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non controversial persuasive speech topics

112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

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

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

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

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

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

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

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

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

Steer Clear of Cliches

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

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

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

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

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

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

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

Environment

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

Science & Technology

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

Social Media

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

Parenting & Family

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

Entertainment

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

Arts & Humanities

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

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

Do Your Research

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

Understand Your Audience

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

Have Someone Read Your Speech

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

Practice Makes Perfect

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

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

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non controversial persuasive speech topics

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The Admissions Strategist

191 best persuasive speech topics: give an amazing speech.

Does the thought of public speaking make you cringe?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics

Click above to watch a video on Speech Topics.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

A great persuasive speech makes an audience act.

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

Therefore, a strong persuasive speaker will:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get personalized advice!

191 best persuasive speech topics.

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

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

Take a deep breath and read on!

Politics and Law

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

Environmental Activism

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

Social Justice

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

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

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

Advice from Persuasive Speech Experts

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

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

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

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

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

From Nate Masterson, HR manager of Maple Holistics :

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

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

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

From Bridgett McGowen, CEO of BMcTALKS :

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

From Martha Krejci, business coaching leader :

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

From Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek :

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

From Adam Cole, expert writer and author:

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

Conclusion: Best Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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non controversial persuasive speech topics

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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

good persuasive speech topics

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

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

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General Education

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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.

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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?

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3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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

Do Your Research

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

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

Consider All the Angles

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

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

Know Your Audience

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

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

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

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

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

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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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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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.

Jamie Oliver persuasive speech

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 .

non controversial persuasive speech topics

125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience

Speaker talking to audience

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 12/15/23

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

100 dollar bills

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

empty classroom

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

air pollution

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. 

lab rat in gloved hand

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. 

pills spilling out of bottle

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

woman holding sign at protest

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. 

football player about to throw football

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

digitialized globe

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. 

alien inside barn

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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non controversial persuasive speech topics

100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

There is a small but important difference between planning a persuasive speech and writing a persuasive essay. First, if you are planning a persuasive speech, you should think about a topic that can engage your audience. For this reason, you may want to consider a few topics before settling on the one that allows you to be more descriptive and entertaining.

Another important factor when picking a persuasive speech topic is to choose one that can provoke your audience. If you stir up a little emotion in your audience members, you'll keep their attention. The list below is provided to help you brainstorm. Choose a topic from this list or use the list to generate an idea of your own.

  • Studying martial arts is good for mind and health.
  • Competitive sports can teach us about life.
  • Reality shows are exploiting people.
  • Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students.
  • The characteristics that make a person a hero.
  • It's important to grow things in a garden.
  • Violent video games are dangerous.
  • Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.
  • Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
  • Journal writing is therapeutic.
  • You should spend time with your grandparents.
  • A laptop is better than a tablet.
  • Religion and science can go hand in hand.
  • School uniforms are good.
  • All-female colleges and all-male colleges are bad.
  • Multiple choice tests are better than essay tests .
  • We should not spend money on space exploration.
  • Open-book tests are as effective as closed-book tests.
  • Security cameras keep us safer.
  • Parents should have access to students' grades.
  • Small classes are better than big classes.
  • You need to start saving for retirement now.
  • Credit cards are harmful to college students.
  • We should have a royal family.
  • We should protect endangered animals.
  • Texting while driving is dangerous.
  • You can write a novel.
  • Recycling should be required in the U.S.
  • State colleges are better than private colleges.
  • Private colleges are better than state colleges.
  • We should do away with penny coins.
  • Fast food containers hurt the environment.
  • Plastic straws are harmful to the environment.
  • You can eat and enjoy healthy snacks.
  • You can become a millionaire.
  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • You should own a bird.
  • It's unethical to keep birds in cages.
  • Liberal arts degrees prepare graduates to be better workers than other degrees.
  • Hunting animals should be banned.
  • Football is a dangerous sport.
  • School days should start later.
  • Night school is better than day school.
  • Technical training is better than a college degree.
  • Immigration laws should be more lenient.
  • Students should be able to choose their schools.
  • Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
  • Grass lawns should be prohibited.
  • Sharks should be protected.
  • We should do away with cars and go back to horse and carriage for transportation.
  • We should use more wind power.
  • We should pay more taxes.
  • We should do away with taxes.
  • Teachers should be tested like students.
  • We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries.
  • Every student should join a club.
  • Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
  • People should stay married for life.
  • Smoking in public should be illegal.
  • College students should live on campus .
  • Parents should let students fail.
  • Giving to charity is good.
  • Education makes us happier people.
  • T​he ​ death penalty should be outlawed.
  • Bigfoot is real.
  • We should increase train travel to save the environment.
  • We should read more classic books.
  • Fame is bad for young children.
  • Athletes should stay loyal to teams.
  • We should reform our prisons.
  • Juvenile offenders should not go to boot camps.
  • Abraham Lincoln was the best president.
  • Abraham Lincoln gets too much credit.
  • Students should be allowed to have cell phones in elementary, middle, and high school.
  • College student-athletes should be paid for playing.
  • Elderly citizens on fixed income should receive free public transportation.
  • Colleges and universities should be free to attend.
  • All American citizens should complete one year of community service.
  • Students should be required to take Spanish classes.
  • Every student should be required to learn at least one foreign language .
  • Marijuana should be legal for recreational use nationwide.
  • Commercial testing of products on animals should no longer be allowed.
  • High school students should be required to participate in at least one team sport.
  • The drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
  • Replacing fossil fuels with cheaper alternative energy options should be mandated.
  • Churches need to contribute their share of taxes.
  • The Cuba embargo should be maintained by the U.S.
  • America should replace income taxes with a nationwide flat tax.
  • Once they reach the age of 18, all U.S. citizens should be automatically registered to vote .
  • Doctor-assisted suicide should be legal.
  • Spammers—people who bombard the internet with unsolicited email—should be banned from sending junk mail.
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  • 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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Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas

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

Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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Article Contents 13 min read

The art of persuasion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unbiased Expertise

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are three potential goals of any persuasive speech:

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

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

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

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

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

Know your audience

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

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

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

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

Hook the audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

This sentence performs several tasks:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research and Arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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non controversial persuasive speech topics

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

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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 topics

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.

non controversial persuasive speech topics

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.

non controversial persuasive speech topics

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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Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

When given a task to come up with a persuasive speech , it is most often up to a student to pick the topic. Choosing the right topic for a persuasive speech is sometimes not such an easy thing to do as it may seem. The infinite choice often gets a student confused. Problem solution essay topics may help to clear things out.

In any case, it is always a better idea to work with a topic that is particularly close to you and that you have a genuine interest in, as opposed to just picking a random topic. Discussing something that you are familiar is not only more fun but also a lot easier.

To aid the student, we have compiled this long list of topics in a broad range of categories. The topics in our list vary greatly in their subjects but are equally engaging and exciting. We have included both classic persuasive speech topics done by millions of students and other people throughout the years – such as termination of pregnancy, firearm control, same-sex matrimony, public smoking, etc., as well as some of the more original that remain relatively uninvestigated – for now.

persuasive speech topics

Here we go:

PETS AND FAUNA

Is it better to adopt a pet from an animal nursery or to buy one at a pet store?

Do some pets pose a danger to the community?

Should the owner get rid of a pet that has done harm to someone else’s health?

Should more kinds of animals be tamed and turned into household pets?

Is battery farming ethical?

Is factory farming too cruel to be legal?

Why is adopting a kitten better than buying one?

Is it a good idea to breed pets for sale?

How having a pet makes our lives better?

What makes a dog a perfect pet?

How having a pet affects a child?

How can one benefit from having a snake as a pet?

Why is it better to neuter your pet?

The amazing advantages of having your own horse

How having a cat benefits you?

Why is it important to safeguard dolphin populations?

Why we should not adopt forest animals?

How come some animals face the threat of extinction and what should we do about it?

CARS AND TRANSPORTATION

Should the familiarity with manual transmission be obligatory for getting a driver’s license?

What courses should one take before one can get a driver’s license?

How effective and safe are booster seats for kids?

If one should use the phone while driving, should one at least call hands-free?

At what age should people be allowed to drive?

What makes texting while driving unsafe?

How effective is it when the police chase cars?

What makes cars made in Japan stand out?

Why one should not drive sports cars in everyday life?

Is it justified to charge people money for passing driving tests?

How to optimize the street traffic to ensure the safety of bicycle drivers?

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

How advertising can mess with our minds?

How can advertising be regulated to make it more ethical?

Why should a business understand its target group(s)?

CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT

Is it justified to detain people without any proper procedures if they are suspected of terrorism?

Is burning flags a valid form of protest?

Should silent prayers at schools be outlawed?

How should the government control and manage the turnover of alcohol and other narcotic substances?

Why should school students be given the right to refuse from prayers?

ECONOMIC ISSUES

Is it fair to tax imported goods extra?

Why is it important to buy locally manufactured or grown goods?

How free trade agreements affect the national employees?

Can a trade deficit have a dramatic effect on home economy?

Why is it possible and necessary to increase the income of workers?

Why is it necessary to test and re-certify school workers for their pedagogical skills on a regular basis?

Is it justified to offer free higher education to all applicants from financially challenged backgrounds?

Should high schools be put in charge for the college admission exams?

How should students caught cyberbullying be prevented or persecuted?

Should community service become an obligatory part of the high school curriculum?

Pros and cons of allowing school students to use their phones in school territory.

Should only honor roll students be allowed into school sports teams?

Why should art classes be enforced in all public schools?

Does it really make studying at a study hall less effective when you listen to music?

Why boys and girls mostly share classrooms these days and how this rule holds up?

Should soda and sweets be present in vending machines and on the menu at buffets in schools?

Is it justified to let gym grades affect the GPA?

Is it justified to shut down schools that underperform on test scores?

Should college admission officers run obligatory psychological tests on all applicants to evaluate them?

Should it be made illegal to drop students out?

Is it a good idea to complement the curriculum with obligatory life skill classes?

Should state schools be run only for taxpayers money?

Should we replace textbooks with laptops or tablets entirely?

How important is it to support education in other countries and why?

Is it effective to force underperforming students to repeat the class?

Should there be quotas for minorities when it comes to college admission?

Is it really necessary for every student to learn a foreign language in the USA?

Should students who are on school sports teams be free from the gym class?

Should computer science be made into a compulsory discipline?

Should the college be concerned about their students’ employment upon graduation?

Should creationism be taught at biology classes alongside evolution theory?

Is it outdated to count the given and received amounts of education in hours at class?

Should commercial advertisement at schools be allowed?

Do students have to ask for permission to go to the restroom?

Is it a good idea to add a handwriting class to the curriculum?

Would it make sense to start school an hour or two later in the morning?

Should students be allowed to leave campus for the lunch break?

Why a study hall is equal if not better than a traditional class today?

Can we justify a student who listens to music in class?

Should school field trips be restricted to our country?

Should there be a certain age before and after which one could not work as a teacher?

How many foreign languages should be taught to a student?

Is the implementation of new technologies at schools sufficient?

Why is music education essential?

Should college fraternities and sororities be expanded into high school?

Should the students' financial backgrounds influence the amount of financial aid that they earn by studying hard?

Is it necessary to add home economics to the compulsory curriculum?

Should more students be encouraged to choose Chinese as the foreign language to study?

The importance of studying Spanish at schools

If SAT scores don't influence the chance for being enrolled in college, then why do they exist?

The pros and cons of private schools as opposed to public schools

Does standardized testing truly contribute to equal opportunities?

Why should students be encouraged to take part in international exchange programs?

Why are some social groups deprived of proper education and why it needs to be fixed?

Is the PARCC test adequate and/or necessary?

How should children be prepared for school before they start it?

From which grade should study hall be introduced?

Should everyone try and go to college?

Why do the students get insufficient financial assistance?

What it takes to make high school education for one student possible?

Does the school year have enough time to fit all the curriculum?

Should anime be studied at schools?

Should higher education be made available for all the population?

Why is homework necessary?

Is the curriculum overloaded?

Is it a good idea to take a year off from studying?

Is the school buffet menu sufficient?

Should schools owe (and provide) the housing for their teachers and other employees?

Do we need more scholarships for minority groups?

Should we give more opportunities for alternative education?

Is education in prisons working?

How we benefit from accelerated learning?

Is education overpriced?

Should private education institutions be forced to offer scholarships of their own?

Is security at schools sufficient?

How can schools attract extra funding?

The ways to confront and prevent various kinds of violence at schools

The benefits of home education

Are training programs for adults adequate?

How many languages should an average student learn?

Should the Oxford comma be made optional?

NATURE PROTECTION

Are the existing regulations to protect the environment enough?

Should garden owners be allowed to grow exotic plants?

Why is it crucial to decrease the number of cars by enforcing public transportation?

Are we using our natural resources wisely?

The negative effects of pollution today

How making oil from algae will improve the environment?

Is hydraulic fracturing that dangerous?

Disposable diapers are a threat to nature

The positive effects of implementing hybrid cars

How is everyone personally responsible for protecting the nature?

How hazardous are oil spills to marine species?

Why we need to enforce recycling

The negative effects of single-use bags

How harmful is palm oil?

We need to preserve the environmentally sensitive regions

The long-run negative effects of oil drilling

Are fishing restrictions sufficient?

Why is it important to protect the rare species?

Alternative energy sources should be enforced more decisively

The regulation to protect ocean life are insufficient

How nature can benefit from reducing the use of paper?

Why the reckless use of natural resources is dangerous and why they should be conserved

ETHICAL ISSUES

Should women plumbers be paid the same as men plumbers?

Should we legalize euthanasia when doctors lack other options?

Are there better alternatives to death penalty?

Are stereotypes about certain social and other groups of people justified?

Is it necessary to test products on animals and/or humans before launching the mass production?

Should we try and influence our unborn children’s genetics?

Does donating to charities that help the poor improve the situation with poverty?

Why do women still have their genitals artificially deformed and why we should no longer take it

Why eating meat is not unethical

Why we should stop buying and wearing fur clothes

RAISING CHILDREN

Should parents be entitled to allow their underage children to drink alcohol and smoke?

Should there be parental guidance for music video clips and music television?

How harmful can watching R-Rated movies be for children?

Does it help to restrict teenagers from playing violent video games?

Why parents of child performers and sportspeople should be less pressing

Why family violence is never a good idea

How fairy tales help to raise a good person

The potential harm of playing R-rated video games

How daycare helps children to be social

Why children should listen to their parents

Why children should stay away from chat rooms in the Internet

Why we need to raise awareness about family violence

The harm we do by lying to children about Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Toothfairy, etc.

Why women should not monopolize the pink color

FINANCE-RELATED ISSUES

Why should people be banned to wear hats and sunglasses at banks?

Why student loans need to be marked off in most instances

Why casinos at reservations are not as good idea as they seem

Is labeling genetically modified foods really helpful?

Why banning alcohol from being advertised on TV did not help?

Should every kid know how to cook?

Should cooking classes be added to the school curriculum?

Better things to do with unsold food products than throwing them to the garbage

Is adding sugar to food necessary?

How growing our own crops can improve our health and environment

Is there enough fruit and vegetables in our diet?

Genetically engineered food products are the future of humanity

How we underestimate peanuts

The amazing effects of drinking orange juice regularly

Are farmers’ markets that we have enough?

Can we get rid of the disease by switching our diets to exclusively organic food products?

Are the artificial chemicals in our food products that harmful?

STATE CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY

Should the Internet be controlled more strictly?

Should there be state-run websites where companies would be obligated to write about all of their job openings?

Is it the responsibility of the state to take care of the homeless?

Should the schools run by religious institutions get the taxpayers’ money?

Barack Obama’s portrait on newer dollar bills

How likely is Puerto Rico to be recognized as the 51 st State?

The imperfections of the US legislative system

Can the state interfere with what people choose to eat and drink?

How inflated is the military budget?

Should the state offer aid to everyone who claims they need it?

Where should we draw the line between local and federal governing?

Why are railroads so ineffective in the USA?

Local authorities neglect the problem of potholes

Are there any valid reasons for practicing eminent domain today?

Why drug-restricting regulations keep failing

Why is the zoning legislation ridiculous in its core

Should parents be informed if their underage daughter chooses to make an abortion?

Should aborted fetuses be utilized for genetic research?

At what age does it become healthy to use contraceptive medical treatment?

The American healthcare system is largely flawed and needs thorough revision

Does free distribution of condoms at schools improve the situation of sex-related problems among children of school age?

Exercise as an easy way to avoid health problems

All restaurants serving potentially allergenic ingredients in their meals should inform their customers thereof properly

How harmful fast food really is?

Why medical research would be rendered ineffective without animal testing

How effective are seat belts to prevent lethal casualties in traffic accidents?

How diabetes may affect your performance at work

The unpleasant consequences of skipping breakfasts

Is healthy fast food possible?

Is sex ed at schools effective?

Why we should consume as little salt as possible

Do we eat too much meat?

Why is the importance of good sleep underestimated?

School kids need to be educated about the prevention of rape and other sexual misconduct

How much soda can one drink without causing any damage to one’s health?

How junk food can be improved not to be junk

What happens if one works for several years without a good vacation

Why is it important to pick the right toothpaste

We consume too much sugar

Do we need more strict regulations regarding the advertisement of drugs?

Can we lower the percentage of suicides by legalizing euthanasia?

The underused potential of electroconvulsive treatment

The effective methods to withstand stress factors

The negative long-term and short-term effects of steroids for farm animals

Pros and cons of donating organs

The dangers of homeopathic treatment

The dangers of anti-vaccination ideology

How sleepwalking can be fatal

The hidden threat of vaporizers

The myth of electronic cigarettes being less harmful than tobacco

Why we should be skeptical about diet pills

What is Red Cross day for?

How donating blood benefits the society and you

The underestimated importance of drinking enough water

How to maintain a healthy diet without overdoing it

How few people can do a CPR

How you endanger others by smoking

Are there any 'easy' tips for staying fit?

Why and how should society confront mass obesity

Why are healthy food products too expensive?

The misused potential of gluten

How little do we know about side effects of popular drugs?

Do doctors get enough wages?

How high heels are bad for one's health

How we endanger ourselves by using tanning beds

Why prescription drugs need to be more accessible

The real and mythical dangers of smoking

Easy steps to keep your teeth healthy

Medical studies are dramatically underfunded

How to develop healthy everyday life habits

How laughing improves your health

Bike helmets save lives and should not be neglected

How having good friends can literally save your life

The deeds of the AA should be more advertised and appreciated

Medical care needs to be more accessible

How contraceptive treatment saves lives

Infectious diseases can be prevented more effectively

The health benefits of dark chocolate

Why positive thinking is good for you

How stomach stapling is being overused

Is it safer to chew tobacco than to smoke it?

Driving without seatbelts should be punished more severely

Do we know enough about food additives?

Until what age should mothers breastfeed their children?

Is binge drinking as great of a menace as it used to be?

Should teenage pregnancy be prevented?

What new factors cause teenage suicide?

Do we know enough about fire safety precautions?

Why people should donate their organs?

How to prolong your life without medical interference?

HISTORY IN GENERAL AND IN DETAIL

Did the USA drug their soldiers in Vietnam without their consent?

Do we know enough about the important figures from the African-American history?

What makes Abraham Lincoln a role model for all Presidents?

Why no nation should revise their history?

Why so many people believe that Neil Armstrong did not land on the Moon?

CROSS-CULTURAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

The USA should involve in international processes less

The actual dictatorships supported by the USA government

Should Catalunya be independent from Spain?

How independent can a country be?

Why should every nation seek to be independent in terms of energy sources

Is nuclear disarmament moving too slowly?

The USA should have never invaded Iraq

Is the UN as effective as it is supposed to be?

Whose responsibility is it to enforce human rights in regions where they are violated?

LEGAL ISSUES

How should drunk drivers be punished adequately?

Should we outlaw using a cellphone while driving?

Should any unauthorized use of music and films be outlawed?

Should an illegal immigrant be able to pass the driving test and get a license?

Should we outlaw driving motorbikes without helmets?

Should elderly people be allowed to drive?

What should be the legal age for driving?

Is it dangerous to keep the possession of deadly weapons legal?

Does forbidding the use of explicit vocabulary on TV in the daytime help its cause?

Is owing exotic pets regulated well enough legally?

Should one be able to sue a fast food joint if they become obese?

Would it help to introduce additional taxation for unhealthy food products?

It to rightful to outlaw public smoking?

Should English remain the only universally official language of the USA?

Why do some groups of people argue that abortion should be illegal and punishable?

Should gambling remain legal?

Do same-sex couples deserve to be granted the same rights as traditional ones?

Should being in a moving car without a fastened seatbelt be punishable more severely?

Is the current voting age justified or should it be lowered?

Should being too loud be considered a crime?

Should bullying be considered a full-scale crime?

Should recycling become mandatory?

Is it a good idea to legalize medicinal marijuana?

At what age should people become eligible for Social Security?

Was it a mistake to legalize abortions?

Is the current immigration legislation wise and fair?

The restriction of smoking in public places violates rights of citizens

Should military (or navy) service be mandatory for all the US citizens?

Why are laws against drunk driving ineffective?

Why same-sex couples should be granted same rights as other couples

Should it be legal for everyone to hunt

Is having death penalty as a practicable punishment justified today?

Should it be completely outlawed to employ the underage at any kinds of work?

LITERARY STUDIES

In what ways are books better than TV?

The positive impact of the likes of Twilight and Fifty Shades of Gray

Why is reading a good idea

Why media promotes certain beauty standards and how harmful it is

Do younger generations actually degrade due to the influence of the TV?

Should the teenage-oriented media be more careful about the messages they send to their audiences?

Has the Star Wars franchise and lore benefited after being acquired by Disney?

Children would treat TV more critically if Photography was studied at schools

Should age restrictions for TV shows be stricter?

How comic books are useful

How educational are educational TV shows?

Should TV be more education-oriented?

Public broadcasters are critically underfinanced

Violence, nudity and coarse language on TV needs to be regulated more strictly

The Cable TV market is too monopolized

How guitar music is better than synthetic

Lyrics in songs should not be censored

Music is the easiest and the most effective way to lighten up

How music contributes both to the individual and to the society

Music in MP3 format should be free as a promo material, whereas music in better sound quality formats should be for sale

POLITICAL ISSUES

Why is it dangerous to allow political parties to accept financial donations from large corporations?

The importance of every vote

Politicians should at least be fined for using personal abuse rhetoric

Why Bernie Sanders lost the primaries

LIFE SKILLS

Survival basics that everybody needs to know

Few simple rules of camping for everyone

How being clean affects your personal and professional life and wellbeing

PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

How much is intelligence pre-determined genetically?

To what extent does our environment influence who we are

Can a “shrink” be trusted?

What is the purpose of love in our lives?

How much does your feeling of happiness depend on your financial state of affairs?

PERSONAL ISSUES

Are long-distance relationships possible via online means?

Are words of love gender-biased?

It is possible to maintain a relationship being far away from one another

How to know the person for real before marrying?

RELIGION AND SPIRITUAL ISSUES

Should religion studies be included in the curriculum of public schools?

Can students from religious backgrounds make their prayers at schools?

Why most religions are not ready to allow women be priests

Why are religious conflicts the fiercest?

Why every religion claims to be peaceful?

Why fundamentalist movements arise

How we decide whether a certain cult is dangerous

Why it is important to allow people practicing their religion or lack thereof

SELF-IMPROVEMENT

How to confront stress and depression using art

Zeal is the most important factor in mastering anything

Why we should not overthink our lives

Is there any 'simple' time management advice for everyone?

How to benefit from stressful situations

How your looks influences your success

Why personal development is never enough

Confidence is crucial to any undertaking

Being persistent will help you achieve any results

EVERYDAY LIFE

Should obese people be forced to pay for two seats at public transport or entertainment venues?

Would it be effective to restrict the number of children in an American family to a certain number?

Is it justified to obligate residents to clear their adjacent sidewalks from snow?

Will we get rid of drunk driving if we appoint a responsible police officer to every pub?

Is it justified to present senior citizens with free use of public transportation?

Is it a good idea to make a certain period of community service compulsory for every US citizen?

Should we join the rest of the world and adopt the metric system?

How should we deal with people who refuse to stand up for the pledge?

Is it the responsibility of a good municipal government to arrange free Wi-Fi spots all over the city?

What makes urban life better than the countryside one?

Why it is important to stay open-minded at all times

Should an education worker give up on a “hard” kid in favor of the rest of the class?

Internet connection should be free of charge for everyone

Paparazzi and stalkers violate privacy of other people too often

Human life has improved a great deal in past 100 years

Why stereotypes exist?

Why raising awareness about feminism and gender studies is crucial

Is it ethical to aim marketing campaigns to underage audiences?

Should convicts be able to practice their right to vote?

How justified is Social Darwinism?

Why are jails so overcrowded with convicts in the US?

Are the currently running campaigns against poverty effective?

Is it possible to prolong weekends by one day without compromising working efficiency?

Are imposed gender roles a thing of the past?

The implications of traditional "trick or treat" custom

Should the state provide homes to lonely senior citizens for free?

Why are public restrooms so messy and what should be done about it?

Are genetically modified food products really that harmful?

Bullying is a destructive social factor

Society imposes downright dangerous beauty standards

Being polite will get you everywhere

Why buying at Walmart should be avoided

How to bring good to your community right now

Lack of fair-priced residences is a serious problem

The holidays are too short for no good reason

What makes propaganda a hazardous weapon?

How excessive wealth corrupts people

Why elderly people need the opportunity to use public transportation for free?

How public transportation system can be improved

Why everyone should contribute to the community

Why should all the homeless be assisted with finding homes

Cyberbullying is a serious threat

What you achieve by supporting charities

People can and should retire at an older age than they used to

Censorship is suffocating the emerging information society

Foster parenthood should be more advertised and encouraged

The real reasons for equality

How can we help children with single parents

How to tame corruption at a country level

Why it is important to buy local goods

Security alarms are a simple thing that can improve our lives drastically

The importance of alternative penitentiary options

Lawsuits are becoming a circus and profanate the very legislative system

Poverty cannot be dealt with unless we invest more resources into the social system

Working hours in pubs need to be reconsidered

Police should be the last place to come across corruption

The society should show more support to non-working single parents

Female workers still usually have to work at lower wages than their male colleagues, and it is a big problem

Cosmetic surgery is abused as a result of poor regulation

Senior citizens today need more care than ever

Why some companies still maintain the infamous tradition of racial profiling

How can we enforce more respect to people’s privacy

Why the struggle for women equality advances so slowly

Why relations between various ethnic groups still leave much to be desired

Mass media are biased and subjective

Should support crew such as marching bands and mascots be regarded as sportspeople?

Is bike sharing more than just a fresh trend?

Should college team players be treated as professional sportspeople and be rewarded financially?

Are school teams overfinanced?

Why are women sports less interesting to the media?

Why drug tests for professional sportspeople are still not a must?

Is it fair that sportspeople earn such tremendous amounts of money?

Sports is about pushing yourself to the edge, and not about defeating others

Is it justified to reflect ethnical-cultural details in team names and other attributes?

Are cheerleaders as good sportspeople as others?

Why even the most professional team would have no chance with a name like Yellowfaces?

Why sports get so much attention?

Gym classes should be more focused on practical physical skills like swimming

Why professional sports should remain privately financed?

Are the existing safety precautions for athletes sufficient?

Physical training is overrated

Sure, as we know from diagnostic essay page, with such a huge variety of topics to choose from, picking just one may be a challenge. As we already mentioned, the trick is to pick a subject that appeals to you personally. This is one of the surest ways to approach any academic paper because it's going to be way more interesting to research the subject and because writing the actual paper will quite a lot of fun!

Still, figuring out the best topic for your essay is not your only concern as a student. The next step would be crafting a compelling thesis statement. As a rule, essay writers present their thesis at the end of the introductory paragraph. Further on, you will base your paper on this statement, so choose wisely.

> The best tip on constructing a great thesis statement would be to choose something that is not too obvious. This way, you will have a chance to hook your reader and make him/her interested in what you have to say on the topic.

The number of body paragraphs will mostly depend on the length of your paper. Normally, having three major arguments to prove your point is enough for a convincing paper. This, in its turn, will give you three body paragraphs, each starting with its own point. Make sure to use logical transitions between the paragraphs, though - do not just skip from one issue to another.

The last (and usually, the fifth) paragraph of your paper is the conclusion. Here, it is very important to restate your thesis statement. But remember - you should not do it word for word. The main point of a quality conclusion is to summarise everything you have written and prove your thesis statement either right (this is the most common approach) or wrong (it may sometimes happen in argumentative papers).

All in all, you can see that writing a persuasive essay is no brain surgery. Still, it would be hard to argue that the process requires quite a bit of time and concentration. Plus, if you are assigned a persuassive paper topics in one of the minor subjects, it may often be challenging to take some time off the subjects you're majoring in. Fortunately for you, there is always a way out. In this particular case, custom writing is the perfect solution that saves time and effort.

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

non controversial persuasive speech topics

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

Other Questions

126. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 127. Should Public Transit Be Free? 128. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 129. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 130. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend?

Persuasive Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics

Cathy A.

Good Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas for Debaters

18 min read

persuasive speech topics

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Are you stuck searching for persuasive speech ideas that will truly grab your audience's attention? You're not alone.

Picture this: You're tasked with delivering a speech, and you're worried about making it memorable. The problem? Finding the right topic.

Fear not! We've gathered a number of persuasive speech topics, neatly categorized for your convenience. Whether it's for a competition or a project, we've got the right topics for you.

So let’s dive into the topics!

Arrow Down

  • 1. What is a Persuasive Speech?
  • 2. Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
  • 3. Science and Technology Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 4. Environment Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 5. Health and Medicine Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 6. Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 7. Bioethics Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 8. Economy and Work Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 9. Persuasive Speech Topics About Media
  • 10. Persuasive Speech Topics About Government and International Relations
  • 11. Policy Speech Topics for Students
  • 12. Law and Politics Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 13. Persuasive Speech Topics on Business
  • 14. Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 15. Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 16. Religion Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 17. Sports Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 18. Persuasive Speech Topics About Automotive
  • 19. Persuasive Speech Topics About Travel 
  • 20. Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion
  • 21. Easy Persuasive Speech Topics About Education
  • 22. Persuasive Speech Topics About Workplace
  • 23. Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 24. Funny Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 25. Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals
  • 26. Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 27. What Makes A Good Persuasive Speech Topic?
  • 28. How To Create And Deliver A Compelling Persuasive Speech

What is a Persuasive Speech?

A persuasive speech aims to influence or convince an audience to adopt a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. It's all about using words to sway opinions, inspire change, and ignite a spark of conviction in the minds of listeners.

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

When crafting a persuasive speech, it's crucial to consider the three fundamental elements that make a topic truly compelling that are;   ethos pathos, and logos :

  • Ethos: Establish your credibility and trustworthiness as a speaker. Your audience needs to believe that you are knowledgeable, sincere, and reliable in your stance.
  • Pathos: Appeal to the emotions and empathy of your listeners. A persuasive topic should evoke feelings and resonate with the audience on a personal level.
  • Logos: Build a logical and rational argument. Provide sound reasoning, evidence, and facts to support your position, ensuring that your audience can follow your line of thought.

Incorporating these elements into your speech topic will help you connect with your audience and effectively convey your message with conviction and impact.

Watch this video to learn how to organize a persuasive speech!

Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

Wondering what some good topics for a persuasive speech are? 

It can be hard to choose a perfect topic for your speech. But don’t worry, we have done the hard work for you. Just keep reading this blog, and you will get to know what are the good topics for persuasive speech.

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics for University Students

  • Graffiti is the art of the future.
  • A helmet is necessary for bike riders.
  • People should not use their phones while driving.
  • Easy steps for staying happy and healthy.
  • Money can’t buy happiness.
  • Wild animals should be tamed.
  • Why we should have a balanced diet.
  • Benefits of exercise. 
  • Why should Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving?
  • We should learn from the wisdom of our elders.

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

  • College education should be free for students belonging to low-income families.
  • Psychological issues can never justify mass shootings.
  • Following one’s comfort level is more important than the following fashion.
  • Bragging about expensive possessions depicts immorality.
  • The tax rate should be double for rich people.
  • College students should be regularly provided with mental health counseling.
  • Classrooms should have background music to help the students focus on learning in a better manner.
  • Should athletes be paid less? 
  • Cell phones should not be allowed in classrooms.
  • People should not be allowed to change their names after high school.

Best Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

  • Exchange programs make the students more appreciative of the world and different communities.
  • Working part-time on weekends should be compulsory for teenagers.
  • Introverts are the best motivational speakers.
  • Modern youth have developed addictive personalities.
  • Religious discussions should not be allowed in schools.
  • Students should learn at least three foreign languages.
  • Writing research papers is a better way of learning than tests.
  • Money cannot ensure happiness.
  • Positive thinking makes life easier and happier.
  • Violent video games should be banned in the United States.

Science and Technology Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The ethics of artificial intelligence.
  • The impact of 5G technology.
  • Space exploration and its value.
  • Climate change mitigation technologies.
  • Privacy in the digital age.
  • The future of renewable energy.
  • Genetic engineering and ethical dilemmas.
  • Cybersecurity in the modern world.
  • The impact of social media on society.
  • The role of technology in education.

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Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The importance of recycling.
  • Protecting endangered species.
  • Reducing plastic waste.
  • The impact of deforestation.
  • Promoting sustainable agriculture.
  • The need for clean energy.
  • Combating air pollution.
  • Conserving water resources.
  • The urgency of addressing climate change.
  • Preserving natural habitats.

Health and Medicine Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The importance of vaccination.
  • Mental health awareness.
  • The benefits of organic food.
  • Healthcare for all.
  • The opioid crisis.
  • The impact of fast food on health.
  • The need for more organ donors.
  • Alternative medicine options.
  • Obesity and its effects.
  • Access to affordable healthcare.

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Organic foods are good for health.
  • Junk food should be avoided to protect ourselves.
  • A morning walk is essential for good health.
  • A healthy diet has some great effects on the mind’s health.
  • College cafes should offer only healthy foods.
  • Alcohol and tobacco products have bad effects on health.
  • People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to die early.
  • Animal testing in medical research should be legalized.
  • The amazing effects of eating a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits regularly.
  • Why is dieting not a good option to lose weight?

Bioethics Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Bioethics in medical research: Standardized testing of ethical standards.
  • Cloning and ethical concerns: Different points of view.
  • Organ transplantation ethics: Examining various perspectives.
  • End-of-life decisions and ethical dilemmas.
  • Genetic testing dilemmas.
  • Animal testing and ethics.
  • Reproductive technologies: Ethical considerations.
  • Privacy in healthcare and ethical principles.
  • Human enhancement ethics.
  • Ethical standards in environmental issues.

Economy and Work Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Universal basic income for economic stability.
  • The impact of automation on jobs.
  • Raising the minimum wage.
  • The gig economy and worker rights.
  • Reducing income inequality.
  • The future of remote work.
  • The benefits of financial literacy education.
  • Global outsourcing and job loss.
  • The importance of supporting small businesses.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Media

  • Advertisements should not be aimed at children.
  • How the media is encouraging cyberbullying.
  • The media is responsible for the moral degradation of teenagers.
  • Certain TV shows should have an age restriction.
  • How the media is helping to prevent corruption.
  • Media could become an educational resource.
  • The media is to be blamed for eating disorders.
  • The media should not promote certain beauty standards.
  • How advertising helps in promoting the product.
  • Freedom of the press has gone too far.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Government and International Relations

  • The impact of social media on modern diplomacy
  • Should countries abandon national borders and embrace global citizenship?
  • The role of international organizations in promoting world peace
  • Government surveillance vs. personal privacy: finding the balance
  • The pros and cons of foreign aid: are we really helping?
  • Challenges of cybersecurity in an interconnected world
  • The power of economic sanctions in international diplomacy
  • Climate change: a global responsibility for every nation
  • The role of the United Nations in resolving global conflicts
  • Is globalization benefiting or harming developing nations?

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Policy Speech Topics for Students

  • Ban car racing in mass pollution areas.
  • Domestic Violence Drug Policy.
  • Equal Employment Opportunities.
  • Sexist images of women should be banned.
  • Smokers should be treated like drug addicts.
  • What should be the minimum age for the voter?
  • Why should meals in school be free?
  • Why invading North Korea is a no-go plan.
  • Stop clothing and textile sweatshops.
  • Punish severely pupils taking drugs.

Law and Politics Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Charity is used as the source of converting black money into white money.
  • Detaining people on the suspicion of terrorism is justified.
  • Military service should not be compulsory.
  • Physician-assisted suicide should be a punishable crime.
  • Violent crime offenders should be sentenced to death.
  • Illegal immigrants should be instantly deported.
  • Foreigners should not be allowed to buy the property.
  • Surveillance should not compromise the privacy of the citizens.
  • Rapists and pedophiles should be hanged to death immediately.
  • Burning sketches and flags during protests should be punished.

Persuasive Speech Topics on Business

  • Why should businesses analyze their target groups?
  • How do social media advertising techniques work?
  • How to start a business with a little investment?
  • Why should you not do business with a family member?
  • Why do introverts make good leaders?
  • Why does the HR department need to be polite and understanding?
  • Why do sales and customer service departments need to be paid more?
  • What does it take to be a successful businessman?
  • What are small businesses successful and profitable?
  • How to do business analysis before starting a business?

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should schools still teach cursive handwriting?
  • Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
  • What is the best type of renewable energy?
  • The danger of texting and driving.
  • Why should you buy a Japanese car?
  • Why should alcohol be illegal?
  • More recycling should be encouraged.
  • The trade deficit with China is dangerous.
  • Should only native plants be grown in gardens?

Arts and Culture Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Modern art lacks authenticity.
  • Can action movies cause stress?
  • Importance of art and culture
  • The effectiveness of art and music therapy
  • Should graffiti be considered art?
  • Should art and music therapy be required for students?
  • Should all students be required to learn an instrument in school?
  • Is music therapy effective?
  • Should art be necessary for students?
  • Importance of performing arts 

Religion Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The role of religion in modern society.
  • Religious freedom and its limits.
  • The impact of religion on mental health.
  • The relationship between science and religion.
  • Religious tolerance and coexistence.
  • The influence of religion on politics.
  • The rise of non-religious beliefs.
  • Religious rituals and their significance.
  • The effects of organized religion on individuals.
  • Exploring the concept of the afterlife.

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

  • College players should be treated as professional players.
  • Professional sports should be financed privately.
  • Drug tests should be compulsory in all professional sports.
  • The support crew should be considered sportspeople.
  • Media and society are less interested in women's sports.
  • Cheerleaders cannot compare with professional players.
  • Safety precautions for athletes should be upgraded.
  • Team names should not reflect ethnic and cultural affiliations.
  • Sports means depicting your limit and not winning or defeating.
  • Professional female players should get more opportunities for financial support than male players.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Automotive

  • The minimum driving age should be 18.
  • Everyone should take driving courses.
  • What are the best car seats for pets?
  • Drivers should avoid the usage of cell phones while driving.
  • You should drive in your lane.
  • Watch out for animals on the road while driving.
  • How to travel with your pet?
  • Are sports cars really dangerous?
  • Bike and bicycle riders should wear helmets.
  • Why are Japanese cars in trend nowadays?

Persuasive Speech Topics About Travel 

  • The perks of being an air hostess.
  • Tourism is ruining historical places.
  • Traveling should be cheaper.
  • Pets should be allowed to travel with their owner.
  • You should visit a new place every six months.
  • Switzerland is the most beautiful place on the face of this earth.
  • Why you should not visit the Bermuda Triangle.
  • Tourism plays an important role in presenting a better image of a country.
  • How to travel to Mars?
  • Airline tickets should be cheaper.

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Persuasive Speech Topics About Music & Fashion

  • Should white people listen to rap?
  • Jazz is an extinct music genre.
  • Good song lyrics can inspire people.
  • How do fashion trends differ in society?
  • Jewelry defines your worth
  • Marketing high fashion.
  • Men shouldn’t wear pink
  • Music has its own language
  • Fashion and music are different from each other
  • Fashion and music of 1987

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

  • School or college bullies should be rusticated immediately.
  • Coeducation makes students more competitive.
  • Homosexuals should have separate educational institutes.
  • Online teaching is not as constructive as regular teaching.
  • Kids should be taught ethics and moral values in school.
  • Schoolkids should be taught about the prevention of rape.
  • Sex education must be compulsory in high school.
  • How can we make social media more educational?
  • Teachers should take a basic skill test every year to renew their certifications.
  • Poor students should get a free college education.

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Persuasive Speech Topics About Workplace

  • Interns should always be paid for their work.
  • Part-time workers should have the legal right to claim annual paid leave.
  • How to deal with bullying in the workplace?
  • A friendly environment is important for the growth of a company.
  • Everyone should do a retail job once in their life.
  • Hardworking employees should be rewarded with performance awards.
  • All employees should get basic first aid training.
  • Everyone should learn basic survival skills.
  • The theory has no importance if it can’t be implemented.
  • Personal hygiene is essential for good health.

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Energy drinks are far away from providing energy.
  • Watching television is more beneficial than reading books.
  • Health benefits and transport facilities should be free for senior citizens.
  • Confidence is the key to success.
  • Urban life is more tiring and energy-consuming than rural life.
  • Neutral behavior is the best coping mechanism.
  • The first impression is never the last impression.
  • Little conflicts strengthen and make relationships healthier.
  • Credit cards should not be issued to people under 30.
  • All US citizens should do community service.

Great Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

  • Nuclear disarmament is necessary to restore world peace.
  • The salaries of single parents should be higher than for other employees.
  • Cyberbullying is the major cause of suicide among youngsters.
  • Stalkers and paparazzi should be sentenced to life in prison.
  • Genetically modified food products are less nutritious than natural products.
  • Why can’t we quit fossil fuels?
  • Birth control pills worsen the health of women.
  • Everyone should donate blood at least once a year.
  • The media should not promote beauty standards.
  • Foster parents’ homes should be regularly inspected.

Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

  • The zoo or aquarium should not be closed on public holidays.
  • Uniforms should not be mandatory for public schools.
  • Schools should have a free period for video games.
  • My pet is very obedient.
  • Why shouldn't kids play R-rated games?
  • Why can't kids be Santa?
  • Why do I love my dad more than I love my mom?
  • Where babies come from.
  • The worst fruit on the earth.
  • How do rainbows work?

Persuasive Speech Topics Related to Food and Beverages

  • Kids should not eat fast food.
  • People are required to learn cooking skills.
  • There should be a period for cooking in school and college.
  • Benefits of growing our own vegetables.
  • Benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Why we need to stay away from processed foods.
  • Frozen foods are not good for health.
  • Energy drinks do not provide any energy.
  • Artificial sugary drinks should be replaced with fruit juices.
  • An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Funny pick-up lines help in the development of a serious relationship.
  • Endless memes can be made on my mother.
  • Life is troublesome due to your horoscope.
  • Girls are more interested in diamonds than makeup.
  • Guys are more interested in sports than their girlfriends.
  • You are not enjoying student life if you do not procrastinate.
  • It is your major duty to annoy your parents.
  • Life is useless without indulging in troubles without your friends.
  • Guys are more interested in gossip than girls.
  • Never add your parents on Facebook.

Want to leave your audience entertained? Click the link and enjoy a list of entertaining speech topics !

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

  • Taming wild and exotic animals is unethical.
  • Emotional support animals provide several health benefits.
  • Animals should have protection laws.
  • Why do bunnies make the perfect pet even for a small apartment?
  • Why do animals make the best companions?
  • The benefits of pets.
  • Why should emotionally disabled people have emotional support animals?
  • How do service animals differ from emotional support animals?
  • Why are dogs more loyal than humans?
  • How do birds and fishes provide support to emotionally disturbed people?

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Animal testing of drugs is necessary for ensuring the safety of humanity.
  • Cosmetic surgery, being an unhealthy obsession, should be banned.
  • Human behavior is the product of society and not of nature.
  • The death penalty is the only solution for controlling the crime rate in society.
  • The legal age for drinking, driving, and voting should be set at eighteen years.
  • Corruption and bribery run in today’s economy.
  • Do you think immigration laws need to be revised?
  • Job Discrimination based on Hair Color/Style.
  • Our constitution should protect hate speech.
  • Regulations on applying safety devices.

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Family traditions are important.
  • We are over-scheduling our kids
  • How to run a family business?
  • What is the most beneficial parenting style, and why?
  • Why do I love my family?
  • Should schools do more to teach family values?
  • Families should start every morning with yoga.
  • Laws for child abuse
  • Parents should teach their children to stay polite
  • It’s okay to say no to children.

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What Makes A Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

To craft an effective persuasive speech, consider the following key factors:

  • Relevance: Choose a topic that is current and matters to your audience. It should be relatable to their lives and interests.
  • Controversy: Controversial subjects often make for compelling speeches. They engage the audience and spark discussions.
  • Credible Sources: Ensure that you have access to reliable information and sources to support your arguments.
  • Audience Understanding: Consider the beliefs and values of your audience. Tailor your topic to resonate with them.
  • Clarity of Position: Your stance should be clear and concise. Ambiguity can weaken your persuasive impact.

How To Create And Deliver A Compelling Persuasive Speech

The following principles will help you choose persuasive topics effectively and deliver speeches that leave a lasting impact on your audience.

  • Research Thoroughly: Gather robust evidence and data to support your claims. The more you know, the more convincing you'll be.
  • Structure Your Speech: Organize your speech with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This structure helps your audience follow your arguments.
  • Craft Engaging Openings: Begin with a captivating hook, a story, or a startling fact to grab your audience's attention.
  • Use Persuasive Techniques: Employ ethos, pathos, and logos to appeal to reason, emotions, and credibility.
  • Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and refute them logically.
  • Practice and Feedback: Rehearse your speech multiple times and seek feedback to improve your delivery.
  • Confidence: Believe in your message, and your audience will be more likely to as well.
  • Engage the Audience: Encourage participation, ask questions, and use rhetorical devices to keep your audience involved.
  • End with a Call to Action: Conclude with a clear call to action, telling your audience what you want them to do or believe.

Let’s sum it up!

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205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

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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.

controversial speech topics

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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Lindsay Ann Learning English Teacher Blog

Your Key to Success: Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

fun-persuasive-speech-topics

February 3, 2020 //  by  Lindsay Ann //   1 Comment

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Teaching argumentation and persuasion skills is an important part of the English curriculum. It doesn’t have to be all grind and no fun, though. Having these fun persuasive speech topics ready-to-go may be just the formative assessment, impromptu speech assignment, or team-building activity that you need!

I’ve found that speech-making using unique topics for speech to persuade an audience can be a fun way to engage students even during an argumentative writing or rhetorical analysis unit. 

And speech topics to persuade don’t have to be the traditional, one-by-one, in front of the class type of speech.

  • Students can use Vocaroo , Canva, or even Flip to record. 
  • Alternatively, students can create mockumentaries, infomercials, vlogs, or campaign speeches using WeVideo . 
  • Or, have students write and share a complaint letter , sell a random object to a random audience , advocate to save a silly law , or write an emotion letter .

These speaking activities provide nontraditional ways to formatively assess students’ grasp of claim and counterclaim, as well as rhetorical appeals and devices. 

As a bonus, these persuasive activities can be quite entertaining.

Have you ever heard a teenager try to sell a Michael Scott bobblehead to the retired whale watchers society? I rest my case.

Persuasive speech topics non controversial

Another fun and non-controversial speech activity is to assign students to take a frivolous lawsuit to trial. Because these cases are so off-the-wall bizarre, taking the cases to trial proves to be interesting and engaging for students. 

Take, for example, the case of the woman who spilled McDonald’s coffee on her leg. Should she receive compensation? Individuals or teams of students take sides, do a bit of research on the original frivolous lawsuit, figure out an angle, conduct more research (such as regular coffee temperature, past McDonald’s lawsuits, etc.), and prepare arguments as the defense or prosecution. This speech topics to persuade assignment never disappoints!

Persuasive Speech Topics Lists

In the event that you are still looking for a more traditional list of fun persuasive speech topics high school students will love , I’ve got you covered. 

This list of 91 persuasive speech ideas will save you hours of trolling the interwebs searching for just the right topics. I’ve even categorized them for you. Easy peasy.

Persuasive speech topics funny

  • SpongeBob SquarePants would make a better President than Mickey Mouse.
  • The chicken crossed the road because…
  • Square is the new circle.
  • Sleeping is a competitive sport. 
  • Bulldogs are better than sheepdogs. 
  • Guilt tastes better than fear.
  • I should receive a gold medal for ___________.
  • Smartphones are portals to another dimension.
  • It’s dangerous to own a pet slug. 
  • We are aliens. 
  • Cats should run the world.  
  • Is Shakespeare dead? 
  • Sisters are better than brothers. 
  • Humpty Dumpty is not a tragedy. 
  • How to avoid embarrassment 
  • Three-year-olds are secret spies. 
  • Squirrels are evil.
  • My _________ would win a ___________ contest.
  • _________ is more interesting than _________.  
  • Children should rule the world.
  • E-vacations can replace real ones.

Persuasive speech topics on sports

  • Notre Dame football is really a cult. 
  • Phil Jackson is the greatest coach of all time. 
  • The NFL should tighten concussion rules. 
  • Is ballet an art form or a sport? 
  • Instant replay is hurting the game.
  • Fans should be censored.
  • Ads should be on jerseys. 
  • College athletes should be paid. 
  • The NBA is better than the NHL.
  • College athletes should put academics before athletics.

fun-persuasive-speech-topics

Persuasive speech topics on health

  • Parents should be required to feed children healthy food. 
  • Milk does a body good. 
  • Flu shots should be mandatory. 
  • Public schools should educate children about mental health issues. 
  • GMO foods are less healthy than natural foods.
  • Energy drinks should be labeled as a “drug.”
  • Organ donation should be mandatory. 
  • Healthcare should be accessible for all. 
  • Physical education should not be required in public schools.
  • Smoking in public should be banned.

Persuasive speech topics on animals

  • Pet ownership teaches responsibility. 
  • Americans love their pets more than humans. 
  • Declawing is inhumane. 
  • Humans need animals in order to be healthy. 
  • It is selfish to own more than one pet. 
  • Dogs are better than cats. 
  • If an animal bites someone, it should be euthanized.
  • Wild animals should stay wild.
  • Using animals in medical research is necessary. 
  • Antibiotics should not be given to animals.

Persuasive speech topics on music

  • Teachers should play music in their classrooms to help students focus. 
  • Every child should be required to play an instrument for at least one year.
  • Music is the best form of communication.
  • Music with offensive lyrics should not be played on the radio. 
  • Taylor Swift is a better singer than Ariana Grande. 
  • Musical genres don’t even matter anymore. 
  • “Let it Be” is the most overrated Beatles song. 
  • Beyonce is a cult leader. 
  • Marilyn Manson is the most disturbing figure in music history. 
  • Streaming music harms the careers of new artists.

Persuasive speech topics technology

  • The use of social media causes narcissistic traits. 
  • Do violent video games like call of duty and others cause people to become aggressive/violent?
  • Post-production modifications like auto-tune should be banned. 
  • Technology makes human behavior more robotic.
  • Adult innuendos in kid shows should be discontinued. 
  • Technology complicates life instead of making it easier.
  • Web filters 
  • Cell phones are addictive. 
  • What you can do to save yourself from being destroyed by social media.
  • Technology makes us more alone.

fun-persuasive-speech-topics

Persuasive speech topics education/teen life

  • Online education or blended learning is better than traditional classroom learning.
  • Schools should not require physical education classes. 
  • Schools should be required to teach creationism and evolution. 
  • Students should be allowed to go on strike. 
  • Students should be paid if they make the honor roll. 
  • Recess and nap time should be allowed, even in high school.
  • School is designed for extroverts. 
  • Teen angst is a healthy phase. 
  • “Ok boomer” is a slur.
  • Web filters at school are too restrictive.

Persuasive speech topics environment

  • Everyone should compost waste products. 
  • There should be limited access to single-use plastics. 
  • It’s simple to “go green.”
  • People should be fined for not recycling or for producing excess garbage.
  • Should uranium enrichment be legal? 
  • Greta Thunburg is making a positive impact.
  • Private cars should be forbidden in large cities.
  • The world would be a better place without humans.
  • Drinking water should be fluoridated. 
  • Having children is a bad idea in today’s society.

Like I said, as teachers, we never know when these persuasive speech topics will be useful, and it’s always good to help students avoid worn-out topics and choose fun, unique ones instead.

Sometimes, the best fun persuasive speech topics come in the context of my course content. For example, if I’m having students listen to Megan Rapinoe’s World Cup Parade speech , I could follow this rhetorical analysis lesson with a quick debate about equal pay in women’s soccer or about whether or not she is a “good” role model. 

I hope this post has you thinking about fun ways to build persuasive speaking skills in your classroom! Which speech topics to persuade idea is your favorite? Leave a comment below!

Ideas for Teaching Rhetoric

If you’re looking for more teaching ideas, I’ve put together six of my best strategies for teaching rhetorical analysis in a student-centered classroom. Click HERE or on the image below to sign-up today!

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About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 18 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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He is your personal superhero who saves the world from boring and time-consuming writing assignments. you don't have to struggle with your essay or research paper anymore. writer help will deliver a superbly written paper by the deadline to you., non-trivial topics for persuasive speeches.

The due date for your persuasive speech is around the corner, and you start panicking. Your hands get sweaty, your heart beats faster, and your brain can’t come up with appropriate topic ideas. Some of them sound boring, others are too obvious. What’s interesting about a topic that has been discussed millions of times before?

 Although it is an easy way of coping with the assignment because you can look through tons of similar speeches written in the past, you might not get the result you want. Therefore, what you need is a source of inspiration to come up with your own brilliant idea. We’ve created a long list of topics you can read and choose the one you’d like to discuss. Alternatively, some of these topics may give you a hint on what to talk about in your speech.

Remember that it is not only the topic that matters but the way you present the information as well. What it means is that you need to practice before you actually give your speech to an audience. You can do it in front of a mirror but choosing one of your friends or relatives will be a better option. You can ask them for the feedback and improve your messages if necessary. Speak with confidence and make sure you have a plan in your head. It’s important to have a specific sequence of information bits you are going to present. And as to the questions, do not be afraid to admit that you don’t know the answer. It is a better way of handling an awkward situation than pretending to know the answer and just make something up.

Speech Topics on Relationships

Speech Topics on Relationships

  • Are all marriages at a young age destined to fall apart?
  • Can a divorce be a positive thing for children?
  • Is it possible to have a healthy work-life balance in the 21st century?
  • Is marriage still a necessary part of our society?
  • Can there be harmonic relationships between people with different religious and cultural beliefs?
  • Should the concept of a happy family include children?
  • Does having a baby dramatically affect a woman’s career and social status?
  • Will polygamy be a better option for the development of our society?
  • Should a young mother stay at home with children or go back to work?
  • Can family values influence the future career of children?
  • Is getting married at a young/old age a good idea?
  • Can giving birth to a child save the marriage?
  • Is cheating a good reason for getting divorced?
  • Is it possible to love only one person in a lifetime?
  • Is love just a chemical reaction or something more than that?

Speech Topics on Health

Speech Topics on Health

  • Does becoming vegetarian help you lose weight?
  • Is going in for sports always helpful?
  • Can a diet be an effective method of maintaining stable weight level?
  • Should you follow the example of Richard Branson and Bill Gates and have only 4-5 hours of sleep?
  • Should fast food be banned?
  • Should there be a law prohibiting children to buy sweets until they are 16?
  • Should alcohol be banned and marijuana legalized?
  • Should smoking be banned?
  • What amount of water should a person drink per day?
  • Can doing yoga be harmful?
  • Is there an effective way of solving the water problems in Africa?
  • Is there something more effective than anti-smoking ads to stop people from this habit?
  • Should drug tests for students be banned?
  • What are the advantages of self-treatment?
  • Is a diet for pregnant women a thing or just an advertising trick?
  • Is any addiction a sane choice of a person or a disease?
  • Is it enough to eat once in a day?
  • Is eating the same food day after day a good way to take care of your health?
  • Should food additives be banned?
  • Should there be a school food reform?

Speech Topics on Children Issues

Speech Topics on Children Issues

  • Should women be free to make abortions?
  • Is there a way to solve the problem of child labor?
  • Should there be a limit to the number of children one family can have?
  • At what age should children be allowed to buy cigarettes and alcohol?
  • Should there be an internet use restriction for children?
  • Should brands aim their ads on children? Is it ethical?
  • Should violent toys and video games be banned?
  • Should children always listen to their parents?
  • Is it possible to be a good student and have free time?
  • Are extracurricular activities useful?
  • Does technology have a major negative impact on children which is bigger than the positive one?
  • Are restrictions and punishments effective in upbringing children?
  • Does an educational system need an upgrade as it’s outdated?
  • Should the concept of internship exist?
  • Should children always help their parents?

Speech Topics on Animals

Speech Topics on Animals

  • Should trophy hunting be banned?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • Is there a way to prevent people from abandoning their pets?
  • Should we all stop eating meat and become vegetarian?
  • Should there be an administrative punishment for wearing fur coats?
  • Are factory farms necessary?
  • Should we have more new regulations on hunting and fishing?
  • Should animal circuses be banned?
  • Should there be a limitation law on who can and cannot have a pet?
  • Are dog/cat shows still necessary nowadays?
  • Is there a way to improve dog/cat shelters on the administrative level?
  • Should there be a law limiting the number of pets one person can have?
  • Is there a more effective way to make people clean after their dogs in public places?
  • Is neutering pets ethical?
  • Is there a need for new legislative norms in terms of animal protection?

Speech Topics on Mass Media

Speech Topics on Mass Media

  • Is there a place for discrimination in advertising nowadays?
  • Should there be an administrative punishment for brands that use photoshopped images of a human body?
  • Do we need the freedom of speech?
  • Should there be a new law making companies mention the side effects in their ads?
  • Should reality TV shows be banned?
  • Is it possible to avoid privacy issues when using technology?
  • Do social media make people more distant from each other?
  • Is it possible for a country to have an unbiased media source?
  • Should the advertising of every product that threatens human’s health be banned?
  • Should women magazines celebrating only the thin photoshopped women be banned?

Speech Topics on Science

Speech Topics on Science

  • Is scientifically possible for people to travel to Mars?
  • Is time-traveling possible?
  • Does String theory help us better understand the world or make thins more confusing?
  • Will the humanity ever refuse of gas as the main fuel for vehicles?
  • Do extraterrestrial organisms with high intellectual abilities exist?
  • Do you have to take astrology seriously?
  • Is it effective to spend money on NASA budgeting instead of education and health institutions?
  • What recent scientific discoveries do you find controversial?
  • Is it possible to find cures for terminal diseases and the governments are into a conspiracy theory?
  • Is there a scientific method to win in a casino?

Speech Topics on Technology

Speech Topics on Technology

  • Is self-driving cars a good idea?
  • Does our life become more dangerous with the emergence of new technological advancements?
  • Is there a limit to how far the technological discoveries may go?
  • Will robotic technologies make people lazier or more effective?
  • Does the harmful impact of the modern technologies surpass the positive one?
  • Do mobile phones make the distance between people more obvious?
  • Can anything be done to prevent the diseases caused by the modern technology?
  • What is the most effective way to solve the problem of the internet safety for children?
  • Is it ethical for parents to use the apps that monitor the location and behavior of their children without children knowing about it?
  • Will we ever be able to visit other planets?

Speech Topics on Art

Speech Topics on Art

  • Are modern films all about superheroes and violence?
  • Is modern art difficult to understand because people have run out of ideas?
  • Does the modern culture have a positive impact on the young generation?
  • Does having an art hobby help you with your main job?
  • Do people still capable of seeing beauty in ordinary things?
  • Is it necessary to know the names and paintings of the artists from the past?
  • Can you call a modern art an art?
  • Are the modern writers excessively conjunctural?
  • Should movie actors get paid less for their jobs?
  • Do the people of art always have psychological traumas?

Speech Topics on Education

Speech Topics on Education

  • Is plagiarism as bad as the teachers say it is?
  • Can free online courses substitute the higher education?
  • Do standardized test actually show the level of knowledge?
  • Should school dress codes be banned?
  • Is there a way to fight bullying?
  • Is single-sex education outdated?
  • Can cyberbullying be helpful in any way?
  • Is college education still important for the employers?
  • Is homeschooling an effective approach to education?
  • Is school education a limiting factor to children’s creativity?

Speech Topics on Social Issues

Speech Topics on Social Issues

  • Is there a civilized way to fight the immigration crisis?
  • Can the problem of uneven wealth distribution ever be solved?
  • Is there something that can be done to fight the gender inequality at a workplace?
  • What is our primary goal – fighting terrorism or poverty and hunger?
  • Is there a welfare system that can fight the poverty?
  • Should immigrants receive education and jobs at the expense of others?
  • Do governments need to force immigrants to learn the local language and assimilate?
  • Should there be any changes made to the existing immigration policy of the United States?
  • What is the most effective way of conquering payment inequality between men and women?
  • Should the Western world switch to the 4-days working week?

Speech Topics on International Policies

Speech Topics on International Policies

  • Will the countries ever decide to start the global nuclear disarmament?
  • Is the US policy towards the other countries effective?
  • Will there be a war between the US and North Korea in the nearest future?
  • Will Israel and Palestine ever come to peace?
  • Is it possible to fight the global terrorism?
  • Will there be the third world war?
  • Can the concept of pacifism conquer the world?
  • Which governmental system is the most effective one?
  • How can a gun control policy lead to international conflicts?
  • Are the United Nations effective?

If after reading all of these topics you still have doubts and your hands are still sweaty, use our service to make all the problems go away. You can cooperate with our superhero writers and get the speech you need in no time. They can come up with fresh and interesting ideas for your speech even though they have written hundreds of them before. You can also suggest the topic yourself. The main tip we can give you on choosing a great topic is to consider your interests. If you are not passionate about the issues you discuss, it will show and the audience will not believe the words you’ll be saying.

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Effective communication skills are more crucial than ever, especially for this decade where persuasive communication has considered as one of your strongest traits. It empowers individuals to express their thoughts clearly and confidently, making a lasting impact on their audience.

Due to its powerful communication, academic experts have included persuasive speeches in the coursework. Whether you are a student preparing for academic challenges or seeking to ignite change, mastering the art of persuasive speeches is essential.

Persuasive speech is a form of public speaking that not only nurtures self-expression but also engages diverse audiences to express thoughts on specific subjects. It strengthens the ability to stand up for one’s beliefs. Considering the importance of persuasive speech in academics, we wrote this blog on top persuasive speech topics for 2024 to help you improve your persuasive speech skills. 

In academic settings, persuasive speeches are used to present research papers, participate in debates, or deliver compelling arguments. The ability to communicate persuasively is key to achieving success in these endeavors. By developing effective persuasive speech skills, you can captivate your audience, convey your ideas with clarity and conviction, and leave a lasting impact. 

Stand Out with Compelling Persuasive Speeches

This blog aims to provide you with a thoughtfully curated list of good persuasive speech topics for 2023. We understand that selecting the right persuasive topic can be overwhelming, but fear not because we have done the hard work for you. We strive to be your primary source for generating persuasive speech ideas.  

Our meticulously chosen lists of topics for persuasive speech are designed to inspire you with thought-provoking ideas. Each persuasive topic reflects the pressing issues and trends of the year, ensuring that you have relevant and engaging subjects to explore. However, we don’t stop there! We also offer valuable tips and strategies to assist you in crafting a compelling speech that resonates with your audience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced speaker, this blog will be your companion in choosing the best persuasive speech topics. 

Moreover, understanding your challenges to write down persuasive speeches, our experts suggest you can take the help of an Instasolving USA assignment help . The experts will help you to nail your speech.

What is a Persuasive Speech?

A persuasive speech is a special kind of speech that aims to convince the audience to accept a specific viewpoint, take a particular action, or change their beliefs or behavior on a certain topic. The main goal of a persuasive speech is to persuade, influence, or motivate the listeners by presenting a strong argument supported by logic, evidence, and emotions to pursued them to get convinced about your topic.  

A persuasive speech follows a structured format, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, the speaker grabs the audience’s attention, establishes credibility, and clearly states the main argument or idea. The body of the speech provides supporting evidence, examples, and logical reasoning to strengthen the central message.

This section may also address counterarguments and refute opposing viewpoints to strengthen the speaker’s position. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the key points and restates the main argument, leaving the audience with a memorable and persuasive closing statement. 

It’s important to remember that it’s unrealistic to expect everyone in the audience to adopt the speaker’s viewpoint after a single speech instantly. In a democracy, everyone has the right to their own opinion. However, a persuasive speech aims for complete understanding and agreement from the speaker’s perspective within certain limits. 

Components of a Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech comprises essential components that aim to persuade the audience. These key components are Ethos, Logos, and Pathos; each plays a crucial role in crafting a compelling argument. Let’s explore the significance of each component in detail

  • Ethos: Ethos refers to the speaker’s credibility and trustworthiness. It involves showing expertise, knowledge, and authority on the persuasive topic. This can be achieved by presenting qualifications, personal experiences or citing credible sources. Establishing ethos helps build confidence and enhances the persuasive impact of the speech.  
  • Logos: Logos employs logical reasoning and evidence to support the main argument. It involves presenting facts, statistics, expert opinions, and logical arguments. The use of logos appeals to rationality and intellect. Providing well-researched evidence and logical explanations strengthens the argument and convinces the audience of the viewpoint’s validity.  
  • Pathos: Pathos aims to evoke emotions and establish a connection with the audience. It involves the use of storytelling, vivid descriptions, and emotional language. Pathos appeals to feelings, values, and empathy. By tapping into the audience’s emotions, Pathos helps create an emotional bond, making the argument more relatable and persuasive. This emotional connection can influence attitudes, beliefs, and actions.  

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos form a powerful trio in a persuasive speech topic when effectively combined. Ethos establishes credibility, Logos provides logical reasoning and evidence, whereas Pathos appeals to emotions. By incorporating these components, speakers can create a persuasive argument that resonates with the audience and increases the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome. 

Importance of Persuasive Speeches for Students   

Persuasive speeches are highly important for students as they offer valuable skills and benefits. Firstly, they help students develop strong communication skills, enabling them to express their thoughts and ideas effectively. By crafting persuasive speeches, students learn to organize their arguments, choose compelling language, and engage their audience. These skills are not only valuable in your academic carrier but also help you in your personal and professional life.  

Furthermore, persuasive speeches promote critical thinking among students. Researching the topic, gathering evidence, and analyzing different perspectives enable students to think critically and evaluate information. They learn to anticipate counterarguments and present well-reasoned viewpoints, enhancing their ability to think logically and make informed decisions.

Key Elements of a Persuasive Speech Writing

3 Types of Persuasive Speech Topics

1. factual persuasive speech:  .

Factual persuasive speeches involve presenting information and evidence to convince the audience about specific persuasive topics or points of view. These speeches rely on facts, statistics, research findings, and expert opinions to support the speaker’s argument. The goal is to present a compelling case based on objective evidence and logical reasoning. Factual persuasive speeches are effective when the speaker needs to educate the audience, debunk myths, or raise awareness about important issues. 

2. Policy Persuasive Speech:  

Policy persuasive speeches focus on advocating for specific actions or changes in policies, laws, or regulations. These speeches aim to persuade the audience to support a particular course of action or influence decision-makers to implement a specific policy. Persuasive policy speech topics require a thorough understanding of the issue, including its implications, potential benefits, and possible drawbacks. Presenting a well-reasoned argument and proposing practical solutions are essential in this type of persuasive speech ideas.  

3. Value Persuasive Speech:  

Value persuasive speeches aim to persuade the audience to adopt or embrace a particular set of values, beliefs, or moral principles. These speeches tap into persuasion’s emotional and ethical aspects, appealing to the audience’s sense of right and wrong, justice, or personal convictions. Value persuasive speeches often touch upon sensitive and controversial topics, such as social justice, environmental ethics, or personal integrity. They require the speaker to deeply connect with the audience, employing storytelling, personal anecdotes, and compelling arguments to sway their values and beliefs on persuasive topics. 

What Makes Good Persuasive Speech Topics?   

Good topics for persuasive speeches possess several key qualities that make them engaging, impactful, and compelling to the audience. Here are three cost effective essential aspects to consider when choosing topics for a persuasive speech:

1. Simple and Easy Topic:  

Good persuasive speech topics should be simple and easy to understand for both the speaker and the audience. It should be accessible to many people, regardless of background or expertise. By choosing a straightforward and uncomplicated persuasive topic, the speaker can effectively convey their message and ensure the audience can easily grasp the main points. This simplicity facilitates clarity and encourages active engagement from the listeners. 

2. New Topic:  

The interesting persuasive speech topics should be new and current, addressing the pressing issues and trends of the time. By selecting a relevant and up-to-date topic, the speaker can capture the audience’s attention and demonstrate the significance of the subject matter. New persuasive topics are more likely to resonate with the audience and generate a sense of relevance and urgency. They allow the speaker to tap into the listeners’ collective consciousness, fostering a connection and a sense of shared importance. 

3. Interesting Topic:  

The best persuasive speech topics should be interesting and captivating to both the speaker and the audience. It should pique curiosity, spark discussions, and evoke emotions. Choosing inherently interesting persuasive speech topics for the speaker will enhance their enthusiasm and passion, which will be conveyed to the audience. Interesting persuasive topics for speech often challenge conventional thinking, present unique perspectives, or shed light on lesser-known aspects of a subject. They encourage active participation and inspire the audience to think critically and engage with the speech more deeply. 

How to Choose a Persuasive Speech Topic?

Choosing good topics for a persuasive speech is crucial for persuasive speech ideas that captivate your audience. Follow these steps to choose a persuasive speech topic that is engaging and impactful: 

  • Identify your interests: Start by considering persuasive topics that genuinely interest you. It’s easier to speak passionately and persuasively about subjects you are personally devoted to. 
  • Research current issues: Stay updated on current events and trending persuasive topics. Look for pressing issues that spark debates or controversies. These topics will likely engage your audience and make your speech more relevant. 
  • Consider your audience: Understand your audience’s demographics, interests, and concerns. Tailor your persuasive topic to resonate with their needs and perspectives. It will also help you connect with them on a deeper level. 
  • Brainstorm ideas: Generate a list of potential persuasive speech topics based on your interests and the needs of your audience. Don’t limit yourself at this stage; let your creativity flow freely. 
  • Evaluate the feasibility: Assess the feasibility of each good persuasive topic by considering the availability of credible sources, relevant data, and supporting evidence. Ensure that you can gather enough information to support your arguments effectively. 
  • Narrow down your options: Review your list and prioritize the topics for persuasive speech that align with your interests, audience, and feasibility criteria. Choose the most compelling and well-rounded options. 
  • Test for significance and impact: Ask yourself if the chosen persuasive topics for speech have the potential to make a meaningful impact or persuade others. Consider the importance and relevance of each topic in the context of the current social, political, or environmental landscape. 
  • Choose the final topic: Based on the previous steps, select the persuasive speech topic that ticks all the boxes: it aligns with your interests, resonates with your audience, is well-researched, and carries significance and impact. 

Top Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024  

The foundation of good persuasive speech ideas lies in the topic you select. Therefore, make sure that the persuasive speech topics for 2023 that you choose are close to your heart. Undoubtedly, you need to believe in the topic to appeal emotionally to the audience and sway their support. 

You can’t convince the audience unless you are confident about what you are saying. Therefore, begin your search for good persuasive speech topics for 2023 with a solid understanding of the topic. Without a deeper understanding and a sound knowledge of the topic, you cannot make a compelling argument. So, complement your understanding with impressive storytelling technique to ensure that you have a good narrative through which you can persuade your audiences easily.  

Thus, let’s delve into the list of good persuasive speech topics for 2023 that you must check out: 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 in Arts

  • Importance of performing arts for holistic development 
  • Should art be a compulsory discipline? 
  • Graffiti: Art or Nuisance 
  • Importance of art and culture 
  • Should performing arts be made credit based 
  • Museums are the dying reservoir of arts and culture 
  • Entry to museums should be free 
  • Schools should host annual arts festivals 
  • The slow death of ancient art forms 
  • Modern art lacks authenticity 

Best Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students:  

  • The importance of volunteering in your community 
  • The benefits of implementing mindfulness exercises in schools 
  • Why high school students should learn financial literacy 
  • The need for comprehensive sex education in schools 
  • The importance of promoting mental health awareness among teenagers 

Best Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students:  

  • The advantages of studying abroad during college 
  • The impact of technology on higher education 
  • The benefits of participating in internships during college 
  • Why college students should engage in extracurricular activities 
  • The importance of developing critical thinking skills in college 
  • Emerging Technologies: Blockchain, AI, and Their Societal Impact
  • Global Health Issues: Strategies for Pandemic Preparedness
  • Cultural Diversity and Inclusion in the Modern World
  • Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • Space Exploration: Benefits and Risks for Humanity
  • The Future of Work: Gig Economy and Remote Working Trends
  • Sustainable Practices in Food Production and Consumption
  • The Role of Youth in Shaping Political Landscapes
  • The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures and Economies
  • Mental Health Awareness in a Digital Age

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Academics  

  • Books are the only source of learning 
  • Computer-based learning is the most effective 
  • Gamification and virtual reality are the future of education 
  • MCQs are better than essay tests 
  • Extracurriculars are a waste of time 
  • Only main papers should be considered for grading 
  • Academics are the only criteria for individual success 
  • Rote learning is the best way to get good grades 
  • Conceptual clarity beats rote learning 
  • Sports can boost learning effectiveness 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on the Economy  

  • Brexit will fuel the UK economy 
  • There should be no minimum wage 
  • Political unrest decelerates economic growth 
  • Economics as a discipline must be mandatory 
  • The economic growth of China is a model to follow 
  • Free trade agreements are bad for labor 
  • The economy is defined by a few rich industrialists 
  • Foreign labor slows down the economy 
  • Import duty should be removed 
  • Exports boost economic growth 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Entertainment  

  • Reality shows are a source of exploitation 
  • Reality shows are anything but real 
  • Media has a negative influence on teenagers 
  • Media influences political decisions 
  • TV shows influence human behavior 
  • TV shows reflect the society around 
  • Reality shows reduce human IQ 
  • TV shows are a great source of motivation 
  • Reality shows are scripted 
  • Reality shows dilute important topics of discussion

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Ethics  

  • Juvenile delinquency is acceptable 
  • Prostitution should be legal 
  • Underage driving should be punishable by law 
  • Beauty pageants for children should be banned 
  • Prisoner’s right to vote 
  • Voting rights should not be universal 
  • Guns should be banned from college campuses 
  • The death penalty should be abolished 
  • Substance abuse is a cause of social evils 
  • Underage alcohol consumption should lead to prison time 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Environment  

  • There should be strict penalties to protect endangered species 
  • Environmental pollution is a global concern 
  • Developed nations are to blame for global warming 
  • The greenhouse effect threatens human existence 
  • Limiting the use of natural resources and fossil fuels 
  • A complete switch to renewable energy is the way to go 
  • Using plastic is self-defeating 
  • Humans are to blame for environmental degradation 
  • Carpooling can save the environment 
  • Noise pollution is detrimental to human development 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Fashion  

  • Men shouldn’t wear pink 
  • Eco-fashion is the future 
  • Fashion reveals the true identity 
  • Sustainable clothing is the way to go 
  • Clothes define a person 
  • Jewelry defines your worth 
  • Fashion is an important part of society 
  • Certain fashion brands have a negative influence on society 
  • The fashion industry has the greatest influence on teenagers 
  • Celebrity-endorsed fashion brands are the best 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Motivation  

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Travel  

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 on Technology  

  • Google is the death of libraries 
  •  Social media is an end of face-to-face conversations  
  • AI is the future of technology 
  • Technology is changing our lives 
  • Limiting screen time for adults 
  • Government should regulate internet usage 
  • Technology has made life better 
  • Internet chat rooms are not safe 
  • Humans are addicted to technology 
  • Internet fraud awareness: Must for cybersecurity 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Family:  

  • The benefits of family meals and regular family time 
  • The importance of open communication within families 
  • The impact of divorce on children and ways to support them 
  • The benefits of spending quality time with grandparents 
  • The role of parental involvement in a child’s education 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Social Media:  

  • The need to practice responsible social media usage 
  • The impact of social media on mental health and self-esteem 
  • The benefits of using social media for networking and professional development 
  • The importance of digital literacy and online safety education 
  • The role of social media in promoting social and political activism

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Education:  

  • The importance of arts education in schools 
  • The benefits of personalized learning approaches 
  • The need for inclusive education and accommodating diverse learning styles 
  • The impact of standardized testing on students and alternative assessment methods 
  • The benefits of early childhood education and its long-term effects 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Sports:  

  • The benefits of participating in team sports for physical and mental health 
  • The importance of gender equality in sports 
  • The impact of sports on character development and leadership skills 
  • The benefits of including adaptive sports programs for individuals with disabilities 
  • The role of sports in fostering community and promoting social integration 

Good Persuasive Speech Topics on Politics and Government:  

  • The importance of voting and civic participation in a democratic society 
  • The impact of climate change policies on future generations 
  • The need for stricter gun control laws to ensure public safety 
  • The benefits of implementing universal healthcare 
  • The importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in political representation 

Best Tips for Writing a Persuasive Speech  

  • Understand your audience: Research and analyze your audience’s demographics, beliefs, values, and knowledge of good persuasive topics. It will also help you tailor your arguments and appeals to resonate with them. 
  • Choose a compelling topic: Select persuasive topics that are interesting, relevant, and align with your audience’s interests and concerns. Also, make sure you are passionate about it and can effectively argue for or against it. 
  • Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic: Gather credible and up-to-date information from reliable sources to support your arguments. You can also use sources such as books, articles, studies, and expert opinions to strengthen your speech. 
  • Develop a clear thesis statement: Craft a concise and powerful thesis statement that clearly states your position on the topic. This will serve as the main focus of your speech and guide your arguments. 
  • Structure your speech: Organize your persuasive speech ideas into an introduction, body, and conclusion. Start with a captivating opening to grab your audience’s attention, present your arguments logically and coherently in the body, and end with a solid and memorable conclusion. 
  • Use persuasive techniques: Incorporate rhetorical devices, such as ethos (credibility), pathos (emotions), and logos (logic), to appeal to your audience’s emotions, intellect, and sense of credibility. You can also use storytelling, examples, statistics, and quotes to make your arguments more compelling. 
  • Anticipate counterarguments: Address potential counterarguments and provide counterpoints to strengthen your position. Consider opposing viewpoints and refute them with solid evidence and reasoning. 
  • Engage your audience: Use engaging language, vocal variety, and body language to keep your audience interested and attentive. Encourage interaction through questions, rhetorical prompts, or audience participation. 
  • Rehearse and revise: Practice your speech several times to improve your delivery and ensure smooth transitions. Revise and refine your content, eliminating unnecessary information or weak arguments. 
  • Conclude with a call to action: End your speech with a clear call to action, urging your audience to take a specific step or adopt your viewpoint. Motivate them to act upon your persuasive message by leaving a lasting impression. 

For further enhancement of your persuasive speech, consider enlisting the assistance of a reputable speech writing service . Speech writers will help you refine your arguments, structure your speech effectively, and ensure your message resonates with the audience. Investing in professional speech writing greatly elevates the impact and effectiveness of your persuasive speeches as a student. 

Checklist for a Persuasive Speech

Final Verdicts on Good Persuasive Speech Topics  

Choosing the best persuasive speech topics is essential for delivering impactful speeches in 2023. By exploring this blog’s discussed components, types, and tips, you can effectively engage your audience and make a meaningful impact. Remember to strike a balance between logical appeals and emotional connections to captivate your listeners. 

If you find yourself in need of assistance in crafting a persuasive speech that hits the mark, consider seeking help from TutorBin. With a network of subject matter experts, we offer support in refining your arguments, structuring your speech, and engaging your audience effectively. Their expertise can provide valuable guidance, helping you deliver a compelling and persuasive presentation. 

Embrace the power of persuasion, choose your persuasive topic wisely, and captivate your audience with amazing speeches in 2023. Make a difference with your persuasive voice and leave a lasting impact. 

Most Popular FAQs on Persuasive Speech Topics!  

How do i choose a persuasive speech topic  .

Choosing persuasive speech topics involves considering your personal interests, researching current issues, and understanding your audience. It’s essential to select persuasive topics that you are passionate about and that resonate with your audience. Additionally, staying updated on current events and trends can help you identify relevant and impactful topics. 

How do I make my persuasive speech engaging?  

To make your persuasive speech engaging, you can incorporate storytelling techniques, use visual aids, and involve the audience through interactive elements. Balancing logical appeals with emotional connections can help capture the audience’s attention and keep them invested in your speech. 

Can I get help with writing a persuasive speech?  

Yes, you can seek help with writing a persuasive speech. Online homework help websites like TutorBin offer assistance from expert writers who can guide you in developing persuasive arguments, structuring your speech, and engaging your audience effectively. They can also help you refine your ideas, improve your delivery, and make your speech more impactful. 

What are some good persuasive speech topics?  

  • Climate change: Addressing the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and adopting sustainable practices. 
  • Cyberbullying: Raising awareness about the impact of online harassment and promoting digital empathy. 
  • Voting rights: Advocating for equal access to voting and the importance of civic engagement. 
  • Mental health stigma: Breaking down stereotypes and promoting understanding and support for mental health issues. 
  • Gender equality: Highlighting the importance of equal opportunities and challenging gender stereotypes. 

What are the best examples of a persuasive speech topic?  

  • The benefits of adopting a plant-based diet for personal health and the environment. 
  • The need for stricter gun control laws to reduce gun violence in society. 
  • The importance of early childhood education in setting a solid foundation for future success. 
  • The impact of social media on mental health and the need for responsible usage. 
  • The benefits of renewable energy sources in mitigating climate change and creating a sustainable future. 

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

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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  4. Good persuasive speech topics

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  6. 290 Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students: Music, Psychology

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  1. NCFCA Nationals 2023 Informative Speech Lily Sedgwick

  2. Persuasive Speech Rehearsal Video- Service dogs

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  5. Persuasive Speech 3/19

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COMMENTS

  1. 110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience

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

  2. 112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

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

  3. 434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

    10 Easy and Simple Persuasive Speech Topics. Below follow topics that should be easy enough to persuade your audience without going into too much research. There are some which can be used as 'tongue in cheek' topics such as 'The paparazzi are the real stalkers' and 'People need to visit the dentist more often'.

  4. 191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics: Give an Amazing Speech!

    191 Best Persuasive Speech Topics. Before we reveal the 191 best persuasive speech topics, let's preview each of the categories: Politics and law: This topic revolves around pressing issues including voting, Supreme Court decisions, political leadership, and criminal justice.; Environmental activism: Climate change, offshore oil drilling, and green technology are just a few of the hot-button ...

  5. 103 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2023

    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?)

  6. 105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project

    105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech. Here's our list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. We made sure to choose topics that aren't overdone, yet that many people will have an interest in, and we also made a point of choosing topics with multiple viewpoints rather than simplistic topics that have a more obvious right answer (i.e.

  7. 75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

    The aim of a persuasive speech is to inform, educate and convince or motivate an audience to do something. You are essentially trying to sway the audience to adopt your own viewpoint. The best persuasive speech topics are thought-provoking, daring and have a clear opinion. You should speak about something you are knowledgeable about and can ...

  8. 125+ Persuasive Speech Topics To Amaze Your Audience

    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 ...

  9. 100 Good Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas

    What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic? There are multiple factors that make some persuasive speech topic ideas better than others. Three major things to think about when choosing a persuasive ...

  10. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

    We should pay more taxes. We should do away with taxes. Teachers should be tested like students. We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries. Every student should join a club. Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling. People should stay married for life. Smoking in public should be illegal.

  11. 259 Interesting Speech Topics [Examples + Outlines]

    Here is our list of 10 interesting speech topics. Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder. Children don't play enough. Animal testing is necessary. Girls are too mean to each other. Men should get paternity leave. Tattoos are an addiction. If I had a year to do what I want. Butterflies: deadly creatures.

  12. 49 Persuasive Speech Topics You'll Actually Want to Talk About

    Let's begin by finding a topic for your persuasive speech. 49 Persuasive Speech Topics. I've divided this list of 49 topics into seven categories. I've also included links to sample persuasive speech outlines, persuasive essays, and argumentative essays to give you a few ideas of how you might develop ideas for your persuasive speech.

  13. Persuasive Speech Topics: The Best 150 Ideas

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

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

    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 ...

  15. Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

    The topics in our list vary greatly in their subjects but are equally engaging and exciting. We have included both classic persuasive speech topics done by millions of students and other people throughout the years - such as termination of pregnancy, firearm control, same-sex matrimony, public smoking, etc., as well as some of the more ...

  16. 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

    Try our student writing prompts. In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts, all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column. Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've ...

  17. 300+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

    The rise of non-religious beliefs. Religious rituals and their significance. The effects of organized religion on individuals. ... Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics. Animal testing of drugs is necessary for ensuring the safety of humanity. Cosmetic surgery, being an unhealthy obsession, should be banned. ...

  18. 205 Controversial Topics for Essays, Speeches, and Debates

    Pros. 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.; Cons. Too sensitive for some people - These issues often ...

  19. Your Key to Success: Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

    Persuasive speech topics non controversial . Another fun and non-controversial speech activity is to assign students to take a frivolous lawsuit to trial. Because these cases are so off-the-wall bizarre, taking the cases to trial proves to be interesting and engaging for students.

  20. Non-Trivial Topics for Persuasive Speeches

    Non-Trivial Topics for Persuasive Speeches. The due date for your persuasive speech is around the corner, and you start panicking. Your hands get sweaty, your heart beats faster, and your brain can't come up with appropriate topic ideas. Some of them sound boring, others are too obvious. What's interesting about a topic that has been ...

  21. Top Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 Amazing Speeches

    3. Value Persuasive Speech: Value persuasive speeches aim to persuade the audience to adopt or embrace a particular set of values, beliefs, or moral principles. These speeches tap into persuasion's emotional and ethical aspects, appealing to the audience's sense of right and wrong, justice, or personal convictions.

  22. 333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation

    The "what" of your speech is the meat of the presentation. Imagine a three-circle Venn diagram. The three circles are labeled: "things I am interested in," "things my audience cares about," and "things I can research.". The center point where these three circles overlap is the sweet spot for your speech topic.

  23. 454 Persuasive Speech Topics: Easy, Fun, & Controversial Ideas for

    Transition 1: Include a linking sentence that would tie your introduction to your speech's main body. Point 1—Need for action: Describe the problems concerning your topic and their effects, supporting your claims with evidence. Problem 1 + Effects + Evidence Problem 2 + Effects + Evidence Problem 3 + Effects + Evidence.