How to Find Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive speech topics often feel more difficult than other speech assignments since you actually want your hearers to have a change of mind. In reality, a persuasive speech may be more engaging and interesting than other speeches for the same reason. Something is at stake. Something is presented for the listener to consider, and a choice must be made.

But how do you find persuasive speech topics? How do you know a good one when you see one? Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to nailing this persuasive speech.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. BRAINSTORM TOPICS YOU KNOW.

   Persuasive speech topics are best when they come from an overflow of knowledge. If you need to research just to get up to speed on a topic, then this might not be the topic for you. Take out a piece of paper right now and write down every topic you can think of that you have interest in. People want to know that you are an authority at some level on this topic. (This is called an ethos appeal)

2. NARROW YOUR TOPICS DOWN TO SOMETHING SPECIFIC.

   Persuasive speeches that stay in the land of the general always bring a yawn. You are trying to persuade people to either think, feel, or act differently about a specific topic. Circle a few topics on your first paper that seem to have promise. Draw lines out from each circle and start adding more specific sub-topics. For example, you might have listed Sports as a topic you are interested in. Draw lines out from the circle and start adding subtopics like: baseball, basketball, physical therapy, health, fitness, strength, speed, recreation, etc. (This helps you focus your logos)

3. CHOOSE A SUBTOPIC YOU CARE ABOUT DEEPLY.

   The best persuasive speech topics are topics that raise passion in the speaker. A certain level of emotional appeal (pathos) is necessary to persuade people. So start with something you know about, that is specific enough for you to care deeply about it. If we use the sports example, you might care deeply about people getting and staying in good physical condition. It's a good idea to write down why you care about this topic.

4. WRITE A PERSUASIVE PURPOSE STATEMENT.

   Once you have your topic, subtopic, and reason for caring down, craft a purpose statement for the speech. I want this speech to ____________ people to _______________. The statement filled in could read: I want this speech to inspire people to start a weekly exercise routine. Or, I want this speech to motivate people to choose a primary hobby sport. Alternatively it could be an emotional persuasion such as ' I want this speech to change people's emotional reaction to the word athlete.' Make the persuasive purpose statement clear, and you are ready to start researching and writing.

   ** See more tips on persuasive speech topics below.

Tips & Warnings

• Persuasive speech topics should be specific enough to be covered in the amount of time you have, but general enough that each person in your audience has a reason to care.

• Tailor your speech topic to the audience you will be addressing. What do they care about? How can you use what they care about to help them care about your topic?

• See related articles above and to the right for more on this topic.