persuasive speech topics about charity

Persuasive Charity Speech

In today’s world if you have the ability to change something and be able to persuade or give someone a reason to change, it would most likely come true. For those who do, they may call it luck or they are gifted with such amazing gifts. If you had any kind of superpower, what would you choose and why? The majority of people my age may choose invisibility or being the most powerful person alive. What about you? What if you had the power to persuade people to do your bidding, would you accept that kind of power? Having the talent to persuade may come in handy for some people. Depending on who may have it and how they are able to use it. When you hear the words persuasive and charity in a sentence, the first thing you may think about is how to get people to donate . Which is true in every single way. What if you add the word speech to the sentence? You may be wondering how the words fundraising , persuasion, charity and speech would mix together to form something. Here’s how, by making a speech from it. A persuasive charity speech that would work some wonders to some people. Check out how to right now.

4+ Persuasive Charity Speech Examples

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What Is a Persuasive Charity Speech?

You may hear a lot of people talk about selling products or asking for donations from a group of people. Sometimes it may take a lot of people to do a single task of persuading in the form of a speech . The reason for this is because making a persuasive charity speech can be tricky. Let me explain. To start off, a persuasive charity speech is a kind of speech that focuses on persuading the audience to give any amount of donations to a foundation or to any kind of fundraising event . This speech mainly focuses on persuading or convincing the audience and giving them good reasons to do what would be right. It is not as easy as it may sound or look when you are trying to persuade or convince an audience. It takes time, practice and skills to be able to make such a good persuasive speech. There are some things that you need to know and to take into consideration when doing the speech.

For starters, you must be very convincing and very determined by giving them what they want to hear. Of course, to persuade people can be challenging but with the right words and meeting your audience in the middle, you are sure to wow them. To summarize, a persuasive charity speech is a kind of speech. Persuasion is key to this. To be able to persuade people to donate or give, you must at least know how to play with your words and to meet them in the middle.

How to Write a Persuasive Charity Speech?

When given the chance to make a speech for charity, will you do it? If so, you need to read the following tips I am going to be writing for you. This will help you make your speech good. Because, we know that when it comes to a persuasive charity speech, you would need to be very convincing and of course a lot of charisma. The following tips below will surely help boost that opportunity sky high.

1. Start With a Greeting and Introduction

When in doubt, always start at the very beginning. Writing your persuasive charity essay is no different. Begin with a small but polite greeting, this includes the people who may have hosted the event and the people who introduced you. Write their names down in your speech. In addition to that, give a short introduction about yourself. Never assume they would know you simply because the other person stated your name.

2. Introduce the Reason for the Speech

Don’t make your audience assume what you are making a speech about. Introduce the topic of your speech and explain why you are making it. When you are writing this part of the speech, make sure to use words that your audience can understand and relate to. This way it is easier for you to persuade your audience with just a few words here and there.

3. Add the Compelling Details

This is the body of your speech. Add the compelling details of your charity speech. You may also add an anecdote here or a compelling story to persuade your audience to donate. This is where you are supposed to be drawing them in. This is the part where you are able to convince them of your cause

4. Slowly but Surely State Your Request

From introducing your reasons for the speech to compelling reasons, you may also state your request here. When you have drawn your listeners with your story or with your anecdote, the easier it is for you to be able to ask for the request. Asking for the request at an earlier time without having been able to persuade them is risky. Chances are they would be more reluctant to listen to you or your request.

5. Rewrite Your Draft to Make the Final Speech

After the draft that you have written, it is time to rewrite it, check for some errors or loopholes in your speech. Once you have done it, proofread every single sentence to check if there are no errors of spelling, your tone of voice is active and your grammar is correct. As well as you have all the information necessary to make your persuasive charity speech.

What is a persuasive charity speech?

A kind of speech made to persuade your audience to donate or to ask in a polite manner to support a cause in a fundraising event.

Who is the target audience for a persuasive charity speech?

Anyone can be the target audience for this kind of speech. However, this type of speech is usually done during donation events or fundraising activity events. As this kind of speech asks for some financial donations to support a cause.

Is there anything I need to avoid when making this speech?

Avoid using words that may be misinterpreted as something else. As well as avoid talking about very sensitive topics just to get donations going.

Being able to persuade a person through your actions or words is quite an amazing talent or gift. Though it may take practice, the best way to know if you can actually persuade others to do what you want them to do is to do a speech. If you are able to persuade or meet them halfway, your speech is perfect.

Persuasive Charity Speech Generator

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103 Charity Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best charity topic ideas & essay examples, 💡 interesting topics to write about charity, 📌 simple & easy charity essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on charity.

• Charity Race Event Organization Due to the rise in the number of needy students in need of funding to raise their school fee, I have proposed that we organize a five-kilometer race for life event for the school that […]
• Charitable Organizations: Mission and Functions To avoid donating money to the organization having the reputation of the kind, it is necessary to take a brief look at such charities as British Diabetic Association and British Institute of Learning Disabilities, as […] We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Football Fundraising Charity Project As for the first one, namely the establishment of the tournament, it is planned to gain profit from selling tickets to see the match.
• “Hope of Children” Charity Organization Operations In addition, developing countries experience wars weakening the countries’ economy thus unable to provide for the basic needs of the less privileged in the society.
• Efforts to Raise Money for Charity However, the point is that charity is supposed to be for a simple act of giving and not expecting any returns from it.
• Why People Should Donate Time, Money, Energy to a Particular Organization, Charity, or Cause Its vision is to have a world that is free from Alzheimer’s disease.”The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s […]
• Social Issues: Charitable Donations These factors include awareness of the need to contribute, solicitation, selflessness, cost of the benefit, status in the society, and personal values.
• Database Management Systems in Charities In conclusion, the research will identify issues associated with the use of database management systems in charities as well as churches and effective ways to handle these problems.
• Catholic Charities and Their Relevance Traverso asserts that the difference between the rich and the poor in terms of economy has continued to expand over the last years with the rift between the middle and rich stretching even further.
• Canadian Animal Welfare and Role in the Charity Canada’s government and the justice system must oversee the welfare of pets, livestock, and performance animals equally to ensure an ethical approach to animal rights protection.
• Problems With Monitoring/Controlling Charity Fundraising Projects The first issue in the assigned scenario refers to the risks of undetected stealing from the raised funds if the company uses traditional rather than virtual fundraising.
• The Relationship Between Faith and Charity The word church in the Apostles’ Creed, similarly to the Bible, refers to the people of God, the holy society made up of individuals who profess faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy […]
• Peter Singer’s Enduring Argument for Global Philanthropy In his famous 1972 article, “Hunger, Abundance, and Morality” the researcher, referring to the famine that broke out in Bangladesh in 1971, argued for the moral obligation of people in the wealthy West to help […]
• The Borealis Philanthropy Organization’s Activity The company serves as an intermediary for the people in creating an environment of resilience and community growth free of bias. Approaching the work requires the incorporation of advocacy as a role of the department.
• Business Charitable Contributions for Tax Purposes For instance, the way a tax is imposed for a sole proprietor is different for a partner in a partnership business.
• Emirian Football Fundraising Charity’s Fund-Raising Project Therefore, the project charter for the Emirian Football Fundraising charity project will cover the scope of the goals and the people that will be involved in meeting the project milestones.
• International Marketing: Corporate Philanthropy The management styles in the world vary in many ways that are characterized by the individualism or collectivism indexes and Power Distance Index.
• Duty of Obedience in Charitable Organizations Evolution The main objective of duty of obedience is to ensure and maintain that the performance of the trustee in so far as the usage of trust funds are concerned, are in line with the objectives […]
• Charitable Appeal From Two Points of View The concept of a charity appeal is traditionally viewed as one of the opportunities that must be provided to vulnerable groups in a democratic state as the means of providing them with the opportunity to […]
• Qatar: Foreign Policy and Charity in Niger The study analyses the application of the results of the work of two authors – Amartrya Sen and Mark Duffield – dedicated to the reasons and the ways of solving of the humanitarian catastrophes in […]
• Charity Health Care Organization: Training Expatriates Before the expatriates are posted from the headquarters to the division where they are to carry out their job duties, there is need to carry out an elaborate training program for the expatriates so that […]
• Welfare and Charity in Society Even though that there is plenty of evidence as to the fact that biological factors play a very important role, within a context of defining people’s social status, the very thought that citizens’ racial affiliation […]
• Effective Charity: Satisfying Main Social and Universal Requirements Charity can become the tool by the means of which the society satisfies the main social and universal requirements more and more.
• Charitable Agency Project: Sourcing Donations Another idea we can also consider is approaching the rental firms around the city and talking to them about the possibility of having them work with us in developing a clothes rental discount voucher for […]
• Charity Begins at Home: Benefits of Being Non-Profit With regard to non-profits, the stakeholder group constitutes of donors and the recipients. In addition, donors ensure of only funding non-profits that are more likely to abide by the rules and regulations that government such […]
• Charity Commission’s Policy Analysis It is possible to single out three sets of regulations: the system of charity regulations, the system of financial regulations and the system of organizational regulations.
• Philanthropy Among Young People: Empirical Methods This remains true even as the country struggles through the third year of fallout from the collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market and, many economists warn, the U.S.A.is already in frank recession.
• Lineages and Charitable Work in Chinese History As Cao Xueqin noted in a book “The story of the Stone”, the traditional lineage and order of subordination was held even among the servants and the maids.
• Philanthropy: Approaches of Nonprofit Organizations It is viewed that there is difference in perception and priorities of charity and voluntary work among generations of those born in the 1960s and 70s, and those born in the late 1970s through the […]
• Children at Risk Charity Organisation’s Marketing Plan In the process, the areas such as the development of brand identity, the analysis of potential population segments and their needs, and the promotion of effective communication will be considered.
• Students’ Charity and Warm Glow-Giving Theory In this research, we will attempt to interrogate the place that the warm glow theory has in the charitable initiatives of university students as suggested by Manzini and Mariotti.
• Students’ Charitable Initiatives and Warm-Glow Theory The research question will be ‘Interrogating the place that the warm glow theory has in the charitable initiatives of university students?’ The understanding of some social acts has been whopping trepidation to a number of […]
• Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia The possibility of arranging a personalized schedule is discussed by the Chief Executive Officer, the Supervisor, and the particular employee. The decision of closing may be made by the CEO in the case of extreme […]
• An Effective Usage of the Internet The purpose of this instructional guide is to provide the charity organization’s board with the real-life examples of effective usage of Internet with the aim of achieving the objectives set by the members.
• John Winthrop’s Model of Christian Charity A Model of Christian Charity is a short sermon that was written to summarize and arrange the ideas relevant to living in the Puritan colony, which wanted to be successful in the ‘new world’.
• Corruption in Charity Organizations However, certain rich people avoid paying taxes by giving lots of money to charities in the form of donations. The main reason why some people donate to charities is so that they can win the […]
• US Charities in Haiti After the 2010 Earthquake This paper aims to explore the overall implications of the earthquake and the response to it, as well as to provide an examination of the actions of three U.S.-based NGOs, which contributed to the restoration […]
• Charity Fashion Show: Project Management In this project, we will be seeking to achieve some of the preparations in advance. Time is of the essence in this project and the way we react to it will influence our success.
• “1 Million Women” Charitable Organisation: Promotion Strategy Inspiration for the project arises from of 1Million Women being and organization and a movement that is already causing change in climate change matters, an area that many people do not know and would like […]
• Chinese American Community Philanthropy Activities Among numerous organizations aimed at organizing different kind of activities for the members of Chinese American community, Chinese American Community Foundation is the one that stands out of the rest. Analysis of the events organized […]
• The Ronald McDonald Charity House Company Analysis The charity center exists in most of the states within the US and other 58 countries across the world. Connecticut chapter The Connecticut chapter is one of the largest among other chapters of the Ronald […]
• Online Auction for Charity With respect to our project, new, expensive, prestigious, and the first cars in the UAE will enter the live auction to be auctioned to the highest bidder.
• Generating Income for Charitable Organizations: New Venture Concept The Create Happiness Organization will be aimed at signing an agreement with the Red Cross and creating the premises for the Create Happiness and the Red Cross, as well as its equivalent in the […]
• Corporate Philanthropy and Business Sustainability It may also be targeting the environment in which the organization operates through the improvement of the natural resources of the area that the organization operates in.primarily, corporate philanthropy can be undertaken through various means, […]
• Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility The concept of corporate philanthropy evolved as a response to the threat anti-corporate campaigns pose to companies’ license to operate. The idea of corporate philanthropy is, however, a contradiction considering that companies are legally bound […]
• Charity Organization “Hope for the Nations” Analysis It is also necessary to mention that it is easy to find information on the history of the organization. Though, the most important is information on the projects and the ways to donate.
• Blessed Are Those Who Believe in the Lord: Catholic Charities, Investigated and Analyzed To start with, the organization’s mission is ” rooted in the challenge of the Gospel: to serve with dignity and respect persons who are poor or marginalized; to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable; […]
• Enterprise Social Networks: A Study of Charity Corporation In order to build the basis for the need to develop and improve the advertising and marketing in social networks for a charity organization, it is essential to provide an evaluation of social networking in […]
• Evolution of Charitable Self-Guidelines in Europe In the article, the author routinely emphasizes that these self-regulations were emergent and rose quickly overwhelming the compliance of the existing public rules.
• Communication Challenges of the Charity in Management This is why if the organization wants to overcome challenges in virtual teams, it is necessary to take into consideration the style of work of each partner and unite each other properly.
• Relationship Between Charity, Duty, and Morality The author’s argument is that it is necessary for the society to change its way of responding to the problems of needy people.
• When the Time to Grow Into a Professional Comes: Trying Out as a Volunteer in a Charity Shop. Experience and Lessons Learned History and background, intentions and hopes It the help of the SMART framework, the experience at the North London Hospice is going to be assessed.
• Charity Softball and Cultural Festival While the main event in the festival will be the softball tournament, the organizers of the charity softball and cultural festival hope to raise funds through several ways.
• Blood Donation as a Charitable Activity for Society We call it the black age where human miserably fought the worst wars of the human history, taken of vast land just for the cause of creating dominance on the map of the earth or […]
• Credit Control and Charity Research of the RTE Organization First, the underlying principle behind the filing requirement for the RTE Charity is, identify the advantages and disadvantages of renting a room to offer education courses to the society and to build their own structure.
• The Use of Irony in Eudora Welty’s Story A Visit to Charity
• The Role of Charity Organizations in Helping the Homeless
• Which Charity Credit Cards Are Worthy Of Your Support
• World Vision Is A Christian Charity Organization
• Reputation, Altruism, and the Benefits of Seller Charity in an Online Marketplace
• The Reasons Why Christians Might Give to Charity
• The Charity of the Poor Contrasted with Greed of the Rich
• Nineteenth Century Views on Charity as Depicted in Charlotte Bronte’s Life and Novel, Jane Eyre
• The Disability Rights Movement: from Charity to Confrontation
• Subsidizing Charitable Contributions in the Field: Evidence from a Non-Secular Charity
• The Messages in A Visit Of Charity and Old Mrs Chundle
• The Charitable Bonds of the Spanish Empire: the Casa De Contratación as an Institution of Charity
• The Mystery of the Charity of Charles Péguy Analysis
• What Fraud Is And Go More Into Depth About What Charity
• The Misconstrued Definition That Society Holds for Charity in Herman Melville’s Bartleby
• South Carolina Lions Charity Services
• The Scarlet Letter & A Model Of Christian Charity
• The American Dream and Charity: Carnegie and Emerson’s
• Old Values in The Sovereignty and Goodness of God by Mary Rowlandson and A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop
• The Relationships Between Christianity And Charity
• Understanding Catholic Charities USA and the Relation Between Church and Charity
• The Negotiation Experience Of A Charity Hockey Pool At Work
• Working For The Binghamton Tennis Charity
• Why Giving Money to a Charity is a Great Idea
• What Should a Billionaire Give and What Should You: Peter Singer’s Views on Charity
• The Sisters of Charity and their Service in the Civil War
• Natural Disasters and Governmental Aid: Is there a Charity Hazard
• Public Funding of Charities and Competitive Charity Selection
• Increasing Awareness For Charity Fundraising Programs
• The Social Role of Not-for-Profit Organizations: Hospital Provision of Charity Care
• The Impact of Government Funded Initiatives on Charity Revenues
• Raising Revenues for Charity: Auctions versus Lotteries
• The Use of Language and the Theme of Charity and Open-Mindness in Cyprus Avenue, a Short Story by Lucy Caldwell
• The Values Of The Sisters Of Charity Of Cincinnati
• How To Have A Successful Charity Fund Raising Event
• Outlining Of the Catholic Teachings on Wealth, Poverty and Charity
• Puritans In John Winthrop’s A Model Of Christian Charity
• Rhetorical Analysis Model of Christian Charity
• The Supply of Charity Services by Nonprofit Hospitals: Motives and Market Structure
• The Charity Commission – Politicised And Politicising
• The Gift of Charity and Love as Taught in the Bible
• Moral Obligations about Charity views of Peter Singer and John Arthur
• International Charity Under Asymmetric Information
• The Life, Charity Work, and Monopoly of John Davison Rockefeller
• Understanding Thrift Store and the Salvation Army Thrift Store and Its Aim in Raising Funds for Charity
• Techniques the Charity Adverts Cartoon and Cribs Use to Get Their Audience’s Attention
• Why Do Corporations Give to Charity
• Write A Formal Essay Which Analyses How The Wwf Leaflet Persuades Its Audience To Donate To The Charity
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

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

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

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

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

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

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Business and Economy

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

Social Media

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

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics 

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

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Politics and Government

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

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

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

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

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

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

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

• Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
• Should I Apply Test-Optional to College?
• Should I Waive My Right to See Letters of Recommendation?
• Should I Use the Common App Additional Information Section?
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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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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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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

190 Society Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative, Argumentative]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

In this article:

Informative

Argumentative, list of society speech topics.

• Why you should push people to try new things.
• No child should be considered a “lost cause”.
• We shouldn’t have to pay for internet access.
• Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
• Life is better now than it was 50 years ago.
• Why stereotypes are harmful.
• Why everyone should know about feminism.
• Support the wounded warrior project.
• Should companies market to children?
• Prisoners should be allowed to vote.
• Are we doing enough to end poverty?
• Is Social Darwinism true?
• The USA has too many prisoners.
• Why we should have a three day weekend.
• How to fix harmful gender roles.
• Is trick or treating a bad thing?
• Should retirement homes be free?
• Public toilets should be cleaner.
• Generic products are just as good.
• How bullying changes who you are.
• How bullying can lead to suicide.
• Societal beauty demands are harmful.
• The advantages of politeness.
• Why you should not shop at Walmart.
• Volunteering in your community.
• The need for affordable housing.
• Should we get longer holidays?
• The danger of propaganda.
• Too much money is a bad thing.
• We need free bus rides for seniors.
• We need better public transportation.
• The importance of volunteering.
• Homeless people deserve a home.
• The importance of preventing cyber bullying.
• Donate money to charity.
• Raise the retirement age.
• We need to stop censorship.
• We need more foster parents.
• Why everyone is equal.
• Single parent families need help.
• Mandatory sentencing weakened communities.
• Corporate corruption weakens the country.
• The pledge of allegiance should not be mandatory.
• Shop at local stores.
• Buy security alarms.
• We need more prison alternatives.
• Frivolous lawsuits hurt the country.
• We need more affirmative action.
• More resources should be devoted to fighting poverty.
• Bar closing hours should be later.
• Police corruption needs to be stopped.
• Stay at home moms deserve more respect.
• Women’s pay rates should be equal to men’s.
• Cosmetic surgery should be highly regulated.
• We need to care for our aging population.
• Racial profiling needs to be stopped.
• Privacy rights must be respected.
• Women’s rights must be advanced.
• Race relations need to be improved.
• Columbus day should be eliminated.
• Gun control saves lives.
• Media bias is harming our country.
• Beauty contests are harmful.
• Privatize social security.
• A more open immigration policy will cause economical disasters.
• Action movies reflect the fall of good manners.
• Activism on engaging social matters are on the rise.
• African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans are still discriminated against.
• Alternative lifestyles influence art.
• Art festivals should raise awareness on key social issues.
• Arts are an invention of the elite.
• Binge drinking has a lasting negative effect on social behavior.
• Bisexuality is equal to heterosexuality in the western world.
• Crime maps should be made public.
• Cultural diversity is not a barrier for social unity.
• Curfews reduce street violence.
• Education, housing, and hiring must be equal for all citizens.
• Elder abuse can be prevented.
• Former prisoners need help to re-enter society.
• Gay soap-opera characters must kiss each other.
• Hip-Hop and R&B gangsta rap music influence our youth.
• Homelessness figures are not exaggerated.
• Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes.
• It is impossible for news media to devote equal attention to all people.
• Let graffiti artists clean the walls they ruin themselves.
• Media violence is damaging children.
• Multinationals rule the world, not governments.
• National lotteries must find a way to help gambling addicts.
• Not enough money is available for international refugee programs.
• Not enough public buildings have easier access for people with disabilities.
• Not having a car means less choice in how to conduct your life.
• Our liberties should be protected at all costs.
• People could learn a lot about life from the Amish.
• Permanent affordable supportive housing helps people live more stable lives.
• Prohibit skateboards and hoverboards on sidewalks.
• Public shame in TV reports is a perfect way for criminal retribution.
• Ratings are not effective in curbing violence.
• Rhetoric techniques pave the way to success in life.
• Safety and security are what society needs most.
• Sexist images of women should be banned.
• Skinny models are setting a bad example for teenagers.
• Social deprivation is the source of crime.
• Spanish Americans have been at a disadvantage in society for decades.
• Television soaps are responsible for the increasing number of breast implants today.
• The dangers of gambling are not only short term.
• The environment of a young person has a direct effect on her of his prospects.
• The G8 leaders cause more poverty in developing nations.
• The Patriot Act violates civil liberties.
• The poor should be seen as consumers with special needs.
• The private lives of celebrities should remain private.
• The right to freedom is more important than security issues.
• The social costs of legalized casino gambling outweigh the benefits.
• There will always be homeless people.
• There will never be an end to poverty.
• To understand American society, you must first understand blues music.
• We are better off today than we were five years ago.
• We are lost our cultural identity.
• We can stop girls from being maimed and abused.
• Western nations must not impose their standards on developing countries.
• Women are not fairly portrayed in the media.
• Zero tolerance policies are not working.
• There are ways to stop the continuous growth of Earths population.
• Children in … fill in the nation of your choice … have a better life than ten years ago.
• China is right to have a one-child policy.
• The world is nowhere near prepared for unexpected dooms and disasters.
• There are ways to control the human population.
• Why are dogs known as man’s best friend?
• Is happiness a good measure of social progress?
• The day to day duties of a police officer.
• The benefits of teamwork.
• Some inexpensive places to take your date.
• The benefits of male paternity leave.
• The importance of providing shelter to homeless veterans.
• Aggression is a real presence in society.
• What rights consumers have.
• What is the correct tipping etiquette?
• The different types of personalities.
• How fashion ruins the kids of today.
• Wealth is not measured with money.
• The negative aspects of living in an era of apathy.
• Silence against violence is harmful.
• Feminism and its misconceptions.
• The reasons shops should be closed on Sunday.
• Is being good looking important?
• How to make the U.S. a better country.
• How LGBT youth are protected.
• The state of the rich and the poor.
• The history of hello kitty.
• The most interesting world records.
• The invention of pop rocks.
• What life will be like in the future.
• How to cope with natural disasters.
• Celebrate diversity.
• How we should respond to chemical and biological threats of violence.
• Swimming programs for the elderly.
• The history of aboriginals in Australia.
• The history of global crime.
• Typical social roles we expect from men and women in society.
• Unemployment rates compared to a decade ago.
• Indigenous people around the world.
• The considerable shortage of women in Alaska
• The development of the human sex ratio in our country.
• What indigenous people should do to preserve their culture.
• Why global population keeps growing.
• What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
• How people are judged by their skin color.
• How parents don’t understand our generation.
• Hollywood has a negative impact on society.
• The taboo on recreational drugs is unjustified.
• The negative effects of racism.
• Why do people believe in superstitions?
• Privacy is not the most important right.
• The negative effects of selfishness.
• Are nursing homes necessary in our society?
• Do we still live in a sexist society?
• Does social status matter?
• The Miss America pageant is sexist.
• How to stop cyber bullying.
• Is laziness a good thing?
• Is life in the city preferable to live life in the country?
• A little bribery is okay to get everything going your way.
• Ban piercings in the face.
• Computer nerds will always be unpopular.
• Drivers must be retrained every 15 years
• Everybody does not have the right to carry a gun.
• Give immigrants the right to vote on Election Day.
• Hispanic poverty is not only caused by racism.
• One income tax rate for everyone regardless of level of income.
• The American Way of Life does not exist anymore.
• This country has failed to live up to its ideals.

75 Group Discussion Topics

60 Speech Topics on Religion and Spirituality [Persuasive, Informative]

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

General Education

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

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

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

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

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

It's a Topic People Care About

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

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

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

It Isn't Overdone

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

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

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

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

105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

Science/Environment

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

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

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

Do Your Research

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

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

Consider All the Angles

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

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

Know Your Audience

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

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

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

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

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

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

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

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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13.7: Sample Outline- Persuasive Speech Using Monroe's Motivated Sequence Pattern

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• Kris Barton & Barbara G. Tucker
• Florida State University & University of Georgia via GALILEO Open Learning Materials

Speech to Actuate:

Sponsoring a Child in Poverty

Specific Purpose:

to actuate my audience to sponsor a child through an agency such as Compassion International.

Introduction (Attention Step)

I. How much is $38? That answer depends on what you make, what you are spending it for, and what you get back for it. (Grabber)

II. $38 per month breaks down to a little more than $1.25 per day, which is probably what you spend on a snack or soda in the break room. For us, it’s not very much. (Rapport)

III. I found out that I can provide better health care, nutrition, and even education for a child in Africa, South America, or Asia for the $38 per month by sponsoring a child through Compassion International. (Credibility)

IV. If I can do it, maybe you can too: (Bridge)

Through a minimal donation each month, you can make the life of a child in the developing world much better.

In the next few minutes I would like to discuss the problem, the work of organizations that offer child sponsorships, how research shows they really do alleviate poverty, and what you can do to change the life of a child. Body

I. The problem is the continued existence and effects of poverty. (Need Step)

A. Poverty is real and rampant in much of the world.

1. According to a 2018 report of the Secretary General of the United Nations, 9.2% of the world lives on less than $1.90 per day.

a. That is 600 million people on the planet.

2. This number is supported by the World Poverty clock of the World Data Lab, which states that 8% of the world’s population lives in extreme poverty.

a. The good news is that this number is one third of what it was in 1990, mostly due to the rising middle class in Asia.

b. The bad news is that 70% of the poor will live in Africa, with Nigeria labeled the “Poverty Capital of the World,” according to the Brookings Institute.

B. Poverty means children do not get adequate health care.

1. One prevalent but avoidable disease is malaria, which takes the lives of 3000 children every day, according to UNICEF.

2. According to the World Health Organization, diarrheal diseases claimed 2.46 million lives in 2012 and is the second leading cause of death of children under 5.

C. Poverty means children do not get adequate nutrition, as stated in a report from UNICEF.

1. Inadequate nutrition leads to stunted growth.

2. Undernutrition contributes to more than one third of all deaths in children under the age of five.

D. Poverty means children are unlikely to reach adult age, according to the CIA World Fact Book quoted on the Infoplease website.

1. Child mortality rate in Africa is 8.04% (percentage dying before age 5), while in North American is .64%

2. Life expectancy in Sub-Saharan Africa is almost 30 years less than in the U.S.

E. Poverty also means children are unlikely to receive education and be trained for profitable work.

1. Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names, states the Global Issues website on Poverty Facts.

2. UNESCO, a part of the United Nations, reports that less than a third of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa have completed primary education.

Transition:

Although in all respects poverty is better in 2019 than it has been in the past, poverty is still pervasive and needs to be addressed. Fortunately, some great organizations have been addressing this for many years.

II. Some humanitarian organizations address poverty directly through child sponsorships. (Satisfaction Step)

A. These organizations vary in background but not in purpose. The following information is gleaned from each organization’s websites.

1. Compassion International is faith-based, evangelical.

a. Around since early 1950s, started in Korea.

b. Budget of $887 Million.

c. Serves 1.92 million babies, children, and young adults.

d. Works through local community centers and established churches.

2. World Vision is faith-based, evangelical.

a. Around since the 1950s.

b. Budget of far over $1 Billion.

c. 60% goes to local community programs but more goes to global networks, so that 86% goes to services.

d. World Vision has more extensive services than child sponsorship, such as water purification and disaster relief.

e. Sponsors three million children across six continents

3. Children International is secular.

a. Around since 1936.

b. Budget of $125 Million.

c. 88% of income goes directly to programs and children.

d. Sponsors children in ten countries on four continents

e. Sponsors X across X continents

4. Save the Children is secular, through…

a. One hundred years of history, began in post WWI Europe.

b. Budget of $880 Million.

c. 87% goes to services.

d. Sponsors 134 million children in 120 countries, including 450,000 in U.S.

5. There are other similar organizations, such as ChildFund and PlanUSA.

B. These organizations work directly with local community, on-site organizations.

1. The children are involved in a program, such as after school.

2. The children live with their parents and siblings.

3. The sponsor’s donation goes for medicine, extra healthy, nutritious food, shoes for school, and other items.

4. Sponsors can also help donate for birthdays and holidays to the whole family to buy food or farm animals.

Of course, any time we are donating money to an organization, we want to be sure our money is being effectively and ethnically used.

III. This concern should be addressed in two ways: Is the money really helping, and are the organizations honest? (Continuation of Satisfaction Step)

A. The organizations’ honesty can be investigated.

1. You can check through Charity Navigator.

2. You can check through the Better Business Bureau-Charity.

3. You can check through Charity Watch.

4. You can check through the organizations’ websites.

B. Secondly, is sponsoring a child effective? Yes.

1. According to Bruce Wydick, Professor of Economics at the University of San Francisco, child sponsorship is the fourth most effective strategy for addressing poverty, behind water purification, mosquito nets, and deworming treatments.

2. Dr. Wydick and colleagues’ work has been published in the prestigious Journal of Political Economy from the University of Chicago.

3. He states, “Two researchers and I recently carried out a study (sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development) on the long-term impacts of Compassion International’s child sponsorship program. The study, gathering data from over 10,000 individuals in six countries, found substantial impact on adult life outcomes for children who were sponsored through Compassion’s program during the 1980s and ’90s…In adulthood, formerly sponsored children were far more likely to complete secondary school and had a much higher chance of having a white-collar job. They married and had children later in life, were more likely to be church and community leaders, were less likely to live in a home with a dirt floor and more likely to live in a home with electricity.”

To this point I have spoke of global problems and big solutions. Now I want to bring it down to real life with one example.

IV. I’d like to use my sponsored child, Ukwishaka in Rwanda, as an example of how you can. (Visualization Step)

A. I have sponsored her for five years.

B. She is now ten years old.

C. She lives with two siblings and both parents.

D. She writes me, I write her back, and we share photos at least every two months.

E. The organization gives me reports on her project.

F. I hope one day to go visit her.

G. I believe Ukwishaka now knows her life can be more, can be successful.

We have looked at the problem of childhood poverty and how reliable, stable nongovernmental organizations are addressing it through child sponsorships. Where does that leave you?

V. I challenge you to sponsor a child like Ukwishaka. (Action Step)

A. Although I sponsor her through Compassion International, there are other organizations.

B. First, do research.

C. Second, look at your budget and be sure you can do this.

1. You don’t want to start and have to stop.

2. Look for places you “waste” money during the month and could use it this way.

3. Fewer snacks from the break room, fewer movies at the Cineplex, brown bag instead of eating out.

D. Talk to a representative at the organization you like.

E. Discuss it with your family.

F. Take the plunge. If you do.

1. Write your child regularly.

2. Consider helping the family, or getting friends to help with extra gifts.

I. In this speech, we have taken a look at the state of poverty for children on this planet, at organizations that are addressing it through child sponsorships, at the effectiveness of these programs, and what you can do.

II. My goal today was not to get an emotional response, but a realistically compassionate one.

III. You have probably heard this story before but it bears repeating. A little girl was walking with her mother on the beach, and the sand was covered with starfish. The little girl wanted to rescue them and send them back to the ocean and kept throwing them in. “It won’t matter, Honey,” said her mother. “You can’t get all of them back in the ocean.” “But it will matter to the ones that I do throw back,” the little girl answered.

IV. We can’t sponsor every child, but we can one, maybe even two. As Forest Witcraft said, “What will matter in 100 years is that I made a difference in the life of a child.” Will you make a difference?

AGScientific. (2019). Top ten deadly diseases in the world. Retrieved from http://agscientific.com/blog/2016/04/top-10-deadly-diseases/

Compassion International. (2019). Financial integrity: The impact of our compassion. Retrieved from https://www.compassion.com/about/financial.htm

Children’s International. (2019). Accountability. Retrieved from https://www.children.org/learn-more/accountability

Global Issues. (2013, January 7 ). Poverty facts and stats. Retrieved from https://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stat s

Infoplease. (2019). What life expectancy really means. Retrieved form https://www.infoplease.com/world/health-and-social-statistics/life-expectancy-countries-0

Kharas, H., Hamel, K., & Hofer, M. (2018, Dec. 13). Rethinking global poverty reduction in 2019. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2018/12/13/rethinking-global-poverty-reduction-in-2019/

Roser, M. (2019). Child and infant mortality rates. Retrieved from https:// ourworldindata.org/child-mortality

Save the Children. (2019). Financial information. Retrieved from https://www.savethechildren.org/us/a...al-information UNICEF.(2008).

Tracking progress on child and maternal nutrition: A survival and development priority. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/media/files/Tracking_Progress_on_Child_and_Maternal_Nutrition_EN_110309.pdf UNICEF 2019.

The reality of Malaria. Retrieved from https://www.unicef . org/health/files/health_africamalaria.pdf United Nations. (2019). Poverty eradication. Retrieved from https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/povertyeradication

World Vision. (2019). Financial accountability. Retrieved from https:// www.worldvision.org/about-us/financial-accountability-2 Wydick, B., Glewwe, P., & Rutledge, L. (2013).

Does international child sponsorship work? A six-country study of impacts on adult life outcomes. Journal of Political Economy, 121(2), 393–436. https://doi. org/10.1086/670138 Wydick, B. (2012, Feb.).

Cost-effective compassion. Christianity Today, 56(2), 24-29. Wydick, B. (2013). Want to change the world? Sponsor a child. Christianity Today, 57(5), 20–27.

Inspiring Giving Back To The Community Speech Ideas

Aurora Simon

As human beings, we have a social responsibility to give back to our community. Whether it’s through volunteerism, community engagement, or philanthropy, every action we take can make a difference in the lives of others. In this article, we will explore the power of giving back to the community and provide inspiring speech ideas that will motivate and encourage individuals to take action towards positive change.

Table of Contents

Throughout the following sections, we will discuss the importance of giving back, effective strategies for encouraging volunteerism, practical tips for getting involved in community outreach programs, and ways to make a difference in your community. We will also share inspiring stories of successful Giving Back To The Community Speeches and provide answers to frequently asked questions on this topic. Let’s begin our journey towards creating a better world!

Examples of Giving Back To The Community Speech

Here are some resources to help you write your giving back to the community speech. As time goes on, I will update this list with new resources below.

Understanding The Importance Of Giving Back To The Community

Giving back to the community is an important aspect of social responsibility . It involves taking action to improve the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Community outreach, volunteerism, and philanthropy are some of the ways individuals can give back to their communities.

There are numerous benefits to giving back to the community. It helps to create a sense of belonging and pride in one’s community. It also fosters a culture of kindness and generosity, which can inspire others to get involved.

Community outreach is a powerful tool for creating change. By engaging with individuals and groups within the community, it is possible to identify areas that require improvement and develop strategies for addressing them. This can include initiatives such as food drives, fundraising events, and educational programs.

Volunteerism is another key way to give back to the community. By volunteering time and skills, individuals can make a positive impact on the lives of others. This can include activities such as mentoring, tutoring, and providing support to those in need.

Philanthropy is another important aspect of giving back to the community. By donating to charitable organizations, individuals can support initiatives that are focused on improving the well-being of others. This can include initiatives such as healthcare, education, and environmental conservation.

Overall, giving back to the community is an essential part of social responsibility. It helps to create a better society, fosters a culture of kindness and generosity, and can inspire others to get involved. By engaging in community outreach, volunteerism, and philanthropy, individuals can make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to creating a better world.

The Power Of Community Involvement And Engagement

When it comes to giving back to the community, the power of community involvement and engagement cannot be overstated. By working together and pooling resources, individuals and organizations can achieve greater impact and bring about positive change in their communities.

Community involvement can take many forms, from volunteering time and skills to supporting local initiatives and businesses. Philanthropy also plays an important role in community engagement, as it provides resources to fund programs and projects that benefit the community.

One of the key benefits of community involvement and engagement is that it empowers individuals to take an active role in shaping their communities. By participating in local events and initiatives, individuals can build relationships, develop skills, and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.

The Importance Of Philanthropy In Supporting Community Initiatives

Philanthropy plays a critical role in supporting community initiatives, as it provides resources that enable organizations to carry out their missions and serve the needs of the community. Whether through individual donations, corporate giving, or foundation grants, philanthropy can make a significant difference in the lives of people and communities.

In addition to providing financial support, philanthropy can also help to raise awareness and mobilize support for important causes. By leveraging their networks and resources, philanthropic organizations can bring attention to issues that may otherwise be overlooked, and encourage others to get involved.

The Power Of Collaboration In Achieving Positive Change

Collaboration is essential for achieving positive change in communities. By working together, individuals and organizations can pool their knowledge, skills, and resources to address complex social issues and bring about lasting change.

Effective collaboration requires a shared vision, trust, and a willingness to work towards a common goal . It also requires open communication, active listening, and a commitment to learning from one another.

Ultimately, the power of community involvement, philanthropy, and collaboration lies in their ability to bring people together and create a shared sense of purpose. By working towards a common goal, individuals and organizations can achieve great things and create a better world for all.

Inspiring Stories Of Successful Community Service Speeches

Community service speeches have the power to inspire and motivate individuals and communities to take action towards positive change. Here are some inspiring stories of successful speeches:

“There are two kinds of people in this world: those who sit on the sidelines and watch things happen, and those who jump in and make a difference. Which one are you?” This powerful quote was part of a speech given by a local community leader at a fundraising event for a new community center. Her words inspired many in attendance to become more involved in community initiatives and volunteer work.

Another successful community service speech was given by a high school student at a school assembly. She talked about the importance of giving back to the community and shared her personal experiences volunteering at a local animal shelter. Her speech inspired many of her classmates to become more involved in volunteer work.

At a city council meeting, a concerned citizen gave a passionate speech about the need for a new community garden in a low-income neighborhood. Her speech convinced the council to allocate funds for the project, and the garden became a thriving hub for community involvement and engagement.

These inspiring stories show the power of community service speeches in bringing about positive change. By sharing personal experiences, using powerful quotes, and making a compelling case for action, individuals can motivate others to get involved in community initiatives and make a difference in the world.

Effective Strategies For Encouraging Volunteerism

Volunteerism is a vital component of social responsibility, and it can have a significant impact on the community. It’s crucial to encourage more people to volunteer and give back to society. Here are some effective strategies for promoting volunteerism:

• Engage with the community: To promote volunteerism, it’s essential to connect with the community. Reach out to local organizations, schools, and community groups to create partnerships and opportunities for volunteering.
• Highlight the benefits: Emphasize the benefits of volunteering, both for the individual and society. Some of the benefits include developing new skills, meeting new people, and making a positive impact on society.
• Provide flexible opportunities: Make volunteering accessible and flexible to accommodate various schedules and skill sets. Offer opportunities for both short-term and long-term commitments, and provide training and support for volunteers.
• Celebrate successes: Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of volunteers and the impact they have on society. Share success stories and highlight the positive outcomes to inspire more people to get involved.
• Partner with local businesses: Partnering with local businesses can provide support for volunteer initiatives. Local businesses can offer in-kind donations, sponsor events, or provide volunteers through their employees.

Encouraging volunteerism is essential for creating a stronger and more connected community. By implementing these effective strategies, we can inspire more people to volunteer and make a positive impact on society.

Ways To Get Involved In Community Outreach Programs

Community outreach programs are a great way to give back and make a positive impact on your local community. If you’re wondering where to start or how to get involved, here are some tips and strategies:

1. Research local organizations

Start by researching local organizations that focus on community outreach programs. Look for groups that align with your values and interests. Many organizations have websites that outline their mission and volunteer opportunities.

2. Attend community events

Attending community events is a great way to learn about local organizations and connect with like-minded individuals. Look for events such as charity runs, volunteer fairs, and community festivals.

3. Volunteer with your company or organization

If you work for a company or organization, look for ways to get involved in their community outreach initiatives. Many companies have formal volunteer programs that allow employees to volunteer during work hours.

4. Start your own project

If you have a particular cause or issue that you’re passionate about, consider starting your own community outreach project. This could be as simple as organizing a community cleanup or as complex as starting a nonprofit organization.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

5. Participate in online communities

There are many online communities and social media groups that focus on community outreach and volunteering. Joining these groups can be a great way to network with other volunteers and learn about new opportunities.

6. Attend training and workshops

Many organizations offer training and workshops for volunteers. These sessions can provide valuable information on community outreach best practices, leadership skills, and other topics relevant to volunteering.

Getting involved in community outreach programs can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By taking action and making a positive impact, you can help create a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.

How To Make A Difference In Your Community

Communities thrive when individuals actively engage and work together towards a common goal. Making a difference in your community can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Here are some practical steps you can take to get started:

• Identify a community need: Take some time to assess the needs of your community. This could be anything from improving education to supporting local businesses.
• Get informed: Research existing community programs and initiatives in your area. This can give you insight into what has already been done and what areas still need attention.
• Join or start a group: Look for groups or organizations that align with your interests and values. If there is no existing group, consider starting one yourself.
• Volunteer your time: Many community organizations and programs rely on volunteers to function effectively. Consider volunteering your time to help out with events, programs, or initiatives.
• Donate resources: If you are unable to volunteer your time, consider making a donation to support a cause or program that aligns with your values.
• Engage with others: Building relationships and connections within your community is key to creating meaningful and lasting change. Attend community events, volunteer opportunities, and connect with organizations and individuals working towards similar goals.

Remember that making a difference in your community is an ongoing process. It requires dedication, persistence, and collaboration. But the rewards of positively impacting the lives of those around you are priceless.

Social Responsibility and Philanthropy: Creating a Better World

Social responsibility and philanthropy are crucial pillars in creating a better world. These concepts focus on helping those in need and bringing about positive change in society. Here are some examples of successful initiatives that have made a significant impact:

Individuals can also make a difference through acts of philanthropy. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Donate to a charity or organization that aligns with your values
• Volunteer your time and skills to a cause you care about
• Support local businesses that prioritize social responsibility

Philanthropy is not just about giving money, but also about making a positive impact in the world. By choosing to support causes that align with your values, you can contribute to creating a better world for all.

If you’re looking to give a speech on giving back to the community, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your audience and their needs. Whether you’re speaking to a group of volunteers, community leaders, or a general audience, the focus of your speech should be on inspiring action towards positive change. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you prepare for your Giving Back To The Community Speech.

What Should I Include In My Giving Back To The Community Speech?

Your Giving Back To The Community Speech should convey the importance of social responsibility, volunteerism, and community engagement. Share your own experiences of giving back to the community, and how it has impacted your life. Highlight the benefits of volunteering and community involvement, and provide examples of successful community service initiatives. Above all, encourage your audience to take action towards positive change.

How Can I Engage My Audience?

Engage your audience by sharing inspiring stories of successful community service and volunteerism initiatives. Use visuals such as images or videos to convey the impact of community involvement. Encourage participation and interaction by asking questions and providing opportunities for discussion. Finally, provide practical advice and strategies for getting involved in community outreach programs.

What Are Some Tips For Delivering An Effective Speech?

Start by preparing thoroughly and practicing your speech multiple times. Speak clearly and confidently, and use gestures and body language to convey your message. Make eye contact with your audience, and vary your tone and pace to keep them engaged. Use humor and personal anecdotes to connect with your audience, and end your speech with a clear call to action.

How Can I Measure The Impact Of My Speech?

One way to measure the impact of your speech is by soliciting feedback from your audience. Consider providing a survey or questionnaire that asks for feedback on the content, delivery, and effectiveness of your speech. Another way to measure impact is by tracking engagement in community service initiatives following your speech. If you can demonstrate that your speech inspired action towards positive change, you can be confident that it had a meaningful impact on your audience.

About the author

With an enduring passion for human potential, I have dedicated my life to learning, growing, and most importantly, empowering others to discover their own unique paths to self-improvement. As a personal development blogger, I distill the wisdom gathered from various life experiences, books, seminars, and thought leaders to provide you with actionable insights and tools for your own growth. I believe that each one of us is capable of extraordinary things, and my mission is to help you unlock that potential. Join me on this journey of self-discovery, and together let’s cultivate a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and joy. You can contact us here.

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How to Write a Speech for a Nonprofit Fundraiser: Tips & Examples

• February 2, 2024
• 10 Comments

These tips for writing fundraising speeches include a real example of a successful inspirational speech for a charity. I share the actual talk my Little Sister and I gave at a Big Sisters Fundraising Gala in Vancouver, BC, Canada. We received a standing ovation and raised more money for our charity than the planning committee hoped for!

Writing a strong, meaningful speech for an inspirational charity or nonprofit organization requires heartfelt emotion and true stories of healing, support, and love. There is a great deal of competition for people’s time, energy and money. Hundreds of excellent, helpful, service-oriented nonprofit charities are trying to raise finances and other forms of support.

I’m a volunteer Big Sister with the nonprofit organization Big Sisters/Big Brothers (which is almost worldwide). My “Little Sister” is now 22 years old. We were officially matched when she was 11. The Big Sisters organization asked us to give an inspirational speech at their annual fundraising gala with Big Sisters at a posh hotel function in Vancouver.

The following three tips will help you learn how to write persuasive stories, write an inspirational speech for your organization, and feel confident that you’re doing the best you can to raise funds and support the people who benefit from your nonprofit. nonprofit organizations.

After these three tips, my true story and example of an inspirational speech will further explain and describe how to write a fundraising speech for a charity event.

3 Tips for Writing Inspirational Speeches

Remember to infuse your speech with passion and optimism. Appeal to the values and aspirations of your audience, and don’t forget to express gratitude for their potential support.

1. Ask one of your nonprofit’s recipients to tell a compelling story

Share a story that connects emotionally with your audience. Share a real-life example or personal experience (such as my story in the sample speech below) that highlights the impact of your organization’s effect on people.

Most importantly, ask someone who has actually been helped by your organization to share their story. First-hand narratives are more interesting and relatable. They are irrefutable proof that your nonprofit’s contributions make a tangible difference in someone’s life. This personal touch creates a stronger emotional connection, encouraging people to get involved, donate money, and support your organization.

2. Hi ghlight your organization’s achievements and goals

Outline your nonprofit’s achievements. Be passionate and excited at how far you’ve come! This won’t be superficial or fake passion if you ask someone who is truly grateful for your nonprofit organization and will share their story during your fundraising speech.

Also, make sure you are emphasizing the positive impact your nonprofit has had on individuals or communities. Paint a vivid picture of what your organization has accomplished and the positive change you aspire to bring going forward. This helps instill confidence in potential donors, showing them that their support will contribute to your nonprofit and the people’s ongoing success and growth.

3. Clearly articulate your nonprofit’s need

Finally clearly communicate why your organization nonprofit needs financial support. What will you do with the money or other resources?

Break down the specific areas where funds are required and explain how these resources will be allocated. Are you hoping to fund a specific project, expand outreach efforts or support ongoing operations that are working? Be transparent. This helps donors understand the concrete impact their contributions will have. Your honesty fosters trust and commitment.

Below is the inspirational speech my Little Sister and I gave at a fundraising gala dinner (not quite a “charity ball”, but close). In the speech I shared what it’s like being a Big Sister. Below, I break the speech down into specific parts so you can use the format as a sample inspirational speech for your own charity event.

If your nonprofit doesn’t blog, read How to Start an Inspirational Self-Help Blog to Inspire and Encourage Others .

Example of a Fundraising Speech for a Nonprofit Organization

Speaking at this charity event taught me that the most inspirational speeches and best fundraising ideas have to involve sharing how your charity or nonprofit organization actually affects people’s lives. Weave true, heartfelt stories, emotions, and touching experiences into your inspirational speech. Include real people who have benefitted from your nonprofit organization or charity – people who are sincerely grateful for your work.

Use the details I highlighted in bold as hints that will make your own inspirational speech and charity event excellent.

We got a standing ovation after we spoke at this fundraising gala dinner, by the way! It was AWESOME. At the end of my inspirational speech, I share a link to an article about public speaking tips. Also, Big Sisters’ goal was to raise $210,000 for the charity, and they succeeded. 🙂

And that’s your first tip for raising funds for a charity:  Know how much money you want to raise. Be bold, and don’t be shy about asking for money for your nonprofit organization.

Speaking at a Big Sister’s Fundraising Dinner for Charity

Word for word, this is the inspirational speech I gave at the Big Sisters Fundraising Gala.

Hi everyone, I’m Laurie, and this is my BIG Little Sister, Sarrah.  (note to reader: this is funny because my Little Sister is physically bigger and taller than I am. Ha ha!).

How this charity changed my life

Without the Big Sisters organization – and all the sponsors, volunteers, staff, and board members – I would never have met my Little Sister Sarrah. And I would’ve missed out on one of the highlights of my whole life: being a Big Sister.

Without Big Sisters, I would have also missed out on being a Little Sister! When I was 11 – about 32 years ago, give or take a few dozen years – I had my own Big Sister. We were matched for about a year, before I moved to a different city. Even though we were only together for a short time, my Big Sister changed my life. I’m not even sure what she did or how she did it. It was just that she made time for me and listened to me.

My Big Sister made me feel good about myself, and I am 100 per cent certain she changed my life in ways I can’t even comprehend. My mom struggles with schizophrenia and I’ve never had a father in my life, and having a Big Sister made me feel happier, more confident, and more loved.

What this inspirational charity does for girls and women

I believe Big Sisters changes girls’ lives by making them feel valuable, special, and unique.

The more confident and loved a girl feels, the more likely she’ll make good decisions that help her succeed. And it’s not just individual and families who benefit from – the whole community is positively affected when girls make smart choices! So, I was wrong when I said I’m not sure how my Big changed my life. It was simply that she changed how I saw myself and how I felt about myself. This in turn changed how I saw and interacted with the world.

The beauty is that a Big Sister doesn’t have to be university educated, or be young, or cool, or trendy, or wealthy – she just has to have an extra couple of hours a week to spend with a girl.

What life would be like without this charity

This is an important part of an inspirational speech at a charity event: what if the organization didn’t exist?) If I didn’t have a Big Sister, I don’t know if I would have become a Big Sister myself. For me, it just seemed like a “no brainer.” But, even though I know firsthand how powerful it is to have a Big Sister, I was a bit worried about committing to a year – or more!- to being a mentor.

Problems or worries faced by the volunteers, charity, or organizers of the fundraiser

My biggest worry was that my Little and I wouldn’t connect. Spending 2 to 4 hours together once a week is a big commitment – what if we didn’t like each other? What if we had nothing in common? I feel so lucky to be paired with Sarrah. Our Big Sisters counselor, Michelle, did a wonderful job matching us.

The first time we ever met was in a park right beside her home. Sarrah’s mom brought homemade cookies and fresh fruit, and I was so touched at her thoughtfulness. I brought my dog Georgie, because I thought she’d help break the ice. I was right; the ice was broken and has stayed broken the whole time!

Successes (every inspirational speech needs hope and joy!)

Sarrah is so smart, curious, interesting, and fun to be with. She’s open to trying anything and everything, and looks on the bright side of everything that happens. She takes after me that way! I’m particularly impressed that Sarrah is so willing to try new things, because she was isolated for the first few years of her life. She didn’t’ go to school until grade two, and now she’s getting A’s in grade seven. I love that she wants to be a doctor or a writer when she grows up – and I’m encouraging her to be both.

Specific examples of how the charity operates

We’ve done lots of fun things together, as you can see from our photos…but my favorite is walking our dogs at Ambleside beach and getting a slurpee. Sarrah’s favourite slurpee flavour is everything all mixed together or when I was growing up it was called“Swamp Water”, and mine is plain old coke and Dr Pepper. So far, slurpee flavours is the only thing we disagree on! We talk a lot, and Sarrah has shared challenges she faces at school with her friends. She’s also talked about the changes she’s experiencing in her life, and I love being a sounding board for her.

One of my best memories is when I gave Sarrah the choice between doing two super fun fantastic activities. She said she didn’t care what we do, she just wants to spend time together. That was one of the most beautiful, kindest things anyone has ever said to me! I feel the same way about her – it really doesn’t matter if we’re walking the dogs, surfing the waves or packing a Christmas Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child . It really is good to just be together.

Why this nonprofit organization is so important

The biggest change I’ve seen in Sarrah is her increased confidence in herself. When we were first matched, our first outing was the Big Sisters picnic in Stanley Park – in the pouring rain! Sarrah was so shy and quiet, and she spoke so softly that people couldn’t hear what she was saying.

Now, I am so proud of how confident she is. When we were at the library last week working on our speeches, she went to the librarian by herself to ask for a guest pass for the computer. Before, she would’ve been too shy to do this alone. She takes the bus by herself now, and even has a job delivering papers. Her first job!

Conclude the inspirational speech with an “ask”

Being a Big Sister is amazing – and I’m so grateful to the Big Sisters organization and all its supporters, volunteers, staff, and sponsors. Because of you all, Sarrah and I have a friendship that neither of us will ever forget. I look forward to many more years walking alongside Sarrah as she enters high school, starts thinking about boys as more than pests (which I hope doesn’t happen for a long long time!), and drives me to the 7-11 for our slurpee breaks.

Thank you! Thank you so much for making such a Big difference in our lives, and for giving me and Sarrah the gift of friendship.

Are you stuck for ideas on how to write a fundraising speech? Read Practical Tips and Writing Inspiration for When You Can’t Write .

Summary of an Inspirational Speech

In your charity fundraising speech, describe:

• How and why your charity is life-changing, both specifically and generally
• The challenges your charity has overcome, or is overcoming
• The successes you’ve faced as a charity or an individual
• End your inspirational speech with an ask for a specific amount of money. Don’t be shy about asking for money – that’s what charity events and fundraising galas are for.

This inspirational speech is from my heart, which is what made it work. If you’re giving a speech at a charity event, write it from the very core of you! The more authentic and sincere you are, the better your fundraising efforts, inspirational speech, and charity event will be.

Why are you searching for charity speeches? Feel free to share your nonprofit organization’s information here — including what you’re raising money for. This is a good and safe place to practice your fundraising efforts 🙂 Feel free to share links to your organization or charity event.

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10 thoughts on “How to Write a Speech for a Nonprofit Fundraiser: Tips & Examples”

Thanks for these tips. I’m trying to convince the manager of our nonprofit to approve a fundraising dinner, but she thinks it’s too expensive. The costs will outweigh the benefits of an organizing a dinner with speeches, she says. I really think we should try it because our charity hasn’t done it before, and I know our clients will be willing to participate. How do I convince my supervisor to approve a fundraiser?

Good question, Jeremy! I understand your manager’s hesitation because sometimes it can look bad for nonprofits to spend alot of money trying to raise funds. It can look like a misuse of the money the organization has, even though it’s money well spent.

Convincing your manager to approve a fundraising dinner requires a strategic approach.

Here are three pieces of advice:

1. Prepare a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that outlines the potential expenses and the expected returns. Clearly demonstrate how the investment in the fundraising dinner aligns with your nonprofit’s goals and mission. Break down the costs, including venue, catering, and any other expenses, and juxtapose them with the anticipated revenue from the event. Highlight additional benefits beyond financial gains, such as increased community engagement, brand visibility, and the opportunity to connect with potential long-term donors.

2. Be creative! Showcase the uniqueness and innovation behind organizing a fundraising dinner. Since your charity hasn’t done it before, emphasize the novelty and the potential for creating a memorable experience for participants. Highlight how a dinner event can provide a platform for networking, community building, and sharing the organization’s mission in a more personal and interactive way. Emphasize how this approach can set your charity apart from others, attracting attention and support from a broader audience.

3. If you know your clients are willing to participate, use their enthusiasm to your advantage. Collect testimonials or statements from clients expressing their support for the fundraising dinner. These testimonials can serve as powerful evidence of community backing and the potential impact of the event.

Additionally, propose involving clients in the event itself, whether through testimonials, personal stories, or participation in some aspect of the dinner. This not only adds authenticity to the event but also creates a stronger connection between the donors and the cause.

By combining a solid financial argument with a focus on innovation and client engagement, you might be able to convince your manager that a fundraising dinner with an inspirational speech will be profitable for everyone.

Nonprofit Writing – How to Write a Donation Letter to Raise Money

Include a story – tap into the reader’s emotions. The donation letters I’ve written included stories about sick babies, hospitals in need of new medical equipment, and people losing their lives to disease. I interviewed patients, doctors, and nurses, and share their experience from their point of view. Here’s a snippet of a donation letter that asked for money for incubators for the hospital — it’s from a mother’s perspective: “I cried so much that first week. Not only was childbirth stressful, coping with a serious case of jaundice was almost too much! I couldn’t hold my baby unless I was feeding her. I felt scared and helpless.”

Be dramatic, and use powerful “please help us” words. At first, nonprofit writing – especially writing donation letters – may seem false and overly dramatic! But, that’s how nonprofits encourage people to donate. My hospital clients encouraged me to write sentences such as, “Funding for this hospital is literally a matter of ‘life and death’ – and your family could be next,” and “I was one of many new mothers who felt helpless and frustrated. You don’t realize how powerless you are as a parent until your baby has to wait for an incubator.” It felt over the top at first, but I understand the need to impress upon potential donors with strong writing. A weak, timid request doesn’t help nonprofits raise money.

Use italics, bold font, and underlining. Set your most powerful sentences apart by centering them and leaving white space around them. Use italics, bold font, and underlining to specifically ask for money in the donation letter. Here’s a sentence that I bolded, underlined, and set apart: “I ask you to give a gift to this hospital to alleviate the need I saw at the hospital – and keep ensuring the best care is given.”

Tie the donation letter to a holiday or special occasion. The hospital I write for sends their donation letters on Mother’s Day, Christmas, Easter, and hospital anniversaries. It’s more effective to connect your request for money with a heartwarming occasion – especially if a personal story can be naturally woven into the theme of the holiday.

Keep the donation letter short. Two pages should be more than enough to share a story, explain why the nonprofit needs to raise money, and make the request. People don’t have time to read long letters, and they may never get to the end of the letter – where the final appeal for money is made.

Make it easy for readers to donate money. Include a tear-off slip at the end of the donation letter, giving people the option to donate different amounts of money. Include tax credit information, a contact name and number for donors who want more info, and different ways to make a donation.

Great article Laurie! A few other tips for nonprofit fundraising letters and speeches:

– Tie your ‘ask’ to something specific. For example: “Your $35 donation will feed a hungry child for a week.” – Include something in the letter that encourages the reader to respond, even without a gift. For example, several of the hospital clients I write for encourage donors to sign and return a special Holiday Card to display and brighten the hospital for patients at Christmastime. Most people will include a gift with the card, but might not have responded without it. – There is a place for longer letters. As a fundraising account director, I found that longer letters (4 pages) worked well for some clients — usually when prospecting for new donors to their cause. It all depends on the story, the cause and how much information is needed make a compelling case for support.

I’m the founder and CEO of Frankel Foundation For Diabetics, an NGO to serve, support and advocate for children, adolescence and adults living with diabetes and their families in Ghana, West Africa. Its less than a year old. It’s in honor of my mom and my 15 year old son who are both diabetics. And am also diabetic. Ill be launching it in Worcester, Massachusetts and looking for a sample speech for our fundraising event. I love your inspirational speech. Very heart touching.. God bless you.

Hi I have a speech to give tomorrow in a charity dinner in church, we’ve been planing for three months now .We are called Society of St Vincent de Paul at St Denis catholic church Bariga in Lagos . My mission tomorrow is to drive words into their soul and sparkly that nerve of charity i know exists in us all.

Thanks for this write up , though not exactly what i need but it has shown me how i need to work hard to get a convincing speech to touch my audience

How did your speech go, Ifeanyi? Were you nervous giving the speech, or did you find the charity dinner surprising in anyway?

I hope it was great 🙂

Hi. I am glad I found your article because I am just getting into motivational speaking, and I wanted to know how to write my speech. My friend has a nonprofit organization, and she will need me to be her inspirational speaker. Do you have any more tips?

Susan, thanks for your information.

I hadn’t thought about the language and geographic barriers when writing donation letters…this is great to know.

I’ve written email appeals for nonprofits, and with email, it’s even more important to keep things short and have a clear to action (usually a hyperlinked request for donations that takes the reader directly to the donations page). Storytelling is a powerful way to appeal to the reader’s emotions, but unfortunately, some nonprofits have a tough time collecting those stories.

For instance, my main nonprofit client offers programs in developing countries, so there’s a language barrier and also a geographic barrier between the people working in the trenches and the ones in the headquarters writing creative briefs. Sometimes there are confidentiality issues as well. In cases where we can’t get a brand new story, sometimes we’ll use statistics to put things into context and demonstrate the severity of the situation. (For instance, “every XX seconds, a child dies of the preventable, yet deadly disease known as malaria.”)

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, charity is defined as the pure love of Christ. Jesus Christ loves each of us and sees us all as equals. He recognizes our potential and wants us to do our best to return to live with Him again. His love is perfect, and although we are not perfect, our Heavenly Father has asked us to do all we can to develop charity and become more like Christ in all that we do.

The scriptures provide a clearer picture of charity and offer examples of charity in action. During His ministry, Christ declared, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” ( John 13:34-35 ). The Savior’s time on earth was defined by His love. He performed miracles, healed the sick, and was crucified for our sins because His love for us was so great. In turn, He asks us to extend that same charity to our fellow men and women during our mortal lives. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni teaches about charity, saying, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him” ( Moroni 7:46-47 ).

What steps can you take to develop charity? Preach My Gospel , the training manual for missionaries, recommends several steps anyone can take. The first is to pray for the gift of charity, asking God sincerely to help you develop this gift. Another suggestion is to look for opportunities to serve ( Preach My Gospel, chapter 6 ). By doing these things, you can move closer to obtaining the gift of charity for your fellow men and women. Additionally, the talks listed here are designed to offer counsel and insight regarding the principle of charity. We hope that as you read them you will find suggestions and receive revelation to help you move forward in this endeavor.

Our Own Best Story

The Aims of a BYU Education

The first commandment first.

The Science of the Beloved Community

The Need for a Mass Coming Together of Poor People and People of Faith in This Moment of Crisis

“Yes, and . . .”: The Creative Art of Living

Loving Our Neighbors

Seeing the Divinity in Others

“To Me He Doth Not Stink”: Advocacy and Love

Pure Religion

Lost and Found

The Most Important Three Things in the World

Why Giving Matters

Love of the Savior

Bless the Poor and Needy

On Knowing and Caring

“Anywhere”—The Power of the One

Charity in the community of saints.

Gifts of the Spirit

Charity: How We Treat Each Other

The Bond of Charity

“A Love of God and of All Men”

“By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them”

“Charity Never Faileth”

Forget Yourself

Persuasive Speech: Non-Profit or Charity: Home

• NoodleTools

Source #1: Organization Website

Start by locating the website of an organization that supports your cause or addresses your social issue. A few search strategies are listed below.

• Google Search Suggested search terms: Enter a term that describes your cause followed by the term nonprofit organizations. For example: "literacy nonprofit organizations," "animal welfare nonprofit organizations."
• Charity Navigator A list of charities can be found at this website.

Sources #2 & #3: Two articles that support your position

Search the HF Library databases to locate two articles that support your position. Suggested databases are listed below.

• SIRS Issues Researcher This link opens in a new window
• Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context This link opens in a new window
• Gale Global Issues in Context This link opens in a new window
• EBSCO Explora This link opens in a new window
• ProQuest Central This link opens in a new window

Monroe's Motivated Sequence

NoodleTools Citation Tips

• Click the green "New Source" button
• Select "Website" and then "Webpage"
• Complete the template and click "Save"

Databases: 

• Open article you want to cite
• On the article, find and click on the "Cite" button (symbol with two quotation marks)
• Change Citation style to the one you are using
• Export Citation to NoodleTools
• Click "Import" button 
• Once green bar appears at top of page, go back to your NoodleTools sources page and refresh page
• Next: NoodleTools >>
• Last Updated: Nov 10, 2023 1:39 PM
• URL: https://hfhs-hf233.libguides.com/charity

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75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

October 4, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

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

What is persuasive speech?

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

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

How to choose a topic for your speech

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

Familiarity

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

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

The audience’s interest

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

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

Not overdone

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

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

Emotional topics

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

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

Desired outcome

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

Persuasive speech topics

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

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

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

Arts/Culture

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

Business and economy

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

Law and politics

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

Science and the environment

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

World peace

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

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

After choosing your topic

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

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

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

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

Persuasive Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics

Good Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas for Debaters

18 min read

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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!

• 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.

Are you ready to take your public speaking abilities up a notch? If so, click the link and unlock amazing public speaking tips that will help you improve!

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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17.3 Organizing Persuasive Speeches

Learning objectives.

• Understand three common organizational patterns for persuasive speeches.
• Explain the steps utilized in Monroe’s motivated sequence.
• Explain the parts of a problem-cause-solution speech.
• Explain the process utilized in a comparative advantage persuasive speech.

Steven Lilley – Engaged – CC BY-SA 2.0.

Previously in this text we discussed general guidelines for organizing speeches. In this section, we are going to look at three organizational patterns ideally suited for persuasive speeches: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantages.

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

One of the most commonly cited and discussed organizational patterns for persuasive speeches is Alan H. Monroe’s motivated sequence. The purpose of Monroe’s motivated sequence is to help speakers “sequence supporting materials and motivational appeals to form a useful organizational pattern for speeches as a whole” (German et al., 2010).

While Monroe’s motivated sequence is commonly discussed in most public speaking textbooks, we do want to provide one minor caution. Thus far, almost no research has been conducted that has demonstrated that Monroe’s motivated sequence is any more persuasive than other structural patterns. In the only study conducted experimentally examining Monroe’s motivated sequence, the researchers did not find the method more persuasive, but did note that audience members found the pattern more organized than other methods (Micciche, Pryor, & Butler, 2000). We wanted to add this sidenote because we don’t want you to think that Monroe’s motivated sequence is a kind of magic persuasive bullet; the research simply doesn’t support this notion. At the same time, research does support that organized messages are perceived as more persuasive as a whole, so using Monroe’s motivated sequence to think through one’s persuasive argument could still be very beneficial.

Table 17.1 “Monroe’s Motivated Sequence” lists the basic steps of Monroe’s motivated sequence and the subsequent reaction a speaker desires from his or her audience.

Table 17.1 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

The first step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the attention step , in which a speaker attempts to get the audience’s attention. To gain an audience’s attention, we recommend that you think through three specific parts of the attention step. First, you need to have a strong attention-getting device. As previously discussed in Chapter 9 “Introductions Matter: How to Begin a Speech Effectively” , a strong attention getter at the beginning of your speech is very important. Second, you need to make sure you introduce your topic clearly. If your audience doesn’t know what your topic is quickly, they are more likely to stop listening. Lastly, you need to explain to your audience why they should care about your topic.

In the need step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the speaker establishes that there is a specific need or problem. In Monroe’s conceptualization of need, he talks about four specific parts of the need: statement, illustration, ramification, and pointing. First, a speaker needs to give a clear and concise statement of the problem. This part of a speech should be crystal clear for an audience. Second, the speaker needs to provide one or more examples to illustrate the need. The illustration is an attempt to make the problem concrete for the audience. Next, a speaker needs to provide some kind of evidence (e.g., statistics, examples, testimony) that shows the ramifications or consequences of the problem. Lastly, a speaker needs to point to the audience and show exactly how the problem relates to them personally.

Satisfaction

In the third step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the satisfaction step , the speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem. Within this step, Monroe (1935) proposed a five-step plan for satisfying a need:

• Explanation
• Theoretical demonstration
• Reference to practical experience
• Meeting objections

First, you need to clearly state the attitude, value, belief, or action you want your audience to accept. The purpose of this statement is to clearly tell your audience what your ultimate goal is.

Second, you want to make sure that you clearly explain to your audience why they should accept the attitude, value, belief, or action you proposed. Just telling your audience they should do something isn’t strong enough to actually get them to change. Instead, you really need to provide a solid argument for why they should accept your proposed solution.

Third, you need to show how the solution you have proposed meets the need or problem. Monroe calls this link between your solution and the need a theoretical demonstration because you cannot prove that your solution will work. Instead, you theorize based on research and good judgment that your solution will meet the need or solve the problem.

Fourth, to help with this theoretical demonstration, you need to reference practical experience, which should include examples demonstrating that your proposal has worked elsewhere. Research, statistics, and expert testimony are all great ways of referencing practical experience.

Lastly, Monroe recommends that a speaker respond to possible objections. As a persuasive speaker, one of your jobs is to think through your speech and see what counterarguments could be made against your speech and then rebut those arguments within your speech. When you offer rebuttals for arguments against your speech, it shows your audience that you’ve done your homework and educated yourself about multiple sides of the issue.

Visualization

The next step of Monroe’s motivated sequence is the visualization step , in which you ask the audience to visualize a future where the need has been met or the problem solved. In essence, the visualization stage is where a speaker can show the audience why accepting a specific attitude, value, belief, or behavior can positively affect the future. When helping people to picture the future, the more concrete your visualization is, the easier it will be for your audience to see the possible future and be persuaded by it. You also need to make sure that you clearly show how accepting your solution will directly benefit your audience.

According to Monroe, visualization can be conducted in one of three ways: positive, negative, or contrast (Monroe, 1935). The positive method of visualization is where a speaker shows how adopting a proposal leads to a better future (e.g., recycle, and we’ll have a cleaner and safer planet). Conversely, the negative method of visualization is where a speaker shows how not adopting the proposal will lead to a worse future (e.g., don’t recycle, and our world will become polluted and uninhabitable). Monroe also acknowledged that visualization can include a combination of both positive and negative visualization. In essence, you show your audience both possible outcomes and have them decide which one they would rather have.

The final step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the action step , in which a speaker asks an audience to approve the speaker’s proposal. For understanding purposes, we break action into two distinct parts: audience action and approval. Audience action refers to direct physical behaviors a speaker wants from an audience (e.g., flossing their teeth twice a day, signing a petition, wearing seat belts). Approval, on the other hand, involves an audience’s consent or agreement with a speaker’s proposed attitude, value, or belief.

When preparing an action step, it is important to make sure that the action, whether audience action or approval, is realistic for your audience. Asking your peers in a college classroom to donate one thousand dollars to charity isn’t realistic. Asking your peers to donate one dollar is considerably more realistic. In a persuasive speech based on Monroe’s motivated sequence, the action step will end with the speech’s concluding device. As discussed elsewhere in this text, you need to make sure that you conclude in a vivid way so that the speech ends on a high point and the audience has a sense of energy as well as a sense of closure.

Now that we’ve walked through Monroe’s motivated sequence, let’s look at how you could use Monroe’s motivated sequence to outline a persuasive speech:

Specific Purpose: To persuade my classroom peers that the United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments.

Main Points:

• Attention: Want to make nine thousand dollars for just three weeks of work lying around and not doing much? Then be a human guinea pig. Admittedly, you’ll have to have a tube down your throat most of those three weeks, but you’ll earn three thousand dollars a week.
• Need: Every day many uneducated and lower socioeconomic-status citizens are preyed on by medical and pharmaceutical companies for use in for-profit medical and drug experiments. Do you want one of your family members to fall prey to this evil scheme?
• Satisfaction: The United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments to ensure that uneducated and lower-socioeconomic-status citizens are protected.
• Visualization: If we enact tougher experiment oversight, we can ensure that medical and pharmaceutical research is conducted in a way that adheres to basic values of American decency. If we do not enact tougher experiment oversight, we could find ourselves in a world where the lines between research subject, guinea pig, and patient become increasingly blurred.
• Action: In order to prevent the atrocities associated with for-profit medical and pharmaceutical experiments, please sign this petition asking the US Department of Health and Human Services to pass stricter regulations on this preying industry that is out of control.

This example shows how you can take a basic speech topic and use Monroe’s motivated sequence to clearly and easily outline your speech efficiently and effectively.

Table 17.2 “Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Checklist” also contains a simple checklist to help you make sure you hit all the important components of Monroe’s motivated sequence.

Table 17.2 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Checklist

Problem-Cause-Solution

Another format for organizing a persuasive speech is the problem-cause-solution format. In this specific format, you discuss what a problem is, what you believe is causing the problem, and then what the solution should be to correct the problem.

Specific Purpose: To persuade my classroom peers that our campus should adopt a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.

• Demonstrate that there is distrust among different groups on campus that has led to unnecessary confrontations and violence.
• Show that the confrontations and violence are a result of hate speech that occurred prior to the events.
• Explain how instituting a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy against hate speech could stop the unnecessary confrontations and violence.

In this speech, you want to persuade people to support a new campus-wide policy calling for zero-tolerance of hate speech. Once you have shown the problem, you then explain to your audience that the cause of the unnecessary confrontations and violence is prior incidents of hate speech. Lastly, you argue that a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy could help prevent future unnecessary confrontations and violence. Again, this method of organizing a speech is as simple as its name: problem-cause-solution.

Comparative Advantages

The final method for organizing a persuasive speech is called the comparative advantages speech format. The goal of this speech is to compare items side-by-side and show why one of them is more advantageous than the other. For example, let’s say that you’re giving a speech on which e-book reader is better: Amazon.com’s Kindle or Barnes and Nobles’ Nook. Here’s how you could organize this speech:

Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that the Nook is more advantageous than the Kindle.

• The Nook allows owners to trade and loan books to other owners or people who have downloaded the Nook software, while the Kindle does not.
• The Nook has a color-touch screen, while the Kindle’s screen is black and grey and noninteractive.
• The Nook’s memory can be expanded through microSD, while the Kindle’s memory cannot be upgraded.

As you can see from this speech’s organization, the simple goal of this speech is to show why one thing has more positives than something else. Obviously, when you are demonstrating comparative advantages, the items you are comparing need to be functional equivalents—or, as the saying goes, you cannot compare apples to oranges.

Key Takeaways

• There are three common patterns that persuaders can utilize to help organize their speeches effectively: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantage. Each of these patterns can effectively help a speaker think through his or her thoughts and organize them in a manner that will be more likely to persuade an audience.
• Alan H. Monroe’s (1935) motivated sequence is a commonly used speech format that is used by many people to effectively organize persuasive messages. The pattern consists of five basic stages: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action. In the first stage, a speaker gets an audience’s attention. In the second stage, the speaker shows an audience that a need exists. In the third stage, the speaker shows how his or her persuasive proposal could satisfy the need. The fourth stage shows how the future could be if the persuasive proposal is or is not adopted. Lastly, the speaker urges the audience to take some kind of action to help enact the speaker’s persuasive proposal.
• The problem-cause-solution proposal is a three-pronged speech pattern. The speaker starts by explaining the problem the speaker sees. The speaker then explains what he or she sees as the underlying causes of the problem. Lastly, the speaker proposes a solution to the problem that corrects the underlying causes.
• The comparative advantages speech format is utilized when a speaker is comparing two or more things or ideas and shows why one of the things or ideas has more advantages than the other(s).
• Create a speech using Monroe’s motivated sequence to persuade people to recycle.
• Create a speech using the problem-cause-solution method for a problem you see on your college or university campus.
• Create a comparative advantages speech comparing two brands of toothpaste.

German, K. M., Gronbeck, B. E., Ehninger, D., & Monroe, A. H. (2010). Principles of public speaking (17th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, p. 236.

Micciche, T., Pryor, B., & Butler, J. (2000). A test of Monroe’s motivated sequence for its effects on ratings of message organization and attitude change. Psychological Reports, 86 , 1135–1138.

Monroe, A. H. (1935). Principles and types of speech . Chicago, IL: Scott Foresman.

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

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.
• Every automobile driver should be required to take a new driver's test every three years.
• Electroshock treatment is not a humane form of therapy.
• Global warming is not real.
• Single-parent adoption should be encouraged and promoted.
• Gun companies should be held accountable for gun crimes.
• Human cloning is not moral.
• Religion does not belong in public education.
• Juveniles should not be tried as adults.
• American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law.
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• Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
• 30 Writing Topics: Persuasion
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Persuasive Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples

What is a persuasive speech?

In a persuasive speech, the speaker aims to convince the audience to accept a particular perspective on a person, place, object, idea, etc. The speaker strives to cause the audience to accept the point of view presented in the speech.

The success of a persuasive speech often relies on the speaker’s use of ethos, pathos, and logos.

Ethos is the speaker’s credibility. Audiences are more likely to accept an argument if they find the speaker trustworthy. To establish credibility during a persuasive speech, speakers can do the following:

Use familiar language.

Select examples that connect to the specific audience.

Utilize credible and well-known sources.

Logically structure the speech in an audience-friendly way.

Use appropriate eye contact, volume, pacing, and inflection.

Pathos appeals to the audience’s emotions. Speakers who create an emotional bond with their audience are typically more convincing. Tapping into the audience’s emotions can be accomplished through the following:

Select evidence that can elicit an emotional response.

Use emotionally-charged words. (The city has a problem … vs. The city has a disease …)

Incorporate analogies and metaphors that connect to a specific emotion to draw a parallel between the reference and topic.

Utilize vivid imagery and sensory words, allowing the audience to visualize the information.

Employ an appropriate tone, inflection, and pace to reflect the emotion.

Logos appeals to the audience’s logic by offering supporting evidence. Speakers can improve their logical appeal in the following ways:

Use comprehensive evidence the audience can understand.

Confirm the evidence logically supports the argument’s claims and stems from credible sources.

Ensure that evidence is specific and avoid any vague or questionable information.

Types of persuasive speeches

The three main types of persuasive speeches are factual, value, and policy.

A factual persuasive speech focuses solely on factual information to prove the existence or absence of something through substantial proof. This is the only type of persuasive speech that exclusively uses objective information rather than subjective. As such, the argument does not rely on the speaker’s interpretation of the information. Essentially, a factual persuasive speech includes historical controversy, a question of current existence, or a prediction:

Historical controversy concerns whether an event happened or whether an object actually existed.

Questions of current existence involve the knowledge that something is currently happening.

Predictions incorporate the analysis of patterns to convince the audience that an event will happen again.

A value persuasive speech concerns the morality of a certain topic. Speakers incorporate facts within these speeches; however, the speaker’s interpretation of those facts creates the argument. These speeches are highly subjective, so the argument cannot be proven to be absolutely true or false.

A policy persuasive speech centers around the speaker’s support or rejection of a public policy, rule, or law. Much like a value speech, speakers provide evidence supporting their viewpoint; however, they provide subjective conclusions based on the facts they provide.

How to write a persuasive speech

Incorporate the following steps when writing a persuasive speech:

Step 1 – Identify the type of persuasive speech (factual, value, or policy) that will help accomplish the goal of the presentation.

Step 2 – Select a good persuasive speech topic to accomplish the goal and choose a position .

Step 3 – Locate credible and reliable sources and identify evidence in support of the topic/position. Revisit Step 2 if there is a lack of relevant resources.

Step 4 – Identify the audience and understand their baseline attitude about the topic.

Step 5 – When constructing an introduction , keep the following questions in mind:

What’s the topic of the speech?

What’s the occasion?

Who’s the audience?

What’s the purpose of the speech?

Step 6 – Utilize the evidence within the previously identified sources to construct the body of the speech. Keeping the audience in mind, determine which pieces of evidence can best help develop the argument. Discuss each point in detail, allowing the audience to understand how the facts support the perspective.

Step 7 – Addressing counterarguments can help speakers build their credibility, as it highlights their breadth of knowledge.

Step 8 – Conclude the speech with an overview of the central purpose and how the main ideas identified in the body support the overall argument.

Persuasive speech outline

One of the best ways to prepare a great persuasive speech is by using an outline. When structuring an outline, include an introduction, body, and conclusion:

Introduction

Attention Grabbers

Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way; ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic without requiring a response.

Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.

Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, typically done using data or statistics.

Provide a brief anecdote or story that relates to the topic.

Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.

Provide information on how the selected topic may impact the audience .

Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.

Give the thesis statement in connection to the main topic and identify the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose.

Identify evidence

Summarize its meaning

Explain how it helps prove the support/main claim

Evidence 3 (Continue as needed)

Support 3 (Continue as needed)

Restate thesis

Review main supports

Concluding statement

Give the audience a call to action to do something specific.

Identify the overall importan ce of the topic and position.

Persuasive speech topics

The following table identifies some common or interesting persuasive speech topics for high school and college students:

Persuasive speech examples

The following list identifies some of history’s most famous persuasive speeches:

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address: “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You”

Lyndon B. Johnson: “We Shall Overcome”

Marc Antony: “Friends, Romans, Countrymen…” in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

Ronald Reagan: “Tear Down this Wall”

Sojourner Truth: “Ain’t I a Woman?”