Speech Topics for Persuasive Speeches
A persuasive speech is different from an informational speech in that the aim is not to impart information but to change the listener's position on a specific topic. A good rule of thumb is that the more controversial the topic, the more research you must compile and report. However, as long as your speech is respectful and well researched, you might find yourself changing the minds of even those listeners most entrenched in their beliefs.
Other People Are Reading
-
Slightly Controversial
-
If you would like to speak on a topic that won't ruffle many feathers, speak about the all-around positive effects of volunteering, the benefits and social need for adoption or the negative effects of zoos on animal populations. Persuade your audience that cameras should not televise courtroom proceedings, professional athletes should not be so well paid or that students should carry cell phones in schools. Choose to defend state lotteries to support the sport of boxing or to condemn the existence of boarding schools.
Moderately Controvesial
-
These topics are bit more sensitive and require a more solid, logical foundation. Speak about the negative effects of video games on an increasingly violent generation, the need to outlaw hunting, the necessity of Internet censorship or the negative implications of abstinence programs. Convince your listeners that home schooling is detrimental to students, that governments should ban the religious slaughter of animals or that schools should never subject students to random drug screenings. Choose to defend democracy as the best form of government, to condemn offshore oil drilling or to support a limitation on the duration of state-funded welfare.
-
Severely Controversial
-
These topics are sure to raise the temperature in the room. Have plenty of research on hand before tackling these persuasive behemoths. Speak on the legalization of marijuana, the constitutionality of Megan's Law or the need to ban all alcoholic beverages for all people. Convince your audience that schools should allow religion, that they are responsible for the creation of sweatshops or that embryonic research is a fruitful practice. Choose to defend abortion, to condemn war of any kind, to support free condoms for high school students or to praise the prevention of homosexual marriage.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Lecturn image by TMLP from Fotolia.com
