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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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205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

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

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

What makes issues like this so engaging?

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

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

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

In this article:

Political Debate Topics

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

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

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

Interesting Controversial Topics by Field

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which is better, Chicago pizza or New York pizza?

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

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

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

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

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

The Meaning of Evangelion.

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100+ Excellent Topics for a Stellar Persuasive Speech

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Speech?

The Ingredients of an Effective Topic

Ideas & Inspiration: 100+ Topics

Your Next Steps, Step-by-step

This comprehensive blog post serves as a vital resource for anyone looking to craft an impactful persuasive speech. It provides an extensive list of over 100 compelling topics tailored for a wide range of interests and academic fields. Additionally, it offers advanced guidance on selecting the perfect topic, structuring your arguments effectively, and employing persuasive techniques that captivate and convince your audience. Whether you're an academic achiever or an aspiring public speaker, this guide equips you with the insights to deliver a stellar persuasive speech.

Before You Pick the Perfect Topic...

If you’re struggling to find a strong topic for a persuasive speech , you’ll find 100+ ideas for subjects and topics below. Use one that grabs you, or simply find inspiration to get unstuck and come up with a topic about something you and your audience will find interesting.

To help you think about the big picture — your larger essay — we also review what makes a truly effective persuasive speech, all the ingredients of an effective topic, and how to pick the best topic for your circumstances.

Here's what's most essential as you consider your topic choices:

• pick a topic that has the right scope, one aligned with your larger assignment
• be sure the topic is one you're interested in researching, has meaning and relevance for your audience, and has the right level of complexity — both for your audience and for your level of speech writing prowess
• remember your topic should align with themes and subjects related to your circumstances and the speech requirements

Finally, once you’ve picked your topic, and even if you know all the basics — which I’m guessing you do if you’re following posts from Crimson Education — you might still benefit from other advice in today's post, such as numerous speech writing tips and strategies designed to save you time and stress and improve the odds your final speech will exceed expectations.

Here's what you'll find:

• What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech
• The Ingredients of an Effective Topic, and Tips for Picking Your Topic
• 100+ Topic Suggestions
• How to Develop a Stellar Persuasive Speech — Step-by-Step!

Still feeling a bit hesitant or stuck?

Don’t worry. Once you've picked a really interesting and effective topic and start your research, you'll quickly become a subject-matter expert, regaining both motivation and confidence for all the remaining steps.

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech?

A good persuasive speech will grab the audience’s attention, help them connect with the speaker (that’s you), and guide their reasoning process — giving the speech the power to persuade your audience why your point of view is logical and compelling, and also superior to the opposing viewpoints.

The 6 Most Essential Ingredients

• A strong introduction that gets the audience engaged and provides context about the subject and topic, what’s at stake (why it matters), and what issues or concerns tend to be front and center
• A clear thesis in the form of a specific point of view, opinion, or argument
• An orderly progression of ideas and arguments, each argument or subtopic supported by logic and evidence
• An anticipation of opposing viewpoints and arguments (the counterarguments to your opinion)
• Your responses or ‘rebuttals’ to the opposing viewpoints , answering the anticipated objections and adding additional support for your point of view or thesis
• A conclusion that highlights the most powerful persuasive elements in your speech and reminds listeners what's at stake, including, if suitable, a call to action

The Historical Roots of Persuasive Speech

Did you know that persuasive speech assignments may be testing your mastery of concepts that go back as far as ancient Greece?

The emergence of democracy in ancient Greece (the 6th and 5th centuries B.C.) created a space for the rule of law and political governance informed by the will of the people — making persuasive speech an essential element of social life.

From courtroom trials to political campaigns and democratic assemblies, persuasive speech emerged in 5th-century Athens as an essential tool of democracy.  Soon the brightest philosophers of the day became concerned with the principles of "rhetoric" — the study of orderly and effective persuasive speaking.

Now, thousands of years later, little has changed in Western democracies: "constructing and defending compelling arguments remains an essential skill in many settings" (Harvard U, Rhetoric ). In short, the principles of deliberation, free speech, and consensus building we use for governance, in school, extracurricular activities , at work, and sometimes our day-to-day life, still rely on persuasive speech.

“In every free society individuals are continuously attempting to change the thoughts and/or actions of others. It is a fundamental concept of a free society.”

- persuasive speaking, by r. t. oliver, ph.d., interested in learning more attend one of our free events, how the rhetorical triangle can turbo-charge your speech.

The 5th-century B.C. Athenian philosopher Aristotle argued that your ability to persuade is based on how well your speech appeals to the audience in three different areas: logos, ethos, and pathos, sometimes referred to as the three points of the rhetorical triangle .

From observation and reflection Aristotle understood that humans are thinking animals (logos), social and moral animals (ethos), and emotional animals (pathos) — such that appealing to all three of these pillars of human understanding and action were essential parts of an effective persuasive speech .

1. Logos — Using clear, logical, and evidence-based reasoning and argumentation to add persuasive power to your speech.

For obvious reasons, audiences will typically expect strong arguments supported by evidence and clear reasoning and logic, all elements that are often prominent on grading rubrics for persuasive speeches.

Maybe you're thinking of speeches you've heard that utterly lacked logic and evidence? It's a reminder that persuasion as such is ultimately about points of view and not always about facts. Even without logic, a speaker can persuade, through effective uses of ethos and pathos , for example. In other instances social phenomena may underlie a lack of logic and evidence, such as "group think," for example , when people are swayed or swept up by a common point of view about an issue, instead of thinking critically about it.

2. Ethos — The component of persuasive speaking that spotlights the appeal, authority, credentials, and moral standing of the speaker .

Have you ever agreed with a speaker simply because you liked the person speaking, or rejected an argument because you disliked a speaker, responding to who the speaker is more than to their arguments? That may not be very logical, but it is very natural for us humans.

Aristotle understood this, that persuasion relies not solely on logical thinking but on relational factors too, including how much we trust a speaker, how much we believe in the integrity of their motives, and the knowledge and expertise they possess (or are perceived to possess).

Take law courts, for example. One common strategy lawyers use to undermine the force of witness testimony is to “discredit” or “taint” the witness , to undermine jurors' confidence in the veracity and motives of the witness. That's using ethos, rather than logic and facts, to impact an audience (the jury).

Likewise, when an audience has a high regard for the speaker's reputation, authority, and credibility, the more convincing that person's arguments are likely to be.

Suggestions for enhancing appeals to ethos in your speech:

• Share a transformative journey where you shifted from an opposing perspective to your current stance due to overwhelming evidence. This approach can demonstrate your capacity for logic and open-mindedness, helping your audience see you as very rational and impartial, potentially strengthening your credibility.
• Incorporate the viewpoints and expertise of respected authorities to bolster your arguments. Referencing reliable sources and experts boosts your credibility by showing you've grounded your arguments in established facts, perspectives, and ideas.
• Foster a connection with your audience. For example, rather than overwhelming them with complex reasoning to showcase your intelligence, strive to comprehend and reflect their perceptions and potential biases regarding your topic. This should make your audience more receptive to your logic and perspectives as your speech progresses.
• Employ personal anecdotes or lived experiences that unveil a deeper layer of understanding and wisdom. This personal touch not only humanizes you, the speaker, but makes your arguments more relatable and persuasive.

Depending on circumstances, you may think of additional ways to bolster your credibility and trustworthiness — enhancing your standing in the eyes of the audience in order to elevate the persuasive impact of your speech!

3. Pathos — This means injecting your speech with some powerful appeals to listeners' feelings and emotions , in addition to using logic and reason.

For example, if your speech entails persuading voters to increase foreign aide to combat world hunger, you wouldn’t just want to cite cold statistics. Painting a picture of ways malnutrition is affecting real individuals is likely to have a strong impact on listeners' emotions, appealing to their innate capacity for compassion towards others and helping them more deeply appreciate the urgency of the subject . This approach impacts listeners' emotions and highlights an urgent and universal moral imperative that adds conviction to your point of view.

In most academic settings, you'll be expected to present a speech with a strong line of evidence-based, logical reasoning, often making appeals to logos prominent in persuasive speeches in school settings. That said, by injecting and balancing appeals to logos, ethos, and pathos, based on what's most suitable for your topic, assignment, and approach, you'll add a significant measure of mastery to your persuasive writing method.

A Consistent Style and Tone

What style, voice, and tone best suit your personality, the occasion, the listeners, and your subject?

• Consider adopting a straightforward, clear, and succinct style , reminiscent of a newspaper editorial or a no-nonsense argument in a voter guide. This approach works well for topics and settings requiring direct communication with clear insights and persuasive arguments free from subjectivity and unnecessary analysis and complexity.
• For topics, interests, or assignments that naturally entail wading through broader philosophical and ethical debates — like debating justifications for euthanasia or arguments against the death penalty — a more introspective, contemplative voice may be expected . This style allows for a deeper exploration of moral dimensions and the broader implications of the issue at hand or the underlying logical principles involved.
• If your inclination is towards something more unconventional, employing humor and wit could be a chance to take the road less traveled! Whether through irony or parody, for example, by showcasing a humorous topic from the outset, such as "why dog people outshine cat people," or cleverly presenting weaker arguments to underscore your point, this strategy, while offbeat, can captivate and entertain , making your speech stand out in a large class setting. Just be sure to balance the creativity with a clear demonstration of your persuasive speech skills and consider checking in with your teacher about possibilities and expectations beforehand.

With a broader understanding of what goes into a great persuasive speech, you’re better equipped for the important step of picking the topic that will guide your speech.

Picking Your Topic — Questions to Ask

Does it interest you.

Conveying passion for a topic is infectious, adding power to your speech. The more interested and invested you are in your subject and topic, the more likely you are to make your speech the best it can be.

Will the topic interest your audience?

Understanding your audience's values, interests, and views will help you make immediate connections with their own thought processes and attitudes. Try to pick a topic that will get your listeners to perk up and move to the edge of their seats.

Is the topic or point of view fresh and engaging?

Choosing a topic that's novel, contemporary, or presents a unique angle on a familiar issue should help you captivate your audience's attention. You also want the topic to be something that matters to your audience with a point of view that challenges their thinking, so you're not just "preaching to the choir."

Are there any "triggers" or otherwise "sensitive" or "inappropriate" themes?

You might not think there’s not any problem with a topic such as Should we build a wall to keep immigrants out of the country? Or, Should same sex marriage be legal? That said, topics that delve into identity politics or areas that are so controversial that they elicit anger or hostility rather than dialogue and debate may lead to emotional hurt and harm, even if not intended. If you have any doubts, check in with your teacher or a school counselor before settling on your topic!

Finding Subjects and Topics on Your Own

Before you jump ahead and grab a ready-made topic from the list below, remember that a quick brainstorming or online search could be your preferred method to find the best, most interesting topic for your audience, setting, and individual interests or class requirements. For example, an internet search with keywords such as “biggest problems or biggest issues in the world today” will quickly uncover a host of themes and subjects that are both timely and controversial.

Search Results for Keyword Phrase Contemporary World Problems and Issues

• Water contamination
• Human rights violation
• Global health issues
• Global poverty
• Children's poor access to healthcare, education and safety
• Access to food and hunger
• Anti-corruption and transparency
• Arms control and nonproliferation
• Climate and environment
• Climate crisis
• Combating and crime
• Countering terrorism
• Cyber issues
• Economic prosperity and trade policy
• Technology and privacy

A General List vs. Time & Place Factors

Where you live and what’s timely for you and your audience is going to depend on your circumstances. Finding a “hot topic” in your specific time and place could be an effective way to get listeners' attention and address an issue that feels highly relevant.

• Is there a big policy decision that’s a hot topic at your school?
• Is there a ballot initiative your community will vote on soon that your audience has strong opinions about?
• Is there a current events issue in your local news headlines that offers a compelling persuasive speech topic?
• What’s before congress these days, or before the Supreme Court, or the United Nations — this week (any great topics there for your speech)?

More Inspiration: 100+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

If you haven’t already navigated your way to an interesting persuasive speech topic, use the list below for even more ideas and inspiration!

You can go from top to bottom, or you can jump the line and look for the themes that most interest you, such as Art and Culture or Recreation and Tourism.

Art and Culture

1. Is digital art really art?

2. Street art: vandalism or cultural expression?

3. Is there a place for censorship in the music industry?

4. Do museums promote culture or appropriate culture?

5. Should other countries have a minister of culture or similar government office, as they do in France?

6. Can schools, or art teachers, define good art vs. bad art? Should they?

7. Censorship in art: when is it justified or necessary?

8. Does creative freedom take precedence over cultural appropriation?

9. The impact of digital platforms on the consumption of art and the value of art.

10. Is there a role for public policy and public funding in arts and culture?

1. The pros and cons of minimum wage laws and policies.

2. Cryptocurrency: the future of finance or a scam?

3. Is student loan debt relief good policy?

4. Gender wage gap: are the concerns justified or unjustified?

5. Sustainable development: Is there a way to sustain economic growth and without an environmental catastrophe?

6. The role of small businesses in the economy, do they promote prosperity or undermine efficiencies?

7. Globalization: economic boon or bane?

8. Is consumerism in the general interest or a threat to the planet?

9. The economic effects of climate change, should they be paid now or later?

10. Universal Basic Income: a solution to poverty or a disincentive to work?

1. The case for and against school uniforms.

2. Should non-citizens be allowed to vote in school board elections?

3. The impact of technology on education.

4. Should college education be free?

5. The importance of teaching financial literacy in schools: promoting independent living or consumerism?

6. Should parents have the right to home school children against their will?

7. Is the grading system improving learning?

8. Is mandatory attendance a good policy for high school?

9. Addressing the mental health crisis in schools: is it an individual problem or a social one?

10. Arts education: valuable or a waste of time?

Environmental Issues

1. The urgency of addressing climate change and what to do about it.

2. Plastic pollution: are more stringent government regulations, policies, and laws the answer?

3. Should the government subsidize clean energy technologies and solutions?

4. The importance of water conservation, but whose responsible?

5. Should there be a global environmental tax? On what?

6. Should environmental costs be factored into everyday economic activity?

7. The impact of fast fashion on the environment.

8. The necessity of protecting endangered species.

9. Deforestation: Who's impacted? Who should have power (or not) to stop it?

10. Are electric cars truly better for the environment?

1. The changing dynamics of the modern family.

2. The role of the state in protecting children from parents and guardians.

3. Should adoption records be open or sealed?

4. How can employers, or employment laws, support healthy families?

5. Is there an age when euthanasia should become universally legal and accessible?

6. How to balance parental rights with child welfare.

7. Is your child's gender something they're born with, or something they should be free to choose?

8. The responsibilities of women vs. men in addressing an unplanned pregnancy.

9. Should parents restrict children's use of technology? What is too lax vs. what is too restrictive?

10. Balancing discipline and love in parenting.

Health, Nutrition, & Fitness

1. Should junk food advertising be regulated?

2. The dangers of fad diets: free market vs. consumer protection.

3. Should junk food be banned in schools?

4. Nutrition: are schools failing to teach it?

5. Should students be graded on their fitness and nutrition levels and habits?

6. Should sports programs be replaced by fitness education?

7. E-cigarettes: should they be regulated or not?

8. The obesity epidemic: a problem of individual responsibility, genetics, or social policy?

9. Are agricultural subsidies good for health and the environment?

10. Should teens have more options for balancing school attendance and individual sleep needs and preferences?

Media, Social Media, and Entertainment

1. The effects of social media on teenagers.

2. Should there be regulations on influencer marketing?

3. The impact of video games on behavior.

4. Fake news: Its impact and how to combat it.

5. The role of media in shaping public opinion.

6. Privacy concerns with social media platforms.

7. The influence of celebrities on youth culture: is there a role for rewards and consequences to impact celebrities public behaviors?

8. Digital detox: pros and cons.

9. Media portrayal of women and its societal impact.

10. Censorship in media: necessary or oppressive?

Politics and Society

1. The importance and limits of voting in a democracy.

2. Gun control laws: balancing safety and liberty.

3. The impact of immigration: universal human rights vs. national sovereignty.

4. The death penalty: justice vs. ethics?

5. The legalization of marijuana: the right policy?

6. The right to protest vs. public order.

7. Affirmative action: whose definition of "fairness" do we use?

8. The future of healthcare in America: market solutions or a public option?

9. Climate change policy: National vs. global approaches.

10. The role of the United Nations in today's world.

Recreation & Tourism

1. The benefits of outdoor recreation.

2. Sustainable tourism: protecting nature while promoting travel.

3. The impact of tourism on local cultures.

4. The future of space tourism.

5. The effects of recreational activities on mental health.

6. The importance of historical preservation in tourism.

7. Adventure tourism: reasonable or unreasonable risks vs. rewards proposition?

8. The effects of over-tourism on popular destinations and local communities.

9. Is eco-tourism the right way to promote environmental sustainability?

10. Does international tourism help or harm indigenous peoples, cultures, and communities?

1. Do the ethical downside of genetic engineering outweigh the potential benefits?

2. The potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in society.

3. Climate change denial: is it fully within the bounds of free speech?

4. Competing views of vaccine policies and individual rights in pandemics and other health emergencies.

5. Space exploration: is it worth the investment?

6. The use of affirmative action to diversify STEM education and workforce.

7. The impact of technology on job displacement and future employment: is a universal income the right answer?

8. Do renewable energy technologies offer a feasible substitute for eliminating fossil fuels?

9. Ocean pollution: is more government regulation the answer?

10. Protecting biodiversity vs. the right to economic prosperity.

Sports and School Athletics

1. The emphasis on athletic programs in high schools: is the hype benefiting students?

2. Should college athletes be compensated?

3. Do teamwork and group activities help or hinder academic and athletic development?

4. Should schools should require more physical education or less?

5. Should there be more emphasis on non-competitive formats in high school and college athletics?

6. The influence of professional athletes as role models: good or bad?

7. Doping in sports: are athletic programs teaching the wrong values?

8. The benefits and risks of contact sports in high schools athletics.

9. Should there be absolute gender equality in school athletics?

10. What should the educational goal of school athletics be?

These topics span a broad spectrum of interests and concerns — look for one that matters to you and your audience, is likely to prompt insightful dialogue or debate, and is challenging enough to put your individual persuasive speech skills to the test!

1. Use Diligent Research to Make a Watertight Argument

To go from just any persuasive speech to a truly riveting one, you’ll want to dig around until you find compelling and authoritative research . Even if you're already knowledgeable about your topic, applying yourself with patience and perseverance at this early stage will usually pay off, allowing you to uncover some real gems when it comes to compelling facts and expert perspectives.

What to look for:

• Facts, statistics, and surveys
• An expert analysis of a policy or issue
• Quotes from compelling experts, from books, editorials, or speeches
• Anecdotal evidence in the form of isolated events or personal experiences that don’t have much statistical significance but can illustrate or capture something powerful that supports your point of view, or add emotional appeal
• Graphs, tables, and charts

Riveting research will better position you to hit some home runs when you put together your speech. And remember, research is primarily to build a strong logical argument ( logos ), but citing and spotlighting reputable sources will also lend your speech greater persuasive credibility ( ethos ), just as experiential perspectives can add appeals to emotion ( pathos ).

Define Your Thesis

Clearly articulate your stance on the topic. This thesis statement will guide the structure of your speech and inform your audience of your central argument.

I like to create a "working thesis" as a planning tool, something that encapsulates and maps my point of view and essential supporting arguments, and as a way to uncover gaps in my reasoning or evidence early on. Later, it also gives me a ready guide for writing my outline.

Essential Elements of a ‘working thesis’ for a persuasive speech:

• The subject (including how you'll frame the context for your topic and speech)
• Your main point of view
• List of principal arguments
• The most important counterarguments
• Key rebuttals to the counterarguments

As you can see, this kind of "working thesis" gives you a bird's eye view of your thesis along with all the key components of your speech and the reasoning you’ll deploy.

Marshaling Your Evidence

As you delve into researching your chosen topic, such as "Why space exploration is not worth the investment," you'll accumulate evidence, including data, anecdotes, expert opinions, and more. This evidence is vital for adding depth, credibility, and persuasion to your speech. You also need to strategically align the evidence with each of your supporting arguments , ensuring that each claim you make is substantiated.

You can use a simple table format to visually map out how you want to align your subtopics and evidence.

Here's an example using the topic Why space exploration is not worth the investment .

This table is just for illustration, and doesn't use real data and opinions, but you can see how organizing your evidence ahead of time can help you logically present and support your arguments and subtopics . It can also help you spot gaps, in case you need to do additional research, and gives you a head start on the next step: outlining your speech!

Make an Outline

Begin with a structured outline to ensure your speech flows logically from one point to the next. Your outline should include:

• introduction elements
• key subtopics and the relevant arguments and evidence, examples, anecdotes, or citations, all in sequential order
• key wording for any important or challenging transitions from one line of thought to the next, or from one subtopic to the next
• a section for responding to opposing arguments and viewpoints, with the specific rebuttals, all in sequential order
• key points for your conclusion

Drafting Body Paragraphs, Your Introduction & Conclusion

Now you're making your first rough attempts of turning the key content of your speech into phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. So, this is a could point to refocus on the tone, style, and voice you want to use, and how to use it consistently.

Pro Tip: Write your introduction and conclusion after drafting all of your body paragraphs, because you these two sections to really capture the essence of the larger speech.

Introduction : Start with a strong hook—this could be a startling statistic, a compelling quote, or a relatable and captivating (or entertaining) anecdote— then briefly preview your main points to set the stage for your argument.

Conclusion : Reinforce your thesis with concise references to the the primary evidence you presented. End with a powerful closing statement that reminds your audience of why this topic is important. As suitable, you can also call your audience to action or leave them with something significant to ponder on their own.

Balancing Pathos, Logos, Ethos

Ensure a harmonious balance among logos (logical appeal), ethos (establishing your credibility and using evidence from credible sources and quotes or perspectives from credible authorities), and pathos (emotional appeal).

Checklist for Balancing Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

Here's a rubric, adapted from a real university writing rubric for persuasive speeches, that can help you elevate appeals to logos , ethos , and pathos in your speech.

• Is the thesis clear and specific?
• Is the thesis supported by strong reasons and credible evidence?
• Is the argument logical and well organized?
• What are the speaker’s qualifications?
• How has the speaker connected him/herself to the topic being discussed?
• Does the speaker demonstrate respect for multiple viewpoints, and respond to them with thoughtful arguments?
• Are sources credible?
• Are tone, style, and word choice appropriate for the audience/purpose?
• Is the speech polished and written with care?
• Are vivid examples, details and images used to engage the listeners' emotions and imagination?
• Does the writer appeal to the values and beliefs of the listeners by using examples the audience can relate to or cares about?

Revise & Polish

Review your speech and revise for clarity, flow, sentence structure, and word choice.

Remember to use a voice and style consistent with making a speech, with the topic and subject matter, and the specific circumstances for your speech.

Remove any jargon or unnecessary details that might distract from your message.

Sharpen your arguments, making sure they are clear, concise, and compelling.

Practice the Delivery

Dedicate ample time to practicing what it will be like giving your speech. Focus on mastering the tone, pace, and volume of your delivery. If you have time limits on the speech, be sure to time your delivery as well, and make any needed adjustments. Consider body language, eye contact, and gestures, as these non-verbal cues can significantly impact your speech's effectiveness.

The more comfortable and familiar you are with your speech, the more confidently you'll present it.

Also, being nervous, for lots of people, is normal. Practice will help; with better command of your speech you'll feel more confident. Also, practicing your delivery with a friend who can listen and give you some feedback is good way to catch helpful adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Finding a topic you like and one that your audience will be interested in is a critical foundation for an effective persuasive speech. It will also help you stay motivated and get more out of the experience!

Just remember that investing in some extra research, some thoughtful organization, anticipating counterarguments, and artfully weaving in ethos and pathos alongside a strong line of evidence-based arguments ( logos ) will help you elevate your speech and your learning experience.

With the insights we've just shared, you're more than ready to turn what is often a rote class exercise into something far more artful. In addition, your effort will help prepare you for college — for debating, editorial writing, legal argumentation, public policy advocacy, public speaking, and even running for ASB President!

If you're interested in taking on the challenge of more advanced research and persuasive writing, or even projects that involve scholarly publication, be sure to reach out to a Crimson Education Advisor for information on ways to get connected to advanced online courses and any number of cool capstone and research projects that will also connect you to networks of motivated young scholars and top-notch research and writing mentors.

About the Author

Keith Nickolaus

Keith Nickolaus is a former educator with a passion for languages, literature, and lifelong learning. After obtaining a B.A. from UC Santa Cruz and exploring university life in Paris, Keith earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and then worked for 16 years in K12 education before setting up shop as a freelance writer.

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160 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

Mark Bradford

A persuasive speech is designed to convince an audience to accept a specific viewpoint or take a particular action. It relies on strong arguments, clear reasoning, and emotional appeal to sway listeners. Whether you're aiming to change minds or inspire action, you should choose persuasive speech ideas that resonate with your audience and present a clear, convincing argument.

In this article, you'll find a wide range of interesting persuasive speech topics for high school students. Along with tips on how to select the best topic, you'll get insight into what makes a persuasive argument powerful. If you find yourself stuck or need more help even after reading this guide, EssayHub is here for you. Our expert online writing service can assist with any type of essay, speech, or research, making sure your message is strong and clear.

Best Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive speeches are essential for anyone looking to influence or inspire an audience. Doesn't matter if you're a student preparing for a class assignment, a professional making a business pitch, a good persuasive speech topic can make all the difference. So, here are the lists of ideas that will connect with your audience and move them to action.

• Should cultural heritage be preserved and protected even at the cost of economic development?
• Is cultural appropriation a form of flattery or a disrespectful exploitation of marginalized cultures?
• Can promoting multicultural education in schools improve social harmony and reduce prejudice?
• Should governments invest more in supporting indigenous languages and traditions to prevent their extinction?
• Does global tourism help or hinder the preservation of local cultural traditions and practices?
• Should media representation of diverse cultures be regulated to avoid stereotypes and misrepresentation?
• Is it ethical for corporations to use cultural symbols in advertising without contributing to the cultures they borrow from?
• Can celebrating cultural diversity in workplaces enhance innovation and employee satisfaction?
• Should cultural exchange programs be mandatory in higher education to foster global understanding and cooperation?
• Is the commercialization of cultural festivals and events detrimental to their original significance and values?

College and Career

• Should college education be free to ensure equal access for all students?
• Is it better to get a college degree or start working right after high school?
• Should universities focus more on practical skills and internships than traditional academic learning?
• Can vocational training provide better career prospects than a four-year college degree?
• Should employers prioritize skills and experience over degrees for job positions?
• Is it worth investing in a graduate degree if it doesn't lead to a significant salary boost?
• Should colleges do more to prepare students for the realities of the job market?
• Can online education be as effective as traditional classroom learning for career preparation?
• Is it important for high schools to offer career counseling to guide students' future choices?
• Should there be a national standard for career readiness programs to ensure all students are workforce-ready?

Economy and Work

• Should the minimum wage be raised to support low-income workers better?
• Is universal basic income a viable solution for income inequality and job displacement?
• Should governments impose stricter regulations on gig economy companies to protect workers' rights?
• Can investing in green jobs boost the economy and benefit the environment?
• Is tax system reform needed to ensure wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share?
• Should there be mandatory paid family leave to support working parents and improve work-life balance?
• Can remote work and telecommuting enhance employee productivity and job satisfaction?
• Should governments offer incentives for businesses to hire and train workers in emerging industries?
• Should schools focus more on career-specific skills to prepare students for future job markets?
• Is the current social safety net adequate during economic downturns, or does it need major reform?

Request - ' write my speech ', if you're ready to start working on your persuasive speech.

• Should standardized testing be replaced with more personalized assessments?
• Is it important for schools to include financial literacy in the core curriculum?
• Should public schools get more funding to ensure equal access to quality education?
• Can year-round schooling improve student performance compared to traditional summer breaks?
• Is integrating technology into education better than sticking with traditional teaching methods?
• Should higher education institutions be accountable for their graduates' job placement rates?
• Can a four-day school week increase student engagement and academic performance?
• Should schools emphasize mental health and emotional well-being in education?
• Is reforming college admissions necessary to reduce pressure and ensure fairness?
• Should vocational and technical education be as prestigious as academic pathways to address the skills gap?

Environment and Conservation

• Should governments enforce stricter regulations to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainability?
• Is investing in renewable energy more effective for combating climate change than developing fossil fuels?
• Should global agreements be established to protect and restore endangered ecosystems?
• Can urban green spaces and community gardens improve city air quality and residents' well-being?
• Is it important for businesses to adopt environmental sustainability practices?
• Should schools include more environmental education to promote conservation among students?
• Can consumer behavior be shifted through incentives and education to support eco-friendly choices?
• Should governments increase support for local conservation projects and grassroots initiatives?
• Is it necessary to reform agricultural practices to protect soil and water resources and address climate change?
• Can technological advancements more effectively monitor and mitigate environmental damage than traditional methods?
• Should religious institutions be more transparent about their financial operations to build trust?
• Is it beneficial to include religious education in public schools to promote understanding and tolerance?
• Should governments enforce stricter regulations on religious practices that might harm individuals' rights and safety?
• Can interfaith dialogue help resolve global conflicts and social issues more effectively?
• Is it important for religious leaders to publicly condemn extremist interpretations of their faith?
• Should religious organizations follow the same anti-discrimination laws as other institutions?
• Can modern technology enhance spiritual practices and community engagement in religious groups?
• Is it ethical for religious groups to influence political decisions, or should there be a strict separation between religion and government?
• Should religious texts be reinterpreted to align with contemporary social and ethical standards?
• Can promoting religious pluralism reduce societal tensions and foster cultural cohesion?

Environmental Issues

• Should there be a global ban on harmful pesticides to protect biodiversity and human health?
• Is it necessary to enforce stricter regulations on industrial waste to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards?
• Can adopting a plant-based diet at a large scale significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture?
• Should governments incentivize homeowners to install solar panels and other energy-efficient technologies to reduce carbon footprints?
• Is it crucial to implement mandatory recycling programs to reduce waste and conserve natural resources effectively?
• Can investing in sustainable urban planning help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve the quality of life in cities?
• Should there be international agreements to manage and reduce the ecological impact of deep-sea mining activities?
• Is it important for companies to adopt circular economy practices to minimize waste and make the most of their resources?
• Should schools and community organizations promote more active participation in local environmental conservation efforts?
• Can the expansion of protected marine areas help restore ocean health and support global fish populations?

Health and Wellness

• Should healthcare systems prioritize preventive care over treatment to improve long-term public health outcomes?
• Is it important for governments to implement stricter regulations on food advertising to children to combat rising obesity rates?
• Can mental health education and resources be as crucial as physical health services in improving overall wellness?
• Should there be mandatory nutrition labeling on all food products to help consumers make healthier choices?
• Is it necessary to increase funding and support for research into alternative medicine and holistic health practices?
• Can regular physical activity and exercise be integrated into daily routines at work to enhance employee well-being and productivity?
• Should schools implement more comprehensive health education programs to address issues such as substance abuse and sexual health?
• Is it beneficial for governments to offer subsidized gym memberships and wellness programs to promote healthier lifestyles?
• Should there be stricter regulations on the sale and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products to protect public health?
• Can increasing public awareness campaigns about the importance of sleep contribute to better health and reduced healthcare costs?

Current Affairs and Politics

• Should governments enforce stricter regulations on political campaign financing to reduce corruption?
• Is it necessary to reform electoral systems to improve representation and reduce gridlock?
• Can increasing voter turnout through easier access and education lead to fairer political decisions?
• Should there be a global standard for human rights to address abuses and promote justice?
• Is it beneficial for countries to combat disinformation and fake news more rigorously?
• Should governments prioritize investing in climate change over other issues?
• Can enhanced diplomacy and international cooperation resolve global conflicts more effectively?
• Is it important for political leaders to include mental health support in their policies?
• Should there be greater oversight of government spending to ensure funds are used effectively?
• Can more inclusive government policies improve public trust and address systemic inequalities?

If you're interested in informative speech topics , visit our special blog.

Science and Technology

• Should governments fund more research into renewable energy to speed up development?
• Is it ethical to use CRISPR to enhance human traits beyond treating genetic disorders?
• Can investing in AI and automation boost productivity and economic growth across industries?
• Should there be stricter regulations on data privacy to protect individuals from surveillance and breaches?
• Is it important for schools to include coding and digital literacy in their core curricula?
• Can blockchain technology improve transparency and security in financial transactions?
• Should there be international agreements to regulate autonomous weapons and military drones?
• Is it necessary to increase public funding for space exploration to advance scientific knowledge?
• Can smart city technologies enhance urban living conditions and reduce environmental impacts?
• Should companies be accountable for the ethical implications of their technologies, especially AI and machine learning?

Social Media

• Should social media platforms do more to prevent the spread of misinformation?
• Is government regulation necessary to protect user privacy on social media?
• Can social media be a better tool for positive social change?
• Should social media use be restricted for younger users to protect them from harmful content?
• Is it important for social media companies to be transparent about their algorithms?
• Can limiting social media use improve mental health, especially among teens?
• Should employers use social media profiles in hiring decisions?
• Is social media literacy an essential part of education for responsible online use?
• Can social media platforms do more to prevent cyberbullying?
• Should there be more resources for managing social media presence and reputation?
• Should youth sports focus more on skill development than competition?
• Are stricter concussion protocols needed in contact sports to protect athletes?
• Can increased investment in women's sports promote gender equality?
• Should sports organizations enforce stricter anti-doping measures?
• Is it important for schools to offer diverse sports options for all students?
• Can professional sports leagues better support community and social causes?
• Should athletes be required to take mental health breaks during their careers?
• Is it beneficial to limit commercial ads during sports broadcasts to focus on the game?
• Should sports franchises adopt more sustainable practices?
• Can e-sports be recognized and supported like traditional sports?

Social Issues

• Should there be stricter regulations to reduce income inequality and support low-income families?
• Is it important to provide more mental health resources and support for underserved communities?
• Can universal basic income effectively address poverty and economic instability?
• Should there be more comprehensive policies to support gender equality and women's rights?
• Is it necessary to reform the criminal justice system to address racial and socioeconomic disparities?
• Can increasing access to quality education help reduce social inequality and improve opportunities?
• Should governments implement more robust measures to combat climate change and protect vulnerable populations?
• Is it beneficial to offer more support and resources for addiction recovery and prevention programs?
• Should there be greater efforts to promote and protect LGBTQ+ rights and equality?
• Can enhancing affordable housing initiatives reduce homelessness and improve community well-being?

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should there be a universal minimum wage to reduce income inequality?
• Is mandatory community service in high schools beneficial for civic responsibility?
• Can a four-day workweek improve productivity and work-life balance?
• Should fast fashion face stricter regulations to reduce environmental impact?
• Is teaching financial literacy in schools essential for managing personal finances?
• Can more public parks in cities enhance community well-being?
• Should governments incentivize businesses to adopt green technologies?
• Is free or subsidized childcare necessary to support working parents?
• Can improved public transportation reduce traffic congestion and increase access?
• Should there be more support for creative arts programs to foster innovation?

Fun Topics for Persuasive Speech

• Should pets be allowed in all workplaces to boost employee morale and productivity?
• Can a daily nap improve overall health and work performance?
• Should schools have more flexible dress codes to allow for self-expression and comfort?
• Is it better to work from home in pajamas rather than traditional office attire?
• Should there be more public holidays dedicated to unique and fun celebrations, like "National Pizza Day"?
• Can introducing more game-based learning in schools make education more engaging and effective?
• Should everyone be encouraged to learn a new hobby or skill every year to promote personal growth and happiness?
• Is it beneficial to have more quirky and themed parties at work to enhance team bonding and creativity?
• Should cities invest in more public art installations and interactive exhibits to make urban areas more enjoyable?
• Can allowing pets in public places, like cafes or shops, improve social interactions and community spirit?

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should schools start the day later to improve student focus and performance?
• Is it important to eat breakfast every day for better health and energy?
• Can having a pet improve mental health and reduce stress?
• Should everyone carry a reusable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste?
• Is it beneficial to read books for at least 30 minutes a day to enhance knowledge and relaxation?
• Should students be given more time for recess to improve their social and physical well-being?
• Can walking or biking to school help students stay fit and reduce traffic congestion?
• Is it important to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night for overall health and productivity?
• Should there be more opportunities for students to choose their own elective courses to enhance engagement?
• Can volunteering in the community be a rewarding way to develop skills and make a positive impact?

Elements of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

When choosing an ideal persuasive speech topic, certain key elements can help make your speech stand out:

• Timeliness : Pick a fruitful, persuasive speech topic that's relevant right now. If it's something people are already thinking about, you're more likely to grab their attention. A timely topic also helps you connect with current events or trends.
• Emotional appeal : The best persuasive speeches tap into emotions. Choose a topic that can stir feelings—whether it's concern, excitement, or even outrage. This emotional connection can make your message more powerful.
• Feasibility : Make sure the action or change you're advocating for is realistic. It's hard to persuade people to support something that feels impossible. Ground your topic in something achievable, and your audience will be more inclined to take it seriously.
• Audience interest : Know your crowd. A topic that's perfect for one group may fall flat with another. Think about what matters to your specific audience and tailor your speech accordingly.

See a related article on how to write a speech .

How to Choose a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

Now that you know the key elements of an effective persuasive speech topic, let's talk about how to actually choose one. While relevance and emotional appeal are important, there are a few more things to consider that can take your topic to the next level:

• Know your own limits : Pick a topic you're comfortable speaking about. If you're not familiar with the subject, it'll show. Choose something within your range of knowledge or something you're excited to research.
• Consider potential counterarguments : A strong persuasive speech acknowledges the other side. When picking your topic, think about what arguments could be made against your position. This will help you choose a subject with more depth, where you can address opposing views and strengthen your own stance.
• Think about your audience's values : Great persuasive speech topics hit home with your listeners' values or beliefs. Consider what they care about most. If you can align your topic with their core concerns, you'll have an easier time winning them over.

These tips will help you choose a topic that not only makes sense to you but also speaks to your audience in a way that's hard to ignore. Afterward, don't forget to check out our guide on persuasive essay format .

In Wrapping Up

To wrap things up, choosing the right persuasive speech ideas is all about finding that balance between what you care about and what will capture your audience's attention. By focusing on relevance, emotional appeal, and a topic that invites debate, you'll be set to deliver a speech that leaves an impact.

Here are some popular topics to spark your creativity:

• Should schools switch to year-round schedules?
• The pros and cons of universal basic income
• The ethics of animal testing in cosmetics
• How far should free speech go in social media?
• Should college education be free for everyone?

If you're still feeling stuck or need a little extra help getting your speech just right, EssayHub has your back. With expert support for any type of essay, research, or speech, we'll help you refine your ideas and make sure you're ready to impress your audience.

How to Pick a Persuasive Speech Topic?

What are good persuasive speech topics, what is a persuasive speech topic.

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100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

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

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

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics

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

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Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

• Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
• Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
• Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
• Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
• Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

• Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
• Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
• Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
• With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
• Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
• Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
• What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
• Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
• Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
• Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
• Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
• Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
• Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
• Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
• Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
• Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
• Should students learn cursive writing in school?
• Which is more important: PE class or music class?
• Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
• Should class rank be abolished in schools?
• Should students be taught sex education in school?
• Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
• What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
• Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
• Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
• Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
• Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
• Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
• Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
• What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
• Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
• Should there be limits to free speech?
• Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
• Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
• Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
• Should recycling be made mandatory?
• Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
• Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
• Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
• Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
• Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
• Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
• Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
• Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

• Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
• Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
• Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
• Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
• Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
• Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
• Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
• Is national security more important than individual privacy?
• What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
• Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
• Who was the most/least effective US president?
• Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

• What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
• Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
• Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
• Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
• Is eating genetically modified food safe?
• What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
• What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
• Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
• Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
• Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
• Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
• Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
• Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
• Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
• What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
• What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
• Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
• What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
• Should nuclear power be banned?
• Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
• Do zoos help or harm animals?
• Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
• Should animals in circuses be banned?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
• What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
• What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
• Should euthanasia be legalized?
• Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
• Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
• Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
• Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
• Is solar energy worth the cost?
• Should stem cells be used in medicine?
• Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
• Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
• Should college athletes receive a salary?
• Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
• Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
• Should horse racing be banned?
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
• Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
• Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
• Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
• Should facial recognition technology be banned?
• Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
• Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
• Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
• Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
• Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
• Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
• Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
• Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

• Do your research
• Make your thesis perfect
• Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

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

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Persuasive Speech Topics - 200+ Ideas

Stuck staring at a blank page for your next persuasive speech? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. But fear not! Picking the right persuasive speech topic is like choosing the perfect recipe – it all starts with a base that excites you. 

This article is your pantry, overflowing with ideas to get your audience hooked. From social justice to the latest tech craze, we'll help you find the perfect topic to turn that speech into a slam dunk. Even a professional speech writer would’ve been proud of how great your oration is!

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics

A persuasive speech aims to convince your audience to believe in a certain idea or take a specific action. It's like making a strong case in court but with words instead of evidence. Choosing a good topic is key!

The best persuasive speech topics should be both interesting to you (after all, your passion will shine through) and relevant to your audience. Think about current events, social issues you care about, or even everyday things you have strong opinions on. The possibilities are endless!

Recommended for reading: Motivational Speech Topics .

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210 Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

College life is a whirlwind of new experiences, challenging courses, and evolving beliefs. But it's also a prime time to develop your voice and advocate for change. This next section dives deep into topics for a persuasive speech specifically chosen for college students. 

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

• Fitness Power of Daily Walking
• Banning Plastic Straws: A Small Step with Big Impact
• The Future of Board Games in a Digital Age
• Public Libraries: A Treasure Trove for Everyone
• The Value of Learning a Second Language
• The Benefits of Meatless Mondays
• Why Handwritten Thank You Notes Matter
• Should Schools Offer More Outdoor Learning?
• The Case for Unplugging from Technology
• The Power of Optimism: A Contagious Choice
• The Effects of a Good Night's Sleep
• Why Local Businesses Deserve Your Support
• Volunteering: Making a Difference in Your Community
• The Value of Travel: Broadening Your Horizons
• Why Everyone Should Learn Basic First Aid

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

• Virtual Reality: The Future of Entertainment or a Dystopian Nightmare?
• Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?
• The Ethics of Space Exploration: Who Owns the Stars?
• Citizen Science: Everyday People Making a Difference
• The Four-Day Work Week: A Recipe for Happiness and Productivity?
• Universal Basic Income: A Safety Net or a Disincentive to Work?
• The Rise of E-Sports: Are They the New Traditional Sports?
• The Pros and Cons of Living Off the Grid
• Why We Should Be Preserving Endangered Languages
• Rethinking College: Are There Better Paths to Success?
• The Legalization of Psychedelic Drugs: A Medical Breakthrough or a Pandora's Box?
• Should We Colonize Mars?
• The Future of Food: Lab-Grown Meat or Sustainable Farming?
• Social Media Movements: Can They Create Real Change?
• The Importance of Sleep in a 24/7 World

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

• The Mental Health Crisis on Campus: Time to Rethink Support Systems?
• Online Education vs. Traditional Learning: Which Offers a Better Education?
• College Textbooks: Renting vs. Buying - What's the Best Approach?
• Free College Tuition: A Solution to Student Debt or a Recipe for Problems?
• The Value of a Gap Year: Taking a Break to Build Your Future?
• Benefits of Internships: Gaining Experience Before You Graduate
• Monetizing Your Passion: Can You Turn Your Hobby into a Career?
• The Ethical Use of Technology in Education: Boosting Learning or Cheating?
• Studying Abroad: Expanding Your Horizons Through Travel
• Living on Campus vs. Off Campus: Which Offers the Better College Experience?
• Prioritizing Sustainability on Campus: Making Eco-Friendly Choices
• Should College Athletes Be Paid? The Debate on Amateurism
• Financial Literacy for College Students: Is It Necessary Nowadays?
• The Value of Extracurricular Activities: Developing Beyond the Classroom
• The Future of Work: How Can College Prepare You for Jobs that Don't Exist Yet?

Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

• Standardizing Tests: Do They Measure True Success?
• The Power of Sleep for High School Students: Why Early Start Times Need a Rethink
• Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in Class? Finding a Balance
• Financial Literacy in High School: Preparing for Financial Independence
• The Case for More Arts Education in High School: Beyond STEM Subjects
• Trade Schools vs. College: Finding the Right Path After Graduation
• The Value of Volunteering in High School: Giving Back and Building Your Resume
• The Benefits of Participating in Sports: More Than Just Winning
• Mental Health Awareness in High School: Breaking the Stigma
• Should High Schools Offer Mental Health Days? Prioritizing Student Wellbeing
• Positive Peer Pressure: Creating a Supportive School Environment
• The Debate Over Summer Homework: A Time for Learning or Relaxation?
• Media Literacy: Discerning Fact from Fiction in a Digital Age
• The Value of Gap Year Programs: Taking a Break to Explore Opportunities
• Should High School Curriculums Include Personal Finance Education? 

Persuasive Speech Topics on Humanities

• History Buff or Clueless? Why Studying History Matters
• Lost in Translation? The Need for Preserving Endangered Languages
• Beyond Facts and Figures: The Importance of Storytelling in History
• Should We "Cancel" Controversial Historical Figures?
• Art for Everyone: Making Museums More Accessible
• The Ethical Debate: Ownership of Cultural Artifacts
• The Blessing of Music: Bridging Cultures and Generations
• Philosophy in Everyday Life: Applying Big Ideas to Real Problems
• The Value of Literature: Expanding Your Empathy and Understanding
• Rethinking Censorship: Protecting Freedom of Expression vs. Hate Speech
• Should We Fund Public Art Programs? The Value of Art in Our Communities
• Preserving Historic Sites: A Link to the Past
• The Role of Humanities in a Tech-Driven World: Cultivating Critical Thinking
• The Power of Film: Entertainment or Agent for Social Change?
• The Debate Over Artificial Intelligence: Can Machines Create Art?

Persuasive Speech Ideas

• Basic Gratitude: Saying "Thank You" Changes Everything
• The Importance of Play: Why Adults Need It Too
• Microplastics: A Silent Threat to Our Oceans
• The Value of Curiosity: Lifelong Learning Starts with Asking Questions
• The Case for Meatless Mondays: Reduce Your Impact, Boost Your Health
• The Power of Taking Notes: Why Handwritten Beats Digital
• Decluttering Your Life: Less Stuff, More Freedom
• Benefits of Unstructured Time: Boredom Breeds Creativity
• Embrace Saying "No": Setting Boundaries for a Happier You
• The Benefits of Laughter: It's the Best Medicine
• The Value of Board Games in the Digital Age: Connect and Compete
• Public Speaking: Find Your Voice and Inspire Others
• Why Local Businesses Deserve Your Support: Shop Small, Make a Difference
• Sleeping in a Busy World: Rest Your Body, Sharpen Your Mind
• The Case for a Universal Basic Income: A Safety Net for All?

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

• Social Media Detox: A Break for Better Mental Health?
• Curating Your Feed: How Algorithms Shape Your Reality
• The Rise of Influencer Culture: Trust or Sellout?
• Combating Cyberbullying: Creating a Safe Online Space
• Fake News and Social Media: Spotting Lies in the Digital Age
• Social Media Activism: Can Likes Lead to Change?
• Social Media and Privacy: Who Owns Your Data?
• The Impact of Social Media on Body Image: Embracing Self-Love Online
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Breaking Free from Social Comparison
• The Need for Digital Literacy: Being a Responsible Social Media User
• The Rise of Social Commerce: Shopping at Your Fingertips
• Should Social Media Platforms Be Held Accountable for Harmful Content?
• The Power of Building Online Communities: Finding Your Tribe
• The Disconnect Between Online Personas and Real Life: Are We Living a Lie?
• The Future of Social Media: Innovation or Exploitation?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Education

• Learning Your Way: Personalized Education
• Learning by Doing: Hands-On Education Revolution
• Quality Over Quantity: Smaller Class Sizes
• Testing, Testing... Is This Working? Standardized Tests Debate
• Sleepy Students, Sleepy Learning: Later School Start Times
• Money Talks: Financial Literacy for Students
• Tech Tools or Tech Trouble? Educational Technology Balance
• Mind Over Matter: Supporting Student Mental Health
• Skills for Success: Vocational Training Value
• Learning Under the Sky: Outdoor Education Matters
• A Shorter Week, More Learning? Four-Day School Week Exploration
• Thinking Globally, Learning Locally: Global Education Importance
• Learning by Building: Project-Based Learning Power
• Uniformity vs. Individuality: School Uniforms Debate
• Education for All: Making College Affordable

Technology Persuasive Speech Topic List

• Brain Boost or Drain? The Impact of Technology on Attention Spans
• Beyond "Likes": Using Social Media for Good
• The Rise of the Machines: Are Robots Taking Our Jobs?
• Privacy Paradox: Balancing Convenience with Security Online
• The Power of Code: Why Everyone Should Learn to Code
• Virtual Reality: Escapism or the Future of Learning?
• The Ethical Dilemma of Facial Recognition Technology
• Augmented Reality: Enhancing the Real World or Distracting Us?
• Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap Between Tech Haves and Have-Nots
• Open Source Software: Collaboration for Innovation
• The Rise of Citizen Science: Using Technology to Advance Research
• Is Artificial Intelligence a Threat? The Debate on AI Safety
• The Ethical Use of Big Data: Who Owns Your Information?
• The Future of Work: How Technology is Reshaping Careers
• Technology for Good: Using Tech to Solve Global Challenges

Nursing Persuasive Speech Topics

• Compassionate Care: The Heart of Modern Nursing
• Beyond Bandages: Nurses as Advocates for Patient Rights
• Technology in Healthcare: Friend or Foe for Nurses?
• Telehealth on the Rise: The Future of Nursing Care Delivery
• Mental Health Matters: Supporting Nurses' Wellbeing
• Building Bridges: Enhancing Communication Between Nurses and Patients
• Specialization vs. Generalization: Choosing Your Nursing Path
• Preventative Care: Nurses Leading the Way
• Men in Nursing: Breaking Down Gender Barriers
• The Importance of Cultural Competency in Nursing Care
• Nurse Educators: Shaping the Future of the Profession
• Combating Nurse Burnout: Strategies for Retention and Resilience
• The Global Nursing Shortage: A Call to Action
• Advanced Practice Nurses: Filling the Gap in Healthcare Access
• Nursing Unions: Fighting for Fair Wages and Working Conditions

Business and Marketing Persuasive Speech Topics

• Customer Experience: Building Loyalty in a Competitive Market
• Sustainability Sells: How Green Practices Can Boost Your Business
• The Rise of Micro-Influencers: Marketing to a Targeted Audience
• Storytelling in Marketing: Connecting with Your Customers on an Emotional Level
• The Content Marketing Revolution: Free Content that Drives Sales
• Data-Driven Decisions: Harnessing the Power of Information for Marketing Success
• The Future of Retail: Adapting to the Rise of E-Commerce
• The Gig Economy: Building a Flexible Workforce for Your Business
• What Is Social Media Marketing: Reaching New Customers Every Day
• Building Your Brand: Standing Out from the Competition
• Ethical Marketing ABC: Building Trust with Your Customers
• Corporate Collaboration: Partnerships for Business Growth
• Remote Work Revolution: Building a Thriving Team Beyond the Office Walls
• Importance of Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business Data
• The Art of Negotiation: Closing Deals and Building Lasting Relationships

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

• Destigmatizing Therapy: Why Mental Health Care Matters for Everyone
• Mindfulness Matters: Techniques for Reducing Stress and Anxiety
• Positive Thinking: Changing Your Mindset for Better Mental Health
• Breaking the Silence: Openly Discussing Mental Health in the Workplace
• Social Media and Mental Health: Curating a Positive Online Experience
• Sleep Hygiene: Getting the Rest You Need for Mental Wellbeing
• Beyond Medication: Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Care
• Building Resilience: Coping Mechanisms for Everyday Challenges
• The Value of Exercise: Moving Your Body to Boost Your Mood
• Mindfulness in the Classroom: Supporting Student Mental Health
• The Power of Connection: Combating Loneliness and Building Community
• Technology for Mental Wellness: Apps and Tools for Improved Mental Health
• Breaking Free from Social Comparison: Embracing Your Unique Self
• Setting Personal Boundaries: Prioritizing Your Mental Health
• It's Okay to Not Be Okay: Seeking Help When You Need It Most

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

• Universal Basic Income: A Solution to Poverty or a Disincentive to Work?
• Gene Editing: Playing God or Curing Disease?
• Banning Handguns: A Necessary Step to Reduce Gun Violence or an Infringement on Rights?
• Legalizing Recreational Drugs: A Path to Freedom or a Public Health Crisis?
• Abolishing Private Prisons: Reforming the Justice System or Endangering Public Safety?
• The Death Penalty: Deterrent or Barbaric Practice?
• Privatizing Education: Boosting Choice or Widening Inequality?
• Mandatory Vaccination Laws: Protecting Public Health or Individual Liberty?
• The Ethics of Animal Testing: Progress in Medicine at the Cost of Animal Welfare?
• Colonizing Mars: A Dream for Humanity or a Waste of Resources?
• Censorship on Social Media: Protecting Users or Stifling Free Speech?
• Nuclear Power: A Clean Energy Source or a Looming Disaster?
• The Rise of Automation: A Jobless Future or a New Era of Leisure?
• Affirmative Action: Promoting Diversity or Reverse Discrimination?
• Should College Athletes Be Paid? Exploitation or Fair Compensation?

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why Cats (or Dogs) Should Be in Charge of the World
• The Urgent Need for a National Nap Day
• The Case for Wearing Pajamas All Day Long (Every Day)
• In Defense of Public Dancing (Even if You Can't Dance)
• Why Socks Should Never Be Matched
• How to Take a Serious Break from Seriousness
• Why Everyone Needs a Best Friend Who Talks Back (Your Pet)
• Is Procrastination Actually a Superpower?
• The Case for Bringing Back Napkins Made of Cloth (Fancy!)
• In Defense of Talking to Yourself (We All Do It Anyway)
• The Urgency of Inventing a Teleportation Device for Pizza Delivery
• Celebrating National Holidays for Made-Up Things (Talk Like a Pirate Day, Anyone?)
• Why Everyone Needs a Personal Theme Song
• The Gift of Laughter: Why Everyone Needs a Daily Dose of Silliness
• Is It Time We Normalize Public Napping? Let's Discuss

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

Good persuasive speech topics hit the sweet spot between two key ingredients: your passion and your audience's interest.

Here's why these two matter:

• Passion: If you're fired up about the topic, your enthusiasm will be contagious, making your speech more engaging. You'll be more likely to research thoroughly and craft compelling arguments.
• Audience Interest: A topic that resonates with your listeners will grab their attention and make them more receptive to your message. Consider current events, social issues they care about, or something surprising that sparks their curiosity.

Are you in a hurry? Then, buy speech online from experts who can deliver a stunning oration tailored to your needs overnight.

How to Pick a Great Topic for a Persuasive Speech

The right theme is the foundation for a compelling argument. So, how do you pick the perfect one? Follow these steps to transform your speech from lackluster to captivating:

If you’ve been wondering, ‘Who can make me a speech quickly?’, consider you’ve already found your answer – hiring an expert speech writer to handle this assignment.

Honing your speechwriting skills in college is a win-win. Not only does it sharpen your ability to organize thoughts and craft clear, persuasive arguments, but it also boosts your confidence in public speaking – a crucial skill for future careers and presentations. 

This practice makes you a more effective communicator, allowing you to advocate for your ideas and leave a lasting impact on any audience. Should you ever need help with speech writing, reach out to a professional essay helper who knows all the ins and outs of college assignments. 

Ready to Address Your Audience?

In case your speech is not ready yet, let our persuasive essay writing service help you refine it!

What's An Easy Persuasive Speech Topic?

How to choose a topic for a persuasive speech, what are the 3 types of topics that people use in persuasive speaking.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• How to write a persuasive speech | Durham ISC. (n.d.). https://www.durhamisc.com/blog/how-to-write-a-persuasive-speech
• https://www.apsu.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/Persuasive-Speech-Outline-Editable.pdf
• Persuasive Speaking | Department of Communication. (n.d.). https://www.comm.pitt.edu/persuasive-speaking