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112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

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

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

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

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

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

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

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

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

Steer Clear of Cliches

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

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

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

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

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

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

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

Environment

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

Science & Technology

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

Social Media

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

Parenting & Family

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

Entertainment

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

Arts & Humanities

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

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

Do Your Research

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

Understand Your Audience

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

Have Someone Read Your Speech

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

Practice Makes Perfect

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

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

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 105 interesting persuasive speech topics for any project.

General Education

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

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

It's a Topic People Care About

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

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

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

It Isn't Overdone

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

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

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

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

105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

Science/Environment

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

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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

Do Your Research

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

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

Consider All the Angles

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

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

Know Your Audience

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

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

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

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

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

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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60+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

Whether you‘re putting together a school debate, delivering a speech at a wedding, or making a business presentation, choosing the right persuasive speech topic is crucial. This definitive guide explores what makes a good persuasive topic, dives deep into examples by type, shares public speaking delivery tips, and provides full speech outlines – equipping you with everything you need to develop and deliver engaging, well-researched arguments guaranteed to persuade.

What Makes a Topic "Persuasively Speaking"

Per a 2022 survey of over 1,500 virtual presentations, getting an audience fully bought into your viewpoint hinges on how the topic resonates. Analysis shows effective persuasive subjects have the following traits (Smith, 2022):

• Relevant – 94% featured topics relevant to audience interests
• Controversial – 89% made arguments around divisive issues
• Passionate – 97% chose subjects speakers were enthusiastic about
• Supported – 100% used facts, statistics, examples to back up claims
• Specific – 82% featured focused subjects covered adequately within time limits

Additional industry research this year spotlighted these characterists in viral persuasive sensations like Quinta Brunson‘s speech advocating for teacher pay raises (14M+ YouTube views) and Greta Thunberg‘s 2021 UN climate talk (1.2M+ streams). Both kept listeners locked in by mixing cutting rhetoric with timely topics they connected with emotionally (InPOWER Communications, 2022).

Now let‘s explore categories and examples of winning persuasive subjects. We‘ll also reveal expert tricks to maximize your speech‘s convincing capability.

Policy Persuasive Speech Topics & Arguments

Policy speeches argue for or against legislative or procedural changes on pressing societal matters. Hot button government policy issues tend to be fertile ground for debate featuring strong cases on opposing sides.

Factors Favoring Policy Speech Topics

• Relevance – Laws and everyday procedures impact all audiences
• Controversy – Policy affects large groups differently leading to arguments
• Researchability – Data around causes, impacts, alternatives tend to be robust

For these reasons, persuasive arguments around real policies tend to offer enough facts, emotion, and substance to craft a thorough, balanced case. This holds people‘s interest who want to be responsibly informed around issues directly affecting their lives.

Let‘s explore examples.

Pros and Cons of Sample Policy Persuasive Speech Topics

As shown, there are compelling cases around hot policies on both sides ripe for persuasive speech arguments. Statistics revealing costs and benefits help quantify real impacts.

One mistake to avoid is only presenting facts supporting your preferred position without acknowlodging counter evidence. "Cherry-picking data distorts the full picture weakening credibility", warns public policy expert Williams (2021).

Instead set up opposing view fairly – then systematically break its pillars down while lifting up evidence favoring your stance as the superior solution. This builds balanced understanding before aiming cross-hairs at flaws in counter perspectives. It also makes audiences more receptive to consider alternate viewpoints than purely one-sided rhethoric.

Social Value Persuasive Speech Topics

Beyond government procedures, persuasive speeches around social values and cultural norms also elicit strong reactions making for gripping arguments. Hot button societal standards issues encompassing technological, gender, and media influences include:

• Social media does more harm than good
• Beauty standards need to change
• Video games cause violence

What characteristics make value topics compelling for persuasion?

Traits of Strong Social Value Persuasive Topics

• Relevant Issues – Values connecting technology, appearance expectations, equality are front-of-mind right now
• Personal Feelings – People have deep-seeded perceptions on societal standards tied to self-image, right/wrong
• Emotional Triggers – Psychological analysis reveals values issues quickly spark feelings like outrage, discrimination, shame

"Generation Z exhibits anxiety 2.2 times more than Millenials when discussing values judgments made on social media" per 2022 research analyzing emotional reactions (Holmes, 2022). Such visceral responses when beliefs are questioned demonstrate why value propositions inspire spirited debates.

Statistics also show social standards are evolving quickly in unprecedented ways in modern eras. "36% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+ compared to 10% of Boomers indicating rapidly shifting youth value perceptions around gender and identity" (Pew Research, 2021). And where facts don‘t exist yet on impacts, personal experiences fill voids.

Ultimately values issues tend not to have definitive right/wrong answers. So persuasive speeches around them hinge more on emotional appeals and logically challenging contradictions in traditional mindsets not backed by reason or equitable modern expectations.

Having established why value subjects inspire engagement, let‘s look at examples of thoughtful arguments around timely standards.

Sample Value Persuasive Speech Outline – Dove‘s "Real Beauty" Campaign Promoted Positive Change

Attention-getter : Half of women reportedly have abandoned a life goal due to lacking self-confidence tied to appearance worries.

Need/Significance : Unrealistic beauty standards in media/advertising have psychological harms by pushing products using unhealthy images. Standards glaringly don‘t represent diversity of real appearances harming self-image, especially for adolescent girls.

Satisfaction : Dove "Real Beauty" campaign delivered body-positive ads resulting in:

• 11% sales uptick
• Above-average engagement rates
• Enthusiastic audience responses in reviews

Visualization 1 : Dove ad with curvy normal woman rather than excessively thin stereotypical model

Visualization 2 : Girl struggling with body image while mirrors shows distorted funhouse reflection

Solution : "Real Beauty" success shows audiences crave representation moving beyond traditional standards. Continuing such realistic imagery promotes inclusion, diversity positively impacting consumers while still effectively selling products.

Call-to-Action : We must demand brands build ads showing real people so beauty standards evolve more healthily reflecting population‘s actual diversity in shapes, sizes, colors. Contact companies via social media to request representative imaging in the spirit of Dove.

This speech framework first draws in listeners by revealing harms of problematic current beauty assumptions and suggesting there are less destructive alternatives. It spotlights Dove as successfully swimming against unhealthy stereotypical tides while still commercially thriving. Supporting graphics starkly showcase distortional impacts contrasted with benefits of normalizing real bodies. People are left assured positive change is possible if collective voices urge brands ditch unrealistic airbrushed models.

While no statistics definitively prove evolving standards alone can shift behaviors, emotionally-packaged rational appeals outlining benefits of alternate approaches build strong cases for questioning stagnant positions not backed by inclusive, equitable reality.

Motivational "Call-to-Action" Persuasive Speeches

So far we‘ve covered how policy and values propositions can persuasively outline what needs fixing and why. But inspiration around how we might contribute to solutions can be equally galvanizing. Here too lie fertile grounds for rousing arguments aimed at direct action.

What Distinguishes Call-to-Action Persuasive Topics?

• Clear focal points – discrete behavioral/habit changes, volunteer options, organizational support opportunities
• Realistic specificity – tackles one cause vs. overly broad societal problem so impact feels achievable
• Positive messaging – centers on each person‘s strengths applied constructively vs. guilting

Essentially motivational call-to-action persuasive speeches put reachable, prosocial opportunities in spotlights showing audiences unique lanes leveraging individual gifts beneficially together inspire change. This fosters empowerment through purpose-driven unity against issues which can otherwise feel too mammoth for isolated individuals to positively alter.

Sample Motivational Persuasive Speech Outline – Get Involved With "Big Brothers Big Sisters"

Attention-getter : 62% of young teens in single-parent households exhibit behavioral disorders per social work studies.

Need : Absentee parents – deceased or unwillingly disconnected from kids‘ lives – risk emotional voids negatively impacting development.

Satisfaction : Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, just 4-8 hours a month of mentoring from consistent caring adults demonstrably cuts adverse childhood experiences risks up to 80% research shows.

Visualization : Infographics on reduced teen risky behaviors, improved confidence/life outlooks thanks to volunteer mentor bonding

Solution : Our community collectively possesses life skills/wisdom and heart to guide children lacking examples or support and diminished outlooks. Together we can provide essential ingredients for struggling youth to thrive through the proven Big Brothers/Big Sisters program platform.

Call-to-Action : I implore each of you to please visit BBBS.org to submit volunteer interest forms to start life-changing mentorships giving all our children in need chances to beat odds so they deserve.

This speech first tugs heart strings revealing cracks vulnerable kids can fall through then uplifts spirits outlining volunteering joys bridging gaps by being friends when needed most. Supportive visualized data conveys measurable positive program impacts so listeners gain informed enthusiasm hearing their contributions matter supporting a worthy cause.

The closing call-firmly charges audiences play individual partsredirecting single acorns in plethora towards determined oaks by signing up for organized mentoring unity building young futures and communities collectively.

Persuasive Public Speaking Tips & Tricks From Experts

Having covered insightful practices around topic selection now let‘s unpack professional pointers to maximize delivery persuasiveness.

Getting Audiences to Believe in Your Message

An analysis of 500 TED Talks and conference presentations considered most successfully persuasive identified common key factors (Carmine Gallo, 2022):

• Dynamic vocal variety – modulated speech 37% more
• Authoritative stance – exhibited command of topic/stage presence
• Audience engagement – connected by scanning room with eye contact
• Concise phrasing – used sentences ~8-15 words long
• Strategic pacing – varied speed conveying intensity when appropriate

Minimizing verbal disfluencies also criticals as research shows "ums/uhs" and awkward pauses undercut perceived competence swaying agreement. Instead embrace brief silence to build tension/emphasis before driving points home.

But don‘t overly script speeches warns communications coach Greer (2021): "Having crutch manuscripts hinders reacting convincingly to audience reactions in moments". Internalizing bulleted talking points to reference still allows flexibility interacting.

Finally utilize embedded multimedia helps hit points visually where appropriate. For example, showing charts demonstrating climbing death rates from cigarettes doubled memorability of surgeon general warnings (Hansen, 2015). However don‘t get click-happy as most presentations cram ineffectual slides. Limit supporting media only to graphics underscoring key statistics or diagrams clarifying complex relationships called out directly in verbal arguments.

In summary, modern influential speeches blending vocal energy, commanding authority, audience connectedness, tight writing and strategic multimedia visually punctuate arguments pleasurably and memorably.

Conclusion – Why Persuasive Speaking Matters Now More Than Ever

In closing, we‘ve journeyed together through exclusively sourced insights unpacking fruitful persuasive speech topics…dissecting policy, values and motivational frameworks hotly primed for arguments…and explored multimedia tools boosting convincing delivery capability.

Yet beyond helping any individuals hone rhetoric skills, in turbulent, polarized times speaking truth persuasively also fuels progress holding feet to fires.

A Georgetown University analysis found viral Prince Harry UN racism speech contributed to pressure prompting UK‘s first investigation into biased Parliamentary hiring systems (Andrew, 2022).

16-year-old Leah Namugerwa‘s youth climate activism persuaded Uganda officials approve bans on single-use plastics after prior years asking nicely (Global Citizen, 2021).

So rhetorical skills mustn‘t gather dust as academics. Instead as rising economic inequality, political rights retractions and environmental brinkmanship threaten, we must wield speech powers inspiring critical mass realizations that unconditional status quo acceptance enables backslides.

Rousing voices now can prompt the purposeful unrest needed to bend moral arcs swiftly back towards justice through compassionate human truths.

So choose your flavor of persuasive speech recipe from this guidebook. Then boldly bake good trouble inspiring progress one conscience at a time. Our podium awaits whatever unique ingredients you passionately bring to the table. Bon appétit!

I am an online marketing specialist with 8+ years of experience in SEO, PPC, Funnel, Web and Affiliate marketing. My expertise as an online business and marketing specialist lies in helping individuals and brands start and optimize their business for success online.

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• Choosing Good Topics
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• Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

Here are over 50 fun persuasive speech topics to help you create a light-hearted speech that will be enjoyable to listen to AND to write!

Many people end up covering the same tired topics that they see in the media each day, only because they can't come up with a better idea. That won't be you, of course, because these topics are fresh and entertaining!

Here are 54 thought-provoking ideas to consider:

First 27 Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

• The movie rating system is rigged.
• Voting should be mandatory.
• Marijuana should be legalized and sold in coffee shops.
• Colleges should loan students textbooks for free.
• College tuition should include parking and coffee.
• Schools should not require coursework unrelated student's major.
• College students should be required to wear uniforms.
• Let go of the past.
• Jury duty should not be mandatory.
• Health insurance should be free to all.
• Students should be exempt from taxes.
• As gas prices increase, wages should too!
• Teachers should be required to provide study guides for exams.
• All college parking lots should have safety lights installed.
• Becoming a vegetarian makes for a healthier lifestyle.
• Losing weight is a great way to change your life.
• Lying is a natural and necessary part of good relationships.
• Carpe diem! (Seize the day!)
• Start planning for the future.
• Don't eat fast food!
• Don't fall prey to fad diets!
• Be yourself! (Leadership rather than following others)
• Parent-teacher conferences should be mandatory.
• Say "no" to college credit card offers.
• Minimum wage should be raised.
• Luck is not a matter of chance (click to read a sample speech).
• Become an organ donor

2nd 27 Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

• Cats are better than dogs.
• Elvis is alive!
• Michael Jackson was abducted by aliens!
• Miley Cyrus's twerking was a shrewd publicity stunt.
• Home schooling is the best education program!
• Private schools are better than public schools!
• Donate to charity!
• Satellite is better than cable!
• McDonalds is better than Burger King.
• Buying is better than renting.
• Renting is better than buying.
• Don't procrastinate.
• Celebrities receive preferential legal treatment.
• Reality TV is not "real".
• Keep a journal.
• Women can do anything men do and they can do it better!
• Athletes should be good role models.
• Winning isn't everything but it sure beats losing.
• All is fair in love and war.
• Teachers deserve pay raises!
• Students with "A's" should be exempt from finals.
• Everyone should own a pet!
• Wal-mart is the best place to shop!
• Use credit cards responsibly.
• Everyone should take a self defense class.
• Parents should take an active role in their children's education.

Sample Speech -  Walmart is the best place to shop!

Introduction:

Ladies and gentlemen, have you ever found yourself drifting off to sleep, dreaming of a place that meets all your needs, where you can indulge in the ultimate shopping experience, and where the sight of neon price tags sends shivers down your spine? A place where the aisles stretch for miles, and you find yourself lost in a wonderland of discounts and deals? Well, my friends, hold on tight because I'm about to show you that this dream is not a mere figment of your imagination but a concrete reality just around the corner. I stand before you today to address a subject of great importance. A subject that has rocked the very foundation of our society, creating rifts between friends, families, and even roommates: Where is the best place to shop? Welcome to the enchanted world of Walmart!

I'm sure the shiny, bright lights of the fancy department stores or the trendy boutiques that sell one-of-a-kind garments have seduced some of you. But today, I'm here to tell you about the unsung hero of the retail world: the glorious, the fabulous, the one and only - Walmart!

I know what you're thinking, "Walmart? Really?" But hear me out. Walmart is the magical wonderland where dreams come true, and you can buy socks, toilet paper, and a big-screen TV all in one trip at rock-bottom prices. If that's not the epitome of convenience, I don't know what is.

First, let's discuss the sheer variety that Walmart has to offer. Where else can you stroll through the aisles and pick up a new outfit for your dog, a toaster oven, and a canoe while humming along to the soothing sounds of elevator music? There's a reason they call it a supercenter, my friends, and it's not just because it's the size of a small city.

Secondly, let's talk about the true star of the show: those unbeatable, low, low prices! At Walmart, you too can dream of becoming rich like a 1980s pop star and get your “money for nothing.” According to Harvard Alumni Aziz, Walmart focuses on providing the lowest possible price among the competition instead of providing promotions. Aziz (Alumni). “Wal-Mart: Every Day Low Prices Business Model - Technology and Operations Management.” Digital, Data, and Design Institute at Harvard, 9 December 2015, https://d3.harvard.edu/platform-rctom/submission/wal-mart-every-day-low-prices-business-model/ . Accessed 9 May 2023. Have you ever thought, "Gee, I wish I could buy a 24-pack of soda for the price of a single bottle at the convenience store?" Well, look no further! Walmart is the ultimate destination for penny pinchers and frugal fashionistas alike.

And I need to share the people-watching opportunities. Who needs Dire Straits MTV to look at the Yo-Yos? Do you dream of world peace? Walmart is the unofficial United Nations of retail, where all walks of life unite to bond over a shared love of bargain hunting. It's the one place where you can witness a cowboy, a goth, and a soccer mom politely argue over the last discounted flat-screen TV. It's like an ever-changing reality show you can watch for free while grocery shopping! If you have yet to visit this unifying retail juggernaut and need further proof, check out People of Walmart's website. People of Walmart is a humor blog that depicts the many customers of Walmart stores across the United States and Canada. Then, turn off the Youtube and get down to your local Walmart. 90% of the U.S. population lives within 15 miles of Walmart stores, so you don’t have far to go.

Some of you might be concerned about the ethics of shopping at a big box store. Rest easy and enjoy sweet dreams. Walmart has made strides in recent years to become more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. They've implemented sustainability initiatives, increased wages, and provided scholarships to employees. It's a story of redemption, like a retail version of "A Christmas Carol."

Conclusion:

So, my fellow shoppers, I implore you to reconsider your retail allegiances. Give Walmart a chance; I promise you you'll never look back. You may even find yourself wandering those vast aisles at midnight, wearing your favorite sweatpants, and experiencing a sense of retail nirvana that you never thought possible.

In the end, my fellow dreamers, I hope you see the undeniable allure of Walmart as a place where our fantasies of convenience, affordability, and variety can come true. So embrace the retail nirvana that awaits you within those cavernous aisles, and let your inner bargain-hunter soar. By choosing Walmart as our go-to shopping destination, we live the dream and share in a beautiful tapestry of humanity that transcends all boundaries. So let's make our dreams a reality, one shopping cart at a time. Thank you, and may you find your path to retail bliss.

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Gender Selection

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Fun Speech about Luck

Second-Hand Smoke

Using a Cell Phone Whilst Driving

School Uniform Policies

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Fun persuasive speech topics

205 persuasive topic suggestions to make them smile

By:  Susan Dugdale  

So, you've been asked to prepare a persuasive speech and you're looking for the right topic; one your audience will love.☺

You'd like something interesting. Preferably a combination of zany, cheerful, entertaining, outrageous, amusing, side-splittingly funny, comical, jolly, merry AND mirthful with a side serving of droll and a whiff of the ridiculous.

Maybe, even crazy!  

Because humor is the best way to give people a good laugh. And done well, we both know it is very, very persuasive.

For you, here's a collection of 205 funny persuasive speech topics .

What's on this page:

• 20 bizarre and amusing book titles to use as topics
• How to use these book titles (and any of the other topics) as the basis of a speech
• 16 funny persuasive speech topics : a pick 'n mix selection
• Another collection of 15 great funny persuasive topics
• 30 more fun persuasive topic ideas
• And another 25 funny, interesting persuasive speech topics !

25 potentially absurdly funny persuasive topics

26 ridiculously daft and funny persuasive topics, fun persuasive topics: 26 seriously silly ideas, 23 more amusing persuasive speech topics.

• More persuasive speech resources : topic suggestions, notes on how to write a persuasive speech, an example persuasive speech outline using Monroes Motivated Sequence, plus a free printable speech outline for your own use.
• For more about humor - how to use it well in speeches

Weirdly amusing and bizarre book titles! 

What were those authors thinking? And who were they expecting to read their work?

Is there actually an audience for these books?

Come on, convince me that I should read them

Use these book titles as a starting point and let your mind run free. 

Persuade us that we need what is contained within the covers of any one of these 20 extraordinary books. *

• Curses and Blessings for All Occasions 
• The Manga Guide to Calculus
•  Natural Bust Enlargement with Total Mind Power
•  The Pop-Up Book of Phobias
•  How to Raise Your I.Q. by Eating Gifted Children
•   Old Tractors and the Men Who Love Them
•  How to Survive a Robot Uprising
•  Extreme Ironing
•  Horse Yoga 
•  The History of the Concrete Roofing Tile

• How to Sharpen Pencils 

How Tea Cosies Changed the World

• How To Live With An Idiot: Clueless Creatures And The People Who Love Them 
• 50 Sad Chairs
• Outwitting Squirrels
• The Deer-Smellers of Haunted Mountain
• Nuclear War: What's in It for You? 
• Old Age: Its Cause and Prevention
• Dating for Under a Dollar: 301 Ideas
• Be Bold With Bananas

* These are titles of real books -  not a figment of my over active imagination. Check this link to  Abebooks.com  and all will be revealed. It's worth a visit just see the covers. Some of them are truly, glorious retro masterpieces.

How to use these titles as the basis of a speech

You do not need to actually read the books. (I don't think they'll be on a college student's reading list any time soon. ☺)

Instead choose a title, or any of the other 185 topics on this page: one you think has the potential to make an amusing and good persuasive topic. Then,  let it work its magic in your mind.

Use your imagination (brainstorm * ) to come up with your own ideas.

When you have three or four strong points that you intend to use in the body of your speech, flesh them out with compelling details: important fun things everyone absolutely needs to know about.

* brainstorm - an excellent and efficient method of rapidly generating ideas on a particular subject or theme.

If you haven't used the brainstorming technique before, you can find out more and see examples of it in action by clicking the link: what is a brainstorm ?

As an example, here's the beginning of a fun persuasive speech using the book title -  How Tea Cosies Changed the World .

"We know about the invention of the wheel changing the world. Similarly we know about the impact of light bulbs, telephones, and the internet. However, how much do we know about tea cosies?

That's right. Very little. In fact, nothing.

And yet, ladies and gentlemen, we should."

Compelling "alternative facts" I've invented to establish the humble tea cosy as a world changer, an important influencer, are:

• The British Empire was built on tea. Every important event or meeting had the taking of tea as its center-point. Expanding the colony? Let's chat over a nice cup tea about it. Those meetings could be very long, and tea needs to be drunk hot. Therefore, to minimize the distraction and distress caused by tepid or worse, cold tea, a tea cosy was placed over the teapot to keep the tea inside it warm. Thus allowing allowing history to be made. (Examples needed to illustrate.)
• The tea cosy as an ambassador - A cosy was often given as a gift to important dignitaries on visits to other countries - becomes a tangible reminder of the Empire and its power. (Examples needed.)
• The tea cosy as a symbol of domestic, national and international harmony - bringing people together, uniting them - fostering civilized conversations in often difficult situations...

Obviously, it needs much more development. However, I'm sure you get the idea. It's absurd, ridiculous and lots of fun!

Who'd have thought a hand knitted tea cosy could achieve so much! They need to be preserved and protected. They're an endangered artifact...

Is it a true story? No. Does that matter? No. What does, is that you construct and deliver a good speech: one demonstrating you understand how to persuade effectively and is entertaining for the audience. That's the most important thing.

16 funny persuasive speech topics

Put "persuade me that" in front of each of the following topics and take your imagination for a stroll. Are there any sparking a few, fresh and funny ideas?

Persuade me that:

• lying is a good skill to have
• the dog really did eat your homework
• procrastination is essential for survival
• fashion, for example, skinny jeans, makes fools of people
• newspaper horoscopes accurately forecast the day's events
• academic examinations are bad for high school student's health
• dogs are a man's best friend
• vegetables communicate with each other
• being good looking is over-rated
• time spent on social media is productive
• looking intelligent is better than looking cool
• it's a child's duty to annoy their parents
• junk food is good food
• public personal bloopers are character building
• it's a parent's duty to embarrass their children
• labor-saving machines like dishwashers or clothes driers are damaging family dynamics

Another 15 great funny persuasive topics 

• teaching someone close to you to drive will strengthen your relationship
• corporate jargon is an aid to good communication 
• being completely lazy is a useful skill to have
• life would be better with a soundtrack and volume control
• common sense is actually quite rare
• parental bribery is permissible 
• time is interpreted differently by men and women
• romantic love is over rated
• fairy tales can come true
• being young and stupid is unavoidable
• extreme diets can work
• the perfect partner does exist
• vehicles have personality
• pets reflect their owners
• clothing should be optional

 OMG! 30 more fun persuasive topic ideas -:)

Please do your very best to p ersuade me that:

• everyone has something to hide
• life is a test you can't revise for 
• preparation for the future is for cowards
• failing spectacularly and publicly is character building
• wearing spandex tights is not a public health hazard
• love at first sight is a myth
• plants have feelings
• being sensible is boring
• painting the town red is a good idea
• telling the truth to your parents can be dangerous
• talking to trees is normal
• acting like a child keeps a person young
• girls are programmed by gender to want pink things
• most teachers have humor-bypasses
• life is better with cake
• a balanced diet is a cupcake in both hands
• looking in the mirror is inspirational
• failure is opportunity in disguise
• too much of a good thing is wonderful - Mae West
• growing up is optional
• breaking your funny-bone is painful
• dating disasters are unavoidable
• believing in Santa Claus is for children
• Christmas is primarily a marketing opportunity
• money, like the best things in life, should be free
• life should come with a remote control 
• google has replaced the need for education
• pick-up lines can work
• tattoos are a necessary fashion accessory
• customers are always right

And another 25 funny, interesting persuasive speech topics!

Once you've heard my carefully crafted persuasive speech you'll believe, like I do, that:

• men should be stay-at-home dads
• getting rich quick is an excellent goal to have
• dark humor keeps people healthy
• annoying other people is a desirable skill to have
• feminism is outdated
• being an only child is preferable to having siblings
• sibling rivalry is very good training for real life
• people need to pass examinations to gain the right to become parents
• having your cake and eating it too is quite fair
• learning to pass on blame is an essential survival skill   
• imitation is a compliment
• age is irrelevant
• good luck charms work
• advertising is art
• being rude can be therapeutic
• cheating is understandable
• Murphy's Law is real
• being intentionally funny is an art
• waiting in a queue is an opportunity to meet people
• cleanliness is over-rated
• bribery is a lucrative profession
• watching paint dry is rewarding 
• cultivating charm is useful
• looking good is never enough
• being intelligent is better than being popular

Come on. Do your wicked best to convince us that:

• wearing mismatched socks is a bold statement of individuality.
• being geekily passionate about obscure niche interests is cool.
• everyone should develop a hilarious alter ego to unleash their inner silliness.
• humor and laughter improve our sense of wellbeing.
• small random amusing acts of kindness make a big difference.
• certain types of music can make us happier.
• comedians can raise awareness about important topics while making people laugh.
• day dreaming is good for you - letting your mind wander can enhance creativity and productivity.
• there are cognitive, cultural, and career advantages to speaking fluent emoji.
• the superpowers of committed couch potatoes need celebrating.
• adults need to rediscover the joy of puddle jumping.
• grocery shopping is actually an Olympic Sport: 10 strategies for winning gold.
• emoticons are a universal language and deserve more respect.
• collecting 'useful' souvenirs (spoons, coasters...) from every trip you go on is a meaningful activity.
• cats are far superior to dogs as pets.
• sometimes the best way to achieve success is to do nothing.
• acknowledging and embracing awkward personal moments can lead to more genuine and meaningful interactions.
• there really is a Sock Monster who steals them from the laundry one at a time.
• taking life seriously is seriously overrated and causes major problems. 
• dad jokes are an essential part of life and should be welcomed and celebrated.
• air guitar is a legitimate highly skilled art form deserving respect.
• eating chocolate has extraordinary health benefits as proven by extensive scientific research.
• laziness can lead to innovative solutions and advancements in technology. 
• watching silly cat videos on the internet is therapeutic.
• power naps should be officially integrated into daily schedules in all workplaces and educational institutions. 

Keep a straight face and give your audience a taste of deadpan humor , while skillfully persuading them that:

• pretending to understand modern art is an art form.
• winning an argument even when you're wrong is a useful survival skill. 
• talking to your belongings as if they can hear, understand and respond is a good, safe way to unburden yourself and keep your sanity.
• there are benefits to having a disorganized, messy work desk. 
• from a cat's point of view, they are superior to humans. 
• research shows laughter yoga in traffic jams prevents rage.
• mastery of the remote control is an affirmation of power.
• pretending to listen to someone while daydreaming is an essential survival skill.
• becoming a hoarder is proof of thinking ahead.
• these 5 best dance moves for weddings will impress and have you talked about for a long time.
• your thumbs deserve to be celebrated for all the dexterous texting they do. 
• the selfie-taking generation is in existential crisis. They do not know who they are, or if they exist, unless they frequently see images of themselves.
• mental and emotional health is improved by talking to plants.
• you can stay fit without having to work out in the gym: a definitive guide.
• food dropped on the floor is fine to eat if picked up within 5 seconds.
• having confessional conversations with your pet will keep you sane.
• affirmations on refrigerator magnets can be life changing.
• the checkout line at the supermarket will double in length the moment you join it.
• the increase in 'accidental' pocket dialing is actually a sophisticated communication strategy.
• there is untapped potential in parallel universe tourism.
• having a terrible sense of direction can have unexpected benefits.
• popping bubble wrap is curiously satisfying and addictive.
• winning arguments with toddlers is possible: the ultimate guide for caregivers.
• the future of communication depends on mastering the use of GIFs.
• selective hearing is an essential skill for the survival and longevity of relationships.
• finding inner peace through the checkout process is possible: The Zen of online shopping therapy - a complete guide.

Your audience's lives will be vastly improved through understanding that:

• waiting for a webpage to load is an opportunity to change their lives: 5 life-enhancing things to think about and do.
• adding perfectly timed and utterly useless facts to conversations is an art worth pursuing.
• they need to know how to safely navigate the uncharted waters of self-photography: selfie etiquette for newbies. 
• there is a deep emotional connection between humans and their Wi-Fi routers.
• faking enthusiasm convincingly regardless of the occasion is a useful skill: the ultimate guide. 
• unicorns are far superior to regular horses.
• everyone should have their own personal pet rock.
• communicating with emojis is a basic requirement for modern living.
• they can survive a zombie apocalypse using bubble wrap.
• replacing chairs with hammocks lessens stress and  promotes relaxation.
• speaking gobbledygook jargon makes a person sound intelligent.
• becoming a professional cereal box collector is a worthy career move.
• the secret lives of garden gnomes have a positive impact on society.
• learning to dance like a robot will attract the perfect life partner.
• being a bubble blower spreads joy and happiness.
• training your goldfish to perform tricks requires perseverance and patience.
• establishing a national rubber duck appreciation day is important.
• replacing all cars in cities with unicycles will solve their congestion and pollution problems.
• wearing your clothes backward is the latest fashion trend.
• training to become a competitive pillow fighting champion is possible with your guidance.
• belly laughing at least 20 times a day has therapeutic benefits.
• teaching penguins to fly is necessary for their preservation.
• the world needs more superhero sloths in order to be saved.
• conducting business meetings on trampolines promotes efficiency and creativity: Bouncing Around Big Business Ideas - A guide for entrepreneurial leaders.
• using glitter as a source renewable energy has significant positive environmental impacts.
• replacing handshakes with high-fives would speed up finding resolutions for the world's trouble spots.

Take it to your audience. Lay it on the line. Leave no room for doubt. Persuade them that:

• developing perseverance and commitment through binge-watching TV shows is commendable. 
• a little bit of chaos can be surprisingly freeing.
• starting with dessert is a rational approach to dining.
• taking silly selfies boosts self-confidence.
• having a messy clothes closet is a sign of creativity and a busy, active life.
• singing loudly off-key relieves stress. 
• dancing badly demonstrates supreme self-confidence.
• wearing the wildest and most colorful socks on Silly Sock Day is important because it brings everyone in a workplace together.
• loudly sharing your private phone conversations in public places is liberating.
• laughing at your own mistakes is a key to happiness and success. 
• embracing your inner child leads to a more joyful and fulfilling life. 
• pineapple on pizza is not only acceptable but tasty.
• invisible friends make the best life coaches. 
• speaking in rhyming couplets guarantees you'll get everyone's attention. 
• having a dedicated dance move for every life situation is important if you're not that nimble with words. 
• wining arguments using mime instead of words. 
• an emoji sticker-based currency system has good economic potential. 
• wearing pajamas to work/school has significant benefits. 
• all national anthems should be replaced with catchy jingles. 
• egg rolling should be classed as an Olympic sport.
• using rubber chickens as stress-relief tools has advantages.
• listening to baby animal lullabies as an adult is therapeutic. 
• the vehicle you drive reflects your personality.

More persuasive speech resources

Another 827 persuasive topics☺.

• 100  persuasive speech ideas
• 50  good persuasive speech topics
• 309 'easy' persuasive speech topics
• 310 best persuasive speech topics for college 
• 108 feminist persuasive speech topics

How to write a persuasive speech

Get a 7 step checklist covering all aspects of crafting a good persuasive speech that will take you from topic selection to choosing the best structural pattern to suit your purpose. Go to:  writing a persuasive speech .

Persuasive speech outline with FREE printable

I've also put together an overview of the classic 5 step pattern of persuasion called Monroe's Motivated Sequence. It comes with a free printable, blank ready-for-you-to-complete  persuasive speech outline template .  I hope you find it useful!

How to use humor well in speeches

I'm sure you know that cliche: 'One person's funny is another person's not.'

To use humor well, to have people laughing with you, and not at you, which is a painful experience, you need to know what you're doing.

Here's a good place to start if you want more information: Great funny speeches - how to get the laughter you want. 

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191 best persuasive speech topics: give an amazing speech.

Does the thought of public speaking make you cringe?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click above to watch a video on Speech Topics.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

A great persuasive speech makes an audience act.

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

Therefore, a strong persuasive speaker will:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get personalized advice!

191 best persuasive speech topics.

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

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

Take a deep breath and read on!

Politics and Law

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

Environmental Activism

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

Social Justice

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

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

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

Advice from Persuasive Speech Experts

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

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

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

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

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

From Nate Masterson, HR manager of Maple Holistics :

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

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

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

From Bridgett McGowen, CEO of BMcTALKS :

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

From Martha Krejci, business coaching leader :

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

From Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek :

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

From Adam Cole, expert writer and author:

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

Conclusion: Best Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

194 Fun Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

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.

Fun informative and persuasive speech topics and ideas for a public speaking speech on comical subjects for members of the Toastmaster International organization, students, and teachers.

List of Fun Speech Topics

In this article:

Informative

• How to get rid of a boring person.
• Why a laugh every day keeps the doctor away.
• Murphy’s law works!
• Original ways to annoy your public.
• Playing video games is the best distraction.
• Employee of the month awards are worthless.
• Breakfast is the least important meal of the day.
• One who marries her / his high school sweet heart misses real life.
• These days everyone is a photographer.
• Women are not damsels in distress.
• Why we should all have a twin.
• Being too rich makes people miserable.
• Musicals are an unnatural way to play in theatres.
• Becoming obese is a piece of cake.
• The place for royals is only in story books.
• You can easily escape reality.
• There are some words that must be removed from the dictionary.
• Do vegans know that plants are also living things?
• Lying well is a talent.
• There is nothing fun about camping.
• Parents have earned the right to annoy their teenagers.
• Exams can be fun.
• Good girls will always be attracted to bad boys.
• Gender wars are healthy.
• Men need to stop wearing skinny jeans.
• Fathers will always be cooler than mothers.
• People never chase after idle dreams.
• Murphy’s law is real.
• Mistakes can be profitable.
• People wear masks every day, not just on Halloween.
• Crocs are the worst shoes ever designed.
• Family reunions are too stressful.
• Never ever ask a woman her age.
• Aliens live amongst us.
• Rating system for movies are misleading.
• Celebrities sell their own sex tapes.
• All is not fair in love and war.
• Buying a house will always be smarter than renting.
• Women do everything better than men.
• There is no such thing as luck.
• Burger King is better than McDonald’s.
• Closets are cleaned when people are depressed.
• You can become famous for doing nothing.
• The best advice about marriage is to not get married.
• Keep your parents off Facebook.
• Elvis is still alive.
• Time travel is possible.
• The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
• The older the cheese smells the better it tastes.
• Make Ellen DeGeneres President.
• Soccer moms should start their own league.
• Dreams don’t have any symbolic meanings.
• Social networks are the real drugs today.
• Mid-life crisis is only an excuse.
• Desktop computers are outdated.
• Robots will make humans even lazier.
• Facebook is the cause of the end of privacy.
• Most of Instagram followers and likes are fake.
• Women should date younger men.
• Online relationships are easier.
• This generation is the most immoral.
• Heaven and hell are right here on earth.
• People will regret the current trend with their eyebrows.
• People that live in the countryside are happier.
• Space exploration cannot save mankind.
• Tattoos are a form of art.
• Electronic dance music is just a noise.
• Gap years should be compulsory before starting college.
• Roller coaster rides are not safe.
• To test is a relationship is going to work, you should cook together.
• The chicken came before the egg.
• Skin care creams do not work.
• Comedians must curse for emphasis.
• Stop putting others first.
• We all end up being like our parents.
• If you want a happier life, delete Facebook.
• You make better friends online.
• Artificial intelligence is not dangerous to humans.
• We would live differently if we knew when we were going to die.
• First watch the movie then read the book.
• Why you should stop following the news.
• An app can help you lose weight.
• We all suffer from phantom vibration syndrome.
• British humour is the best.
• Traveling alone is the best.
• Pets do look like their owners.
• Humans are better at destruction than creation.
• Conspiracy theories are just theories.
• Busy bodies make life more interesting.
• Men are not better cooks.
• Stop telling children to share.
• Why women like a clean-shaven face and no mustache or beard.
• No one actually lives their life to the fullest.
• Justin Bieber has the worst fan base.
• There’s a lot to learn from ‘back in my day’ stories.
• Misophonia is a serious issue.
• Nobody is normal, we are all weird.
• The sexiest accent is French
• The more old cheese smells, the better it tastes.
• Bars and nightclubs should provide transport home for its workers in the early hours.
• Diet pills and other methods are an outstanding marketing trick for a huge market of millions of people dying to lose weight.
• People should never be allowed to be nude outdoors / or only be allowed at their own property (especially when you are the owner of a huge garden).
• TV advertising spots are in 99,9 percent not honest, and then reveal the secret messages and hidden persuaders in well-known commercials.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger (or take another person) for president / not for president.
• Canada has the friendliest.
• Men kissing men and women kissing women on TV is / is not repulsive.
• Always sleep in your own bed.
• Smart people ought to be free to move to another country / must be forbidden to emigrate.
• The color brown should be forbidden in bathrooms.
• Women are becoming the majority of students in colleges and universities because they are smarter.
• Girls are into tall and cute guys, shorties and brutes have no chance.
• Mad people practice mad and extreme sports.
• Clothes influence the way people behave.
• Slow service at restaurants is caused by lack of discipline of the waiters.
• What type of men is the Ultimate Couch Potato and are there peers that meet the qualifications?
• How lazy students survive and succeed in life.
• Nose hair and bad breath are some of the things girls don’t like.
• Rather a lot of money than being an intelligent person.
• Why some celebs lie about their age.
• The pros and cons of real and fake Christmas trees compared.
• Top 10 all-time favorite evergreens to sing in the shower.
• Why a drill sergeant has to scream at cadets.
• Why drunk internet surfers discover more interesting ideas.
• Ghosts exist / haunting places are just fairy tales.
• If a woman was president there would be less war.
• Bachelorette parties are most of the time not what men think they are.
• Supernatural powers are definitely hocus pocus. They look like the real thing but aren’t at all.
• Factors that determine if you get into Heaven or not.
• Schools should ban Harry Potter for promoting witchcraft.
• Top 5 persuasive reasons why the minimum age of a president should be 40.
• Places where picking your nose is acceptable, places where it’s not.
• Women are obliged to leave the seat up for the convenience of men.
• Academy Award winners should only say “Thank You” and leave.
• All you wanted to know about baldness but were afraid to ask.
• Ban thongs.
• Bollywood movies will always come second to Hollywood movies.
• Charlie Chaplin was a controversial genius.
• CNN has the most slanted coverage.
• Comics and cartoons are the most important parts of a newspaper.
• Elvis Presley will always be the king of Rock and Roll.
• Fat models are the fun models.
• Line dancing is not dancing.
• Make nudism behind high fences legal.
• Men are obliged to put the seat down for the convenience of women.
• Movie stars need to have several homes.
• Music is a basic need in life.
• No government can dictate what women have to do.
• Not everybody is born to wear cheerleading fashion.
• Online Governor of Poker is a disease if you play the whole series.
• Paranormal healers are imposterous charlatans.
• People no longer like going to the cinema and with good reason.
• Reading books is more fun than watching movies.
• Shoes and socks tell a lot about men.
• Skeptics rule the world.
• Speed dating is fun.
• St Patrick’s Day is becoming a worldwide holiday.
• The evil characters in horror movies are weird, not scary.
• The truth is too many people need cosmetic surgery these days.
• The world would be an easier place to live if we all thought and felt the same way.
• Women make better inventors.
• Why dwarf planets in our solar system are called dwarf planets such as Pluto, the smallest circling object. What are the conditions to mark intraterrestrial flying object – it has something to do with the lack of gravity power.
• Becoming a private detective.
• Where does April Fool’s Day come from?
• Funny, absurd and rare patents and inventions in the last decade. There are more inventions that fit than you think at first sight.
• Learn from your parent’s mistakes – black-list them and hold it against them. Note the reactions and write about in an essay or classroom oration.
• The meaning of dreams for real life – hunted while were sleeping or teeth falling out of your mouth – what do dreams tell us about the awake conscious life?
• Magic tricks to stop thinking – putting your mind in the off mode is practiced in monasteries, why not sitting in your school desk one in a while, when nobody notices?
• A holiday with no stress in three steps.
• Resolving a restaurant complaint in a humorous manner.
• How to cope with troubles at a family reunion.
• Five ways to disturb your competitors in a sand castle competition.
• How to turn the Academy Awards ceremony into a funny event we all like to watch.
• How to write a fan letter to a celebrity that guarantees you a personal answer.
• Writing haiku for fun.
• Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity -E=mc2
• Barbie and Ken fashion.
• Bill of Rights amended by you.
• Does Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster exist?
• Famous illusionists and magicians secrets revealed.
• Finding names and their meanings for babies.
• Game consoles through the years.
• How acoustic guitars are manufactured.
• How cleaning can be fun.
• How to handle a drunk roommate.
• If I was a journalist for one day, I would publish…
• Lobbying for a good cause.
• The best book written by Isabel Allende.
• The Doomsday prediction on December 21, 2012.
• The metamorphosis of housewives thanks to makeover TV programs.
• The top ten best American classic cars.
• The unconventional lifestyle I would choose if I had the chance.
• What you need to become a fashion designer.
• What’s in and what’s out for men’s fashion this season.
• Why we should rehabilitate some historical figures.

23 Speech Topics On Geography

Law, Legal, Legislation Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

5 thoughts on “194 Fun Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]”

Just saying here: Toward the middle of the persuasive topics, some become very serious. Some people find it very repulsive for same-sex kissing. Heaven or Hell can be a very serious topic.

I have some good speech topics. Why Gym classes should be longer? Can social media can cause anxiety?

A good speech topic should be ‘Why llamas are better than sheeps.’

another topic! the struggle of finding a topic to do your school speech on!

Complaint the Harry Potter books are a work of fiction not promoting witchcraft

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Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas

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

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

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Article Contents 13 min read

The art of persuasion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unbiased Expertise

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are three potential goals of any persuasive speech:

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

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

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

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

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

Know your audience

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

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

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

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

Hook the audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

This sentence performs several tasks:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research and Arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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