persuasive speech topics on politics

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Political Persuasive Speech Topics

Politics is the activities about the governance of a society, area or country. The common activities in politics include joint decision making, voting, and campaigning. Due to the importance of politics, it’s present in every society, and it’s even part of the school curriculum. While students can have a theoretical knowledge of politics by reading books that talk on politics, they’ll have a practical knowledge by practicing politics and writing essays on it. Since the principles of politics are changing from time to time, students may face challenges while selecting a political essay topic to write about. Our goal is to help students with their academics, so we shall mention the best political persuasive speech topics that students can write about. While selecting political persuasive speech ideas, we deliberately included only popular and interesting topics. We believe that students won’t struggle on what to write about the topics below since the topics are familiar to almost every student.

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

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

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

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

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

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

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Business and Economy

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

Social Media

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

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Politics and Government

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

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

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

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

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

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

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

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

Lauren Green

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

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125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

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

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

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

Keep reading for 125+ persuasive speech topics.

125+ Topics for a Persuasive Speech

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

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

1. Arts & Culture

Art and culture are always hot topics amongst individuals and groups. There are many interesting arguments and stances on both topics, and many people have strong opinions when it comes to the subject matter.

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

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

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

2. Economics

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

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

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

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

3. Education

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

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

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

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

4. Environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Politics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Technology

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

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

FAQs: Persuasive Speech Topics

After reading through all the possible topics you can write a persuasive speech on, you may still have some questions before you get going. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about persuasive speech topics.

1. What Are Some Easy Persuasive Topics?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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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 .

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

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Unveiling the best persuasive speech topics: your ultimate guide, bob cardens.

November 30, 2023
Essay Topics and Ideas

Are you looking for the best persuasive speech topics that will captivate your audience and leave a lasting impact? Look no further! In this ultimate guide, I will walk you through the process of selecting persuasive speech topics that are not only engaging but also aligned with your audience’s interests. Whether you are a student, professional, or just someone who wants to improve their persuasive speaking skills, this guide is for you.

What You'll Learn

Key Takeaways:

Choosing a persuasive speech topic requires careful consideration of criteria such as research, evidence, universality, and audience customization.
A good persuasive speech topic presents a clear perspective, inspires passion, and stimulates intellectual debate.
There are 191 best persuasive speech topics across categories like politics, environment, social justice, ethics, and more.
Consider your passions, reliable evidence, addressing counterarguments, and expertise when selecting a persuasive speech topic.
Explore 15 persuasive speech topics for 2023, ranging from humanity instillation to the importance of family traditions.

Now that you have a glimpse of what lies ahead, let’s dive deeper into the world of persuasive speech topics and discover the perfect topic that will make your speech shine.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

When it comes to delivering an effective and compelling persuasive speech, the choice of topic plays a crucial role. A good persuasive speech topic is one that captures the attention of the audience, ignites their passion, and leaves a lasting impact. But what are the key qualities that make a persuasive speech topic truly stand out?

Addressing Burning Questions

A good persuasive speech topic should address a burning question or issue that sparks intellectual debate. It should tackle a topic with some gray areas, where multiple perspectives exist, encouraging critical thinking and engagement from the audience. Controversial subjects related to politics, social issues, and ethics often make for great persuasive speech topics, as they invite discussions and challenge existing beliefs.

Inspiring Passion and Confidence

A persuasive speech topic should inspire passion not only in the audience but also in the speaker. It should be a subject that the speaker genuinely believes in and can confidently articulate. When the speaker exudes passion and confidence, it captivates the audience and makes the message more persuasive. Select a topic that resonates with your personal values and interests, as this will enhance your authenticity and credibility as a speaker.

Presenting a Clear and Sincere Perspective

A good persuasive speech topic should present a clear and sincere perspective. It should be focused, coherent, and supported by well-researched evidence and examples. When the speaker presents a strong and well-structured argument, it becomes easier for the audience to understand and connect with the topic. A persuasive speech topic should be able to convey a message that is both compelling and convincing to the audience.

In summary, an effective persuasive speech topic is one that addresses burning questions, inspires passion and confidence, and presents a clear and sincere perspective. By choosing a topic that stimulates critical thinking, resonates with your own beliefs, and provides strong evidence, you can deliver a persuasive speech that engages the audience and leaves a lasting impact.

191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics

Are you looking for the perfect persuasive speech topic that will captivate your audience and make a lasting impact? Look no further! In this section, I have compiled a list of 191 best persuasive speech topics that cover a wide range of categories. From politics and law to environmental activism, social justice, ethics, health, and more, there is a topic for everyone.

Table: Persuasive Speech Topics

As you can see, these topics touch on issues that are relevant and thought-provoking. They are designed to spark meaningful discussions and elicit strong opinions from both the speaker and the audience. Whether you want to address controversial subjects or delve into topics that promote positive change, these persuasive speech examples will serve as a valuable resource for your next presentation.

So, go ahead and explore the diverse range of persuasive speech topics provided in this section. Find the one that speaks to you and aligns with your passion. Remember, a great speech topic is not only about captivating your audience but also about creating a meaningful impact and inspiring change. Good luck!

How to Choose a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

When it comes to selecting a good persuasive speech topic, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, choose a topic that aligns with your passions and interests. This will not only make the research and preparation process more enjoyable, but it will also help you deliver the speech with genuine enthusiasm. Remember, a powerful speech starts with a speaker who truly believes in the topic.

Next, ensure that your chosen topic has sufficient evidence to support your arguments. This means conducting thorough research and finding reliable sources that back up your claims. A persuasive speech is most effective when it is rooted in facts and data that are hard to refute. Take the time to gather evidence that will strengthen your position and provide compelling reasons for your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Additionally, it’s essential to consider the counterarguments and opposing viewpoints related to your topic. By addressing these counterarguments head-on, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and acknowledge differing opinions. This not only strengthens your persuasive speech but also shows your audience that you have considered all perspectives before forming your own conclusion.

Sample Table: Tips for Choosing a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

By following these guidelines, you can choose a persuasive speech topic that resonates with you, captivates your audience, and leaves a lasting impact. Remember to be passionate, well-informed, and open to different perspectives. With these qualities, you can deliver a powerful and influential speech that moves your audience to action.

15 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2023

Are you looking for inspiration for your next persuasive speech? Here are 15 persuasive speech topics that can spark engaging discussions and captivate your audience:

Should humanity be instilled in children?
The problem of endangered species.
Should human genome experimentation be stopped?
Is overpopulation a myth?
Is global warming not problem #1?
Are painkillers good for you?
Businesses and hiring disabled people.
Universities should support students.
Research should be better vetted.
Are low doses of alcohol harmful?
How important are family traditions?
Should education be accessible?
Influence of the system on education.
Does the church need more power?
Should general control be tightened?

Why These Topics Matter

These persuasive speech topics cover a wide range of areas, including social issues, ethics, education, and the environment. Each topic presents an opportunity to explore different perspectives and challenge existing beliefs. By selecting a topic that resonates with your own interests and passions, you can deliver a persuasive speech that is both compelling and authentic.

Remember, the goal of a persuasive speech is to persuade and inspire your audience. Choose a topic that you are passionate about and can speak confidently on, backed by reliable evidence.

Whether you want to advocate for change, raise awareness about an important issue, or provoke critical thinking, these persuasive speech topics provide a starting point for crafting a powerful and impactful speech in 2023.

Advocacy Speech Topics

Advocacy speech topics focus on addressing specific problems and proposing legislative solutions. These topics aim to bring attention to important issues and spark discussions on potential solutions. By presenting a well-researched and persuasive argument, advocates can encourage positive change in their communities and beyond.

The Necessity of Sex Education in Middle Schools

Table: Benefits of Sex Education in Middle Schools

“Sex education in middle schools is crucial for providing students with accurate information, reducing teen pregnancy rates, promoting healthy relationships, and preventing sexual abuse. By implementing comprehensive sex education programs, we can empower our young generation to make informed decisions and lead healthier lives.”

The Benefits of Internships During University Years

Table: Advantages of Internships During University Years

“Internships during university years offer students invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, resume enhancement, and industry insights. By engaging in internships, students can bridge the gap between academia and the workplace, increasing their chances of securing fulfilling careers.”

The Need for Better Funding for Small Businesses

Table: Impact of Better Funding for Small Businesses

“Better funding for small businesses can have a significant impact on economic growth, entrepreneurship opportunities, competition and innovation, and the diversification of industries. By prioritizing support for small businesses, we can foster innovation, create jobs, and build a stronger and more resilient economy.”

In conclusion, crafting a persuasive speech that resonates with your audience requires careful consideration and attention to key factors. It is crucial to select a topic that is well-researched and supported by solid examples and evidence. The chosen topic should be broad enough to appeal to a wide range of listeners, yet narrow enough to offer an original perspective. Additionally, the topic should hold personal meaning for both the speaker and the audience, enhancing the emotional connection between the two.

Addressing controversial issues is a powerful way to engage the audience and stimulate critical thinking. By presenting strong arguments backed by reliable evidence, a persuasive speech can sway opinions and inspire action. The 191 best persuasive speech topics mentioned in this guide serve as a valuable resource for finding compelling topics that spark discussion and encourage positive change.

At StudyingHq.com, we offer a wide range of free essay examples, samples, guides, topics, and research papers that can inspire and inform your speech preparation. Additionally, our expert writers are available to provide writing assistance within a short timeframe, ensuring that you can deliver a compelling persuasive speech that leaves a lasting impression. Remember, choose your topic wisely, present your arguments passionately, and make a difference with your persuasive speech.

What criteria should I consider when selecting a persuasive speech topic?

When choosing a persuasive speech topic, you should consider factors such as research, supporting evidence, universality, originality, relevance to the audience, and your expertise on the topic.

What makes a good persuasive speech topic?

A good persuasive speech topic is one that presents a clear and sincere perspective, inspires passion in the audience, and addresses a burning question that incites intellectual debate.

Are controversial topics recommended for persuasive speeches?

Yes, controversial topics related to politics, social issues, and ethics often make for great persuasive speech topics as they stimulate critical thinking and engagement with the audience.

How many persuasive speech topics are mentioned in this guide?

This guide mentions 15 persuasive speech topics for 2023, along with 191 best persuasive speech topics in general.

How can I choose a good persuasive speech topic?

To choose a good persuasive speech topic, consider your passions and interests, ensure there is reliable evidence to support your arguments, address counterarguments, and have a measure of expertise on the topic.

What are advocacy speech topics?

Advocacy speech topics focus on addressing specific problems and proposing legislative solutions to bring attention to important issues and encourage positive change.

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Parasocial Relationships

What happens when politics and parasocial relationships clash, why it's painful to learn that a beloved celebrity doesn't share our political views..

Posted May 6, 2024 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

Many media users form parasocial relationships with celebrities, seeing them as beloved "super-peers."
Learning that a beloved celebrity does not share our political views can create cognitive dissonance.
The dissolution of these parasocial relationships can be emotionally costly.
Hard-core fans may use different strategies to reconcile dissonance without "breaking up" with the celebrity.

“Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood” tweeted then-president-elect, Donald Trump in response to the actor's attack on him in her 2017 Golden Globes award speech. Celebrities’ engagement in politics has been around for nearly a century, as entertainers began to leverage their celebrity status to promote their political agenda among their fan base.

Some studies estimate that Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Barack Obama brought him a million votes. Similarly, Taylor Swift’s call for political participation has galvanized young voters. Numerous celebrities, from Emma Watson to Lady Gaga, advocate to support specific causes, such as LGBTQ rights and peace efforts.

The persuasive impact these celebrities can have on their fans is not surprising. Media users often form strong emotional bonds with celebrities (dubbed “parasocial relationships”). The audiences see their favorite media personality as a kind of super-peer—a role model, a source of inspiration.

Parasocial relationships lay the foundations for trust and lower the audiences’ natural resistance to persuasive attempts. These effects are well documented in many contexts, from marketing (when a celebrity serves as spokesperson) to health (e.g., the Angelina Jolie Effect —when Jolie’s New York Times op-ed calling for testing for BARCA gene mutation sparked massive public interest in the topic).

However, many of those effects are related to topics that the public is largely in agreement on. Taking a stance on ending hunger in Africa, stopping human trafficking, or preventing cancer is not particularly divisive, even if some people feel more strongly about some of these issues than others.

Conversely, where we stand on some of the more controversial political issues (i.e. abortion, immigration) tend to be intertwined more closely with individuals’ core values and moral identity . Thus, disagreement on these issues may cast one’s political opponents as misguided, morally corrupt, or even evil.

Not surprisingly, then, many celebrities shy away from publicly commenting on such divisive issues, for fear of alienating some of their fans. Yet some celebrities do speak out. What happens when a celebrity voices their political opinions in a way that is directly incongruent with a fan's core values? How do media users resolve the cognitive dissonance between liking a celebrity and disliking their politics?

Ironically, Trump himself provides an interesting case study that speaks to this question. Research found that the parasocial relationships that the public formed with Trump in his celebrity role contributed to his popularity in the political arena.

Specifically, the more intense were viewers’ parasocial relationships with Trump on his reality show, the more forgiving they were of his most controversial statements. This was especially true for Trump’s political opponents: Former Obama voters dismissed Trump’s controversial statements to the extent they related to his persona on the reality show.

But does that mean that media consumers will always ditch their hardcore political views and blindly follow the celebrity? Changing one’s political stance is just one solution to the cognitive dissonance that arises when someone’s love for a celebrity clashes with their political stance. Breaking up with a parasocial "friend" can be a painful emotional experience that people may prefer to avoid. Thus, individuals can use other strategies to resolve the internal conflict—by, for instance, dismissing the importance of the topic altogether.

In one of my own studies, college students saw fictitious tweets allegedly posted by their favorite actors. The tweets (about immigration and gun control/rights) were always matched to be either consistent with or opposite to the study participant’s stance on the issue.

After seeing a beloved celebrity (supposedly) making this statement, the students were more likely to say that the issue was not that important to them. Minimizing the importance of the issue may make it easier for the fans to disagree with the celebrity and continue liking them.

Only when the political issue is of great importance—and the initial levels of the parasocial relationship are low—is it easy for the media users to "break up" with the celebrity. Some will still be able to separate the art from the artist, while others attempt to focus solely on the entertainment value of the celebrity while ignoring them as a person—or as Fox News's anchor Laura Ingraham said in response to LeBron James’s political commentary: “Shut up and dribble.”

Gabriel, S., Paravati, E., Green, M. C., & Flomsbee, J. (2018). From apprentice to president: The role of parasocial connection in the election of Donald Trump. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 9(3), 299-307.

Kosenko, K. A., Binder, A. R., & Hurley, R. (2016). Celebrity influence and identification: A test of the Angelina effect. Journal of Health Communication, 21(3), 318-326.

Nisbett, G., & Schartel Dunn, S. (2021). Reputation matters: Parasocial attachment, narrative engagement, and the 2018 Taylor Swift political endorsement. Atlantic Journal of Communication, 29(1), 26-38.

Pease, A., & Brewer, P. R. (2008). The Oprah factor: The effects of a celebrity endorsement in a presidential primary campaign. The international Journal of Press/politics, 13(4), 386-400.

Tukachinsky Forster, R. R., & Downey, S. E. (2023). Losing parasocial friendships over celebrity politics: A cognitive discrepancies approach. Psychology of Popular Media, 12(2), 125.

Rebecca Tukachinsky Forster, Ph.D. , is an associate professor of communication at Chapman University's School of Communication.

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

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

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

🔝 Top 10 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2024

✍️ persuasive speech outline, 😊 easy persuasive speech topics.

🎒 Speech Topics for High School
🎓 Speech Topics for College

⭐ Good Persuasive Speech Topics

💊 medical persuasive speech topics.

🍃 Environmental Speech Topics

⚖️ Ethical Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

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

🎒 Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

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

🎓 Persuasive Speech Topics for College

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

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

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

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

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

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

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

This image lists common myths about mental health.

Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

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

🍃 Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

This image shows environmental issues to argue about.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Food

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

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

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

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

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Political Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

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

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

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

This image shows current problems with possible solutions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Speech?

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech?

Various qualities characterize effective persuasive speeches:

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

What to Write a Persuasive Speech on?

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

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

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

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics

Studying martial arts is good for mind and health.
Competitive sports can teach us about life.
Reality shows are exploiting people.
Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students.
The characteristics that make a person a hero.
It's important to grow things in a garden.
Violent video games are dangerous.
Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.
Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
Journal writing is therapeutic.
You should spend time with your grandparents.
A laptop is better than a tablet.
Religion and science can go hand in hand.
School uniforms are good.
All-female colleges and all-male colleges are bad.
Multiple-choice tests are better than essay tests .
We should not spend money on space exploration.
Open-book tests are as effective as closed-book tests.
Security cameras keep us safer.
Parents should have access to students' grades.
Small classes are better than big classes.
You need to start saving for retirement now.
Credit cards are harmful to college students.
We should have a royal family.
We should protect endangered animals.
Texting while driving is dangerous.
You can write a novel.
Recycling should be required in the U.S.
State colleges are better than private colleges.
Private colleges are better than state colleges.
We should do away with penny coins.
Fast food containers hurt the environment.
Plastic straws are harmful to the environment.
You can eat and enjoy healthy snacks.
You can become a millionaire.
Dogs are better pets than cats.
You should own a bird.
It's unethical to keep birds in cages.
Liberal arts degrees prepare graduates to be better workers than other degrees.
Hunting animals should be banned.
Football is a dangerous sport.
School days should start later.
Night school is better than day school.
Technical training is better than a college degree.
Immigration laws should be more lenient.
Students should be able to choose their schools.
Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
Grass lawns should be prohibited.
Sharks should be protected.
We should do away with cars and go back to horse and carriage for transportation.
We should use more wind power.
We should pay more taxes.
We should do away with taxes.
Teachers should be tested like students.
We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries.
Every student should join a club.
Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
People should stay married for life.
Smoking in public should be illegal.
College students should live on campus .
Parents should let students fail.
Giving to charity is good.
Education makes us happier people.
The death penalty should be outlawed.
Bigfoot is real.
We should increase train travel to save the environment.
We should read more classic books.
Fame is bad for young children.
Athletes should stay loyal to teams.
We should reform our prisons.
Juvenile offenders should not go to boot camps.
Abraham Lincoln was the best president.
Abraham Lincoln gets too much credit.
Students should be allowed to have cell phones in elementary, middle, and high school.
College student-athletes should be paid for playing.
Elderly citizens on fixed income should receive free public transportation.
Colleges and universities should be free to attend.
All American citizens should complete one year of community service.
Students should be required to take Spanish language classes.
Every student should be required to learn at least one foreign language .
Marijuana should be legal for recreational use nationwide.
Commercial testing of products on animals should no longer be allowed.
High school students should be required to participate in at least one team sport.
The minimum drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
Replacing fossil fuels with cheaper alternative energy options should be mandated.
Churches need to contribute their share of taxes.
The Cuba embargo should be maintained by the U.S.
America should replace income taxes with a nationwide flat tax.
Once they reach the age of 18, all U.S. citizens should be automatically registered to vote .
Doctor-assisted suicide should be legal.
Spammers—people who bombard the internet with unsolicited email—should be banned from sending junk mail.
Every automobile driver should be required to take a new driver's test every three years.
Electroshock treatment is not a humane form of therapy.
Global warming is not real.
Single-parent adoption should be encouraged and promoted.
Gun companies should be held accountable for gun crimes.
Human cloning is not moral.
Religion does not belong in public education.
Juveniles should not be tried as adults.
American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law.
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April 5, 2024

235+ Ideas for persuasive speech topics

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

Co-founder, CEO

Creating a great persuasive speech starts with picking the right topic.

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

Here are 235 of the best ideas for persuasive speech topics, categorized by topic area.

How to pick a topic for your persuasive speech

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

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

How to write a persuasive speech

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

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

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

Create a first draft of your presentation with Plus AI

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

Easy persuasive speech ideas

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

Should students be allowed to use AI tools?
Should you exercise every day?
Should we reduce the use of single-use plastics?
Should voting be mandatory?
Should schools teach kids a foreign language?
Should schools teach financial management and other practical skills?
Are phones and social media affecting how kids grow up?
Should the government invest more money in space exploration?

Persuasive speech ideas about society

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about AI

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about the environment

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about arts and culture

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

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about ethics

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about health

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

What should be taught in health education in schools?
Should we legalize more drugs and other illicit substances?
Does the government have the right to declare vaccines mandatory?
Does social media have positive impacts on mental health?
Would universal healthcare be a positive impact on our country?
Who should be held responsible for the opioid crisis?
Should the government discourage people from drinking alcohol?
Are there benefits to cannabis use?
Should clinical trials use placebos?
What is the best way to encourage people to exercise more?
Should pharmaceutical companies make drugs cheaper?
How should organ transplants be allocated?
Is alternative medicine legitimate?
Is it ethical to develop life extension technologies?

Persuasive speech ideas about politics

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

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about sports

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about technology

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about happiness

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about work

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about religion

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

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about animals

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

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

Persuasive speech ideas about mental health

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

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

Funny persuasive speech ideas

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

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

If you’re worried about coming up with an original idea for your persuasive speech, hopefully this list gives you some ideas and inspiration.

If you’re done and ready to get started, check out Plus AI for Google Slides and Docs as a way to create a first draft of your speech and slide deck!

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75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

October 4, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

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

What is persuasive speech?

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

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

How to choose a topic for your speech

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

Familiarity

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

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

The audience’s interest

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

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

Not overdone

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

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

Emotional topics

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

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

Desired outcome

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

Persuasive speech topics

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

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

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

Arts/Culture

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

Business and economy

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

Law and politics

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

Science and the environment

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

World peace

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

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

After choosing your topic

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

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

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

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

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Do you think social media platforms should censor politicians? No matter how important you feel this issue is relative to other issues of the day, you’re likely to have an opinion one way or the other. Why? Because it’s a controversial matter, and it immediately pushes some buttons in our brains.

What makes issues like this so engaging?

Controversial topics have two features that almost instantly grab people’s attention. On one side, they are both simple and familiar, and so are understandable without any effort. On the other side, they touch on sensitive matters that society as a whole has not yet come to terms with. This makes them tickle our inherent desire for closure. We want to make up our minds once and for all!

So if you’re looking for such a topic for your essay, speech, or debate, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve compiled a list of hundreds of controversial issues organized by subject matter (You can visit our page on how to write a persuasive controversial essay if you want to improve your base skills). Whether you’re trying to come up with a topic for your science, psychology, history class – or nearly any other topic! – you’re sure to find an issue below that will keep your audience engaged, and even stir up some discussion.

In this article:

Political Debate Topics

Controversial criminal justice topics, controversial religious topics, controversial topics for teens, controversial science topics, controversial sports topics, controversial food topics, controversial nutrition topics, controversial animal topics, controversial topics in psychology, controversial relationship topics, controversial medical topics, controversial topics in nursing, controversial topics in biology, music controversial topics, controversial art topics, controversial history topics, funny controversial topics, what are the pros and cons of controversial topics.

As mentioned earlier, picking a controversial topic almost guarantees that you’ll command your audience’s attention. But such issues have downsides too. We go over the advantages and disadvantages of hot-button issues to help you make the right choice for your essay, speech, or debate.

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Immediately engaging – Your readers or listeners are unlikely to doze off.
Easy to find information on – You won’t have to look far to find credible information on controversial issues.
Likely to keep you absorbed while researching – What’s interesting for your audience will probably keep boredom at bay for you too.
Too sensitive for some people – These issues often have a strong emotional charge and may even be taboo for some, causing awkward situations.
Hard to review all points – A huge debate has probably been raging on such topics, so it’s not so easy to cover all your bases and appear knowledgeable on the issue at hand.
Hard to wrap up – These matters are controversial for a reason. It may be hard to come to a satisfactory conclusion, whether you’re presenting or debating.

Interesting Controversial Topics by Field

Below, we’ve compiled a catalog of fascinating controversial topics by field. Keep in mind that many of these spill over from one category to another, so there is some overlap. Is climate change a political or scientific issue? There’s a controversial question for you!

Controversy is where politics are born. There’s usually some point of disagreement about any matter related to public affairs – that’s why a politician’s main job is to debate and come to an agreement (ideally) on how to handle these issues. Or, as political scientist Harold Lasswell put it succinctly, politics is, “Who gets what, when, how.”

So political issues are controversial by definition. We’ve worked hard to provide you with the longest, most comprehensive list you’ll find anywhere, and any of these topics may be instantly captivating.

Is democracy the best form of government?
Should there be a minimum wage?
Should the government intervene in the free market?
Should the US government intervene in foreign affairs?
Should there be term limits for US senators?
Should the Electoral College be abolished in the US?
Are there exceptions to the freedom of speech?
Should hate speech be banned?
Should the government ensure the protection of privacy?
Is the gender pay gap real?
Does institutional racism exist in the US?
Is affirmative action helping or hurting?
Is immigration helping or hurting the US?
Should all illicit drugs be legalized?
Should prostitution be legalized?
Should abortion be banned?
Should there be stricter gun control laws?
Should automatic weapons be banned?
Should military service be mandatory?
Should water be a commodity or a human right?
Should the government forgive all student debt?

Is justice being served? Few things get under people’s skin as much as perceived injustices. We are more or less programmed to seek fairness both for ourselves and for others. That’s why, similar to political topics, criminal justice issues are naturally engaging.

Appropriate punishment is salient now especially in the US after years of debates and protests related to the killings of minorities like George Floyd, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice. More recently, the storming of the US Capitol, the role the President’s words had in inciting the perpetrators, and how liable they are when following their President’s words, are also hot-button issues. It’s hard to go wrong with a criminal justice topic.

Is the death penalty ethical?
Should people be jailed for drug-related offenses?
Should police officers be charged for inappropriate use of force?
Why are minorities disproportionately represented in the US prison population?
Why does the US have the largest prison population in the world?
Should mentally unstable people be charged with crimes?
Should underage repeat offenders be tried as adults?
Should there be more than 12 jurors in a jury?
Should felons be allowed to vote?

Religion is a sensitive issue everywhere. Since it often concerns people’s innermost beliefs and principles, it’s not difficult to capture your audience’s attention with a religious topic. But beware that it’s also very easy to offend someone if you’re not careful.

Take religious freedom, for example – a concept interpreted in very different ways by different people. When in 2012 a Christian baker in Colorado refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, was he exercising his religious freedom or discriminating against LGBTQ people?

Is atheism a religion?
Does religion do more harm than good?
Should creationism be taught in schools?
Should there be religious education in schools?
Should religious symbols be banned from schools?
Should schools’ curriculums consider religious points of view?
Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
Should religious institutions pay taxes?
Are most religions inherently sexist?
Is Buddhism more peaceful than other religions?

The teenage years are a transition period between childhood and adulthood, which causes a natural struggle between treating teens as children or adults. Can we hold teenagers accountable for crimes they committed? Or should their parents be responsible? Issues like this make a lively debate inevitable.

Should we lower the voting age to 16?
Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
At what age should teens be allowed to date?
At what age is it appropriate for teens to have sex?
Should sex education be mandatory in school?
Should teenage pregnancies be terminated?
Should teens have access to birth control?
Is cyberbullying as bad as real-life bullying?
Is peer pressure good or bad?
Does social media cause an increase in teenage suicide?
Are beauty pageants harmful to teenagers’ self-esteem?
Should teens be allowed to keep secrets from parents?
Should energy drinks be banned for teenagers?
Should mobile devices be banned at school?
Is the school grading system effective?
Should school uniforms be mandatory?
Should teens be allowed to get tattoos?
Should vaping be prohibited for teens?

Are you looking for more controversial topics for teens? Check out our other article where you can find 170+ controversial debate topics for teens , as well as the dos and don’ts when debating controversial topics.

Science has a very specific way of addressing controversies – by looking at evidence. When scientists disagree on something, they have to back their views with data and logical arguments. But scientific questions are often taken outside the realm of the experts and turn into social, political, or economic issues.

That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the concept of false equivalence – a fallacy in which a flawed or misleading argument is presented as equivalent to a sound and logical one. For instance, scientists have shown that the preponderance of evidence points to the reality of climate change. Media outlets and some politicians, however, sometimes present the issue as not settled. No matter whether climate change is real or not, saying that a politician’s opinion is as valid as a scientist’s – when we’re talking about that scientist’s field – is a false equivalence. Issues like that are bound to create a heated (pun intended) debate.

Can scientists ever be objective?
Should corporations fund research?
Should science be optional in school?
Why are women underrepresented in science?
Is STEM education more valuable than training in humanities?
Should cryptocurrencies be regulated?
Should net neutrality be restored?
Should robots have rights?
Is AI a menace to humans?
Is AI the next stage in evolution?
Is technology helping or destroying Earth?
Can renewable sources of energy replace fossil fuels?
Is climate change a threat to humanity?
Is cell phone radiation dangerous?
Is climate change reversible?
Should all cars be electric?
Is nuclear energy safe?
Does alien life exist?
Could alien life have found Earth?
Should humans try to colonize Mars?

Professional sports hold a lot of potential to create controversy. Hardly a week goes by without some major sports issue making the news. Whether it’s deflated footballs, kneeling during the anthem, or equal pay for male and female athletes, sports topics usually carry an emotional charge as most people have a strong opinion one way or the other .

Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
Are professional athletes paid too much?
Are professional athletes good role models?
Should college athletes be paid beyond scholarships?
Should college athletes be tested for drugs?
Is dance a real sport?
Is video gaming a real sport?
Is bodybuilding a real sport?
Is cheerleading a real sport?
Should mixed martial arts be banned?
Should women compete against men in sports?
Should female athletes be paid the same as male athletes?
Should transgender athletes who used to be male compete in women’s sports?
Do the Olympics do more harm than good for the cities hosting them?
Are professional sports too damaging to athletes’ health?
Is American football too dangerous for athletes?
Should athletes who kneel for the anthem be sanctioned?

Sharing a meal with others unites us, but our opinions on food often divide us. Why is one part of the world starving, while another struggles with obesity? Is famine a result of a shortage or a distribution problem? Questions about food are important for humanity, which makes them compelling topics for discussion.

Are genetically modified foods dangerous?
Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
Is organic food better than regular food?
Is fast food responsible for obesity?
Is food waste unavoidable?
Is organic farming sustainable?
Is factory farming unsustainable?
Is grass-fed beef better than corn-fed beef?
Is palm oil production causing deforestation?
Can biotech foods save us from hunger?
Should butter be stored in the fridge?

Nutrition is one of the most controversial scientific fields – dietary guidelines seem to be changing by the day. Is it OK to eat more than two eggs a day? Are carbs more unhealthy than fats? Issues like that are notoriously hard to resolve as even a carefully designed scientific study struggles to untangle the many factors that go into human health.

Should we have nutrition classes in schools?
Can a vegan diet help the environment?
Is it healthier to be vegetarian?
Is an all-meat diet healthy?
Is dieting ever effective?
Does fasting help or harm the body?
Are gluten-free diets overhyped?
Should we ban trans fat?
Is sugar addictive?
Are artificial sweeteners unhealthy?

Bring up the practice of eating dog meat in some countries to a dog lover, and you’ll more than likely evoke a very strong reaction. But how is it different from eating other social and intelligent mammals, such as pigs? There are many unresolved animal issues that can make for a captivating paper or presentation.

Should animals have the same rights as humans?
Should animals be considered individuals?
Do animals have emotions?
Do animals have consciousness?
Is animal testing ethical?
Should the fur industry be restricted?
Are zoos helping or hurting animals?
Should there be animals in circuses?
Should we try to reverse extinction?
Are humans destroying animal habitats?
Is selective dog breeding unethical?
Should bullfighting be banned?
Should whaling be banned?

Many argue that psychology as a science is still in its infancy. There’s no consensus on a lot of the big questions related to people’s minds. Is there even a way to know what’s happening inside someone else’s head besides our own? A behaviorist would insist there isn’t.

Is psychology a real science?
Is depression a real disease?
Are antidepressants effective?
Is ADHD a real mental disorder?
Is drug abuse a mental health issue?
Is mental illness equivalent to physical illness?
Should psychologists be allowed to prescribe drugs?
Is prejudice against different people inherent?
Is it ethical to “treat” homosexuality?
Are social media sites addictive?
Is social media connecting us or making us more isolated?
Is pornography harmful to the psyche?
Do video games cause violence?
Is intelligence inherited?

Being in a romantic relationship involves constantly negotiating and renegotiating issues ranging from the most mundane to the most profound. On top of that, most adults are or have been part of a couple, making this a relatable and attention-grabbing subject.

Is monogamy natural?
Does divorce harm children?
Should dating between co-workers be allowed?
Should people date people much older than themselves?
Is romantic love a prerequisite to marital satisfaction?
Should arguments in a couple be avoided or encouraged?
Should men and women have different functions in a relationship?
Is it OK to keep secrets from your partner?
Are long-distance relationships worth it?
Is sex before marriage wrong?
Is online dating good or bad?
Are homosexual relationships natural?
Should same-sex marriage be banned?
Should LGBTQ people be allowed to adopt children?

Health is arguably the most important thing for a person. So it’s no surprise that we take issues related to health and medicine very seriously. Is there any point in prolonging a dying patient’s pain through life support? Questions like this are hard to give a definitive answer to, making them potent discussion topics.

Are vaccines safe?
Is Covid-19 manmade?
Should immunization be mandatory?
Should euthanasia be allowed?
Is alternative medicine any good?
Should healthcare be free?
Is obesity a disease?
Is circumcision healthy?
Is stem cell research ethical?
How harshly should medical malpractice be punished?
Should Big Pharma be banned from charging too much for life-saving drugs?
Should prescription drug manufacturers be held responsible for the opioid crisis?
Should cannabis be prescribed as medicine?
Should surrogate pregnancy be allowed?
Should we use gene-editing in humans?
Should the sale of human organs be allowed?
Should genetic screening of embryos be legal?

If nurses are essential workers, why do they get paid so little? To get to the bottom of this, we need to go beyond the nursing profession and take a hard look at society as a whole. Besides, just like doctors, nurses face ethical dilemmas in their work every day, which creates a lot of room for debate.

Are nurses compensated fairly?
Should nurses’ shifts be shortened?
Should nurses be allowed to prescribe drugs?
Is the nursing profession better suited for women?
Should nurses use artificial hydration and nutrition?
Should nurses treat non-compliant patients?

Biology deals with nothing less than life itself! And what’s a more fascinating question than the origin of life? Although we seem to be far from deciphering this mystery, there are many other issues that both scientists and laypeople have good reason to debate.

Is evolution up for debate?
Did life emerge out of inorganic matter?
Is there a viable alternative to the theory of evolution?
How significant are the physiological differences between men and women?
Is behavior determined by our genes or by our upbringing?
Are there more than two genders?

If you’re a classical music lover, you’ll very likely scoff at the assertion that rock ‘n’ roll is the best musical genre. But who’s to say? Maybe someone will argue that there are objective measures of the quality of music. As with any issue that’s close to many people’s hearts, music can be an excellent topic for discussion.

Is music getting worse over time?
Is the pursuit of profit ruining music?
Do music streaming services such as Spotify help or harm musical artists?
Are violent or explicit lyrics harmful to society?
Are rock stars a bad influence on children?
Are The Beatles overrated?

Do you think Banksy will go down in history as one of the great artists, or do you see his works as cheap stunts? Either way, you’ll probably agree that art has changed almost beyond recognition since the time of Rembrandt. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is just one topic worth exploring.

Is the value of art subjective?
Should explicit art be censored?
Who decides what constitutes art?
Should an art piece always carry a message?
Is contemporary art as good as classical art?
Should any topic be out of bounds for art?

Hardly anyone would disagree that we should learn from history to avoid making the same mistake twice. But what exactly are history’s lessons is up for debate, and so make for great discussion topics.

Are the two World Wars responsible for the relative state of peace since?
Should the US pay reparations to African Americans because of slavery?
Should Confederate statues in the US be taken down?
Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?
Was the French Revolution inevitable?
Is history always written by the victors?
Is history bound to be repeated?

Are cats better pets than dogs? Does pineapple belong on a pizza? These are the kind of age-old debates we look into in our Funny Controversial Topics page.

Top 5 Extraordinary Motivational Speakers

130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

7 thoughts on “205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate”

Which is better, Chicago pizza or New York pizza?

Hey Nicole, just to answer your question personally I think Chicago pizza is too thick and I would choose New York pizza any day.

In my opinion Chicago pizza is clearly superior, and its thickness is one of its best attributes.

In my opinion New York pizza is clearly superior, and its thinness is one of its best attributes.

I second Chicago pizza lover’s statement, I think that Chicagos pizzas are much better!

In my very Italian opinion, true real pizza is Made in Italy only – the best. Cheers x 🙂

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Writing Tips

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

5-minute read

13th January 2023

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

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

Choosing a Topic

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

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

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

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

Should free speech on the internet be restricted?

At what age should children have access to smartphones?

Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?

Should parents limit their children’s screen time?

Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?

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

Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?

Should voting be compulsory?

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

Should the electoral college system be abolished?

Should election procedures be standardized in all states?

Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?

Should the death penalty be legal?

Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?

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

Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?

Are governments doing enough to address climate change?

Is student loan forgiveness fair?

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

Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?

What is the greatest threat to international stability?

What can be done to prevent cyber threats?

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

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

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

Is healthcare a human right?

Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?

Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?

Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?

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

Do school uniforms offer any advantages?

Are school dress codes gender biased?

Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?

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

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

Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?

Should immigrants have access to free language classes?

Should books ever be banned in schools?

Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?

Should schools be cellphone free?

Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?

Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?

Should parents let their children play tackle football?

Should college sports teams receive less money?

Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?

Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?

Should all priests be allowed to marry?

Should prayer be permitted in public schools?

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

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

Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

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

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

Step Up with Confidence

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

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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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How to win over hearts and minds: Persuasive speech topics and tactics

Crafting a persuasive speech can be a daunting task, especially when you’re searching for that perfect topic to ignite passion in both yourself and your audience. Our blog is here to guide you through the process with a carefully curated selection of persuasive speech topics designed specifically for students who are eager to make a difference or practice their persuasion skills. Mastering the art of persuasion can elevate your communication skills to new heights and allow you to drive change and influence opinions for the better.

What makes persuasive speech effective?

How to start building a persuasive speech, authenticity is key, research and evidence , matching your audience , controversy sells, 40 persuasive speech topics to get you started .

Persuasive speech is not just about speaking or aimlessly arguing a point; it’s about swaying opinions, inspiring action, and leaving a lasting impact. What makes a persuasive speech truly effective? It’s a combination of factors, beginning with a crystal-clear purpose. Before you even begin crafting your message, you must define your objective—whether it’s to change minds, prompt action, or ignite passion. The next key step is understanding who you’re speaking to. Tailoring your message to resonate with their values, concerns, and beliefs increases the likelihood of your argument landing with impact. But it’s not just about what you say; it’s also about how you say it. Compelling content is the cornerstone of any persuasive speech. Finally, It’s the facts, statistics, anecdotes, and emotional appeals that support your argument and captivate your audience.

When delving into the realm of persuasive speech topics, the options are as diverse as they are vast. Consider your audience and the overarching message you aim to convey. Your topic should align with the interests, values, and concerns of your listeners, ensuring maximum impact.

Take a moment to brainstorm ideas that you’re passionate about, topics that you’d be willing to argue vehemently for, even in a room of skeptics. Most importantly, don’t forget to factor in your own personality and beliefs when crafting your argument. Authenticity is key; choose topics that resonate with you personally, as this genuine connection will enhance your persuasiveness and credibility. After all, if your argument doesn’t feel authentic to you, how can you expect to convince others of its validity? So, as you embark on your quest for the perfect persuasive speech topic, keep these considerations in mind, and let your passion and authenticity shine through in your argumentation.

Authenticity can take a speech from merely compelling to truly unforgettable. When you speak from the heart, your sincerity shines through, captivating your audience and forging a genuine connection. Authenticity begins with choosing a topic that resonates with you on a personal level, a subject that ignites a fire within you and compels you to speak out. Whether it’s a cause you’ve championed for years or a newfound passion that stirs your soul, authenticity means speaking your truth with unwavering conviction.

Passion, on the other hand, is the fuel that drives your persuasive efforts. It’s the energy that propels you forward, infusing your words with power and vitality. When you’re passionate about your topic, your enthusiasm is contagious, drawing your audience in and inspiring them to share in your fervor.

It’s not only about what you say, but also how you say it. Your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions all communicate your sincerity and passion. Maintain eye contact with your audience, use gestures to emphasize key points, and let your voice reflect the depth of your emotions. When your delivery aligns with the authenticity and passion of your message, your persuasive power knows no bounds.

Research and evidence are the bedrock upon which persuasive speeches are built. In the realm of persuasion, facts speak louder than words, and compelling evidence lends credibility to your arguments. Before stepping onto the stage, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on your chosen topic, delving deep into the facts, statistics, and expert opinions that support your position. By arming yourself with a wealth of evidence, you not only strengthen your argument but also demonstrate to your audience that your stance is grounded in objective reality and makes you credible.

But not all evidence is created equal. When selecting evidence for your persuasive speech, it’s crucial to prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on finding a few key points that support your argument, and use real-life stories to bring your evidence to life and make it relatable to your listeners.

Tailoring your persuasive speech to match the educational level of your audience is a critical aspect of effective communication. If your audience is more educated, take the time to familiarize yourself with the terminology, history, and nuances of your topic. Dive deep into the subject, gathering insights and information that will bolster your argument and command respect from your audience.

Conversely, if your audience has a lower level of education, it’s essential to simplify your argument without oversimplifying or patronizing. Break down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, using clear and straightforward language that everyone can understand. Imagine you’re explaining the topic to a friend or family member, focusing on clarity and accessibility. Remember, if you can’t explain it simply, you may need to revisit your own understanding of the topic.

Controversy is often the hallmark of persuasive speech topics, as it’s where the most pressing issues and passionate debates reside. While it may be tempting to shy away from controversial topics for fear of backlash or discomfort, addressing them head-on can lead to powerful and impactful speeches.

Historically, many influential speeches have addressed controversial topics with courage and conviction. One notable example is Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963. In this iconic address, King fearlessly confronted the racial injustices of his time, calling for equality, unity, and social justice. Despite facing opposition and resistance, King’s speech resonated deeply with millions of people, galvanizing support for the civil rights cause and paving the way for significant legislative changes.

When tackling controversial topics, it’s essential to approach them with sensitivity, empathy, and a commitment to fostering constructive dialogue. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, embrace them as opportunities to educate, challenge assumptions, and inspire change. By shining a light on contentious issues, you can spark meaningful discussions, raise awareness, and advocate for progress.

Below, we present a selection of persuasive speech topics to kick-start your brainstorming process. It’s important to note that this list isn’t exhaustive, but rather a starting point to help you gather your thoughts. Remember to prioritize authenticity and passion when choosing your topic, select something that truly resonates with you. Your genuine connection to the topic will enhance your persuasiveness and make your speech more compelling.

Should college athletes be paid?
Can money buy happiness?
Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
Should there be universal healthcare?
Is animal testing ethically justifiable?
Do we need stricter gun control laws?
What are the implications of artificial intelligence on employment?
Why should we support LGBTQ+ rights and equality?
Has technology impacted human relationships for better or worse?
Should public schools have uniforms?
Should we increase the minimum wage?
Would removing tenure and job-protection from professors improve or reduce the quality of higher education?
Should offensive and inappropriate language be removed from classic literature?
Should there be a mandatory retirement age?
Would three-day weekends increase work productivity?
Is capitalism a harmful or beneficial economic system?
Are charter schools hurting or helping low-income communities?
Is homeschooling beneficial or harmful to children?
Should we switch to the metric system?
What is the most important book every high school student in America should read?
Should fuel-run vehicles be banned?
Should we ban all genetically modified foods?
Are private, for-profit prisons a threat to prisoners’ rights?
Should prisoners have the right to vote?
Should everyone receive free internet?
Should the government regulate the use of personal drones?
Is mass surveillance ethical? Does its threat to civil liberties outweigh its benefits?
Are cell phone bans in the classroom effective for improving student learning?
Is it ethical for companies to use unpaid internships as a source of labor?
Does the gig economy benefit or harm workers?
Should we legalize euthanasia?
Is it ethical to use animals for medical research?
Is it ethical to allow access to experimental treatments for terminally ill patients?
Should we allow parents to choose their children’s physical attributes through genetic engineering?
Should we require parents to vaccinate their children?
Should social media platforms ban political ads?
Should school districts offer bilingual education programs for non-native speakers?
Does affirmative action help or hinder minority groups in the workplace?
Should institutions that profited from slavery provide reparations?
Should social media companies enact a minimum user age restriction?

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Sadiq Khan secures convincing win over Tory rival in London mayoral race

In his victory speech, the newly re-elected mayor says he had "faced a campaign of non-stop negativity", while his defeated Tory opponent told him to stop "patronising" people and that knife crime "isn't an episode of The Wire".

Sunday 5 May 2024 04:58, UK

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Labour's Sadiq Khan has secured a historic third term as London mayor, seeing off Tory challenger Susan Hall.

It followed "wild rumours" the incumbent could have suffered a shock defeat, although both sides subsequently said they believed Mr Khan would win.

He received 1,088,225 votes (43.8%) to be re-elected, a majority of nearly 276,000 over Ms Hall , who secured 812,397 votes (32.7%).

Follow live: The results as they come in

It was the first time any candidate for London mayor has won a third term in office, with Mr Khan's predecessors Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone both having served two terms.

As he took to the stage to make his victory speech, the re-elected mayor was booed and heckled with a shout of "Khan killed London" by the far-right Britain First candidate, who received fewer votes than Count Binface.

Speaking at City Hall, Mr Khan said: "We faced a campaign of non-stop negativity, but I couldn't be more proud that we answered the fearmongering with facts, hate with hope, and attempts to divide with efforts to unite.

More on Local Elections 2024

The PM visited a food, wellness and yoga charity in north London. Pic: PA

Rishi Sunak: General election not a 'foregone conclusion'

Rishi Sunak admits Tories may not win general election and claims UK heading for hung parliament

The week... that Rishi Sunak looks on the bright side

London loss asks bigger questions of the Conservatives

Sadiq Khan's record re-election means the London mayor has achieved a victory none of his predecessors have - three wins in a row, writes political correspondent Darren McCaffrey.

This historic moment isn't just part of the national swing to Labour, but a big personal success for Mr Khan too.

It makes him one of the most successful politicians in Britain today.

Despite jitters yesterday, the win was largely expected and reflects the last opinion poll carried out this week.

Impressively though he has also done better marginally than last time.

And while this result re-enforces Labour's dominance in London, it asks bigger questions of the Conservatives.

Their campaign focused largely on ULEZ - the ultra low emission charge introduced by Mr Khan, but it was not the game changer the party had hoped.

Even in outer London, where the Conservatives did retain support, Labour increased their share of the vote.

Controversy surrounding the Tory candidate Susan Hall didn't help either, with many Tories privately angry about the ineffective campaign and candidate.

Paul Scully, a Conservative MP who had hoped to run, came out into the open today, telling Sky News: "What we've ended up with is just a campaign when we just have people just moaning about Sadiq Khan and there's plenty to moan about.

"We can't just rely on a negative campaign standing alongside people, wagging a finger and throwing rotten fruit."

Interesting too while the Gaza War and Labour's position has become an election issue in some parts of the country, Mr Khan's early call for a ceasefire also appears to have helped with those voters who might have abandoned Labour elsewhere.

Ultimately London has become a big electoral problem for the Conservatives. Having lost three times in a row, they don't seem to have a politician or a strategy to end Labour's stranglehold on the capital.

And as for Sadiq, after London, does he still hold national political ambitions?

"When Mo Salah scores a hat-trick, you don't ask him about what's next, it is about celebrating the moment," the Liverpool-supporting Mr Khan said.

Mr Sunak has taken consolation in the Conservative victory in the Tees Valley mayoral race, which was retained by Lord Houchen and seems to be enough to calm rumblings among discontented Tory MPs.

However, the crunch contest for West Midlands mayor remains on a knife-edge.

Labour has also not had it all its own way, losing control of councils in Oldham and Kirklees after victories for independent candidates opposing the party's stance on Gaza .

Labour also lost seats on other councils including Bristol, where the Greens extended its lead as the largest party and could now be set to run the city council despite narrowly failing to win outright control.

Notably, all 14 councillors in the newly created Bristol Central constituency are now Green, where the party is looking to unseat Labour's shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire at the general election.

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Sky News elections analyst Professor Michael Thrasher also says although the results are bad news for the Tories, they do not put Labour on course for an overall majority in the Commons in a general election.

The Tories have so far lost 473 seats and control of 12 councils, while Labour has won eight councils and gained 185 seats.

The Liberal Democrats gained 104 seats and won control of Dorset council from the Conservatives, while the Greens are up 74 seats.

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Political Persuasive Speech Topics

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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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Education – Persuasive Speech Topics

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Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

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I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

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Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

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125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience

125+ Topics for a Persuasive Speech

1. Arts & Culture

2. Economics

3. Education

4. Environment

7. Politics

9. Technology

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

FAQs: Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

It's a Topic People Care About

It Isn't Overdone

105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

Arts/Culture

Government/Politics

Science/Environment

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

Do Your Research

Consider All the Angles

Know Your Audience

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Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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Key Takeaways:

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

Addressing Burning Questions

Inspiring Passion and Confidence

Presenting a Clear and Sincere Perspective

191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics

How to Choose a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

Sample Table: Tips for Choosing a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

15 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2023

Why These Topics Matter

Advocacy Speech Topics

The Necessity of Sex Education in Middle Schools

The Benefits of Internships During University Years

The Need for Better Funding for Small Businesses

What criteria should I consider when selecting a persuasive speech topic?

What makes a good persuasive speech topic?

Are controversial topics recommended for persuasive speeches?

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