persuasive speech topics about special education

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292 Education Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative, Argumentative]

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.

Education is a human right and everyone is entitled to one. Problems arise when people disagree on what is right and wrong with education. Below are topics that everyone involved in or with education often face at some point.

In this article:

Informative

Argumentative.

List of Education Speech Topics

Should boys and girls have separate classrooms?
Should schools sell soft drinks and candies to students?
Should gym grades impact grade point average?
Would it be better if schools with low test scores were closed?
A psychological screening should be taken before you are admitted to college.
Do you think it should be legal for students to drop out before they turn 18?
Should schools have a mandatory life skills class?
Should state colleges be free?
Should notebook computers replace textbooks?
Why we should support education in developing countries.
Businesses must not have a say in the education process.
College is not meant for everyone.
Children are taught to read too late.
Ultimately education begins at home.
Children do not fear educators.
Teachers earn too little.
Textbooks are more effective than iPads.
Second languages should be compulsory.
Homework does not improve grades.
Teachers deserve their long holidays.
Corporal punishment doesn’t adjust behaviour.
Technology must be used in schools.
Students with good attendance records should be rewarded.
Teachers must be held accountable for bad results.
American schools must have armed guards.
Teachers should have to pass a skills test every 5 years.
Free college for all students with good academic results.
Expel cyberbullies from schools.
More importance must be placed on art and music.
Allow mobile phones in high schools only.
Schools should only offer healthy foods and drinks.
Not enough support is given to education in developing countries.
Make dropping out of school a criminal offense.
Students in public schools work harder.
The school year needs to be longer.
Teach home economics in all schools.
Taking a gap year before starting college is beneficial.
Give alternative education the recognition it is due.
Quality of adult training is poor.
Grades never indicate intelligence.
Learning music at a young age positively affects brain development.
Teach etiquette in schools.
Not enough time is spent reading in schools.
Reading will maximize a child’s love of learning.
Textbooks should be free.
There is no place for religion in education.
Gardening should be practiced at schools.
Sex education isn’t taught properly.
Schools must embrace social media.
Kids learn most from the fun teachers.
Face to face learning is superior to online learning.
Divide classes into genders.
Incorporate cultural events into the school program.
Skills test are inaccurate.
Lack of sleep limits ability to learn.
Reading comic books makes you smarter.
TV shows have zero educational value.
Google is a threat to libraries.
Electronics has robbed children of real mental stimulation.
Allow religious dress in schools.
The education system is outdated.
There is not enough discipline in schools.
Old school values are important.
Private school education is no advantage at a university.
IQ tests are flawed.
There is not enough innovation in education.
All schools need uniforms.
Make discipline part of the grading system.
Schools are too business-like.
Allow high school students to choose own academics.
Pressures of education are ruining childhoods.
Bullies should make public apologies at school.
Chewing gum helps students concentrate.
Math and science should be the main focus in schools.
There is a need for practical things to be taught at schools.
Competitive situations motivate kids.
Montessori schools develop independent thinkers.
Moral education is a lost cause.
All educators must be trained to do proper first aid.
Online encyclopedias are inaccurate.
There are too many subjects taught at school.
Physical schools will never become obsolete.
Make up should not be allowed at schools.
The government must stop interfering in how students should be taught.
School projects offer no benefits.
Students have the right to protest.
No child must be forced into sports.
Print books are better for learning than ebooks.
Cursive writing is outdated.
Stranger danger must be highlighted at schools too.
Children’s books are educational tools.
Grades do matter.
Technology is responsible for people not knowing how to spell.
Stricter background checks must be done when hiring educators.
The best schools are in Denmark.
Free education will lower poverty rates.
Dictionaries should be free.
The internet does not make people smarter.
Classroom dissections shouldn’t be mandatory.
Schools for younger kids should have a break just for eating.
Too many principals lack vision.
Pregnant teens must still get an education.
Random locker tests are necessary.
Exams should only be for University students.
Give out birth control in schools.
Education is not a place for affirmative action.
Corporal punishment does not help educate.
Parental participation influences achievement positively.
Leadership skills must be taught from young.
Why educated people should volunteer as tutors
Do you believe students who fail their classes should repeat the grade?
Should minority groups be given priority when applying to colleges?
Why Americans should not have to learn a foreign language.
If you play a sport should you be required to take gym class?
Why you should consider studying computer science.
Universities should help students get a job after they graduate.
Schools should teach both creationism and evolution.
Should classes be based on periods of time or individual work?
Do you think companies should be able to advertise in schools?
Should students be able to go to the bathroom without asking?
Should handwriting be taught in schools?
Would it be better if schools started later in the morning?
Do you think students should have open campus lunch breaks?
Why we should be able to substitute study hall for a proper class.
Should students be able to listen to music during classes?
Schools should take students abroad.
Should teachers be over a certain age?
Should the teaching of multiple languages be mandatory?
Should schools be more technologically advanced?
Music education should be a priority in schools.
Should students join Greek life on campus?
Financial aid shouldn’t be based on income.
Should home economics be required in all schools?
Should Chinese classes be mandatory for students?
Should Spanish classes be mandatory for students?
SAT scores should affect college acceptance.
Public schools are better than private schools.
Should standardized testing be abolished?
Studying abroad will benefit your future.
Everyone has the right to education.
Should students take the PARCC test?
The importance of preparing children for kindergarten.
Fifth graders should have study hall.
We need more financial assistance for students.
Don’t take education for granted.
The school year should be longer.
Why anime has educational value.
Why college isn’t for everyone.
Should children have homework?
Students have too much work.
Take a year off from school.
Expand school breakfast programs.
Tenure for professors should be protected.
Minority scholarships should be increased.
Alternative education should be increased.
Education in prisons should be increased.
Accelerated learning options should be increased.
Educational costs should be lowered.
Private schools should offer scholarships.
School security needs to be improved.
State lotteries should fund education.
School violence can be prevented.
Home schooling can be as high quality as going to school.
Adult training programs should be improved.
Every person should learn two or more languages.
Is the Oxford comma necessary?
Does the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 still work?
Do not limit access to education for children of illegal migrant workers.
Speaking recognition models can improve reading scores without expensive K-12 student loans for extra tuition vouchers.
There should be an effective character education leadership course in our high school curriculum.
Everyone should do a special Summer School course every year.
There should be more competition into public education.
Why poorly performing schools are performing poorly.
The perfect student loan plan with low interest rates does not exist.
We should introduce an appropriate formal dress code for our campus.
The problem of illiteracy in our country is much bigger than most people think.
The ACT curriculum-based educational and career planning tool is right when it states that most graduates are not ready for college education.
Tuition vouchers programs upgrade academic performances for sure.
Schools have the right to limit freedom of speech in classes.
Video conferencing is the solution for improving classes in rural areas.
Replace letter grades with number grades.
People cannot be a part of modern society if they are illiterate.
Keep race and ethnicity out of education admissions.
Boys perform better in a only boys class.
Students should be required to take foreign policy classes.
Striving for high assignment grades is useless.
MP 3 players are an aid that help with concentration.
Motivating someone to study literature is a waste of time.
Lack of education contributes to poverty.
Knowledge management should be mandatory in each study curriculum.
Replace examinations with other forms of assessments.
Women are becoming the majority in universities because they are smarter.
Improved driver education will reduce traffic fatalities significantly.
Wikipedia is as accurate and reliable as Encyclopedia Britannica.
The quality of education is lower than 15 years ago.
Billingual education helps illegal immigrants to assimilate into our culture.
Teachers must be paid based on performance.
Higher education should only be accessible to good high school students.
I can learn better by myself than with a teacher.
Health and education are key to accelerate development in the third world.
Quality classroom acoustics help education.
Why Amish teenagers should be forced into compulsory high school education.
Should classrooms be replaced with online teaching sessions?
It would help ESL students to take state tests in their native language.
Human resources management in colleges.
What to know about transferring colleges.
The responsibility of parents and students regarding education.
The history of special education over the past 30 years.
The mental effort that intelligent writing necessitates.
How visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners are different.
Cooperative learning in education in the Philippines.
The benefits of personality development camps for students.
The importance of arts and languages in education.
The uses of dioramas for geography instruction.
Moving out of the dorm to an apartment off campus.
Education is the best weapon against poverty.
Improving the active learning curve in education.
Why classes in school should be 45 minutes long.
How school does not prepare you for the real world.
The benefits of online learning.
The effects of studying while listening to music.
Computers benefit students in school.
How to bring back the passion for education.
The benefits of making college free.
The benefits of field trips for students.
The most important factors that affect student performance.
Why travel is beneficial to education.
How to earn income as a student.
How to unleash your inner geek.
The importance of high school service learning programs.
The importance of higher education.
The importance of maintaining order on campus.
How to find student discounts.
Teachers should be paid more money.
Education is the master key to all.
The negative effects of the privatization of higher education.
How to write an informative essay.
The benefits of having free textbooks.
How to get a student job on campus.
The importance of not taking education for granted.
The best way to spend your senior year.
The basics of getting a fellowship.
The importance of mathematics.
The rising cost of education.
How to survive freshman year.
Technology in the classroom.
The effects of discrimination in education.
The qualities of a good student.
The different learning styles students have.
The education system in Pakistan.
How to ace the GRE.
How to spot a diploma mill.
Overcoming your fear of public speaking.
The importance of financial education.
How visual arts can be used for educational organizations.
How to plan a Geology field trip.
How to avoid plagiarism in essays.
Smart debating techniques

Writing informative essays can be tough, so for more ideas head on over to our awesome list of informative essay ideas.

Are academics and sports of equal importance?
Should teachers have to take a yearly test to keep their jobs?
Students should learn about world religions in public schools.
Should sports be made a compulsory subject in universities?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of school uniforms?
Hungry students cannot learn, which is why free meals should be provided.
Should students be held back for bad grades?
Do colleges put too much stock in standardized test scores?
Home education should only be allowed for medical reasons.
CPR and first aid instruction should be mandatory in schools.
Essays do not demonstrate a student’s knowledge on a topic.
Should all students be randomly drug tested?
Educational computer games should be used in school.
Why the government should prevent violence in schools.
Teachers should wear uniforms or obey a dress code.
Why are sports trips paid for while club trips are not?
Music education should be placed back into schools.
Should teachers give out homework on the weekends?
Sex education should be required in all schools.
Exam scores do not reflect student performance.
Testing and choice are undermining education.
The benefits of attending a single-sex school.
State colleges should be free to attend.
There should be no religion in schools.
Education should be free for everyone.
Gender does not affect learning.
Smoking and drinking on campus should be banned.
Should homework be reduced?
The pros and cons of Common Core.
Exams should be abolished.
Grades are not important.
Why do we have homework?
Teachers should be punished for rude behavior to students.
Students should take a year off between college and high school.
Why we should learn more than one language.

For even more argumentative topics check out our epic list of argumentative essay prompts .

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3 thoughts on “292 Education Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative, Argumentative]”

persuasive speech about lack of education

all these topic are very interesting, especially topic No: 50. I will put more effort to motivate teens on doing debates on this topics. it was very helpful, thank you

Wow! This really helped. I went from no ideas to too Many!! 😛

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Persuasive Speech Topics about Education

Persuasive speech about education is a kind of speech that a person makes with an intention to convince the audience to accept his or her own view about education. People have various opinions on different aspects of education. Often, people try to promote their views about education, and the best way to do so is through persuasive speeches. However, anyone who wants to give persuasive speech must firstly find a topic that will make the audience have an interest in what he or she has to say. We realized that a lot of people find it difficult to get education topics that their audience will find interesting, so we’ve decided to help people with that. As you read on, you’ll find some popular persuasive speech topics about education. Go through them to get the best persuasive education speech ideas for your next persuasive speech. When you use the education topics below, you’ll find it easy to get good points to convince your audience.

Persuasive speech topics about education

The government should distribute free textbooks regularly to students
Libraries should be available in all school
Online learning should be encouraged
Education is necessary for every individual in society
Students deserve more scholarship opportunities as a way to encourage them to do well in academics
Free breakfast or lunch should be given in school
Free internet connection should be provided at high schools
Learning environment should be conducive
Uniforms should be compulsory at all levels of education
Students should enjoy free transportation to schools
Shaming words shouldn’t be used on students
Grades shouldn’t be all about education
Talents of students should be improved on at schools
Education should be free for all
Discrimination of black students should be stopped
Students should be punished for their mistakes at school
Values and Ethics should be taught at school
Learning should be more about practicals than theory
Exorbitant School fees should be prevented by the government
Bullying should be punished appropriately
Avenue should be created for the gifted students to showcase their talents
Excessive punishment for minor offenses should be eradicated
Electronic learning should be encouraged
Religious discrimination should be discouraged in schools
Empowerment skills should be taught to students
Excessive use of accessories should not be allowed in schools
Dropping out of school shouldn’t be an option
Moral education should be taught
Sporting activities should be encouraged in schools
Rioting by students should be frowned at
Quizzes and competitions should be organized for students
Violence in school should be abolished
Sex education should be taught in all schools
Should language classes be necessary for all students?
A peaceful protest by the students should be allowed
Students should be rewarded for good behavior
Teachers deserve good salaries
Job opportunities should be made available for graduates
Extracurricular activities should be encouraged
Maltreatment of students should stop
Accommodation should be made available for students in school
Students should carry out community services
Educational standard should be high
Schools should seek better ways of conducting examinations
Proper discipline is necessary in schools
Technology should be used to enhance education.
Students with poor grades shouldn’t be criticized
Child abuse should be prevented at schools
Government should run all schools
Expensive school fees should be discouraged
Schools should be in every street in a country
Students should freely choose their courses in high school
Teachers should not beat or spanking students for whatever reason
Students should be allowed to bring mobile phones to school
Teachers should not threaten students
Religious beliefs should be taught in schools
Government should lay much emphasis on school certificates
Consistency of tests and assignments should be reduced
Students should not pay any interest on student loans
Schools should take student counseling more seriously
Students deserve to enjoy social life within school premises
Students with disabilities should enjoy free education
Students should not get homework everyday
Students in the higher institutions deserve to receive allowance from the government
School authorities should frown at racism
There should be a closer relationship between schools and industries
Government should make funds available for interschools competitions
There should be a well-recognized student day worldwide
Students in elementary schools deserve to enjoy free meal at school

Have top experts do your papers.

100+ Excellent Topics for a Stellar Persuasive Speech

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Speech?

The Ingredients of an Effective Topic

Ideas & Inspiration: 100+ Topics

Your Next Steps, Step-by-step

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

Before You Pick the Perfect Topic...

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

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

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

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

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

Here's what you'll find:

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

Still feeling a bit hesitant or stuck?

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

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech?

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

The 6 Most Essential Ingredients

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

The Historical Roots of Persuasive Speech

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

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

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

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

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

- persuasive speaking, by r. t. oliver, ph.d., interested in learning more attend one of our free events, how the rhetorical triangle can turbo-charge your speech.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suggestions for enhancing appeals to ethos in your speech:

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

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

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

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

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

A Consistent Style and Tone

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

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

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

Picking Your Topic — Questions to Ask

Does it interest you.

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

Will the topic interest your audience?

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

Is the topic or point of view fresh and engaging?

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

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

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

Finding Subjects and Topics on Your Own

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

Search Results for Keyword Phrase Contemporary World Problems and Issues

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

A General List vs. Time & Place Factors

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

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

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

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

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

Art and Culture

1. Is digital art really art?

2. Street art: vandalism or cultural expression?

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

4. Do museums promote culture or appropriate culture?

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

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

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

8. Does creative freedom take precedence over cultural appropriation?

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

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

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

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

3. Is student loan debt relief good policy?

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

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

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

7. Globalization: economic boon or bane?

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

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

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

1. The case for and against school uniforms.

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

3. The impact of technology on education.

4. Should college education be free?

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

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

7. Is the grading system improving learning?

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

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

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

Environmental Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. The impact of fast fashion on the environment.

8. The necessity of protecting endangered species.

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

10. Are electric cars truly better for the environment?

1. The changing dynamics of the modern family.

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

3. Should adoption records be open or sealed?

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

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

6. How to balance parental rights with child welfare.

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

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

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

10. Balancing discipline and love in parenting.

Health, Nutrition, & Fitness

1. Should junk food advertising be regulated?

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

3. Should junk food be banned in schools?

4. Nutrition: are schools failing to teach it?

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

6. Should sports programs be replaced by fitness education?

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

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

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

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

Media, Social Media, and Entertainment

1. The effects of social media on teenagers.

2. Should there be regulations on influencer marketing?

3. The impact of video games on behavior.

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

5. The role of media in shaping public opinion.

6. Privacy concerns with social media platforms.

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

8. Digital detox: pros and cons.

9. Media portrayal of women and its societal impact.

10. Censorship in media: necessary or oppressive?

Politics and Society

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

2. Gun control laws: balancing safety and liberty.

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

4. The death penalty: justice vs. ethics?

5. The legalization of marijuana: the right policy?

6. The right to protest vs. public order.

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

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

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

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

Recreation & Tourism

1. The benefits of outdoor recreation.

2. Sustainable tourism: protecting nature while promoting travel.

3. The impact of tourism on local cultures.

4. The future of space tourism.

5. The effects of recreational activities on mental health.

6. The importance of historical preservation in tourism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Space exploration: is it worth the investment?

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

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

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

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

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

Sports and School Athletics

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

2. Should college athletes be compensated?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Use Diligent Research to Make a Watertight Argument

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

What to look for:

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

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

Define Your Thesis

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

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

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

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

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

Marshaling Your Evidence

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

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

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

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

Make an Outline

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

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

Drafting Body Paragraphs, Your Introduction & Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Balancing Pathos, Logos, Ethos

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

Checklist for Balancing Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

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

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

Revise & Polish

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

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

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

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

Practice the Delivery

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

About the Author

Keith Nickolaus

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

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100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

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

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

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics

Studying martial arts is good for mind and health.
Competitive sports can teach us about life.
Reality shows are exploiting people.
Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students.
The characteristics that make a person a hero.
It's important to grow things in a garden.
Violent video games are dangerous.
Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.
Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
Journal writing is therapeutic.
You should spend time with your grandparents.
A laptop is better than a tablet.
Religion and science can go hand in hand.
School uniforms are good.
All-female colleges and all-male colleges are bad.
Multiple-choice tests are better than essay tests .
We should not spend money on space exploration.
Open-book tests are as effective as closed-book tests.
Security cameras keep us safer.
Parents should have access to students' grades.
Small classes are better than big classes.
You need to start saving for retirement now.
Credit cards are harmful to college students.
We should have a royal family.
We should protect endangered animals.
Texting while driving is dangerous.
You can write a novel.
Recycling should be required in the U.S.
State colleges are better than private colleges.
Private colleges are better than state colleges.
We should do away with penny coins.
Fast food containers hurt the environment.
Plastic straws are harmful to the environment.
You can eat and enjoy healthy snacks.
You can become a millionaire.
Dogs are better pets than cats.
You should own a bird.
It's unethical to keep birds in cages.
Liberal arts degrees prepare graduates to be better workers than other degrees.
Hunting animals should be banned.
Football is a dangerous sport.
School days should start later.
Night school is better than day school.
Technical training is better than a college degree.
Immigration laws should be more lenient.
Students should be able to choose their schools.
Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
Grass lawns should be prohibited.
Sharks should be protected.
We should do away with cars and go back to horse and carriage for transportation.
We should use more wind power.
We should pay more taxes.
We should do away with taxes.
Teachers should be tested like students.
We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries.
Every student should join a club.
Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
People should stay married for life.
Smoking in public should be illegal.
College students should live on campus .
Parents should let students fail.
Giving to charity is good.
Education makes us happier people.
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 language classes.
Every student should be required to learn at least one foreign language .
Marijuana should be legal for recreational use nationwide.
Commercial testing of products on animals should no longer be allowed.
High school students should be required to participate in at least one team sport.
The minimum drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
Replacing fossil fuels with cheaper alternative energy options should be mandated.
Churches need to contribute their share of taxes.
The Cuba embargo should be maintained by the U.S.
America should replace income taxes with a nationwide flat tax.
Once they reach the age of 18, all U.S. citizens should be automatically registered to vote .
Doctor-assisted suicide should be legal.
Spammers—people who bombard the internet with unsolicited email—should be banned from sending junk mail.
Every automobile driver should be required to take a new driver's test every three years.
Electroshock treatment is not a humane form of therapy.
Global warming is not real.
Single-parent adoption should be encouraged and promoted.
Gun companies should be held accountable for gun crimes.
Human cloning is not moral.
Religion does not belong in public education.
Juveniles should not be tried as adults.
American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law.
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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

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

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

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

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

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

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Business and Economy

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

Social Media

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

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Politics and Government

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

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

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

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

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

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

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

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

Lauren Green

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

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Writing Tips

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

5-minute read

13th January 2023

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

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

Choosing a Topic

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

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

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

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

Should free speech on the internet be restricted?

At what age should children have access to smartphones?

Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?

Should parents limit their children’s screen time?

Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?

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

Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?

Should voting be compulsory?

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

Should the electoral college system be abolished?

Should election procedures be standardized in all states?

Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?

Should the death penalty be legal?

Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?

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

Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?

Are governments doing enough to address climate change?

Is student loan forgiveness fair?

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

Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?

What is the greatest threat to international stability?

What can be done to prevent cyber threats?

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

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

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

Is healthcare a human right?

Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?

Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?

Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?

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

Do school uniforms offer any advantages?

Are school dress codes gender biased?

Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?

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

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

Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?

Should immigrants have access to free language classes?

Should books ever be banned in schools?

Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?

Should schools be cellphone free?

Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?

Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?

Should parents let their children play tackle football?

Should college sports teams receive less money?

Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?

Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?

Should all priests be allowed to marry?

Should prayer be permitted in public schools?

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

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

Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

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

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

Step Up with Confidence

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

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Tips for Teaching Persuasive Writing for Special Ed Students

Categories : Inclusion strategies for mainstreamed classrooms
Tags : Special ed information for teachers & parents

Modifying the Persuasive Essay

In modifying the persuasive essay for students with learning disabilities, start with having students use their reflective journals to create free-flowing ideas on possible topic areas. Teachers can narrow down topic areas to “Solving Conflicts Over the I-Pod” or “Whether to Buy the Teva Shoes or Not.” Once students have decided on a topic area, then you can teach them how to develop a thesis and scaffold the persuasive essay into doable chunks of learning that include the following:

Title that supports the topic idea
Supporting paragraphs that include chunks of information with cited facts and examples that transition from introduction to conclusion. There could be from 1-4 supporting paragraphs that develop the topic idea.
Conclusion summarizes the topic idea and brings the essay full circle.

Modification the chunks of the essay components can include having students follow the sections below in creating an informative persuasive essay.

Topic Idea and Title

Introduce and explain what a persuasive is so that students have an understanding that the intent of a persuasion is to convince the reader of a point of view. Have students think about topic ideas that interest them and start with one persuasive thought such as, “ I persuaded him that ice cream is better than frozen yogurt because ice cream creates a more positive state of being after eating than frozen yogurt .” There is a certain fun factor in the thought and students with learning disabilities can have fun creating a persuasive argument with a defined topic idea and support that topic idea with a title that stands out. Modify this chunk by having students start with one topic idea and build from that point if indicated by skill level and ability.

The title for the above topic idea could be “ Ice Cream vs. Frozen Yogurt-You be the Judge ” or “ Ice Cream - The Better Dessert Alternative .” Have students brainstorm titles in their journals individually and then have them work in groups of 3-4 to compare title ideas and support each other’s topic idea and titles. Students with learning disabilities can create one or two title ideas as compared to five-seven for their peers. The idea is to keep students focused and invested on generating the first chunk of information needed for the bigger goal of writing a persuasive essay.

Supporting Paragraphs and Conclusion

The body of the essay includes supporting paragraphs that include facts and research citations that provide relevant connection to the topic idea. In modifying this chunk of learning, the teacher can can have students write 1-2 smaller paragraphs with 1-2 facts and research citations. By keeping the paragraphs doable, students will engage in creating smaller chunks of writing and learn about the process of constructing a persuasive essay.

For example, a modified supporting paragraph for the above topic idea on ice cream could look like the following:

Ice cream is better than frozen yogurt because it fills you up quicker. It does this because the cream is heavier and sits in your stomach longer. Ice cream is also sweet and makes you happy except when it’s gone and then you’re sad.

Students are able to write in their own style and on their skill level. Incorporating technology by having students use the computer and a word.doc software program with spellcheck and a “save as” mode will allow students to come back and edit their essay draft and add the conclusion before editing the final essay.

The conclusion restates the topic idea and brings all components of the persuasive essay full circle. Students with learning disabilities can create a two sentence conclusion and be proud of a finished product that contains all components of a persuasive essay that effectively persuades.

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persuasive speech topics about special education

107 Persuasive Speech Topics: A Comprehensive Guide

Crafting a persuasive speech can be a daunting task, but choosing the right topic is the first step to engaging your audience and making an impact. Whether you’re a student, educator, or professional, persuasion is a valuable skill that can lead to success in various aspects of life. In this guide, we’ll explore 107 persuasive speech topics across 10 different categories, providing you with a wealth of options for your next speech.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right topic is crucial for a persuasive speech’s success.
Understanding your audience will help tailor your message effectively.
Research and preparation are key to delivering a compelling argument.

Environment
Social Issues

Education Persuasive Speech Topics

The realm of education offers a rich field for persuasive speech topics, from the debate over traditional versus progressive education methods to the value of online learning.

The necessity of financial education in high schools, for instance, underscores the importance of equipping young individuals with the financial literacy required to navigate the complexities of modern economies. Advocates argue that integrating financial education into the high school curriculum can significantly reduce personal debt and increase financial stability among young adults.

On the other hand, the debate over whether college education should be free reflects broader societal values concerning access to education, equality of opportunity, and the role of government in supporting its citizens. Proponents of free college education highlight the potential to alleviate the burden of student loans and create a more educated workforce, while opponents raise concerns about the quality of education, the financial feasibility of such programs, and the fairness to those who have already paid for their education.

Speech Topics:

The necessity of financial education in high schools
Should college education be free for everyone?
The impact of technology on modern education
The benefits of bilingual education
Homework: An unnecessary evil?
Standardized testing: More harm than good?
The role of arts in education
Should schools implement a dress code?
The importance of sex education in schools
Charter schools vs. public schools: Which is better?

Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

With climate change and environmental degradation at the forefront of global concerns, persuasive speeches on environmental topics can be particularly impactful.

The urgency of acting on climate change is not just a matter of environmental stewardship but also survival, as rising global temperatures threaten ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide. Persuasive arguments in this realm emphasize the scientific consensus on climate change, the observable impacts already underway, and the moral imperative to act for future generations.

Similarly, the debate over banning single-use plastics tackles the broader issue of waste and pollution, highlighting the detrimental effects of plastic on marine life, water quality, and global health. Advocates for banning single-use plastics call for a shift towards more sustainable consumption patterns and the adoption of alternatives that can reduce the environmental footprint of human activity.

The urgency of acting on climate change
Should single-use plastics be banned?
The benefits of organic farming
Renewable energy: The path to a sustainable future
The importance of conserving water
Urban gardening: A solution to food deserts
The impact of fast fashion on the environment
Wildlife conservation: Why it matters
The role of individuals in reducing carbon footprints
Ocean pollution: A call to action

Politics Persuasive Speech Topics

Politics always provides a fertile ground for persuasion, whether it’s discussing policy changes or advocating for social justice.

The importance of voting in a democracy is a critical topic, where the argument often centers on the idea that voting is not just a right but a civic duty. Persuasive speeches in this area aim to mobilize apathy, combat voter suppression, and underscore the power of each vote in shaping policies and electing leaders who reflect the public’s will.

Meanwhile, the discussion on whether there should be term limits for politicians delves into the balance between experience and fresh perspectives in governance. Advocates for term limits argue that they prevent the entrenchment of power and encourage political renewal, while opponents suggest that such limits could undermine the expertise and continuity necessary for effective leadership.

The importance of voting in a democracy
Should there be term limits for politicians?
The impact of social media on political campaigns
Gun control laws: The need for reform
The death penalty: A moral dilemma
Immigration policies: Finding a humane approach
The role of government in healthcare
Campaign finance reform: Necessary for democracy?
The effects of gerrymandering on electoral fairness
Privacy vs. security: Finding the balance

As technology continues to evolve, it presents new challenges and opportunities for persuasive speeches.

The dangers of artificial intelligence (AI), for example, encompass ethical, privacy, and employment concerns, with proponents warning about the unchecked development of AI systems that could surpass human intelligence and autonomy. This debate calls for responsible development and regulation of AI to harness its benefits while safeguarding against potential threats to humanity.

On the flip side, the role of technology in education explores how digital tools can enhance learning, offering personalized, accessible, and engaging educational experiences. However, this optimism is tempered by concerns over digital divides, data privacy, and the need for a balanced approach that integrates technology without undermining the essential human elements of teaching and learning.

The dangers of artificial intelligence
Social media: Connecting or isolating?
The future of work: Automation and employment
The ethical implications of genetic engineering
Cybersecurity: A growing concern
The digital divide: Bridging the gap
Online privacy: An oxymoron?
The role of technology in education
E-waste: A looming environmental threat
Virtual reality: The future of entertainment

Health persuasive speech topics are always of interest to audiences, offering a chance to persuade on issues from public health policies to personal wellness.

The importance of mental health awareness is a poignant example, highlighting the societal stigma and lack of resources that often accompany mental health issues. Persuasive arguments advocate for increased funding, education, and support systems to treat mental health with the same urgency and compassion as physical health.

Vaccinations present another critical area, where the debate centers on myths versus facts, addressing vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation and emphasizing the role of vaccinations in public health and the eradication of diseases. Persuasive speeches aim to build trust in science, advocate for community health, and counteract the spread of false information that threatens public health initiatives.

The importance of mental health awareness
Vaccinations: Myths vs. Facts
The obesity epidemic: A public health crisis
The benefits of a plant-based diet
The impact of stress on health
Universal healthcare: A right or a privilege?
The dangers of tobacco use
The role of exercise in health
Addressing the opioid crisis
Sleep: The cornerstone of health

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

Social issues provide a platform to challenge societal norms and advocate for change.

The fight for gender equality is a prime example, of addressing disparities in the workplace, education, and politics. Persuasive speeches on this topic often highlight the ongoing struggle for equal pay, reproductive rights, and the eradication of gender-based violence, aiming to mobilize support for policies that promote gender parity.

Similarly, the topic of racial discrimination confronts the systemic inequalities that pervade many aspects of society, from the criminal justice system to employment and housing. Persuasive arguments in this area seek to illuminate the historical and contemporary impacts of racism, advocating for reforms that ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all, regardless of race.

The fight for gender equality
Racial discrimination: A persistent problem
The importance of LGBTQ+ rights
Poverty: A global challenge
The impact of social media on body image
The refugee crisis: A call for compassion
Child labor: A modern tragedy
The digital divide: Social inequality in the digital age
Animal rights: A moral obligation
The importance of cultural diversity

Economics – Persuasive Speech Topics

Economic topics can persuade audiences on issues ranging from global trade to personal finance.

The debate over the pros and cons of globalization illustrates the complexities of an interconnected world economy, where arguments revolve around the benefits of open markets and trade against the backdrop of job displacement, environmental concerns, and the erosion of local cultures. Advocates for and against globalization present persuasive arguments that weigh economic efficiency and growth against the need for sustainable development and equitable wealth distribution.

Another compelling topic is the impact of the minimum wage on the economy, where speakers might argue for increasing the minimum wage as a means to reduce poverty and stimulate economic activity, while opponents caution against potential job losses and increased costs for businesses.

The pros and cons of globalization
Cryptocurrency: The future of finance?
The impact of minimum wage on the economy
The gig economy: Freedom or exploitation?
Consumerism: The effect on society
The role of government in the economy
Sustainable development: Balancing economy and environment
The debt crisis: Solutions and challenges
The importance of financial literacy
Economic inequality: A growing concern

Ethics Persuasive Speech Topics

Ethical topics challenge audiences to consider their values and the impact of their choices.

The ethics of drone warfare is a contentious topic, raising questions about the morality of using unmanned aerial vehicles in conflict. Arguments might focus on the potential to reduce military casualties and target threats more precisely, against concerns over civilian casualties, the psychological impact on operators, and the broader implications for international law and warfare.

Similarly, the privacy in the digital age debate delves into the ethical considerations surrounding data collection, surveillance, and the right to privacy. Persuasive speeches on this topic might advocate for stronger data protection laws and ethical standards for technology companies, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world.

Animal testing: Necessary evil or moral failure?
The ethics of drone warfare
Privacy in the digital age
The moral implications of euthanasia
The ethics of cloning
Corporate social responsibility
The ethical dilemmas of self-driving cars
The morality of capital punishment
Ethical consumerism: The power of choice
The ethics of surveillance

Science persuasive speech topics can both inform and persuade, from debates on climate change to the potential of space exploration.

The reality of climate change is a critical area, where persuasive arguments are grounded in scientific evidence to counter skepticism and apathy. Speakers emphasize the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change impacts, advocating for renewable energy, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices.

Another engaging topic is the potential of stem cell research, which holds promise for treating a wide range of diseases. Persuasive speeches might explore the ethical considerations, scientific breakthroughs, and regulatory challenges associated with stem cell research, aiming to foster support for this innovative field while addressing ethical concerns.

The reality of climate change
The importance of scientific literacy
Vaccines: Science vs. skepticism
The potential of stem cell research
Space exploration: Worth the cost?
The future of genetic engineering
The role of science in solving global challenges
The ethics of human augmentation
The impact of technology on scientific discovery
The importance of biodiversity

What is the Best Persuasive Speech Topic?

Determining the “best” persuasive speech topic is subjective and depends on several factors, including the speaker’s passion, audience interest, and the context of the speech. However, the most effective topics often share common characteristics: they are timely, relevant, and resonate personally with the audience. The best topics are those that:

Spark Interest: Choose a topic that not only interests you but also has the potential to engage your audience. A topic that evokes curiosity or an emotional response can be particularly compelling.
Are Debatable: A good persuasive speech topic should have clear arguments for and against. This allows for a dynamic discussion and the opportunity to persuade through evidence and reasoning.
Have a Clear Purpose: Whether it’s to inform, convince, or motivate to action, the best topics are those with a clear goal. Knowing what you want to achieve with your speech can guide your preparation and delivery.

How to Research for a Persuasive Speech

Research is crucial for building a strong foundation for your persuasive speech. Here are steps to guide your research process:

Start with Reliable Sources: Use academic databases, reputable news outlets, and official reports to gather information. This ensures that your arguments are based on facts and credible evidence.
Understand All Sides: To persuade effectively, you must understand the counterarguments to your position. This will allow you to address and refute opposing views in your speech.
Use Statistics and Data: Quantifiable evidence can make your argument more compelling. Ensure your data comes from authoritative sources and is up to date.
Incorporate Expert Opinions: Quoting experts who support your position can add authority to your speech. Look for quotes from professionals, academics, or influential figures in the field.

Tips for Delivering a Persuasive Speech

The delivery of your persuasive speech can significantly impact its effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you deliver a powerful speech:

Practice Your Speech

Familiarity with your material will boost your confidence and help you deliver a more natural and engaging speech.

Engage with Your Audience

Make eye contact, use gestures, and vary your vocal tone to keep the audience engaged. Tailoring your message to the audience’s interests and concerns can also increase engagement.

Use Rhetorical Devices

Techniques such as repetition, rhetorical questions, and the rule of three can make your speech more memorable and persuasive.

Handle Nervousness

It’s normal to feel nervous. Techniques like deep breathing, positive visualization, and focusing on your message rather than yourself can help manage speech anxiety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Persuasive Speeches

Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance the effectiveness of your persuasive speech. Some mistakes to avoid include:

Overloading with Facts

While evidence is crucial, too many facts can overwhelm your audience. Balance your speech with stories, anecdotes, and emotional appeals.

Ignoring the Audience

Failing to consider the audience’s values, beliefs, and knowledge level can make your speech less effective. Tailor your message to resonate with your listeners.

Lack of Structure

A clear and logical structure helps your audience follow your argument. Ensure your speech has a strong introduction, body, and conclusion.

Neglecting the Call to Action

A persuasive speech should motivate the audience to think, feel, or act differently. Be clear about what you want your audience to do after listening to your speech.

By choosing a compelling topic, conducting thorough research, and delivering your speech effectively, you can persuade your audience and make a lasting impact. Remember, the power of persuasion lies not only in the strength of your arguments but also in your ability to connect with and move your audience.

Enhancing Your Persuasive Speech

Understand your audience.

Tailor your message to their values, beliefs, and experiences.
Anticipate counterarguments and address them in your speech.

Use Emotional Appeals

Connect with your audience on an emotional level to make your message more compelling.
Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate your points.

Cite Credible Sources

Support your arguments with data and evidence from reputable sources.
This adds credibility to your speech and strengthens your position.

Practice Delivery

Your delivery can be as important as your message.
Practice your speech multiple times, focusing on tone, pace, and body language.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose a persuasive speech topic.

Select a topic you are passionate about, as your enthusiasm will be contagious.
Consider the interests and composition of your audience.
Choose a topic that is timely and relevant.

How can I overcome nervousness when speaking?

Practice your speech multiple times in front of a mirror or with friends.
Familiarize yourself with the venue and equipment before your speech.
Remember that feeling nervous is normal; focus on your message rather than your fear.

How do I engage my audience during a persuasive speech?

Start with a strong hook to grab their attention.
Use rhetorical questions to provoke thought and encourage audience participation.
Make eye contact and use gestures to connect with your audience.

Remember, the key to a successful persuasive speech lies not only in what you say but also in how you say it. Engaging with your audience, using evidence to support your arguments, and delivering your message with confidence are all critical components of effective persuasion.

By incorporating these strategies and leveraging the resources provided, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of persuasive speech. Whether you’re advocating for social change, presenting a new idea, or persuading your audience to adopt a new perspective, the power of persuasion is a key tool in your communication arsenal.

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100 Persuasive Speech Topics For Students
Example Of Persuasive Speech About Education

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Teaching persuasive writing for special ed students can include scaffolding details from the title to the conclusion. In this article, modifying the persuasive essay for students with learning disabilities can provide a welcome relief to students who enjoy writing, but who aren't sure how to construct their writing.
130 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens
Help students understand what strong persuasive writing looks like by exploring well-known examples of persuasive essays, speeches, ads, and more. Then, use the topics here to give them practice writing persuasively on their own.
107 Persuasive Speech Topics: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you’re a student, educator, or professional, persuasion is a valuable skill that can lead to success in various aspects of life. In this guide, we’ll explore 107 persuasive speech topics across 10 different categories, providing you with a wealth of options for your next speech.

292 Education Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative, Argumentative]

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List of Education Speech Topics

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Persuasive Speech Topics about Education

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100+ Excellent Topics for a Stellar Persuasive Speech

The Ingredients of an Effective Topic

Your Next Steps, Step-by-step

Before You Pick the Perfect Topic...

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech?

The 6 Most Essential Ingredients

The Historical Roots of Persuasive Speech

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

A Consistent Style and Tone

Picking Your Topic — Questions to Ask

Will the topic interest your audience?

Is the topic or point of view fresh and engaging?

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

Finding Subjects and Topics on Your Own

Search Results for Keyword Phrase Contemporary World Problems and Issues

A General List vs. Time & Place Factors

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

Art and Culture

Environmental Issues

Health, Nutrition, & Fitness

Media, Social Media, and Entertainment

Politics and Society

Recreation & Tourism

Sports and School Athletics

Make an Outline

Drafting Body Paragraphs, Your Introduction & Conclusion

Balancing Pathos, Logos, Ethos

Checklist for Balancing Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

Revise & Polish

Practice the Delivery

Final Thoughts

About the Author

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I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

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Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

Lauren Green

$2,000 No Essay Scholarship

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

Choosing a Topic

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Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

Step Up with Confidence

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Modifying the Persuasive Essay