to Prevent Mental Illness Effectively
Exercise at home is ineffective.
Nobody should be rude to the opposing team.
What are the top five mental health issues?
You shouldn't treat others badly.
Bipolar patients need to be handled carefully.
Autism is a condition that some people may live with and manage.

Sports Persuasive Essay Topics

Why should video game players be treated like professional athletes?
Why women's sports don't receive as much attention?
Why are sports so popular all across the world?
The most popular sport in the world is football, so why is that?
Everyone enjoys sports, but they haven't yet discovered their favorite.
Everyone benefits objectively from physical activity.
How professional sports use performance-enhancing substances
Why do professional athletes receive such high salaries?
Is it moral to buy or sell players in sports?
The Olympics: Are they still the most significant sporting event?

Good Persuasive Essay Topics on Science and Technology

Spending money on space exploration will make human life better.
Genetically modified foods are harmful to our health when consumed.
Painkiller use is unhealthy.
The pace of change in science is unacceptably rapid.
People should rely more on renewable energy sources.
Our mental and physical health can be improved through crystal healing.
The most critical condition that doctors should investigate right now is cancer.
How some health issues can start because of your diet
The use of supplements needs to be monitored.
Establishing regulations to govern stem cell research

Conclusion for Persuasive Essay Topics

Faqs for persuasive speech topic, q.1. what are the three main points of a persuasive speech.

Persuasive speeches depend on three different forms of rhetoric, namely:

Each of these has an influence on the speeches, and you have to be well-versed in all these forms to justify a persuasive speech.

Q.2. What is most important in a persuasive speech?

The most important elements in a persuasive speech are the opening and closing statements. You must work on them properly to ensure you deliver a perfect speech. It is important to keep these in mind when you are creating an outline of your persuasive speech. A good opening will grab the attention of your audience and give them a positive impression.

Q.3. What is the main purpose of persuasive speech?

Persuasive speeches are generally directed to stimulate thought, convince, call to action, increase consideration, or develop tolerance of various perspectives. It is essential to have the power to convince your audience about your views on a topic or make them rethink their ideas on a particular topic. It is essential to consider all aspects of a persuasive speech before working on the final speech.

Q.4. What is the target audience for a persuasive speech?

You have to understand the concept of the target audience when you are working on a persuasive speech. The target audience is the number of people you are willing to persuade with your speech. It is important to define your target audience before working on the speech. It will help you create the speech perfectly and find relevant points to persuade the audience.

Q.5. Which of the following should be avoided in persuasive speaking?

Persuasive speeches depend on relevant data. You cannot use any point under the sun to convince your readers. The speeches must not involve manipulation, coercion, false logic, or other unethical techniques. It is crucial to understand all of these points while creating the speech and deliver a perfect one.

Q.6. How do you end a persuasive speech?

The ending of a persuasive speech must have the following:

A summary of the main points of the speech
Your purpose or thesis
A closure with a sense of finality
A call to action and a commitment to act on the things shared

If you are preparing for a persuasive speech, remember the points while framing your conclusion.

Q.7. What are the key elements of persuasive writing?

You have to understand the process of persuasion to create a perfect persuasive speech. The essential elements of persuasion are logos or logic, ethos or ethics, and pathos or emotion. It is important to understand these elements while working on persuasive speeches.

Q.8. What is the aim of persuasion?

Persuasive speeches aim to convince, motivate, and move readers toward a certain point of view or opinion. When you are asked to deliver a persuasive speech, you must consider all the points that can persuade your audience to believe your point and be convinced. You must share proper information supporting your claims on a particular topic.

Q.9. What is the advantage of persuasive speech?

Persuasive speeches can motivate people to take action and work on the issues highlighted in the speech. It is one of the biggest advantages of persuasive speeches and also shares what the audience must do and how to go about it. The speeches also stress the necessity to work on the solutions shared earlier.

Q.10. How would you persuade your audience?

Here are some expert tips for persuading your audience:

Rhetorical questions
Personal anecdotes
Be descriptive and authentic
Follow the ‘rule of three’ or tricolon
Decide on an overacting theme
Convey message through emotive language

It is important to know these ways if you are preparing to deliver a persuasive speech.

Sienna Brown is a finance professional and accomplished essay writer in the USA. With a foundation in finance, Sienna adeptly navigates complexities, while her passion for effective communication fuels her essay writing. Her unique combination of financial insight and writing prowess reflects her dedication to both fields.

Create New Essay

Please enter phone for your order updates and other important order related communication.

Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas

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

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

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

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 13 min read

The art of persuasion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unbiased Expertise

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are three potential goals of any persuasive speech:

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

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

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

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

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

Know your audience

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

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

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

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

Hook the audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

This sentence performs several tasks:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research and Arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

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

Talk to one of our admissions experts

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

FREE Training Webinar:

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

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

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

Swipe up to see a great offer!

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

How to Write an Outline for a Persuasive Speech, with Examples

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.

How to Write an Outline for a Persuasive Speech, with Examples intro image

Persuasive speeches are one of the three most used speeches in our daily lives. Persuasive speech is used when presenters decide to convince their presentation or ideas to their listeners. A compelling speech aims to persuade the listener to believe in a particular point of view. One of the most iconic examples is Martin Luther King’s ‘I had a dream’ speech on the 28th of August 1963.

In this article:

What is Persuasive Speech?

Here are some steps to follow:, persuasive speech outline, final thoughts.

Man Touches the Word Persuasion on Screen

Persuasive speech is a written and delivered essay to convince people of the speaker’s viewpoint or ideas. Persuasive speaking is the type of speaking people engage in the most. This type of speech has a broad spectrum, from arguing about politics to talking about what to have for dinner. Persuasive speaking is highly connected to the audience, as in a sense, the speaker has to meet the audience halfway.

Persuasive Speech Preparation

Persuasive speech preparation doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you select your topic wisely and prepare thoroughly.

1. Select a Topic and Angle

Come up with a controversial topic that will spark a heated debate, regardless of your position. This could be about anything. Choose a topic that you are passionate about. Select a particular angle to focus on to ensure that your topic isn’t too broad. Research the topic thoroughly, focussing on key facts, arguments for and against your angle, and background.

2. Define Your Persuasive Goal

Once you have chosen your topic, it’s time to decide what your goal is to persuade the audience. Are you trying to persuade them in favor of a certain position or issue? Are you hoping that they change their behavior or an opinion due to your speech? Do you want them to decide to purchase something or donate money to a cause? Knowing your goal will help you make wise decisions about approaching writing and presenting your speech.

3. Analyze the Audience

Understanding your audience’s perspective is critical anytime that you are writing a speech. This is even more important when it comes to a persuasive speech because not only are you wanting to get the audience to listen to you, but you are also hoping for them to take a particular action in response to your speech. First, consider who is in the audience. Consider how the audience members are likely to perceive the topic you are speaking on to better relate to them on the subject. Grasp the obstacles audience members face or have regarding the topic so you can build appropriate persuasive arguments to overcome these obstacles.

Can We Write Your Speech?

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

4. Build an Effective Persuasive Argument

Once you have a clear goal, you are knowledgeable about the topic and, have insights regarding your audience, you will be ready to build an effective persuasive argument to deliver in the form of a persuasive speech.

Start by deciding what persuasive techniques are likely to help you persuade your audience. Would an emotional and psychological appeal to your audience help persuade them? Is there a good way to sway the audience with logic and reason? Is it possible that a bandwagon appeal might be effective?

5. Outline Your Speech

Once you know which persuasive strategies are most likely to be effective, your next step is to create a keyword outline to organize your main points and structure your persuasive speech for maximum impact on the audience.

Start strong, letting your audience know what your topic is, why it matters and, what you hope to achieve at the end of your speech. List your main points, thoroughly covering each point, being sure to build the argument for your position and overcome opposing perspectives. Conclude your speech by appealing to your audience to act in a way that will prove that you persuaded them successfully. Motivation is a big part of persuasion.

6. Deliver a Winning Speech

Select appropriate visual aids to share with your audiences, such as graphs, photos, or illustrations. Practice until you can deliver your speech confidently. Maintain eye contact, project your voice and, avoid using filler words or any form of vocal interference. Let your passion for the subject shine through. Your enthusiasm may be what sways the audience.

Close-Up of Mans Hands Persuading Someone

Topic: What topic are you trying to persuade your audience on?

Specific Purpose:

Central idea:

Attention grabber – This is potentially the most crucial line. If the audience doesn’t like the opening line, they might be less inclined to listen to the rest of your speech.
Thesis – This statement is used to inform the audience of the speaker’s mindset and try to get the audience to see the issue their way.
Qualifications – Tell the audience why you are qualified to speak about the topic to persuade them.

After the introductory portion of the speech is over, the speaker starts presenting reasons to the audience to provide support for the statement. After each reason, the speaker will list examples to provide a factual argument to sway listeners’ opinions.

Example 1 – Support for the reason given above.
Example 2 – Support for the reason given above.

The most important part of a persuasive speech is the conclusion, second to the introduction and thesis statement. This is where the speaker must sum up and tie all of their arguments into an organized and solid point.

Summary: Briefly remind the listeners why they should agree with your position.
Memorable ending/ Audience challenge: End your speech with a powerful closing thought or recommend a course of action.
Thank the audience for listening.

Persuasive Speech Outline Examples

Male and Female Whispering into the Ear of Another Female

Topic: Walking frequently can improve both your mental and physical health.

Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to start walking to improve their health.

Central idea: Regular walking can improve your mental and physical health.

Life has become all about convenience and ease lately. We have dishwashers, so we don’t have to wash dishes by hand with electric scooters, so we don’t have to paddle while riding. I mean, isn’t it ridiculous?

Today’s luxuries have been welcomed by the masses. They have also been accused of turning us into passive, lethargic sloths. As a reformed sloth, I know how easy it can be to slip into the convenience of things and not want to move off the couch. I want to persuade you to start walking.

Americans lead a passive lifestyle at the expense of their own health.

This means that we spend approximately 40% of our leisure time in front of the TV.
Ironically, it is also reported that Americans don’t like many of the shows that they watch.
Today’s studies indicate that people were experiencing higher bouts of depression than in the 18th and 19th centuries, when work and life were considered problematic.
The article reports that 12.6% of Americans suffer from anxiety, and 9.5% suffer from severe depression.
Present the opposition’s claim and refute an argument.
Nutritionist Phyllis Hall stated that we tend to eat foods high in fat, which produces high levels of cholesterol in our blood, which leads to plaque build-up in our arteries.
While modifying our diet can help us decrease our risk for heart disease, studies have indicated that people who don’t exercise are at an even greater risk.

In closing, I urge you to start walking more. Walking is a simple, easy activity. Park further away from stores and walk. Walk instead of driving to your nearest convenience store. Take 20 minutes and enjoy a walk around your neighborhood. Hide the TV remote, move off the couch and, walk. Do it for your heart.

Thank you for listening!

Topic: Less screen time can improve your sleep.

Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to stop using their screens two hours before bed.

Central idea: Ceasing electronics before bed will help you achieve better sleep.

Who doesn’t love to sleep? I don’t think I have ever met anyone who doesn’t like getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for our bodies to rest and repair themselves.

I love sleeping and, there is no way that I would be able to miss out on a good night’s sleep.

As someone who has had trouble sleeping due to taking my phone into bed with me and laying in bed while entertaining myself on my phone till I fall asleep, I can say that it’s not the healthiest habit, and we should do whatever we can to change it.

Our natural blue light source is the sun.
Bluelight is designed to keep us awake.
Bluelight makes our brain waves more active.
We find it harder to sleep when our brain waves are more active.
Having a good night’s rest will improve your mood.
Being fully rested will increase your productivity.

Using electronics before bed will stimulate your brainwaves and make it more difficult for you to sleep. Bluelight tricks our brains into a false sense of daytime and, in turn, makes it more difficult for us to sleep. So, put down those screens if you love your sleep!

Thank the audience for listening

A persuasive speech is used to convince the audience of the speaker standing on a certain subject. To have a successful persuasive speech, doing the proper planning and executing your speech with confidence will help persuade the audience of your standing on the topic you chose. Persuasive speeches are used every day in the world around us, from planning what’s for dinner to arguing about politics. It is one of the most widely used forms of speech and, with proper planning and execution, you can sway any audience.

How to Write the Most Informative Essay

How to Craft a Masterful Outline of Speech

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

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

March 21, 2024

Can't find what you're looking for?

700+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Wow Your Audiences

The hardest part of speeches is to decide on the topic! The most comprehensive list of persuasive speech topics is here! Choose your topic and let Decktopus create a presentation based on this topic.

What's Inside?

What is a persuasive speech?

Before talking more in-depth, we need to understand what a persuasive speech is. A persuasive speech is a type of speech where the speaker aims to convince or persuade the audience. The aim is to adopt, accept, or change beliefs about a particular viewpoint or take an action. The ultimate goal is to influence the audience's attitudes, behaviors, or opinions on a specific topic.

The Structure of a Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech includes arguments, evidence supporting the arguments, and examples.It often includes an introduction to the topic, the body with main points and supporting details, and a conclusion that reinforces the key message.

Introduction: In the introduction, the speaker should introduce themselves and their credibility about this topic. After introducing yourself, give your thesis statement in a way that will grab the audience’s attention and show your expertise on the topic. In the end, state the main argument or the idea of the speech.
Body: In the body part, the ideas introduced in the introduction should be supported. This part should include supporting evidence and examples. The listeners should be able to understand the logical reasoning behind your argument. Thus, you may also mention the counterarguments and your position against them.
Conclusion: In the last part, as in the conclusion, key points should be summarized, the main argument should be concluded, and a memorable closing statement should be given. In the end, the main aim is to leave audiences as persuaded!

Persuasive Speech vs. Informative Speech

A persuasive speech is different from an informative speech. In an informative speech, the goal is to give information about a specific topic. Whereas in a persuasive speech, the speaker presents a conflict and favors a side of their speech.

We've launched new course at Decktopus Academy : " Mastering the Basics: Public Speaking For Beginners ." This comprehensive series is designed to equip you with fundamental skills, effective structuring, impactful delivery techniques, and the strategic use of humor.

Whether you're new to public speaking or looking to refine your skills, this course is your go-to resource. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your communication skills. After all, effective communication is the secret sauce behind every successful leader! Explore the course details here !

How to Deliver a Persuasive Speech

Tips and tricks to wow your audience, 1. decktopus.

Every speech needs powerful visuals! Decktopus can create your speech and turn it into a presentation simultaneously! Decktopus is a one-click solution for your persuasive speech!

Decktopus is an AI-powered presentation tool with multiple features. With its easy-to-use interface, all you have to do is answer five basic questions! After, a slide ready to present will be ready for you! This slide will include necessary information about your topic, images, logos, graphs, and titles!

To create an AI-powered slide in Decktopus, all you have to do is follow these 3 steps:

Go to Decktopus . Sign in to Decktopus with your e-mail or Google account. On the Dashboard, you can choose to create your slide from scratch, create with a template, or create with AI. Click on the “Create with AI” option.

Try Decktopus AI now!

Follow the instructions by Decky! Answer the four questions with the help of our trusted AI. These questions are:

What is your presentation about?

Who is your audience?

What is the aim of this deck?

Which template would you like to use?

Enter your persuasive speech topic, and let Decktopus create a powerful presentation for you!

Now, you have a slide ready! You can present it immediately, or you can make adjustments on Decktopus !

You can change the template, titles, texts, fonts, colors, images, graphs, or positions of the elements! Everything is possible!

2. Choose the Right Topic

Choosing the appropriate topic is one of the most important parts of persuasive speeches. You should consider your interest and your audience's interest as well!

Think about a topic that you will enjoy when preparing for the speech and also presenting it. You will focus and research this topic for hours! So, choose what you are passionate about!

Also, consider your audience! Think about your audience's thoughts about the specific topic. Try to come up with an interesting but not strongly opposed topic!

3. Organize Your Speech Carefully

The format of your speech is as important as its content! Try to divide your speech into separate parts. Your speech should move smoothly from one part to another. This will captivate your audience and keep their attention! You may also consider creating an outline for this purpose.

List of Good Persuasive Speech Topics

In this blog, we combined a long list of persuasive speech topics divided into categories. Choose your topic carefully! After that, visit Decktopus 's website and create the best presentation for your speech!

Persuasive Speech Topics about Arts, Humanities and Culture

Should tattoos still be considered “unprofessional”?
Importance of performing arts for holistic development
Graffiti: Art or Nuisance
Importance of art and culture
Museums are the dying reservoir of arts and culture
Entry to museums should be free
The slow death of ancient art forms
Modern art lacks authenticity
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?
Should graffiti be considered art?
Should all national museums be free to citizens?
Should an artist comply with the rules set by society while working on a project?
Funding the Arts: Investing in Creativity as a Public Good
Art Censorship: Where Should We Draw the Line?
The Role of Public Art in Community Engagement

Best Literature and Movies Persuasive Speech Topics

Should offensive language be censored from classic literary works?
Should we keep reading classic literature that is offensive?
Can a movie persuade you with something you don’t believe in?
Is creating films and documentaries about criminals glorifying them and inspiring some to become criminals themselves?
Should there be a distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ literature?
Are libraries becoming obsolete?
Do romantic movies and books glorify an unrealistic idea of love and lead to heartbreak?
Books are the only source of learning
Who is a hero? What are the “heroic” qualities?
Living underwater: A reality or science fiction?

Psychology and Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Is music therapy effective?
Does watching TV shows or movies about teenage suicide encourage it or prevent it?
Simple ways to overcome stress.
Should art and music therapy be covered by health insurance?
Should art and music therapy be prioritized over traditional talk therapy?
How can writing a journal help you become a better person?
Does watching reality television affect people’s mental health?
Can action movies cause unwanted stress?
Reality shows affect people’s mental health.
Reading inspirational and humorous quotes improves your mood
Can child abuse and traumas lead to future mental disorders?
Can family history make children more prone to stress and anxiety?
Personality disorders among teens. Are they easy to identify?
How our differences make us unique
Is empathy better for our social relationships?
Learning from your mistakes
Social media affects people’s self-image and self-confidence
Phobias of children, teens, and adults. What are the similarities and differences?
When is it right to give children medications to overcome mental issues?
Suicide among teenagers. Is the media affecting it?
Studying psychology stresses students.
Peer pressure is the cause of a lot of mental problems during the teenage years.
The Necessity of Mental Health Education in High Schools
Workplace Mental Health: Employer Responsibilities
Social Media's Role in Adolescent Mental Health
De-stigmatizing Mental Health in Sports Culture
Mental Health First Aid: As Crucial as Physical First Aid?
The Impact of Sleep on College Students' Mental Health
Access to Mental Health Services for the Homeless
The Correlation Between Creativity and Mental Health
Mental Health Screenings as a Standard in Annual Physicals
The Role of Nutrition in Mental Well-being

Motivation and Self-Growth

Following dreams is hard
Goal setting is important for success
Overcoming stage fright is crucial for success
Importance of creating a positive vibe
Sustainable living is a source of motivation
Happiness can be measured
Personal experience is more important than rote learning
Exposure to violence leads to demotivation
Video games increase motivation

Persuasive Speech Topics about Travel

Airline tickets should be cheaper
Travel brings new experiences
Travel makes you more inclusive
Eco-tourism is important for sustainable development
Flying first class is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Traveling in a guided group is monotonous
Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
Solo travel allows the best way to self-exploration
Antarctica should not be open to tourists
Environmentally endangered sites should not allow tourism
Tourism boosts the local economy

School Policies and Education System

Should schools place greater emphasis on the arts programs?
Should all schools have mandatory art or music courses in their curriculum?
Schools should host annual arts festivals
Should performing arts be made credit-based?
Should art be a compulsory discipline?
Should art classes be mandatory for all students?
Should all students be required to learn an instrument in school?
Should classes about mental health and wellness be added to the school curriculum?
At what age or grade should sex education be taught in schools?
Should school funding be dependent on taxes of district residents, or should all schools receive an equal amount of funding from the state?
What are the benefits of year-round schools?
Are charter schools hurting or helping low-income communities?
Is homeschooling beneficial or harmful to children?
Should students on the Autism spectrum be integrated into regular classrooms?
What should be the qualifications for books to be banned from schools?
Are grades an accurate representation of learning?
Should we switch to the metric system?
What are the benefits of making preschool free to all families?
Is forcing students to say the Pledge a violation of their right to freedom of speech?
Should we ban certain books from school libraries?
Should we remove historical figures who owned slaves and support slavery from school textbooks and other educational materials?
The Importance of Cultural Exchange Programs in Education
Should bullies in schools be expelled?
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 boys and girls be taught in separate classrooms?
Should grades in gym class have an effect on a student’s GPA?
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 elementary schools teach at least one foreign language?
Should schools still teach cursive handwriting?
What are the best ways for schools to stop bullying?
Should post-secondary education be free?
Should programming and coding be introduced to young students?
Should school lunches be free?
Does the education system prepare students for adult life?
Should gyms be mandatory for all students?
Do schools need to do a better job of 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?
Should schools have longer recess time?
Should schools make swimming lessons mandatory?
Proper research is needed to write a short essay.
High-school and middle-school students should be trained to do presentations.
Improving students’ presentation skills
Should uniforms be obligatory in schools?
Should there be separate classrooms for boys and girls?
Students sent to boarding schools: A responsibility and a risk
Does homework fulfill its purpose, or is it just a burden for students?
The positive possible effect of spending a year as an exchange student
Cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in schools
Taking a year off school. Can it help you?
Hilarious games in the class can help shy students get along with others
A student’s grade: Is it a fair method of evaluation?

High Schools

Should school districts offer bilingual education programs for non-native speakers?
Should schools do away with their physical education requirements?
Would trade schools and other forms of vocational training benefit a greater number of students than traditional institutions of higher education?
Should taking a year off between high school and college be mandatory?
Should high schools mandate a certain number of volunteer hours for students?
Should schools incorporate a remote learning option into their curriculum?
What is the most important book every high school student in America should read?
What are the benefits of teaching art and music classes in high school?
How can sex education be taught more effectively?
Should advanced math classes in high school be replaced with more practical courses on financial literacy and understanding taxes?
The importance of volunteering in your community
The benefits of implementing mindfulness exercises in schools
Why high school students should learn financial literacy
Should school uniforms be mandatory in all high schools?
The need for comprehensive sex education in schools
Extracurriculars are a waste of time
The importance of promoting mental health awareness among teenagers
Is there any benefit or relevance to teaching Shakespeare to high school students?
Is it fair to take cell phones away from kids in middle/high school while they are in class?
Should schools prohibit the use of cell phones on school grounds?
Should independent learning be offered as a larger option in high school?

College and Career

Should the cost of college be reduced?
Are income-share agreements better for students than taking out student loans?
Should college athletes be paid like professional athletes are?
Are same-sex colleges beneficial or antiquated?
Should everyone go to college?
What are the benefits of taking a gap year before starting college?
Would removing tenure and job protection from professors improve or reduce the quality of higher education?
Has the traditional college model become outdated in the age of the Internet?
Should you pursue a career based on your passions or a career based on earning potential?
Should colleges use standardized testing in their admissions processes?
The advantages of studying abroad during college
The impact of technology on higher education
The benefits of participating in internships during college
Why college students should engage in extracurricular activities
The importance of developing critical thinking skills in college
Should Greek life at colleges be abolished?
Do frats and sororities actually serve their purpose?
Is college/university necessary anymore?
Computer-based learning is the most effective.
Gamification and virtual reality are the future of education
MCQs are better than essay tests
Only main papers should be considered for grading
Academics are the only criteria for individual success
Rote learning is the best way to get good grades
Conceptual clarity beats rote learning

Good Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

Why guitar music is superior to everything else
Metal is modern classical music, and you don’t know it
Why music makes everything we do easier
Music is becoming more repetitive, here’s how
Is modern music really worse than older music?
Are biographical movies of deceased musicians and artists ethical?
Digital music should be free to download and listen
Song lyrics affect our lives in a number of ways
Should online music be free of charge?
Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.

Persuasive Speech Topics about the Fashion Industry

Pop fashion is getting influenced more and more by alternative subcultures
Clothes don’t define a person, but they help people look at you differently
How fashion trends differ from one culture to another
You can’t buy fashion taste no matter how rich you are
Why are women the leaders in the fashion industry?
Men shouldn’t wear pink.
Eco-fashion is the future.
Fashion reveals the true identity
Sustainable clothing is the way to go
Clothes define a person
Jewelry defines your worth
Fashion is an important part of society
Certain fashion brands have a negative influence on society
The fashion industry has the greatest influence on teenagers
Celebrity-endorsed fashion brands are the best
Why are skinny jeans for men even a thing?

Government Politics and Society

Should voting become mandatory?
The world needs younger politicians, not 70-year-olds
What could politicians do to appeal to younger generations of voters?
Should prisoners have the right to vote?
Would it be better in the U.S. if elected politicians were younger?
Should the police use rubber bullets instead of real bullets?
Are private, for-profit prisons a threat to prisoners’ rights?
Should U.S. military funding be increased or decreased?
Should there be stricter or looser restrictions to qualify for welfare assistance?
Is our current two-party political system good enough or in need of replacing?
Should major corporations be eligible for tax breaks?
How can the current policy on undocumented immigrants in America be improved?
Should it be illegal for politicians to receive donations from large corporations?
Should undocumented immigrants have the same employment and education opportunities as citizens?
Should there be a penalty for people who don’t vote?
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 prisoners be allowed to vote?
Should the government raise or lower the retirement age?
Can the government promote non-college education for a higher income?
The problem of spending on biological weapons
Is the government really taking the right steps to eliminate cultural sensitivity?
To vote or not to vote: A question asked by a lot of people
Obesity in children is related to living a fast-paced life. What is the role of the government?
Getting a driving license: Is one test per lifetime enough?
Should smokers pay a health tax?
Is the government spending too much on the military sector?
Should the government run a campaign to promote cultural diversity and tolerance?
Should the government be able to control the population?

Persuasive Speech Topics about Ethics

Is the death penalty ethical?
Juvenile delinquency is acceptable.
Prostitution should be legal.
Underage driving should be punishable by law
Beauty pageants for children should be banned
Prisoner’s right to vote
Doctor-assisted suicide should be legal.
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 wearing fur unethical?
Should prostitution be legalized?
What is the solution for the mistreatment of farm and circus animals?
Should guns be allowed on college campuses?
Should terminally ill individuals have access to Euthanasia?
Should people be required to shovel snow from the sidewalks in front of their houses?
Should product testing on animals be required?
Should white supremacist groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
Should ethics be taught as a mandatory high school class?
Should beauty pageants for children be banned?
Do parents deceive children by telling them about Santa Claus?
Is it ethical to allow performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
Voting rights should not be universal
Guns should be banned from college campuses
The death penalty should be abolished
Substance abuse is a cause of social evils
Underage alcohol consumption should lead to prison time
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?
Is it ethical to create artificial life forms that are capable of complex emotions?
Racism will always exist no matter how hard we try

Social Issues

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 all public restrooms be all-gender?
Should the national drinking age be lowered?
Should paparazzi be banned and unable to sell their photos?
Should tattoos be regarded as “professional dress” for work?

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?
Media has a negative influence on teenagers
Media influences political decisions
The impact of social media on mental health and self-esteem
The benefits of using social media for networking and professional development
The importance of digital literacy and online safety education
The role of social media in promoting social and political activism
The need to practice responsible social media usage
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?

Entertainment (TV Shows, Video Games, and More)

Reality shows are a source of exploitation
Reality shows are anything but real
Reality shows are scripted
Reality shows dilute important topics of discussion
TV shows influence human behavior
TV shows reflect the society around
Reality shows reduce human IQ
TV shows are a great source of motivation
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?
Should video games be considered a high form of entertainment?
Do violent video games encourage players to become violent in real life?
Are paper books better than e-books?
Video games cause a lot of stress.
People who spend their time playing video games are more prone to depression.
Video games can enhance people’s brain and muscle coordination
Children who play video games have faster responses
How will gaming look ten years from now?
Virtual reality affects people’s perception.
Living without computers is impossible.
A video game can be the easiest way to teach kids.
Watching people playing video games is as fun as watching real sports like football matches.
Will playing video games cause behavior problems?
The gaming industry is affecting every aspect of our lives
Video games are not popular among kids only
Playing video games with random people online
Can video games improve problem-solving skills?

Environment and Conservation

Should fuel-run vehicles be banned?
How does it benefit nature to reduce human paper consumption?
What is the biggest current threat to the environment, and how would you suggest we remedy it?
Should disposable diapers be banned?
Environmental pollution is a global concern.
Developed nations are to blame for global warming
The greenhouse effect threatens human existence
Limiting the use of natural resources and fossil fuels
Should fracking be legal?
A complete switch to renewable energy is the way to go
Using plastic is self-defeating
Humans are to blame for environmental degradation
What is the best type of renewable energy?
Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?
Carpooling can save the environment.
Noise pollution is detrimental to human development
More political and legal measures should be taken to protect the environment
Businesses have a serious obligation to protect the environment
There should be a strict policy against polluting the ocean
Should there be government policies against the use of disposable diapers?
Recycling paper is going to save our planet
Are we taking the right measures to get over the global warming issue?
The Case for a Four-Day Workweek to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Why Every Neighborhood Should Have a Community Garden
Banning Plastic Straws: Just the Tip of the Environmental Iceberg
The Impact of Fast Fashion on Our Planet
Should Public Transit Be Free to Combat Climate Change?
The Role of Personal Responsibility in Global Waste Reduction
The Environmental Cost of Cryptocurrency Mining
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?
Should offshore drilling be allowed in protected marine areas?

Conservation of Animals and Animal Rights

Should it be okay to own exotic animals as pets?
Should hunting be made illegal?
Keeping an animal away from its home will affect the environmental balance
Should animal testing be illegal?
Should people be allowed to own pit bulls?
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 puppy mills be banned?
Should zoos and animal theme parks (such as SeaWorld) be closed?
There should be strict penalties to protect endangered species
Urban Beekeeping: A Solution to Declining Bee Populations
What is better: Buying pets or Adoption?
Why is Elephant riding unethical?
Should there be a ban on animal testing?
Testing products on animals: is it ethical or not?
Is it right to keep animals in zoos?
Should we use products made with animal fur?
Euthanizing stray animals: is it ethical?
Can a companion or service animal change someone’s life?
Is it rational to be scared of harmless yet frightening or unusual animals?
Keeping wild and exotic pets away from their natural habitat. Is it ethical?
Should we spay pets to control their overpopulation?
Keeping uncommon animals at home. Is it good for them?
Ten ways we can help animals live better

Great Persuasive Speech Topics about Family

Should children have the right to virtual and physical privacy from their parents?
“It takes a village to raise a child.” How important is a community in raising children?
Should we require parents to vaccinate their children?
Should we require companies to give mandatory paternal and maternal leave?
Is it better for a young child to attend daycare or stay home with a parent?
Should children be told to believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy?
Should the government limit how many children a couple can have?
Is spanking children an acceptable form of discipline?
The benefits of family meals and regular family time
The importance of open communication within families
The impact of divorce on children and ways to support them
The benefits of spending quality time with grandparents
The role of parental involvement in a child’s education
Nature vs. nurture—which is the most powerful influence on a person’s character?
Should parents have to give approval in order for their minor children to receive birth control?
How does learning about family ancestors impact you in the present and future?
Should parents teach their kids about sex, or is it the responsibility of the school system?
What is the most beneficial parenting style, and why?
How to run a business with your family?
Should children and teens be worried more about their privacy or safety?
Can video games be used in educating children and teens?
Having an older/younger sibling. The perks and the challenges
Is internet censorship for kids a must?
Children will still read books if they are interesting enough
The Benefits of Family Game Night on Child Development
Should Parents Limit Screen Time or Control Content?
The Importance of Teaching Financial Literacy at Home
Family Meals: A Solution to Better Communication and Health
The Role of Grandparents in Modern Family Structures
Balancing Work and Family: A Modern Dilemma
Encouraging Children to Participate in Household Chores

Persuasive Speech Topics about Religion

Should cults receive protection under freedom of religion?
What are the benefits of belonging to a religious community?
Should parents force their children to go to church or let them decide for themselves?
Studying religion is a motivational act
Awesome stories about the ancient gods and goddesses
Should the religious slaughter of animals be banned?
How to overcome conflicts and arguments between people who believe in different religions?
Should the argument that God exists be discussed in a classroom?
Emotional stories from the Bible can help people renew their belief
New age spirituality: A fact or a myth
Current vs. ancient interpretations of the Bible
Children should be allowed to choose their religion
Should religious organizations be required to pay taxes?
Is atheism a problem of the 21st century?
Should religion be taught as a high school subject?
Should the Church of Scientology be exempt from paying taxes?
Should religious leaders be involved in politics?
Should priests be allowed to get married?
Should women be allowed to be priests?
Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
Should countries be allowed to only accept refugees with certain religious beliefs?
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?

Science and Technology

Should we allow parents to choose their children’s physical attributes through genetic engineering?
Will robots reduce or increase human employment opportunities?
Does technology make kids lazy?
What age should children be allowed to have a cell phone?
Does electronic use make people less creative?
Is Net Neutrality a good thing or a bad thing?
Should human cloning be allowed?
Should self-driving cars be legal?
Should genetically modified foods be sold in grocery stores?
Should parents be allowed to choose the sex of their unborn children?
Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
Should the US government increase NASA's budget?
Should Pluto still be considered a planet?
Are search engines replacing libraries?
Should all new buildings be energy efficient?
What is the influence of technology on humanity’s future?
Should all workplaces offer hybrid/remote work?
Should we pursue Artificial Intelligence?
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?
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?
Spending money to explore space is going to improve life for humans
The scientific world is changing way too fast
Which renewable energy option would the US do best to invest in?
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?
Are electric cars really better for the environment?
Google is the death of libraries
Social media is an end of face-to-face conversations
AI is the future of technology
Technology is changing our lives
Limiting screen time for adults
The government should regulate internet usage
Technology has made life better
Internet chat rooms are not safe
Humans are addicted to technology
Internet fraud awareness: Must for cybersecurity

Convincing Speech Topics for Business

The importance of people’s skills for the success of your business
Are introverts better entrepreneurs?
How can a mentor affect your success as an entrepreneur?
Understanding your position in the market. How can it affect your current and future business plan?
Social media is going to affect your marketing plan
Why should you go after your passion in business?
Starting a successful business with no money
The value of unorthodox business ideas
Using feedback from unhappy customers to enhance your sales
The importance of delegation
Employers ask for their employees’ social media accounts. Is it right or wrong?
Employers shouldn’t ask questions related to an employee’s personal life
Most businesses advertise the same way and lack boldness
Brilliant ways to make money in the 21st century

Ideas of Persuasive Speech Topics about Sports

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?
Sports can boost learning effectiveness
Competitive sports teach us a lot about life
Why we should consider gamers as professional athletes
Reasons why women's sports don’t get that much attention
Football is a dangerous sport.
Why are sports so popular globally?
Why is soccer the most popular sport in the world?
Everyone likes sports; they just haven’t found the one they like
Physical training is objectively good for everyone
How performance-enhancing drugs are used in professional sports
Why are professional athletes paid so well
Is it ethical to sell/buy players in sports?
Are the Olympics still the most important sports event?
Studying martial arts is good for the mind and health.

Health and Medicine

Using genetically modified foods is bad for our health
Using painkillers is not healthy
The power of crystal healing can improve our mental and physical health
Cancer is the most important disease that doctors should research now
How your diet can cause the onset of different health conditions
Using supplements should be controlled
Coming up with guidelines that control stem cell research
How can science be used to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals?
A migraine is usually overlooked at school or in the workplace
Alternative medication: The truth and the myths
Infertility in couples is related to stress and unhealthy lifestyles
Mental health issues affect the whole of society
The food industry is the reason behind obesity
Everyone should donate blood at least once a year
How to overcome back pain? Different treatment options
Using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth is essential for your dental health
Do cell phones affect our brains?
Non-smokers should be first on the organ transplant lists
Is biohacking good for your health?
Diet beverages do not actually make you lose weight
Using the right amount of salt in your food is going to affect your health
Keeping your immune system strong is a must
How to save lives: The answer is organ donation
Should minors be able to purchase birth control without their parent's consent?
Conventional vs organic produce: does it really make a difference in your health?
Should governments tax soda and other sugary drinks and use the revenue for public health?
Should we teach yoga and meditation in public schools?
Should high schools provide free condoms to students?
Should massages be seen as necessities rather than luxuries?
Should hiding or lying about your HIV status with someone you're sleeping with be illegal?
Keto vs. Paleo vs. Vegan: which diet is better?
Should a patient be allowed to deny medical care?
Should the US switch to single-payer health care?
Top things to do in order to improve the way your body and brain function
Why Every Adult Needs a Nap Time Just Like Kindergarten
The Art of Procrastination: Why It’s a Skill, Not a Flaw
How Being Lazy Can Actually Make You More Efficient
Why We Should Have a National 'Talk Like a Pirate' Day
The Conspiracy Theory That Socks Disappear in the Dryer
Pets Should Have Social Media Accounts: The Pros
Why Teenagers Should Give Technology Advice to Adults
Coffee vs. Tea: The Ultimate Showdown for Morning Supremacy
How Horoscopes Can Solve All Your Work and Love Troubles
Why We Should Elect a Cat as the Next President
Should universal health care be freely given to everyone?
Should soda and candy be banned from school campuses?
Should tobacco products be completely banned in America?
Is a plant-based diet better than a meat-based diet?
Should addiction counseling and treatment be covered by health insurance?
Would taxing fast food help combat obesity?
Should we ban all genetically modified foods?
What would be the benefits of making all birth control methods (e.g. condoms, the pill) free of charge?
Should homeopathic and alternative medical treatments be covered by health insurance?
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?
Brexit will fuel the UK economy
There should be no minimum wage
Political unrest decelerates economic growth
You need to start saving for retirement now.
Economics as a discipline must be mandatory
The economic growth of China is a model to follow
Free trade agreements are bad for labor
The economy is defined by a few rich industrialists
Foreign labor slows down the economy
Import duty should be removed
Exports boost economic growth

Funny and Easy 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?
Is the movie ranking system an effective way to evaluate the appropriateness of films?
Should the government place a “health tax” on junk food?
Should parents let children choose their own names?
Should we adopt a universal language to communicate with people from all countries?
We are living better than ever, but we still complain
The prison system doesn’t create better humans
Being untidy doesn’t make you creative or special
We should have a royal family.
Bigfoot is real.
Bitcoin and other digital currencies are the future
Spending time with your grandparents
Texting while driving should be illegal
Using single-use plastic containers should be banned
School days should start later in the day
Immigration laws should be more lenient
Living with refugees from other countries
Students should be able to pick their schools
Should a student be allowed to skip school if they want to?
Paying more taxes: Is it a good or a bad thing?
Should human beings control the weather?
Blaming your younger sibling for the mess you made
Which music is your mind playing in the background during intense situations?
Just because we have opinions doesn’t mean they are valuable
Putting an Instagram filter on your selfie doesn’t make you a photographer
Why do stuff when you can play video games?
“Be a musician,” they said, but nobody came to my gig
Did you do something wrong? Blame it on your zodiac sign
I have plans for the weekend! sleep and watch movies
It's important to grow things in a garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) what are some easy persuasive speech topics.

Choosing a topic is relative for everyone. Our advice is if you have a specific interest, choosing that as a persuasive speech topic may be easier for you. In other case, here are three topics that are easy and interesting to make a presentation on:

2) What are some examples of persuasive speech topics for students and teens?

As students spend most of their time in school, it may be easier to make a persuasive speech about revisions to school policies. All your classmates and teachers surely will understand you! Here are our recommendations:

3) What are some persuasive essay topics?

In our list above, you can find 700+ persuasive speech topics! After, create your slide with Decktopus . Decktopus will not only create a slide for you but also fill the slide with appropriate text, graphs, and images!

4) What are some persuasive speech topics for school and college?

Considering a topic that includes schools and/or colleges may be a good idea for you! Your audience will mostly consist of peers, fellow classmates, and teachers, who are all familiar with the school environment. For college, consider these topics:

Don't waste your time designing your presentations by yourself!

Type your content and let our platform design your presentations automatically. No more wasting time for your presentations. Use hundreds of presentation templates to impress your audience. This is the only tool you need to prepare presentations. Try our Presentation Builder today >>

Don’t waste your time by trying to make a website for all your content

Place your content links and let our platform design your bio link automatically. No more wasting time for your social content distribution. Use hundreds of presentation biolink to impress your audience. This is the only tool you need to prepare good-looking bio links. Try our Bio Link Builder today >>

Do You Want To Create a Presentation?

Latest Articles

April 5, 2024

Top Sell Sheet Examples to Boost Your Sales Impact in 2024

Discover impactful sales sheet examples demonstrating effective design and content presentation techniques across various industries.

How to Craft an Effective Business Growth Strategy: Unveiling the Blueprint for Success

Discover proven ways and strategies to grow your business with our comprehensive guide on crafting an effective business strategy for sustainable growth.

20+ Sales Promos Examples with Proven Tactics and Ideas for Attracting More Customers Through Promotions

Uncover top sales promotions! Get + examples of cashback, discounts, and coupons to draw more customers & increase promos.

Let’s create a form here to get visitors’ email addresses.

Ready to dive in? Start your free trial today.

Persuasive Speech

Making Persuasive Speech Writing Easy: Steps and Tips

What is a Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech is a type of speech in which the speaker aims to influence the thoughts, opinions, or actions of the audience.

It involves presenting a viewpoint on a specific topic and providing compelling arguments and evidence to convince the listeners. The speaker's objective is to bring about a change in the audience's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.

The speaker uses a range of rhetorical techniques, including the persuasive appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos .

Ethos pertains to the speaker's credibility and character. It involves establishing trust and authority, which makes the audience more receptive to the speaker's message.
Pathos involves appealing to the emotions and feelings of the audience. It aims to create a strong emotional connection and empathy, making the audience more inclined to take action.
Logos is about using logic and reason to construct a persuasive argument. It relies on evidence, facts, and clear reasoning to support the speaker's viewpoint.

Parts of A Persuasive Speech

In a persuasive speech, the core sections typically include:

Introduction

The introduction is your opportunity to capture your audience's attention. Start with an engaging hook or attention-grabber.

Provide some background information on the topic to contextualize your argument.

Main Points

Your speech should have two to four main points, each supporting your main argument. Each main point should be a distinct argument that reinforces your overall position.

These arguments serve as the core structure of your speech and should be well-researched and logically presented.

Supporting evidence, examples, or statistics should be included for each main point to bolster your argument and make it more persuasive.

Transitions

Smooth transitions are essential in maintaining the coherence and flow of your speech.

Transitions may be as simple as a sentence or phrase that connects one point to the next, ensuring your speech flows logically.

Counterarguments

Recognizing and addressing potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints is a sign of a well-rounded and well-researched argument. Devote a section of your outline to these counter arguments, acknowledging them in a fair and unbiased manner.

Then, provide a well-reasoned response to refute these opposing views, demonstrating the strength and credibility of your own position.

The conclusion is where you wrap up your speech by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis.

This reinforces your central argument and leaves a lasting impression on your audience. A strong conclusion should provide a clear sense of closure, emphasizing the key takeaways from your speech.

Call to Action

Consider including a call to action in your conclusion to motivate your audience to take a specific step or support your cause.

This step adds a practical and actionable element to your persuasive speech, encouraging your audience to apply what they've learned.

Closing Remarks

End your speech with a memorable statement that leaves a final impression. You can use a powerful quote, a thought-provoking statement, or a call for reflection.

Additionally, thank your audience for their time and attention, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for their presence.

An outlines guides you through the process of crafting a persuasive message and making a successful persuasive speech. Certain steps can vary according to whichever type of persuasive speech you’re working on.

How to Write A Persuasive Speech

Writing a persuasive speech is a structured process that makes your message compelling and effective in conveying ideas to the audience.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft a persuasive speech:

Step 1: Choose a Persuasive Topic

Selecting the right topic is the foundation of a persuasive speech. Look for subjects that you are passionate about and that resonate with your audience. Moreover, an effective persuasive topic is one that can be debated or has varying viewpoints.

Your chosen topic should be relevant to your audience's interests, beliefs, and concerns. For instance, if you're addressing university students, consider what issues are important to them.

Let's say you choose "The Importance of Mental Health Awareness on Campus" as your topic. This topic is relevant, given the high levels of stress and mental health challenges that college students often face.

Step 2: Research Your Topic

To create a compelling persuasive speech, thorough research is essential.

Gather information, data, and evidence that support your arguments and help you establish credibility as a speaker.

For the topic of mental health awareness, research may include finding statistics on mental health issues among college students. Look for academic studies that discuss the impact of mental health on academic performance.

Step 3: Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Consider their attitudes, beliefs, values, and concerns related to your chosen topic.

For a college student audience, it's essential to comprehend their experiences and viewpoints on mental health. By acknowledging their existing knowledge and attitudes, you can tailor your speech to resonate more effectively with them.

Step 4: Organize Your Speech

Like any speech, persuasive speech should follow a logical structure.

Start with a compelling opening, which may include a relevant story, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. Clearly state your main argument here. In the case of mental health awareness, it could be something like,

"Promoting mental health awareness on campus is essential for the well-being and success of college students."

Create a speech outline, which could be structured around the problems, solutions, and a call to action regarding mental health on campus. A speech outline is a blueprint which helps in delivering your persuasive speech in a logically fluent way and convincing your audience.

Here is a sample speech outline:

Step 5: Craft Persuasive Arguments

In the body of your speech, you'll present persuasive arguments to support your thesis.

In the "Understanding the Problem" section, talk about rising student stress, mental health stigma, and their impact on academic performance.

Use evidence and examples to back up each argument. Cite specific statistics or sharing stories of students who have faced these challenges.

Step 6: Use Rhetorical Devices

To make your persuasive speech more engaging and relatable to your audience, it's essential to employ rhetorical devices effectively.

These devices add depth and emotional resonance to your message. Some key rhetorical devices to consider include metaphors, anecdotes, and emotional appeals.

Personal stories or anecdotes about mental health issues can create a connection with your audience and evoke empathy.

Step 7: Address Counterarguments

It's important to acknowledge potential counterarguments in your speech. This shows that you've considered multiple perspectives. Acknowledging and refuting opposing views enhances the strength and credibility of your own point of view.

A potential argument could be that mental health awareness is too costly for universities. You can counter this by presenting cost-effective solutions that have been implemented successfully at other institutions.

Step 8: Call to Action

Conclude your speech with a compelling call to action. Encourage your audience to take specific steps to support your cause.

For instance, you could encourage them to participate in mental health awareness campaigns on campus, or advocate for improved mental health services in the university community.

Step 9: Revise and Practice

After writing your speech, revise it for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Practice your delivery multiple times to enhance your confidence and effectiveness as a speaker.

Persuasive Speech Examples

Here are some persuasive speech examples for helping you:

Persuasive Speech Examples For Students

Persuasive Speech Topics For College Students

Want to consult a few more examples? Check out these persuasive speech examples to help you get more ideas!

Persuasive Speech Topics

A good persuasive speech topic is one that grabs your audience's attention and stirs their thoughts.

To choose the right topic, it should be something you truly care about and that's important to your audience members. It's also essential that there are different opinions on the topic because it creates room for a meaningful discussion.

Here are some persuasive speech ideas:

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

Why cats are secretly plotting to take over the world.
The importance of having a designated pizza night every week.
How to survive a zombie apocalypse with just your wits and a backpack of snacks.
The merits of watching cute animal videos during work hours.
Why we should replace final exams with rap battles.
The best excuses for being late to class (that actually work).
How to annoy your roommates without getting caught.
The compelling case for declaring "National Pajama Day."
The benefits of talking to your houseplants and why they're great listeners.
Why coffee should be classified as a daily essential nutrient.

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics

The impact of social media on our sense of self-worth and well-being.
The need for implementing mindfulness and meditation in schools.
The benefits of fostering a community garden in every neighborhood.
Why we should prioritize space exploration and colonizing other planets.
The importance of teaching coding and programming in elementary schools.
The ethical implications of gene editing and designer babies.
Promoting eco-friendly travel options and reducing the environmental impact of tourism.
The benefits of a four-day workweek for improved productivity and work-life balance.
The need for teaching financial literacy in high schools.
The impact of virtual reality on therapy and mental health treatment.

Can’t pick a topic? View this extensive list of persuasive speech topics on different themes!

Tips For Writing A Good Persuasive Speech

Creating and giving a strong persuasive speech involves different steps. Here are some tips for both writing and delivering your speech effectively:

Learn what your audience cares about and shape your message accordingly.
Back your points with credible data, facts, expert views, or real-life stories.
Utilize credibility, emotions, and logic in a way that appeals to the audience.
Share relatable anecdotes to connect with your audience.
Time your speech to fit the allotted duration for maximum impact.
Make good eye contact to connect with your audience and display confidence.
Maintain open and confident body language; avoid nervous habits.

To sum it up, you've learned the steps and important tips for making a strong persuasive speech. You have the tools to choose the right topic, use evidence effectively, and engage your audience.

But if you ever need help or find it tough, remember you can hire our professional essay writing service . We're here to assist you in creating a persuasive speech that makes an impact.

Our experienced writers have a proven track record in creating impactful speeches. So, just buy speech and receive top quality results!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

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

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

Keep reading

Persuasive Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples

What is a persuasive speech?

In a persuasive speech, the speaker aims to convince the audience to accept a particular perspective on a person, place, object, idea, etc. The speaker strives to cause the audience to accept the point of view presented in the speech.

The success of a persuasive speech often relies on the speaker’s use of ethos, pathos, and logos.

Ethos is the speaker’s credibility. Audiences are more likely to accept an argument if they find the speaker trustworthy. To establish credibility during a persuasive speech, speakers can do the following:

Use familiar language.

Select examples that connect to the specific audience.

Utilize credible and well-known sources.

Logically structure the speech in an audience-friendly way.

Use appropriate eye contact, volume, pacing, and inflection.

Pathos appeals to the audience’s emotions. Speakers who create an emotional bond with their audience are typically more convincing. Tapping into the audience’s emotions can be accomplished through the following:

Select evidence that can elicit an emotional response.

Use emotionally-charged words. (The city has a problem … vs. The city has a disease …)

Incorporate analogies and metaphors that connect to a specific emotion to draw a parallel between the reference and topic.

Utilize vivid imagery and sensory words, allowing the audience to visualize the information.

Employ an appropriate tone, inflection, and pace to reflect the emotion.

Logos appeals to the audience’s logic by offering supporting evidence. Speakers can improve their logical appeal in the following ways:

Use comprehensive evidence the audience can understand.

Confirm the evidence logically supports the argument’s claims and stems from credible sources.

Ensure that evidence is specific and avoid any vague or questionable information.

Types of persuasive speeches

The three main types of persuasive speeches are factual, value, and policy.

A factual persuasive speech focuses solely on factual information to prove the existence or absence of something through substantial proof. This is the only type of persuasive speech that exclusively uses objective information rather than subjective. As such, the argument does not rely on the speaker’s interpretation of the information. Essentially, a factual persuasive speech includes historical controversy, a question of current existence, or a prediction:

Historical controversy concerns whether an event happened or whether an object actually existed.

Questions of current existence involve the knowledge that something is currently happening.

Predictions incorporate the analysis of patterns to convince the audience that an event will happen again.

A value persuasive speech concerns the morality of a certain topic. Speakers incorporate facts within these speeches; however, the speaker’s interpretation of those facts creates the argument. These speeches are highly subjective, so the argument cannot be proven to be absolutely true or false.

A policy persuasive speech centers around the speaker’s support or rejection of a public policy, rule, or law. Much like a value speech, speakers provide evidence supporting their viewpoint; however, they provide subjective conclusions based on the facts they provide.

How to write a persuasive speech

Incorporate the following steps when writing a persuasive speech:

Step 1 – Identify the type of persuasive speech (factual, value, or policy) that will help accomplish the goal of the presentation.

Step 2 – Select a good persuasive speech topic to accomplish the goal and choose a position .

Step 3 – Locate credible and reliable sources and identify evidence in support of the topic/position. Revisit Step 2 if there is a lack of relevant resources.

Step 4 – Identify the audience and understand their baseline attitude about the topic.

Step 5 – When constructing an introduction , keep the following questions in mind:

What’s the topic of the speech?

What’s the occasion?

Who’s the audience?

What’s the purpose of the speech?

Step 6 – Utilize the evidence within the previously identified sources to construct the body of the speech. Keeping the audience in mind, determine which pieces of evidence can best help develop the argument. Discuss each point in detail, allowing the audience to understand how the facts support the perspective.

Step 7 – Addressing counterarguments can help speakers build their credibility, as it highlights their breadth of knowledge.

Step 8 – Conclude the speech with an overview of the central purpose and how the main ideas identified in the body support the overall argument.

Persuasive speech outline

One of the best ways to prepare a great persuasive speech is by using an outline. When structuring an outline, include an introduction, body, and conclusion:

Introduction

Attention Grabbers

Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way; ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic without requiring a response.

Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.

Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, typically done using data or statistics.

Provide a brief anecdote or story that relates to the topic.

Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.

Provide information on how the selected topic may impact the audience .

Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.

Give the thesis statement in connection to the main topic and identify the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose.

Identify evidence

Summarize its meaning

Explain how it helps prove the support/main claim

Evidence 3 (Continue as needed)

Support 3 (Continue as needed)

Restate thesis

Review main supports

Concluding statement

Give the audience a call to action to do something specific.

Identify the overall importan ce of the topic and position.

Persuasive speech topics

The following table identifies some common or interesting persuasive speech topics for high school and college students:

Persuasive speech examples

The following list identifies some of history’s most famous persuasive speeches:

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address: “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You”

Lyndon B. Johnson: “We Shall Overcome”

Marc Antony: “Friends, Romans, Countrymen…” in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

Ronald Reagan: “Tear Down this Wall”

Sojourner Truth: “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 perfect persuasive essay topics for any assignment.

General Education

Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
Should students learn cursive writing in school?
Which is more important: PE class or music class?
Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
Should class rank be abolished in schools?
Should students be taught sex education in school?
Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
Should there be limits to free speech?
Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
Should recycling be made mandatory?
Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
Is national security more important than individual privacy?
What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
Should the electoral college be abolished?
Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
Who was the most/least effective US president?
Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
Is eating genetically modified food safe?
What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
Should nuclear power be banned?
Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
Do zoos help or harm animals?
Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
Should animals in circuses be banned?
Should fracking be legal?
Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
Should euthanasia be legalized?
Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
Is solar energy worth the cost?
Should stem cells be used in medicine?
Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
Should college athletes receive a salary?
Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
Should horse racing be banned?
Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
Should facial recognition technology be banned?
Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

Do your research
Make your thesis perfect
Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

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

Student and Parent Forum

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

Ask a Question Below

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

Improve With Our Famous Guides

For All Students

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

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

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

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

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

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

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

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

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

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

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

17.3 Organizing Persuasive Speeches

Learning objectives.

Understand three common organizational patterns for persuasive speeches.
Explain the steps utilized in Monroe’s motivated sequence.
Explain the parts of a problem-cause-solution speech.
Explain the process utilized in a comparative advantage persuasive speech.

Steven Lilley – Engaged – CC BY-SA 2.0.

Previously in this text we discussed general guidelines for organizing speeches. In this section, we are going to look at three organizational patterns ideally suited for persuasive speeches: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantages.

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

One of the most commonly cited and discussed organizational patterns for persuasive speeches is Alan H. Monroe’s motivated sequence. The purpose of Monroe’s motivated sequence is to help speakers “sequence supporting materials and motivational appeals to form a useful organizational pattern for speeches as a whole” (German et al., 2010).

While Monroe’s motivated sequence is commonly discussed in most public speaking textbooks, we do want to provide one minor caution. Thus far, almost no research has been conducted that has demonstrated that Monroe’s motivated sequence is any more persuasive than other structural patterns. In the only study conducted experimentally examining Monroe’s motivated sequence, the researchers did not find the method more persuasive, but did note that audience members found the pattern more organized than other methods (Micciche, Pryor, & Butler, 2000). We wanted to add this sidenote because we don’t want you to think that Monroe’s motivated sequence is a kind of magic persuasive bullet; the research simply doesn’t support this notion. At the same time, research does support that organized messages are perceived as more persuasive as a whole, so using Monroe’s motivated sequence to think through one’s persuasive argument could still be very beneficial.

Table 17.1 “Monroe’s Motivated Sequence” lists the basic steps of Monroe’s motivated sequence and the subsequent reaction a speaker desires from his or her audience.

Table 17.1 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

The first step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the attention step , in which a speaker attempts to get the audience’s attention. To gain an audience’s attention, we recommend that you think through three specific parts of the attention step. First, you need to have a strong attention-getting device. As previously discussed in Chapter 9 “Introductions Matter: How to Begin a Speech Effectively” , a strong attention getter at the beginning of your speech is very important. Second, you need to make sure you introduce your topic clearly. If your audience doesn’t know what your topic is quickly, they are more likely to stop listening. Lastly, you need to explain to your audience why they should care about your topic.

In the need step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the speaker establishes that there is a specific need or problem. In Monroe’s conceptualization of need, he talks about four specific parts of the need: statement, illustration, ramification, and pointing. First, a speaker needs to give a clear and concise statement of the problem. This part of a speech should be crystal clear for an audience. Second, the speaker needs to provide one or more examples to illustrate the need. The illustration is an attempt to make the problem concrete for the audience. Next, a speaker needs to provide some kind of evidence (e.g., statistics, examples, testimony) that shows the ramifications or consequences of the problem. Lastly, a speaker needs to point to the audience and show exactly how the problem relates to them personally.

Satisfaction

In the third step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the satisfaction step , the speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem. Within this step, Monroe (1935) proposed a five-step plan for satisfying a need:

Explanation
Theoretical demonstration
Reference to practical experience
Meeting objections

First, you need to clearly state the attitude, value, belief, or action you want your audience to accept. The purpose of this statement is to clearly tell your audience what your ultimate goal is.

Second, you want to make sure that you clearly explain to your audience why they should accept the attitude, value, belief, or action you proposed. Just telling your audience they should do something isn’t strong enough to actually get them to change. Instead, you really need to provide a solid argument for why they should accept your proposed solution.

Third, you need to show how the solution you have proposed meets the need or problem. Monroe calls this link between your solution and the need a theoretical demonstration because you cannot prove that your solution will work. Instead, you theorize based on research and good judgment that your solution will meet the need or solve the problem.

Fourth, to help with this theoretical demonstration, you need to reference practical experience, which should include examples demonstrating that your proposal has worked elsewhere. Research, statistics, and expert testimony are all great ways of referencing practical experience.

Lastly, Monroe recommends that a speaker respond to possible objections. As a persuasive speaker, one of your jobs is to think through your speech and see what counterarguments could be made against your speech and then rebut those arguments within your speech. When you offer rebuttals for arguments against your speech, it shows your audience that you’ve done your homework and educated yourself about multiple sides of the issue.

Visualization

The next step of Monroe’s motivated sequence is the visualization step , in which you ask the audience to visualize a future where the need has been met or the problem solved. In essence, the visualization stage is where a speaker can show the audience why accepting a specific attitude, value, belief, or behavior can positively affect the future. When helping people to picture the future, the more concrete your visualization is, the easier it will be for your audience to see the possible future and be persuaded by it. You also need to make sure that you clearly show how accepting your solution will directly benefit your audience.

According to Monroe, visualization can be conducted in one of three ways: positive, negative, or contrast (Monroe, 1935). The positive method of visualization is where a speaker shows how adopting a proposal leads to a better future (e.g., recycle, and we’ll have a cleaner and safer planet). Conversely, the negative method of visualization is where a speaker shows how not adopting the proposal will lead to a worse future (e.g., don’t recycle, and our world will become polluted and uninhabitable). Monroe also acknowledged that visualization can include a combination of both positive and negative visualization. In essence, you show your audience both possible outcomes and have them decide which one they would rather have.

The final step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the action step , in which a speaker asks an audience to approve the speaker’s proposal. For understanding purposes, we break action into two distinct parts: audience action and approval. Audience action refers to direct physical behaviors a speaker wants from an audience (e.g., flossing their teeth twice a day, signing a petition, wearing seat belts). Approval, on the other hand, involves an audience’s consent or agreement with a speaker’s proposed attitude, value, or belief.

When preparing an action step, it is important to make sure that the action, whether audience action or approval, is realistic for your audience. Asking your peers in a college classroom to donate one thousand dollars to charity isn’t realistic. Asking your peers to donate one dollar is considerably more realistic. In a persuasive speech based on Monroe’s motivated sequence, the action step will end with the speech’s concluding device. As discussed elsewhere in this text, you need to make sure that you conclude in a vivid way so that the speech ends on a high point and the audience has a sense of energy as well as a sense of closure.

Now that we’ve walked through Monroe’s motivated sequence, let’s look at how you could use Monroe’s motivated sequence to outline a persuasive speech:

Specific Purpose: To persuade my classroom peers that the United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments.

Main Points:

Attention: Want to make nine thousand dollars for just three weeks of work lying around and not doing much? Then be a human guinea pig. Admittedly, you’ll have to have a tube down your throat most of those three weeks, but you’ll earn three thousand dollars a week.
Need: Every day many uneducated and lower socioeconomic-status citizens are preyed on by medical and pharmaceutical companies for use in for-profit medical and drug experiments. Do you want one of your family members to fall prey to this evil scheme?
Satisfaction: The United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments to ensure that uneducated and lower-socioeconomic-status citizens are protected.
Visualization: If we enact tougher experiment oversight, we can ensure that medical and pharmaceutical research is conducted in a way that adheres to basic values of American decency. If we do not enact tougher experiment oversight, we could find ourselves in a world where the lines between research subject, guinea pig, and patient become increasingly blurred.
Action: In order to prevent the atrocities associated with for-profit medical and pharmaceutical experiments, please sign this petition asking the US Department of Health and Human Services to pass stricter regulations on this preying industry that is out of control.

This example shows how you can take a basic speech topic and use Monroe’s motivated sequence to clearly and easily outline your speech efficiently and effectively.

Table 17.2 “Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Checklist” also contains a simple checklist to help you make sure you hit all the important components of Monroe’s motivated sequence.

Table 17.2 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Checklist

Problem-Cause-Solution

Another format for organizing a persuasive speech is the problem-cause-solution format. In this specific format, you discuss what a problem is, what you believe is causing the problem, and then what the solution should be to correct the problem.

Specific Purpose: To persuade my classroom peers that our campus should adopt a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.

Demonstrate that there is distrust among different groups on campus that has led to unnecessary confrontations and violence.
Show that the confrontations and violence are a result of hate speech that occurred prior to the events.
Explain how instituting a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy against hate speech could stop the unnecessary confrontations and violence.

In this speech, you want to persuade people to support a new campus-wide policy calling for zero-tolerance of hate speech. Once you have shown the problem, you then explain to your audience that the cause of the unnecessary confrontations and violence is prior incidents of hate speech. Lastly, you argue that a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy could help prevent future unnecessary confrontations and violence. Again, this method of organizing a speech is as simple as its name: problem-cause-solution.

Comparative Advantages

The final method for organizing a persuasive speech is called the comparative advantages speech format. The goal of this speech is to compare items side-by-side and show why one of them is more advantageous than the other. For example, let’s say that you’re giving a speech on which e-book reader is better: Amazon.com’s Kindle or Barnes and Nobles’ Nook. Here’s how you could organize this speech:

Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that the Nook is more advantageous than the Kindle.

The Nook allows owners to trade and loan books to other owners or people who have downloaded the Nook software, while the Kindle does not.
The Nook has a color-touch screen, while the Kindle’s screen is black and grey and noninteractive.
The Nook’s memory can be expanded through microSD, while the Kindle’s memory cannot be upgraded.

As you can see from this speech’s organization, the simple goal of this speech is to show why one thing has more positives than something else. Obviously, when you are demonstrating comparative advantages, the items you are comparing need to be functional equivalents—or, as the saying goes, you cannot compare apples to oranges.

Key Takeaways

There are three common patterns that persuaders can utilize to help organize their speeches effectively: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantage. Each of these patterns can effectively help a speaker think through his or her thoughts and organize them in a manner that will be more likely to persuade an audience.
Alan H. Monroe’s (1935) motivated sequence is a commonly used speech format that is used by many people to effectively organize persuasive messages. The pattern consists of five basic stages: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action. In the first stage, a speaker gets an audience’s attention. In the second stage, the speaker shows an audience that a need exists. In the third stage, the speaker shows how his or her persuasive proposal could satisfy the need. The fourth stage shows how the future could be if the persuasive proposal is or is not adopted. Lastly, the speaker urges the audience to take some kind of action to help enact the speaker’s persuasive proposal.
The problem-cause-solution proposal is a three-pronged speech pattern. The speaker starts by explaining the problem the speaker sees. The speaker then explains what he or she sees as the underlying causes of the problem. Lastly, the speaker proposes a solution to the problem that corrects the underlying causes.
The comparative advantages speech format is utilized when a speaker is comparing two or more things or ideas and shows why one of the things or ideas has more advantages than the other(s).
Create a speech using Monroe’s motivated sequence to persuade people to recycle.
Create a speech using the problem-cause-solution method for a problem you see on your college or university campus.
Create a comparative advantages speech comparing two brands of toothpaste.

German, K. M., Gronbeck, B. E., Ehninger, D., & Monroe, A. H. (2010). Principles of public speaking (17th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, p. 236.

Micciche, T., Pryor, B., & Butler, J. (2000). A test of Monroe’s motivated sequence for its effects on ratings of message organization and attitude change. Psychological Reports, 86 , 1135–1138.

Monroe, A. H. (1935). Principles and types of speech . Chicago, IL: Scott Foresman.

Share This Book

IMAGES

Good persuasive speech topics
⚡ Persuasive presentation examples. 25+ Persuasive Essay Examples. 2022
100 Persuasive Essay Topics
60 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens
100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
100 Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

VIDEO

Persuasive Speech on Social Media's Negative Affects
Persuasive speech
How To Be A Persuasive Speaker
Persuasive Speech COMM1113
Persuasive Speech Practice
Persuasive Speech

COMMENTS

110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience
Add emotional connections with your audience. Make your argument more powerful by appealing to your audience's sense of nostalgia and common beliefs. Another tactic (which marketers use all the time) is to appeal to your listeners' fears and rely on their instincts for self-preservation. Address counterarguments.
112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging
112 Engaging Persuasive Speech Topics. Tips for Preparing Your Persuasive Speech. Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.
105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project
105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech. Here's our list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. We made sure to choose topics that aren't overdone, yet that many people will have an interest in, and we also made a point of choosing topics with multiple viewpoints rather than simplistic topics that have a more obvious right answer (i.e.
454 Persuasive Speech Topics: Easy, Fun, & Controversial Ideas for
Transition 1: Include a linking sentence that would tie your introduction to your speech's main body. Point 1—Need for action: Describe the problems concerning your topic and their effects, supporting your claims with evidence. Problem 1 + Effects + Evidence Problem 2 + Effects + Evidence Problem 3 + Effects + Evidence.
Writing a Persuasive Speech
Three steps to writing a persuasive speech that gets results. 1. Make sure you believe in the cause you are promoting. John Henry Patterson, an American businessman, once said, "Before you try to convince anyone else, be sure you are convinced. If you cannot convince yourself, drop the subject." Sometimes your body language and tone of voice ...
434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
10 Easy and Simple Persuasive Speech Topics. Below follow topics that should be easy enough to persuade your audience without going into too much research. There are some which can be used as 'tongue in cheek' topics such as 'The paparazzi are the real stalkers' and 'People need to visit the dentist more often'.
150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024
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.
75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas
The aim of a persuasive speech is to inform, educate and convince or motivate an audience to do something. You are essentially trying to sway the audience to adopt your own viewpoint. The best persuasive speech topics are thought-provoking, daring and have a clear opinion. You should speak about something you are knowledgeable about and can ...
191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics: Give an Amazing Speech!
191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics. Before we reveal the 191 best persuasive speech topics, let's preview each of the categories: Politics and law: This topic revolves around pressing issues including voting, Supreme Court decisions, political leadership, and criminal justice.; Environmental activism: Climate change, offshore oil drilling, and green technology are just a few of the hot-button ...
How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
The purpose of a persuasive speech is to convince your audience to agree with an idea or opinion that you present. First, you'll need to choose a side on a controversial topic, then you will write a speech to explain your position, and convince the audience to agree with you. You can produce an effective persuasive speech if you structure your ...
100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
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.
Persuasive Speech Outline, with Examples
Read our full list of 75 persuasive speech topics and ideas. Preparation: Consider your audience. As with any speech, preparation is crucial. Before you put pen to paper, think about what you want to achieve with your speech. This will help organise your thoughts as you realistically can only cover 2-4 main points before your audience get bored.
'Easy' persuasive speech topics: 309 great examples
309 potentially easy persuasive speech topics. Below are 309 good persuasive topics chosen for their broad appeal, and because they are subjects people generally feel strongly about. 69 topics based on education. 135 based on aspects of health: mental health, the psychology of motivation, autism, natural medicine, the dangers of alternative ...
100+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics: An Ultimate Guide
FAQs For Persuasive Speech Topic Q.1. What are the three main points of a persuasive speech? Persuasive speeches depend on three different forms of rhetoric, namely: Ethos; Pathos; Logos; Each of these has an influence on the speeches, and you have to be well-versed in all these forms to justify a persuasive speech. Q.2.
Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas
4. #4. The opening sentence is your chance to establish yourself as the expert! You will seem like the authority on this topic, especially if you can pronounce the Princess's name without mistakes. Coming up with a strong opening sentence is not easy, but very worthwhile for delivering a persuasive speech.
Persuasive Speech Preparation & Outline, with Examples
Reason 3 ( Provide one reason as to why listeners should act or think the way your thesis suggests.) Example 1 - Support for the reason given above. Example 2 - Support for the reason given above. The most important part of a persuasive speech is the conclusion, second to the introduction and thesis statement.
700+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Wow Your Audiences
A persuasive speech includes arguments, evidence supporting the arguments, and examples.It often includes an introduction to the topic, the body with main points and supporting details, and a conclusion that reinforces the key message. Introduction: In the introduction, the speaker should introduce themselves and their credibility about this ...
10.1 Determining Your Main Ideas
When creating a speech, it's important to remember that speeches have three clear parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction establishes the topic and whets your audience's appetite, and the conclusion wraps everything up at the end of your speech. The real "meat" of your speech happens in the body.
How to Write a Persuasive Speech
Step 2: Research Your Topic. To create a compelling persuasive speech, thorough research is essential. Gather information, data, and evidence that support your arguments and help you establish credibility as a speaker. For the topic of mental health awareness, research may include finding statistics on mental health issues among college ...
Persuasive Speeches
Types of persuasive speeches. The three main types of persuasive speeches are factual, value, and policy. Types of persuasive speeches. A factual persuasive speech focuses solely on factual information to prove the existence or absence of something through substantial proof. This is the only type of persuasive speech that exclusively uses ...
11.2 Persuasive Speaking
Foundation of Persuasion. Persuasive speaking seeks to influence the beliefs, attitudes, values, or behaviors of audience members. In order to persuade, a speaker has to construct arguments that appeal to audience members. Arguments form around three components: claim, evidence, and warrant. The claim is the statement that will be supported by ...
113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment
Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph. Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
17.3 Organizing Persuasive Speeches
Alan H. Monroe's (1935) motivated sequence is a commonly used speech format that is used by many people to effectively organize persuasive messages. The pattern consists of five basic stages: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action. In the first stage, a speaker gets an audience's attention.

110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience

Introduction

Want to know exactly what it takes to get into America’s most selective colleges?

What are your chances of acceptance?

Your chancing factors

112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

Steer Clear of Cliches

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

Environment

Science & Technology

Social Media

Parenting & Family

Entertainment

Arts & Humanities

Do Your Research

Understand Your Audience

Have Someone Read Your Speech

Practice Makes Perfect

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

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

🔝 Top 10 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2024

⭐ Good Persuasive Speech Topics

⚖️ Ethical Persuasive Speech Topics

🎒 Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

🎓 Persuasive Speech Topics for College

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

🍃 Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive Speech Topics about Food

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

Political Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

What Is a Persuasive Speech?

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech?

What to Write a Persuasive Speech on?

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

You might also like

Writing a Persuasive Speech

Three steps to writing a persuasive speech that gets results

2. Put yourself in the shoes of the audience.

3. Follow a basic writing outline of what you want to say.

You might like these

Persuasive Topics for Valentines

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive Speech Topics - Find Great Ideas for Your Presentation

Share this page

Easily search your speech type

Get to Know Us

Attention Grabbers

Most Popular Pages

Select a Speech Topic

Let Us Help You

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

Business and Economy

Social Media

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

Politics and Government

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

Lauren Green

College Planning in Your Inbox

The Admissions Strategist

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

Get personalized advice!

Politics and Law

Environmental Activism