Persuasive Essay Writing

Persuasive Essay About Online Education

Cathy A.

Make Your Point: Tips and Examples for Writing a Persuasive Essay About Online Education

Published on: Jan 13, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

persuasive essay about online education

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Are you looking for tips to help you write a persuasive essay about online education? 

You may feel overwhelmed as there are countless angles and arguments out there. What do you focus on, and how best can you make your point? 

Don’t worry – we got you covered. This blog post presents some useful tips that should help get your creative juices flowing! 

Plus, we provide examples of successful essays written by students who convinced their teachers they were worth the extra mark. 

So sit back, relax and learn how to write an effective essay confidently!

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Examples of Persuasive Essays About Online Education 

Students worldwide increasingly turn to online education to learn, earn degrees and certificates, and further their careers. 

But how do you craft an effective persuasive essay that speaks to this issue? 

Persuasive essays on topics like online education can be tricky since they require strongly framing your argument concisely yet compellingly. 

To help make things easier, we’ve gathered examples of well-crafted persuasive essays about online education. 

These examples are complete with all components — so you can get inspired and start writing your own!

Persuasive essay about online education during the pandemic

Short Persuasive essay about online education

Persuasive essay about an online class is better than face to face

Impact of online classes on students' essay

Persuasive essay about online education is the new normal

Persuasive essay about online courses

Examples of Persuasive Essay on Pros and Cons of Online Education

To get inspired, read through our examples of good persuasive essays on the advantages and disadvantages of online education! 

You never know; one idea might jumpstart your entire paper.  

Benefits of online education essay

Persuasive essay about online education advantages

Persuasive essay about online education disadvantages

Essay on pros and cons of online classes

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For more inspiration, check out some more persuasive essay examples here!

Five Steps to Crafting an A+ Persuasive Essay 

As a student, you know the feeling. You’ve been given a persuasive essay assignment and don't know where to start. 

What do you do? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! 

Here are five tips for writing an impressive persuasive essay that will earn you the grade you deserve. Let’s get started!

1. Choose Your Topic Wisely

Choosing a topic that interests you and your audience can make all the difference in writing an effective persuasive essay. 

If you are passionate about your topic and it matters to you, it will likely matter to your audience. 

2. Do Your Research

Once you have chosen a topic, it’s time to dig deeply into the research available on the subject matter. 

From scholarly journals to newspaper articles, dive into the available information and uncover facts supporting your point of view. 

Be sure to cite your sources properly so that other readers can find them too! 

Check out this amazing video!

3. Create an Outline

Before diving headfirst into writing your essay, take some time to map out a clear outline of what points you plan to cover.

Making an outline is especially important when crafting persuasive essays as it will help guide readers smoothly.

4. Write With Passion

Remember that this isn’t just another paper. You are trying to persuade someone with words! 

Choose your language carefully; be strong yet respectful of opposing opinions. Make sure each sentence flows logically into the next.  Use descriptive language that paints vivid pictures in readers’ minds. 

Finally, don’t forget that passion should be evident throughout every word of your paper! 

5. Edit & Proofread

Once your first draft is complete, take some time away from it before coming back with fresh eyes for editing.

Check for typos and mistakes while ensuring each sentence reads clearly and logically follows from the last one. 

Learn to craft a perfect persuasive essay by reading our extensive guide on persuasive essays.

15 Persuasive Speech Topics About Online Classes

Here is a list of 15 engaging persuasive essay topics to inspire you. Let's have a look!

  • Why online classes are the most effective form of learning during a pandemic 
  • The advantages and disadvantages of having online classes 
  • How technology has made online education accessible to everyone 
  • The cost-effectiveness of taking online classes compared to traditional college courses 
  • Are online classes changing the way people think about education? 
  • Is online learning as effective as in-person classes?  
  • The importance of taking online classes to improve job opportunities 
  • How online classes can benefit those who are unable to attend a physical classroom 
  • What steps can be taken to make the transition from traditional to online classes easier? 
  • What are the best practices for creating an effective online learning environment? 
  • How to make sure students remain engaged in the online course material 
  • The benefits of taking online classes for working professionals 
  • Is online learning a better fit for certain types of learners? 
  • Leveraging online classes to gain innovative skills and knowledge 
  • Why are online classes the future of education?

Check our extensive list of top persuasive essay topics for more inspiration!

In the end, a persuasive essay is all about making your point convincingly. With the right evidence, logical reasoning, and engaging tone, you can make an argument for any topic you choose. 

If you’re still struggling to put your thoughts together or need help getting started, don’t worry. Trust our professional essay writer with your next essay.

CollegeEssay.org offers the best online essay writing service that will take care of everything for you. We guarantee a high-quality persuasive essay writing service that will get you the grades you deserve. So what are you waiting for? 

Contact us today, and let our AI essay writing tools help you write the perfect essay about online education!

Frequently Asked Questions

What techniques can i use to write a persuasive essay about online education.

To write a persuasive essay, you should gather evidence and facts that support your points of view. Additionally, you can employ rhetorical techniques, presenting an ironclad argument and appealing to emotion or logic.

What elements should I include in my persuasive essay about online education?

Your persuasive essay should include a clear thesis statement that states your opinion and supporting evidence that backs up your argument. 

You should also provide a counterargument to address potential objections from readers and discuss how you would refute them.

What is the thesis statement about online learning?

The thesis statement for an argumentative essay about online learning should state your position on the issue, explain why you believe it is valid, and provide evidence to back up your stance.

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Persuasive Essay Guide

Persuasive Essay On Online Education

Caleb S.

Check Out 12 Persuasive Essay About Online Education Examples

Persuasive Essay About Online Education

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Are you looking for some persuasive essay about online education examples? If so, then you've come to the right place!

Online education has become prevalent since Covid19 pandemic raged all over the world. However, it is still a matter of debate whether it is an effective educational system or not.

In this blog, we will provide you with 10+ persuasive essay examples that touch on various topics related to online education.

So continue reading!

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  • 1. Examples of Persuasive Essays About Online Education
  • 2. Examples of Persuasive Essay on Pros and Cons of Online Education
  • 3. Examples of Argumentative Essays About Online Education
  • 4. Writing Tips For Persuasive Essay About Online Education
  • 5. Persuasive Speech Topics About Online Classes

Examples of Persuasive Essays About Online Education

Online education presents a learning environment that is very different from traditional education which relies on a classroom setting. But is it more effective?

People have different opinions about online classes. However, in a persuasive essay , you should support your opinion with facts and evidence.

Wondering how can you do that? Take a look at some persuasive essay examples below to find the answer!

Persuasive essay about online education during the pandemic

Short Persuasive essay about online education

Persuasive essay about online class is better than face to face

Impact of online classes on students essay

Persuasive essay about online education is the new normal

Persuasive essay about online courses

Here are some more persuasive essay examples about online education:

Persuasive Essay About Online Education During Pandemic

Persuasive Speech About Online Learning

Persuasive Essay About Online Education In The New Normal

Persuasive Essay About Online Classes In The Philippines

Reading other examples can also help you learn how to write and structure such essays. So, check out persuasive essay examples on other topics too!

Moreover, check out the video below if you want to understand what is a persuasive essay:

Examples of Persuasive Essay on Pros and Cons of Online Education

Online education can have both advantages and disadvantages. It is important to be aware of the pros and cons before choosing your position.

Here are some persuasive essay examples on the pros and cons of online education:

Benefits of online education essay

Persuasive essay about online education advantages

Persuasive essay about online education disadvantages

Essay on pros and cons of online classes

Persuasive Essay About Disadvantages Of Online Education

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Examples of Argumentative Essays About Online Education

An argumentative essay requires you to take a stance on the issue. You will need to provide evidence and logical reasoning to support your point of view.

Take a look at some argumentative essay examples about online education.

Argumentative essay about online education

Argumentative essay about online education relevant to the philippine system

Argumentative Essay About Online Classes Or Face-To-Face

Argumentative Essay About Online Classes In The Philippines

Writing Tips For Persuasive Essay About Online Education

Writing a persuasive essay about online education can be challenging.

To make sure your essay is effective, you should follow the tips below:

1. Do Your Research

It is important to do your research when writing a persuasive essay about online education. 

Researching the topic can help you understand the different perspectives of people on the subject, as well as provide you with facts and evidence to back up your argument. Gathering information from reliable sources will help make your essay more convincing for readers.

2. Use Strong Arguments

When writing your persuasive essay, be sure to use strong arguments that are backed up by facts and evidence. This will help convince readers about your point of view on the issue.

You can strengthen your argument by using rhetorical devices such as metaphors and analogies to make the points more compelling.

3. Follow a Structure

When writing your essay, it is important to follow a structure. 

  • The introduction should provide an overview of the topic and state your thesis statement. 
  • The body of your essay should include evidence and logical reasoning to support your argument. 
  • Finally, the conclusion should summarize your main points and restate the thesis statement.

4. Proofread Your Essay

Once you have written your essay, it is essential to proofread and edit it. This will help ensure that there are no grammar or spelling mistakes. 

It is also a good idea to get feedback from others before submitting the essay.

5. Have a Specific Point of View

When writing a persuasive essay about online education, it is important to have a clear and specific point of view. Do not be vague or hesitant when presenting your argument and ensure that you provide evidence and logical reasoning to back up your stance.

6. Stay Focused

It is important to keep your essay on the topic and make sure that the points you are making relate back to the main argument. Sticking to the key points will help keep your essay concise and focused.

7. Use Persuasive Techniques Effectively

When writing your persuasive essay, try to be persuasive and appeal to the logic and emotions of your readers. 

Use strong words and powerful statements, as well as rhetorical devices such as alliteration or imagery, to help make your argument more convincing. Make full use of ethos, pathos, and logos.

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Persuasive Speech Topics About Online Classes

Do you want to speak or write about online education but can't decide which aspect of it you should discuss? 

Choosing an engaging and interesting topic to write an essay on might seem difficult. But checking out a few good topic ideas will help you come up with the perfect topic to write about.

  • Here are some persuasive topics about online classes:
  • The Advantages of Online Education Over Classroom Learning
  • How to Choose the Right Online Class for You
  • Why Online Classes are Becoming Popular
  • The Cost Benefits of Taking an Online Course Over Classroom Education
  • Should Universities Offer Free Online Courses?
  • An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Online Learning
  • The Challenges of Online Education in the United States
  • The Benefits of Taking an Online Course for Working Professionals
  • Why Students Learn Better in an Online Class
  • Addressing Digital Divide in Accessing Online Courses

You can also look at other persuasive essay topics for some inspiration on what to write about.

To sum up the blog,

Writing a persuasive essay about online education requires careful research, strong arguments, and organization. When choosing a topic to write about, it is important to pick something engaging and interesting.

With the right approach and techniques, you can create an effective and compelling piece of writing. The topics discussed in this blog can provide a great starting point for your essay. Be sure to use reliable sources and proofread your work before submitting it.

Do you require the services of an expert essay writer? If so, don't worry, we've got your back!

MyPerfectWords.com provides a persuasive essay writing service that can help you write the perfect essay. Our service is staffed by experts who specialize in creating persuasive essays.

We provide fast turnaround times, unbeatable prices, and unparalleled customer service. 

So contact us to place your ' do my essay for me ' request today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the thesis statement about online learning while writing an argumentative essay.

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A thesis statement for an argumentative essay about online learning should be a clear and concise articulation of your opinion on the topic. It could be something like: "Online learning can provide students with more flexibility, allowing them to study at their own pace and according to their own schedule.

What is a good argument for supporting online education?

A good argument for supporting online education is that it offers flexibility and convenience. Online learning allows students to study at their own pace, from anywhere in the world, and on their own schedule. It also eliminates the need to commute or pay for expensive childcare while attending classes. In addition, online courses can be tailored to an individual's specific learning

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Persuasive Essay About Online Education

Last updated on: May 25, 2024

Make a Powerful Argument: Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay About Online Education

By: Nova A.

Reviewed By: Betty P.

Published on: Feb 8, 2023

persuasive essay about online education

Are you looking to make a persuasive argument in favor of online education? Are you overwhelmed by the task before you, unsure where to begin? You’re not alone! 

Writing an effective persuasive essay requires careful research and planning. But the effort will pay off once you’ve won over your readers and made a persuasive argument. 

In this guide, we’ll provide tips for crafting an effective persuasive essay about online education. We’ll also provide persuasive essay examples that effectively outline key points and demonstrate how to make a persuasive argument.

So,  let’s look at how to make your argument persuasive.

persuasive essay about online education

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Examples of Persuasive Essays About Online Education

Persuasive essays is a popular form of writing, especially when arguing for or against a particular point of view. In the case of persuasive essays about online education, there are a few key points you'll want to hit to make your argument convincing. 

Check out our persuasive essay examples that effectively outline key points and help you craft your essay about online education. 

Persuasive essay about online courses

Short Persuasive essay about online education

Impact of online classes on students essay

Online education had a positive impact on the world. It has enabled more people to access higher education, regardless of their physical location or financial situation. 

Let's explore the persuasive essay examples that demonstrate this impact. 

Persuasive essay about online education during the pandemic

Persuasive essay about online class is better than face to face

Persuasive essay about online education is the new normal

Examples of Persuasive Essay on Pros and Cons of Online Education

When considering persuasive essays on the pros and cons of online education, it's important to consider both sides of the argument.

On the one hand, there are many benefits to embracing the technology-driven approach to learning. On the other, there can be some drawbacks that must be addressed. 

In this section, we'll look at persuasive essay examples that explore both sides of this debate. 

Benefits of online education essay

Persuasive essay about online education advantages

Persuasive essay about online education disadvantages

Essay on pros and cons of online classes

If you want more examples on how to craft a persuasive essay, check out our persuasive essay examples blog!

Examples of Argumentative Essays About Online Education 

When it comes to persuasive, argumentative essays about online education, many key points are the same as persuasive essays. 

The main difference is the added layer of logic and reasoning to back up your arguments. 

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Let's explore persuasive essay examples that use a combination of persuasive and argumentative tactics to make a persuasive argument.

Argumentative essay about online education

Argumentative essay about online education relevant to the philippine system

For reference, you can also check out this video!

Tips to Write an Impressive Persuasive Essay

You’re trying to convince your readers of something, and you must ensure that your argument is strong and well-supported. You’re also trying to keep their attention from start to finish. 

It can be tricky, but don’t worry! We have some tips for writing an impressive persuasive essay that will leave your audience convinced. 

Writing a persuasive essay can be an intimidating task. If you want to learn how to craft a compelling persuasive essay, explore our persuasive essay guide!

Start with a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should state the point you are trying to make in your essay and grab the reader’s attention from the get-go. 

Put some thought into this! You want your thesis statement to make an impact on your reader. You want to convince them of what you are saying.

Do Your Research

Before you start writing, it is important to do your research to back up all the points you intend to make in your essay. 

Make sure that your arguments are supported by reliable sources and evidence; this will add more weight to your words. 

A lack of research could weaken or invalidate any claims you make in your essay, so take the time to do it right!

Choose Your Words Carefully

When it comes down to it, how convincing an argument depends on how well it’s written. Choose words that strongly support your augment instead of simply conveying information. 

For example, if someone is passionate about a certain cause, use words like “ardent” or “committed” instead of just “interested.” This will help draw readers in and make them more likely to agree with what you have to say!

Reinforce Your Main Points

Throughout your essay, you must reinforce any main points or arguments that you are making. This will help remind readers why they should believe what they are reading and give them more reasons why they should agree with you. 

Summarizing key points at the end of each paragraph can serve as helpful reminders for readers as they progress through the essay. It will be easier for them to understand why they should believe what they are reading! 

If you want to learn how to make an outline for your persuasive essay, check out our persuasive essay outline blog!

Persuasive Speech Topics About Online Classes

Persuasive speeches are a popular form of writing, especially when arguing for or against a particular point of view. 

Check out our persuasive speech topics that will help get you started on crafting your persuasive speech about online education.

  • Discuss the benefits of online classes
  • What are the pros and cons of online education?
  • How to make the most of your online learning experience?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking online classes?
  • How do you stay motivated when taking online classes?
  • Discuss the role of technology in education.
  • What steps can be taken to reduce the cost of tuition for online education programs? 
  • Discuss potential solutions for improving access to higher education for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
  • Discuss the impact of online education on the traditional college system. 
  • How has online education impacted employment opportunities? 
  • What is the future of online learning? 

Our blog on persuasive essay topics can provide a variety of outstanding topics! Do not forget to check it out! 

In conclusion,

Now that you have the persuasive essay examples and topics on online education, it's time to start crafting a persuasive essay. Explore both sides of the argument. Consider persuasive speech topics that will help you create an engaging, persuasive speech. 

If you struggle with persuasive essays or persuasive speech topics, don't hesitate to reach out to MyPerfectPaper.net . Our service is here to help you craft persuasive essays that will make a powerful argument about online education. 

We have a pool of skilled essay writers ready to take on any writing challenge. No matter how complex the topic is, they will help you write a convincing, persuasive essay with ease! 

So why wait? Get persuasive writing help from our paper writing website today. 

Contact us today, and let's get started!

Struggling to come up with essay ideas? Our essay generator automatically generates essays on any topic, saving you time and effort. It's the perfect tool for generating content quickly and efficiently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some arguments for online learning.

  • Online learning is more convenient and flexible than traditional in-person learning. 
  • Online learning can be more affordable than traditional in-person learning. 
  • The quality of online learning is often as good or better than traditional in-person learning. 
  • Online learning can help people learn new skills and knowledge quickly and easily. 
  • Online learning offers a variety of course options that cater to different interests and needs.

What is the impact of online classes on students?

There are a lot of benefits that students derive from online classes. 

  • For one, online classes offer more flexibility and convenience than traditional in-person classes. 
  • Online classes also allow students to learn at their own pace and style, which can be a better fit for some students. 
  • Additionally, online courses often have fewer expenses than traditional courses, which can be helpful for students on a tight budget. 

What is the thesis statement about online learning while writing an argumentative essay?

The thesis statement about online learning can be: 

“This form of education is just as effective as traditional classroom instruction.”

Nova A.

Masters Essay, Marketing

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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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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It seems everything is moving online these days. Even our education is transferring onto the internet. Many people might squabble about the disadvantages of this phenomena, but today, I want to discuss the advantages of getting an education online. This is a pertinent topic, as the future of education is moving more and more towards shifting physical educational institutions online. There are reasons for this: many times you can learn whatever you want, it is more comfortable in a variety of ways, online courses often look good on resumes, the pacing of learning is managed by the learner, and the cost of virtual education is often lower than traditional education.

Online Education

Flexibility and Accessibility of Online Education

The freedom to choose your educational path is an enduring quality of online education. For more creative people, or people who want to focus on a single activity, this can be a dream come true. According to elearning Industry, “You can pick the program of your dreams in traditional education, too, but that would involve traveling away from home, living in a completely unknown city, and struggling in an extremely competitive learning environment. With online education, you can take any program or course present in traditional four-year universities” (Norman, Stephanie). So, the ease of access to the courses and majors you are striving to study are widely available online. This increases opportunities to gain the education we desire instead of making needless compromises.

Comfort and Convenience: The Comfort Factor in Online Learning

Like the last point, comfort takes center stage for many students. Countless students choose online education in order to avoid wasting time travelling and on many other activities in order to attend physical education institutions. According to the Open Education Database, “Commercials that feature online students studying in their pajamas only skims the surface of one of the benefits of online education: no physical class sessions. Students listen to lectures and complete assignments sent to them electronically, with no need to fight traffic, leave work early for class, or miss important family time. Rather than miss important class sessions (due to weather conditions), students in online courses can always “attend” by participating in discussion boards or chat sessions, turning in their work on time, and watching lectures or reading materials” (“10 Advantages of Taking Online Classes”). In other words, by being an online student, you circumnavigate many of the issues that regular students endure on a daily basis.

Two Advantages of Online Education

In addition, many employers are happy to see online courses on resumes. Many recruiters see the taking of online courses as a sign of taking initiative. As stated by Pongo Resume, “Employers respect a degree earned online as much as a degree earned from attending a brick-and-mortar school. They understand that with the technological advances we have today, more and more employees are getting their education and training online. Because hiring managers value continuing education and professional development, having the relevant courses and programs in the education section of your resume will demonstrate that you are resourceful and have taken the initiative to stay ahead of the curve and improve professionally” (“The Advantages of Online Learning for You and Your Career”). Therefore, not only is online education seen as equal to regular education by employers, but it is also viewed as being competent in the latest technologies and trends.

Back to the students, one of the great advantages of online education is that learners can study at their own pace. According to eLearning Industry, “This type of system does not require attending live sessions; you can access the materials at any time that works for you. If you have to work or take care of your home and children during the day, you can study at night. That’s an advantage the traditional educational system cannot beat” (Norman, Stephanie). Besides, when studying online, people can also get some outside help without such a great pressure of deadlines. You can take all the time you need to browse through the best paper writing service review to find guidance and improve studies. In addition, people who want to take a longer time to receive a degree can do so without any pressure.

Cost Efficiency: An Attractive Aspect of Online Education

Finally, the cost of getting an online education is cheaper on average than receiving a traditional education. According to the Open Education Database, “Though not all online degrees offer less expensive net tuition prices than traditional colleges, associated expenses almost always cost less. For example, there are no commuting costs, and sometimes required course materials, such as textbooks, are available online at no cost. In addition, many colleges and universities accept credits earned via free massive open online courses (MOOCs), the most recent advance in online education” (“10 Advantages of Taking Online Classes”). Thus, there are a variety of reasons why an online education costs less.

Receiving an online education is becoming more and more popular due to a multitude of advantages it has over traditional instruction. These advantages include, to name a few: students can learn whatever they want, it is more comfortable, online courses often look great on resumes, the pacing of learning is managed by the pupil, and the cost is often lower than traditional education. With these reasons, it is hard to not see why this form of education is on the rise.

  • Convenience is Key: One of the biggest perks of taking classes online is the convenience it offers. Whether you’re a busy professional or a student with a hectic schedule, you can fit your coursework into your routine.
  • Increased Interaction: Contrary to popular belief, online learning can provide more opportunities for interaction with your classmates and instructors. With tools like discussion forums, video conferencing, and collaborative projects, you can build connections and engage in meaningful discussions.
  • Expanded Learning Opportunities: Online classes can provide unique learning opportunities, such as self-paced coursework, access to multimedia resources, and the ability to connect with experts from around the world. These opportunities can enhance your educational experience and help you achieve your goals.
  • Flexibility for Your Lifestyle: Online learning also provides flexibility that traditional classroom settings can’t match. You have the freedom to study when and where you want, allowing you to balance your personal and academic commitments.
  • Affordable and Accessible: With online classes, you can save money on expenses such as commuting, textbooks, and housing. Additionally, you have access to a wider range of courses and programs that may not be available in your local area.
  • Feelings of Isolation: One potential downside of online learning is that it may create a sense of isolation. Without the physical presence of classmates and instructors, it can be difficult to establish a sense of community and connection.
  • Self-Discipline is a Must: Online learning also requires a significant amount of self-discipline. Without the structure and routine of a traditional classroom setting, it can be easy to become distracted or fall behind in your coursework.
  • Instructor Training is Key: To ensure that online classes are effective and engaging, instructors must receive specialized training in online teaching methods. Without this training, it can be challenging to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
  • Technical Difficulties: Online classes are also prone to technical issues, such as connectivity problems or software glitches. These issues can disrupt the learning process and cause frustration for both students and instructors.
  • Increased Screen Time: Another potential drawback of online learning is the increased amount of screen time it requires. Spending too much time in front of a computer or other device can lead to eye strain, headaches, and other health issues.

Online education or e-learning has become a pivotal tool in shaping the future of education. With the advent of technology, distance learning has revolutionized the way knowledge is delivered, making it a compelling alternative to traditional educational systems. This influential composition aims to underline the undeniable advantages of virtual education.

One notable benefit of internet-based education is the extensive range of courses available at your fingertips. In contrast to traditional learning institutions where some specializations may not be offered, e-learning platforms provide an array of diverse courses. This means that learners, regardless of their field of interest, can find courses that suit their needs, enhancing their understanding and expertise in specific areas.

Additionally, online learning platforms often provide interactive sessions, webinars, and seminars , enabling students to communicate directly with their instructors. This access to experts in the field can drastically enrich the learning experience, making the information more relevant and easier to understand. This direct interaction, a feature often missing in traditional classroom settings, makes virtual learning a highly effective educational method.

Online learning has also proven to be a cost-effective option for many students. With resources like e-books and open-source software, internet-based education can significantly reduce the financial burden on students. Unlike traditional education, where textbooks and materials can be costly, digital resources are often much cheaper, and in many cases, freely accessible.

In addition to the benefits for students, online education provides opportunities for teachers to enhance their teaching methods. Through the use of digital tools, educators can create engaging lectures and activities, allowing them to convey complex ideas more effectively. Furthermore, e-learning platforms provide tools for tracking student progress, enabling teachers to provide personalized feedback and guidance.

To conclude, the benefits of online education are manifold. From the flexibility it offers to the wide variety of courses available, internet-based education is paving the way for a new era of learning . As we progress further into the digital age, it is likely that online learning will continue to grow and evolve, playing a significant role in shaping the future of education.

In order to effectively communicate the benefits of e-learning in a convincing essay , it’s important to provide concrete examples and demonstrations . Providing pointers on how to choose a program, manage time effectively, and utilize digital resources can add significant value to the piece and engage readers.

What are the main advantages of online education? Online education offers numerous benefits such as flexibility, a wide variety of course options, cost-effectiveness, and access to expert instruction and resources. It allows learners to manage their own pace of learning and reduces costs related to commuting and physical materials.

How can students maximize the benefits of online learning? Students can maximize the benefits of online learning by managing their time effectively, actively participating in online discussions and webinars, utilizing available digital resources, and maintaining open communication with their instructors.

Is an online degree as respected as a traditional degree? Yes, many employers respect online degrees as much as traditional ones. They understand that online learning requires self-discipline and initiative. In many fields, online learning is seen as being up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends.

* Note : To ensure the quality and originality of your writing, use an AI writer checker tool to review your persuasive essay before submission.

Works Cited

Norman, Stephanie. “5 Advantages Of Online Learning: Education Without Leaving Home.” eLearning Industry, 3 Aug. 2017, elearningindustry.com/5-advantages-of-online-learning-education-without-leaving-home.

“10 Advantages of Taking Online Classes.” OEDB.org, Copyright © 2006-2019 OEDb – Accredited Online, Specialty, and Campus-Based Colleges, 10 Aug. 2018, oedb.org/ilibrarian/10-advantages-to-taking-online-classes/.

“The Advantages of Online Learning for You and Your Career.” Pongo, www.pongoresume.com/articles/513/the-advantages-of-online-learning-for-you-and-your-career.cfm.

What are the main advantages of online education?

Online education offers numerous benefits such as flexibility, a wide variety of course options, cost-effectiveness, and access to expert instruction and resources. It allows learners to manage their own pace of learning and reduces costs related to commuting and physical materials.

How can students maximize the benefits of online learning?

Students can maximize the benefits of online learning by managing their time effectively, actively participating in online discussions and webinars, utilizing available digital resources, and maintaining open communication with their instructors.

Is an online degree as respected as a traditional degree?

Yes, many employers respect online degrees as much as traditional ones. They understand that online learning requires self-discipline and initiative. In many fields, online learning is seen as being up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends.

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Persuasive Speech Outline, with Examples

March 17, 2021 - Gini Beqiri

A persuasive speech is a speech that is given with the intention of convincing the audience to believe or do something. This could be virtually anything – voting, organ donation, recycling, and so on.

A successful persuasive speech effectively convinces the audience to your point of view, providing you come across as trustworthy and knowledgeable about the topic you’re discussing.

So, how do you start convincing a group of strangers to share your opinion? And how do you connect with them enough to earn their trust?

Topics for your persuasive speech

We’ve made a list of persuasive speech topics you could use next time you’re asked to give one. The topics are thought-provoking and things which many people have an opinion on.

When using any of our persuasive speech ideas, make sure you have a solid knowledge about the topic you’re speaking about – and make sure you discuss counter arguments too.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • All school children should wear a uniform
  • Facebook is making people more socially anxious
  • It should be illegal to drive over the age of 80
  • Lying isn’t always wrong
  • The case for organ donation

Read our full list of  75 persuasive speech topics and ideas .

Ideas for a persuasive speech

Preparation: Consider your audience

As with any speech, preparation is crucial. Before you put pen to paper, think about what you want to achieve with your speech. This will help organise your thoughts as you realistically can only cover 2-4 main points before your  audience get bored .

It’s also useful to think about who your audience are at this point. If they are unlikely to know much about your topic then you’ll need to factor in context of your topic when planning the structure and length of your speech. You should also consider their:

  • Cultural or religious backgrounds
  • Shared concerns, attitudes and problems
  • Shared interests, beliefs and hopes
  • Baseline attitude – are they hostile, neutral, or open to change?

The factors above will all determine the approach you take to writing your speech. For example, if your topic is about childhood obesity, you could begin with a story about your own children or a shared concern every parent has. This would suit an audience who are more likely to be parents than young professionals who have only just left college.

Remember the 3 main approaches to persuade others

There are three main approaches used to persuade others:

The ethos approach appeals to the audience’s ethics and morals, such as what is the ‘right thing’ to do for humanity, saving the environment, etc.

Pathos persuasion is when you appeal to the audience’s emotions, such as when you  tell a story  that makes them the main character in a difficult situation.

The logos approach to giving a persuasive speech is when you appeal to the audience’s logic – ie. your speech is essentially more driven by facts and logic. The benefit of this technique is that your point of view becomes virtually indisputable because you make the audience feel that only your view is the logical one.

  • Ethos, Pathos, Logos: 3 Pillars of Public Speaking and Persuasion

Ideas for your persuasive speech outline

1. structure of your persuasive speech.

The opening and closing of speech are the most important. Consider these carefully when thinking about your persuasive speech outline. A  strong opening  ensures you have the audience’s attention from the start and gives them a positive first impression of you.

You’ll want to  start with a strong opening  such as an attention grabbing statement, statistic of fact. These are usually dramatic or shocking, such as:

Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead from the food that they eat – Jamie Oliver

Another good way of starting a persuasive speech is to include your audience in the picture you’re trying to paint. By making them part of the story, you’re embedding an emotional connection between them and your speech.

You could do this in a more toned-down way by talking about something you know that your audience has in common with you. It’s also helpful at this point to include your credentials in a persuasive speech to gain your audience’s trust.

Speech structure and speech argument for a persuasive speech outline.

Obama would spend hours with his team working on the opening and closing statements of his speech.

2. Stating your argument

You should  pick between 2 and 4 themes  to discuss during your speech so that you have enough time to explain your viewpoint and convince your audience to the same way of thinking.

It’s important that each of your points transitions seamlessly into the next one so that your speech has a logical flow. Work on your  connecting sentences  between each of your themes so that your speech is easy to listen to.

Your argument should be backed up by objective research and not purely your subjective opinion. Use examples, analogies, and stories so that the audience can relate more easily to your topic, and therefore are more likely to be persuaded to your point of view.

3. Addressing counter-arguments

Any balanced theory or thought  addresses and disputes counter-arguments  made against it. By addressing these, you’ll strengthen your persuasive speech by refuting your audience’s objections and you’ll show that you are knowledgeable to other thoughts on the topic.

When describing an opposing point of view, don’t explain it in a bias way – explain it in the same way someone who holds that view would describe it. That way, you won’t irritate members of your audience who disagree with you and you’ll show that you’ve reached your point of view through reasoned judgement. Simply identify any counter-argument and pose explanations against them.

  • Complete Guide to Debating

4. Closing your speech

Your closing line of your speech is your last chance to convince your audience about what you’re saying. It’s also most likely to be the sentence they remember most about your entire speech so make sure it’s a good one!

The most effective persuasive speeches end  with a  call to action . For example, if you’ve been speaking about organ donation, your call to action might be asking the audience to register as donors.

Practice answering AI questions on your speech and get  feedback on your performance .

If audience members ask you questions, make sure you listen carefully and respectfully to the full question. Don’t interject in the middle of a question or become defensive.

You should show that you have carefully considered their viewpoint and refute it in an objective way (if you have opposing opinions). Ensure you remain patient, friendly and polite at all times.

Example 1: Persuasive speech outline

This example is from the Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Specific purpose

To persuade my audience to start walking in order to improve their health.

Central idea

Regular walking can improve both your mental and physical health.

Introduction

Let’s be honest, we lead an easy life: automatic dishwashers, riding lawnmowers, T.V. remote controls, automatic garage door openers, power screwdrivers, bread machines, electric pencil sharpeners, etc., etc. etc. We live in a time-saving, energy-saving, convenient society. It’s a wonderful life. Or is it?

Continue reading

Example 2: Persuasive speech

Tips for delivering your persuasive speech

  • Practice, practice, and practice some more . Record yourself speaking and listen for any nervous habits you have such as a nervous laugh, excessive use of filler words, or speaking too quickly.
  • Show confident body language . Stand with your legs hip width apart with your shoulders centrally aligned. Ground your feet to the floor and place your hands beside your body so that hand gestures come freely. Your audience won’t be convinced about your argument if you don’t sound confident in it. Find out more about  confident body language here .
  • Don’t memorise your speech word-for-word  or read off a script. If you memorise your persuasive speech, you’ll sound less authentic and panic if you lose your place. Similarly, if you read off a script you won’t sound genuine and you won’t be able to connect with the audience by  making eye contact . In turn, you’ll come across as less trustworthy and knowledgeable. You could simply remember your key points instead, or learn your opening and closing sentences.
  • Remember to use facial expressions when storytelling  – they make you more relatable. By sharing a personal story you’ll more likely be speaking your truth which will help you build a connection with the audience too. Facial expressions help bring your story to life and transport the audience into your situation.
  • Keep your speech as concise as possible . When practicing the delivery, see if you can edit it to have the same meaning but in a more succinct way. This will keep the audience engaged.

The best persuasive speech ideas are those that spark a level of controversy. However, a public speech is not the time to express an opinion that is considered outside the norm. If in doubt, play it safe and stick to topics that divide opinions about 50-50.

Bear in mind who your audience are and plan your persuasive speech outline accordingly, with researched evidence to support your argument. It’s important to consider counter-arguments to show that you are knowledgeable about the topic as a whole and not bias towards your own line of thought.

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56 How to Deliver an Effective Persuasive Speech

Learning Objectives

Advanced Delivery Methods for Persuasion

  • Deliver a persuasive speech that connection to the audience through exemplar rhetorical strategies

Effective Persuasive Delivery

At this point in your learning, you are well-versed in effective verbal and non-verbal delivery. You may be thinking, what else can I learn in order to connect more deeply with my audience and persuade them to change their minds or behaviors. The readings thus far have provided the foundation for informative and persuasive speaking; the readings, lectures, and activities all work together to create a well-rounded approach to public speaking. However, the most well-written speech will be just well written if it isn’t delivered effectively. Writing your speech is only half of your job. Delivering it effectively is what will accomplish your speaking goals. Let’s push the envelope a bit more to hone in on key skills of persuasion and elements of rhetoric that can be refined.

  • A student could boldly state the word suffering. 
  • The student could repeat suffering again to reinforce their message: “College students are suffering, we are financially suffering,  due to the increased cost of college textbooks all the while professors have the ability to craft creative readings and online learning materials”.
  • The student could take a pause after suffering and scan the audience to engage the audience.
  • The student could point to professors in the audience, or at the visual aid with a professor on the slide.
  • The student could increase their vocals towards the end of the sentence to ensure the message is heard loud and clear: “ all the while professors have the ability to craft creative readings and online learning materials”.
  • For example: a note card can state a statistic: “92% of college professors enjoy teaching their courses with tailored lecture materials” and on the top of that note card you could write SLOW SPEAKING RATE  to remind yourself to slow down and carefully pace through this statistic.
  • Try this instead: College professors lament that college students rarely read course material; texts are outdated and boring, yet these materials continue to circulate higher ed.
  • For example: The students in the classroom are always on their cellphones.
  • Instead state: The students are distracted by cell phones.
  • You can elaborate on each of these ideas with support as well. Research suggests that color in a classroom can improve students learning, attention spans, and interest in the overall course material (citation, year).
  • You can use newer technology to ensure you are providing a pleasing visual aid to your audience.
  • You can incorporate videos (embed them properly), memes, artwork/designs, animations, voiceovers, and other visual cues to keep yourself and the audience on-track and engaged.
  • People will remember how you began and how you ended, make it meaningful! Connect with your audience through the introduction into the conclusion. You will want to make a lasting impression on them in the conclusion so they engage in your call to action. Take careful inventory of what you have stated, and be sure to recap the main points before you get to the call to action. End just as strong as you started.

Review of Persuasive Strategies 

  • Ethos.  Develops a speaker’s credibility.
  • Logos.  Evokes a rational, cognitive response from the audience.
  • Pathos.  Evokes an emotional response from the audience.
  • Cognitive dissonance.  Moves an audience by pointing out inconsistencies between new information and their currently held beliefs, attitudes, and values.
  • Positive motivation.  Promises rewards if the speaker’s message is accepted.
  • Negative motivation.  Promises negative consequences if a speaker’s message is rejected.
  • Appeals to safety needs.  Evokes an audience’s concern for their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
  • Appeals to social needs.  Evokes an audience’s need for belonging and inclusion.
  • Appeals to self-esteem needs.  Evokes an audience’s need to think well of themselves and have others think well of them, too.

Key Takeaways

Advanced delivery skills in persuasive speaking are possible.

  • These skills might take more time, dedication, and refinement; however, the results are worth it.
  • Consider implementing one or two of these strategies into your persuasive speech and see the difference the skill(s) make in your final delivery.

Public Speaking Copyright © by Dr. Layne Goodman; Amber Green, M.A.; and Various is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

Gain critical communication skills.

This Harvard online course introduces learners to the art of persuasive writing and speaking and teaches how to construct and defend compelling arguments.

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

What You'll Learn

We are living in a contentious time in history. Fundamental disagreements on critical political issues make it essential to learn how to make an argument and analyze the arguments of others. This ability will help you engage in civil discourse and make effective changes in society. Even outside the political sphere, conveying a convincing message can benefit you throughout your personal, public, and professional lives.

We will be using selected addresses from prominent twentieth-century Americans—including Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Margaret Chase Smith, Ronald Reagan, and more—to explore and analyze rhetorical structure and style. Through this analysis, you will learn how speakers and writers persuade an audience to adopt their point of view.

Built around Harvard Professor James Engell’s on-campus course, “Elements of Rhetoric,” this course will help you analyze and apply rhetorical structure and style, appreciate the relevance of persuasive communication in your own life, and understand how to persuade and recognize when someone is trying to persuade you. You will be inspired to share your viewpoint and discover the most powerful ways to convince others to champion your cause. Join us to find your voice!

The course will be delivered via  edX  and connect learners around the world. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • When and how to employ a variety of rhetorical devices in writing and speaking
  • How to differentiate between argument and rhetorical technique
  • How to write a persuasive opinion editorial and short speech
  • How to evaluate the strength of an argument
  • How to identify logical fallacies in arguments

Course Outline

  • Define the term "rhetoric."
  • Articulate the importance of effective communication
  • Summarize the history of rhetorical study, from the ancient Greeks to the modern-day
  • Identify the parts of discourse
  • Define the three modes of appeal
  • Identify tropes and schemes, and explain their use in composition
  • Compose an opinion editorial on a topic of your choice
  • Analyze Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream…” speech
  • Define inductive reasoning and some of its associated topics
  • Identify instances of inductive reasoning in writing and speech
  • Define deductive reasoning and some of its associated topics
  • Identify instances of deductive reasoning in writing and speech
  • Recognize and evaluate the strength of an argument's refutation
  • Apply the elements of rhetoric you have learned so far into the final draft of your op-ed
  • Analyze Sarah Brady’s Democratic National Convention Keynote Speech
  • Analyze Charlton Heston’s speech on the Second Amendment
  • Define “inductive reasoning” and some of its associated topics
  • Define “deductive reasoning” and some of its associated topics
  • Recognize and evaluate the strength of an argument’s refutation
  • Apply the elements of rhetoric you have learned so far in the final draft of your op-ed
  • Describe the origins of the practice of oratory
  • Recognize ways in which orators tailor their writing for the spoken word
  • Describe techniques for effective public speaking, both prepared and extemporaneous
  • Brainstorm ideas for your own short speech
  • Analyze Joseph McCarthy’s “Enemies Within” speech
  • Analyze Margaret Chase Smith’s "A Declaration of Conscience" speech
  • Identify the modes of appeal and the logical reasoning of the featured speeches
  • Identify both common and special topics used in these speeches, like cause and effect, testimony, justice and injustice, and comparison, and begin to recognize their use in other speeches
  • Identify examples from these speeches of logical fallacies including the either/or fallacy, the fallacy of affirming the consequent, the argument ad hominem, the argument ad populum, begging the question, the complex question, and the use of imprecise language
  • Discuss the importance of winning and keeping an audience’s trust and the pros and cons of attempting to tear down their confidence in an opponent
  • Define for yourself the definition of "extremist rhetoric," debate its use as a political tool
  • Consider the moral responsibilities of those who would seek to persuade others through language
  • Discuss how the audience and the desired tone for a speech can influence diction (word choice)
  • Compare the effects of using passive vs. active voice, and first-person vs. other tenses in a speech
  • Discuss the effectiveness of the use of symbolism in writing and speech
  • Define hyperbole, antimetabole, and polysyndeton, and identify when these devices might be appropriate and useful in terms of persuasion
  • Describe techniques for connecting with your audience, including storytelling and drawing on shared experience

Your Instructor

James Engell  is Gurney Professor of English and Professor of Comparative Literature, also a member of the Committee on the Study of Religion, and a faculty associate of the Harvard University Center for the Environment.  He has also directed dissertations in American Studies, as well as Romance Languages & Literatures (French).

Education:   B.A. 1973, Ph.D. 1978 Harvard

Interests:  Romantic, Eighteenth-Century, and Restoration British Literature; Comparative Romanticism; Criticism and Critical Theory; Rhetoric; Environmental Studies; History and Economics of Higher Education

Selected Works:   The Call of Classical Literature in the Romantic Age  (2017, ed. with K. P. Van Anglen) and contributor, "The Other Classic: Hebrew Shapes British and American Literature and Culture."  William Wordsworth's  Prelude  (1805), edited from the manuscripts and fully illustrated in color (2016, ed. with Michael D. Raymond).   Environment: An Interdisciplinary Anthology  (2008, ed. with Adelson, Ranalli, and Van Anglen).   Saving Higher Education in the Age of Money  (2005, with Anthony Dangerfield).   The Committed Word: Literature and Public Values  (1999).   Coleridge: The Early Family Letters  (1994, ed.).   Forming the Critical Mind  (1989).   Johnson and His Age  (1984, ed. and contributor).   Biographia Literaria  for the  Collected Coleridge  (1983, ed. with W. Jackson Bate).   The Creative Imagination:  Enlightenment to Romanticism  (1981).

Ways to take this course

When you enroll in this course, you will have the option of pursuing a Verified Certificate or Auditing the Course.

A Verified Certificate costs $209 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums. At the end of the course, learners who earn a passing grade can receive a certificate. 

Alternatively, learners can Audit the course for free and have access to select course material, activities, tests, and forums.  Please note that this track does not offer a certificate for learners who earn a passing grade.

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Persuasive Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples

What is a persuasive speech.

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

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

Success of a persuasive speech

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

Use familiar language.

Select examples that connect to the specific audience.

Utilize credible and well-known sources.

Logically structure the speech in an audience-friendly way.

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

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

Select evidence that can elicit an emotional response.

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

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

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

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

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

Use comprehensive evidence the audience can understand.

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

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

Types of persuasive speeches

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

Types of persuasive speeches

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to write a persuasive speech

Incorporate the following steps when writing a persuasive speech:

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

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

How to write a persuasive speech

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

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

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

What’s the topic of the speech?

What’s the occasion?

Who’s the audience?

What’s the purpose of the speech?

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

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

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

How to write a persuasive speech

Persuasive speech outline

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

Introduction

Attention Grabbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Identify evidence

Summarize its meaning

Explain how it helps prove the support/main claim

Evidence 3 (Continue as needed)

Support 3 (Continue as needed)

Restate thesis

Review main supports

Concluding statement

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

Identify the overall importan ce of the topic and position.

Persuasive speech topics

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

Persuasive speech topics
Benefits of healthy foods Animal testing Affirmative action
Cell phone use while driving Arts in education Credit cards
Climate change Capital punishment/death penalty Fossil fuels
Extinction of the dinosaurs Community service Fracking
Extraterrestrial life Fast food & obesity Global warming
Gun violence Human cloning Gun control
Increase in poverty Influence of social media Mental health/health care
Moon landing Paying college athletes Minimum wage
Pandemics Screen time for young children Renewable energy
Voting rights Violent video games School choice/private vs. public schools vs. homeschooling
World hunger Zoos & exotic animals School uniforms

Persuasive speech examples

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

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

Lyndon B. Johnson: “We Shall Overcome”

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

Ronald Reagan: “Tear Down this Wall”

Sojourner Truth: “Ain’t I a Woman?”

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150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

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

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

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

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

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

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

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

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

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Business and Economy

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

Social Media

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

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics 

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

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Politics and Government

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

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

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

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

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

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

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

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

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

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

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

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

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

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

  • Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
  • Should I Apply Test-Optional to College?
  • Should I Waive My Right to See Letters of Recommendation?
  • Should I Use the Common App Additional Information Section?
  • High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

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

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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  • 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
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  • 5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
  • Deliberative Rhetoric

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How to Write an Outline for a Persuasive Speech, with Examples

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

How to Write an Outline for a Persuasive Speech, with Examples intro image

Persuasive speeches are one of the three most used speeches in our daily lives. Persuasive speech is used when presenters decide to convince their presentation or ideas to their listeners. A compelling speech aims to persuade the listener to believe in a particular point of view. One of the most iconic examples is Martin Luther King’s ‘I had a dream’ speech on the 28th of August 1963.

In this article:

What is Persuasive Speech?

Here are some steps to follow:, persuasive speech outline, final thoughts.

Man Touches the Word Persuasion on Screen

Persuasive speech is a written and delivered essay to convince people of the speaker’s viewpoint or ideas. Persuasive speaking is the type of speaking people engage in the most. This type of speech has a broad spectrum, from arguing about politics to talking about what to have for dinner. Persuasive speaking is highly connected to the audience, as in a sense, the speaker has to meet the audience halfway.

Persuasive Speech Preparation

Persuasive speech preparation doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you select your topic wisely and prepare thoroughly.

1. Select a Topic and Angle

Come up with a controversial topic that will spark a heated debate, regardless of your position. This could be about anything. Choose a topic that you are passionate about. Select a particular angle to focus on to ensure that your topic isn’t too broad. Research the topic thoroughly, focussing on key facts, arguments for and against your angle, and background.

2. Define Your Persuasive Goal

Once you have chosen your topic, it’s time to decide what your goal is to persuade the audience. Are you trying to persuade them in favor of a certain position or issue? Are you hoping that they change their behavior or an opinion due to your speech? Do you want them to decide to purchase something or donate money to a cause? Knowing your goal will help you make wise decisions about approaching writing and presenting your speech.

3. Analyze the Audience

Understanding your audience’s perspective is critical anytime that you are writing a speech. This is even more important when it comes to a persuasive speech because not only are you wanting to get the audience to listen to you, but you are also hoping for them to take a particular action in response to your speech. First, consider who is in the audience. Consider how the audience members are likely to perceive the topic you are speaking on to better relate to them on the subject. Grasp the obstacles audience members face or have regarding the topic so you can build appropriate persuasive arguments to overcome these obstacles.

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4. Build an Effective Persuasive Argument

Once you have a clear goal, you are knowledgeable about the topic and, have insights regarding your audience, you will be ready to build an effective persuasive argument to deliver in the form of a persuasive speech. 

Start by deciding what persuasive techniques are likely to help you persuade your audience. Would an emotional and psychological appeal to your audience help persuade them? Is there a good way to sway the audience with logic and reason? Is it possible that a bandwagon appeal might be effective?

5. Outline Your Speech

Once you know which persuasive strategies are most likely to be effective, your next step is to create a keyword outline to organize your main points and structure your persuasive speech for maximum impact on the audience.

Start strong, letting your audience know what your topic is, why it matters and, what you hope to achieve at the end of your speech. List your main points, thoroughly covering each point, being sure to build the argument for your position and overcome opposing perspectives. Conclude your speech by appealing to your audience to act in a way that will prove that you persuaded them successfully. Motivation is a big part of persuasion.

6. Deliver a Winning Speech

Select appropriate visual aids to share with your audiences, such as graphs, photos, or illustrations. Practice until you can deliver your speech confidently. Maintain eye contact, project your voice and, avoid using filler words or any form of vocal interference. Let your passion for the subject shine through. Your enthusiasm may be what sways the audience. 

Close-Up of Mans Hands Persuading Someone

Topic: What topic are you trying to persuade your audience on?

Specific Purpose:  

Central idea:

  • Attention grabber – This is potentially the most crucial line. If the audience doesn’t like the opening line, they might be less inclined to listen to the rest of your speech.
  • Thesis – This statement is used to inform the audience of the speaker’s mindset and try to get the audience to see the issue their way.
  • Qualifications – Tell the audience why you are qualified to speak about the topic to persuade them.

After the introductory portion of the speech is over, the speaker starts presenting reasons to the audience to provide support for the statement. After each reason, the speaker will list examples to provide a factual argument to sway listeners’ opinions.

  • Example 1 – Support for the reason given above.
  • Example 2 – Support for the reason given above.

The most important part of a persuasive speech is the conclusion, second to the introduction and thesis statement. This is where the speaker must sum up and tie all of their arguments into an organized and solid point.

  • Summary: Briefly remind the listeners why they should agree with your position.
  • Memorable ending/ Audience challenge: End your speech with a powerful closing thought or recommend a course of action.
  • Thank the audience for listening.

Persuasive Speech Outline Examples

Male and Female Whispering into the Ear of Another Female

Topic: Walking frequently can improve both your mental and physical health.

Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to start walking to improve their health.

Central idea: Regular walking can improve your mental and physical health.

Life has become all about convenience and ease lately. We have dishwashers, so we don’t have to wash dishes by hand with electric scooters, so we don’t have to paddle while riding. I mean, isn’t it ridiculous?

Today’s luxuries have been welcomed by the masses. They have also been accused of turning us into passive, lethargic sloths. As a reformed sloth, I know how easy it can be to slip into the convenience of things and not want to move off the couch. I want to persuade you to start walking.

Americans lead a passive lifestyle at the expense of their own health.

  • This means that we spend approximately 40% of our leisure time in front of the TV.
  • Ironically, it is also reported that Americans don’t like many of the shows that they watch.
  • Today’s studies indicate that people were experiencing higher bouts of depression than in the 18th and 19th centuries, when work and life were considered problematic.
  • The article reports that 12.6% of Americans suffer from anxiety, and 9.5% suffer from severe depression.
  • Present the opposition’s claim and refute an argument.
  • Nutritionist Phyllis Hall stated that we tend to eat foods high in fat, which produces high levels of cholesterol in our blood, which leads to plaque build-up in our arteries.
  • While modifying our diet can help us decrease our risk for heart disease, studies have indicated that people who don’t exercise are at an even greater risk.

In closing, I urge you to start walking more. Walking is a simple, easy activity. Park further away from stores and walk. Walk instead of driving to your nearest convenience store. Take 20 minutes and enjoy a walk around your neighborhood. Hide the TV remote, move off the couch and, walk. Do it for your heart.

Thank you for listening!

Topic: Less screen time can improve your sleep.

Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to stop using their screens two hours before bed.

Central idea: Ceasing electronics before bed will help you achieve better sleep.

Who doesn’t love to sleep? I don’t think I have ever met anyone who doesn’t like getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for our bodies to rest and repair themselves.

I love sleeping and, there is no way that I would be able to miss out on a good night’s sleep.

As someone who has had trouble sleeping due to taking my phone into bed with me and laying in bed while entertaining myself on my phone till I fall asleep, I can say that it’s not the healthiest habit, and we should do whatever we can to change it.

  • Our natural blue light source is the sun.
  • Bluelight is designed to keep us awake.
  • Bluelight makes our brain waves more active.
  • We find it harder to sleep when our brain waves are more active.
  • Having a good night’s rest will improve your mood.
  • Being fully rested will increase your productivity.

Using electronics before bed will stimulate your brainwaves and make it more difficult for you to sleep. Bluelight tricks our brains into a false sense of daytime and, in turn, makes it more difficult for us to sleep. So, put down those screens if you love your sleep!

Thank the audience for listening

A persuasive speech is used to convince the audience of the speaker standing on a certain subject. To have a successful persuasive speech, doing the proper planning and executing your speech with confidence will help persuade the audience of your standing on the topic you chose. Persuasive speeches are used every day in the world around us, from planning what’s for dinner to arguing about politics. It is one of the most widely used forms of speech and, with proper planning and execution, you can sway any audience.

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  • Writing Tips

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

  • 5-minute read
  • 13th January 2023

Some find writing a persuasive speech to be intimidating, but it’s an opportunity to share your position on a topic you care about and to invite listeners to support (or at least appreciate) your way of thinking. You’ll benefit from a clear position, credible evidence, and careful consideration of your audience.

Your first step is to pick a topic. Whether you’re a teacher creating an assignment or a student deciding what to speak about, our list of 50 suggested persuasive speech topics and tips are a good starting place.

Choosing a Topic

●  It’s more enjoyable to research and write a speech about a topic that genuinely holds your interest. It’ll make for better delivery, too. Passion is contagious! On the other hand, boredom and a lack of enthusiasm come through easily in vocal tone.

●  Avoid tired, overdone issues. If you’ve heard it all before, there’s a good chance your audience has, too. Pick something current and relevant to your listeners . If you go with a popular topic, try to approach it from a fresh angle.

●  Issues that contain multiple viewpoints are preferable to simplistic good/bad debates. Most reasonable people would agree that “bullying is bad.” But they might learn something new if you share recent research on bullying and offer different approaches to tackling it.

Let’s look at some interesting speech topics, categorized by subject.

Should free speech on the internet be restricted?

At what age should children have access to smartphones?

Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?

Should parents limit their children’s screen time?

Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?

Is there a link between device usage and decreased mental health?

Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?

Should voting be compulsory?

Should Election Day in the US change from Tuesday to the weekend?

Should the electoral college system be abolished?

Should election procedures be standardized in all states?

Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?

Should the death penalty be legal?

Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?

Should the legal age to own an assault rifle be raised?

Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?

Are governments doing enough to address climate change?

Is student loan forgiveness fair?

Should the US invest in high-speed rail similar to those in Japan and Europe?

Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?

What is the greatest threat to international stability?

What can be done to prevent cyber threats?

Is the two-party political system of the US failing?

Should the US adopt a single-payer universal health care system?

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Should minimum wage be a factor in the cost of health care?

Is healthcare a human right?

Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?

Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?

Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?

Should employers offer incentives and bonuses to employees who bike or walk to work?

Do school uniforms offer any advantages?

Are school dress codes gender biased?

Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?

Do college entrance exams privilege those with higher socio-economic status?

Should teachers be allowed to keep firearms in their classrooms as protection against active shooters?

Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?

Should immigrants have access to free language classes?

Should books ever be banned in schools?

Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?

Should schools be cellphone free?

Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?

Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?

Should parents let their children play tackle football?

Should college sports teams receive less money?

Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?

Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?

Should all priests be allowed to marry?

Should prayer be permitted in public schools?

On balance, does religion create more conflict or foster peace?

Should there be exceptions to the freedom to practice any religion?

Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

People often think persuasion means getting others to agree with you, but persuasion is more nuanced than that. You might persuade someone to go beyond sympathy and act. You might highlight the gray areas of a typically black and white debate.

When total agreement is out of reach, you can settle for agreement in part. Consider your audience thoughtfully when you decide on your goals and remember that you have options.

Step Up with Confidence

We hope these suggested persuasive speech topics have the wheels of your mind turning. Whether it’s for a speech or an argumentative essay , getting your ideas on paper and editing them is a necessary part of the process. Our editors are here to help you confidently put out your best work. Submit a free sample today .

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11.2 Persuasive Speaking

Learning objectives.

  • Explain how claims, evidence, and warrants function to create an argument.
  • Identify strategies for choosing a persuasive speech topic.
  • Identify strategies for adapting a persuasive speech based on an audience’s orientation to the proposition.
  • Distinguish among propositions of fact, value, and policy.
  • Choose an organizational pattern that is fitting for a persuasive speech topic.

We produce and receive persuasive messages daily, but we don’t often stop to think about how we make the arguments we do or the quality of the arguments that we receive. In this section, we’ll learn the components of an argument, how to choose a good persuasive speech topic, and how to adapt and organize a persuasive message.

Foundation of Persuasion

Persuasive speaking seeks to influence the beliefs, attitudes, values, or behaviors of audience members. In order to persuade, a speaker has to construct arguments that appeal to audience members. Arguments form around three components: claim, evidence, and warrant. The claim is the statement that will be supported by evidence. Your thesis statement is the overarching claim for your speech, but you will make other claims within the speech to support the larger thesis. Evidence , also called grounds, supports the claim. The main points of your persuasive speech and the supporting material you include serve as evidence. For example, a speaker may make the following claim: “There should be a national law against texting while driving.” The speaker could then support the claim by providing the following evidence: “Research from the US Department of Transportation has found that texting while driving creates a crash risk that is twenty-three times worse than driving while not distracted.” The warrant is the underlying justification that connects the claim and the evidence. One warrant for the claim and evidence cited in this example is that the US Department of Transportation is an institution that funds research conducted by credible experts. An additional and more implicit warrant is that people shouldn’t do things they know are unsafe.

Figure 11.2 Components of an Argument

image

The quality of your evidence often impacts the strength of your warrant, and some warrants are stronger than others. A speaker could also provide evidence to support their claim advocating for a national ban on texting and driving by saying, “I have personally seen people almost wreck while trying to text.” While this type of evidence can also be persuasive, it provides a different type and strength of warrant since it is based on personal experience. In general, the anecdotal evidence from personal experience would be given a weaker warrant than the evidence from the national research report. The same process works in our legal system when a judge evaluates the connection between a claim and evidence. If someone steals my car, I could say to the police, “I’m pretty sure Mario did it because when I said hi to him on campus the other day, he didn’t say hi back, which proves he’s mad at me.” A judge faced with that evidence is unlikely to issue a warrant for Mario’s arrest. Fingerprint evidence from the steering wheel that has been matched with a suspect is much more likely to warrant arrest.

As you put together a persuasive argument, you act as the judge. You can evaluate arguments that you come across in your research by analyzing the connection (the warrant) between the claim and the evidence. If the warrant is strong, you may want to highlight that argument in your speech. You may also be able to point out a weak warrant in an argument that goes against your position, which you could then include in your speech. Every argument starts by putting together a claim and evidence, but arguments grow to include many interrelated units.

Choosing a Persuasive Speech Topic

As with any speech, topic selection is important and is influenced by many factors. Good persuasive speech topics are current, controversial, and have important implications for society. If your topic is currently being discussed on television, in newspapers, in the lounges in your dorm, or around your family’s dinner table, then it’s a current topic. A persuasive speech aimed at getting audience members to wear seat belts in cars wouldn’t have much current relevance, given that statistics consistently show that most people wear seat belts. Giving the same speech would have been much more timely in the 1970s when there was a huge movement to increase seat-belt use.

Many topics that are current are also controversial, which is what gets them attention by the media and citizens. Current and controversial topics will be more engaging for your audience. A persuasive speech to encourage audience members to donate blood or recycle wouldn’t be very controversial, since the benefits of both practices are widely agreed on. However, arguing that the restrictions on blood donation by men who have had sexual relations with men be lifted would be controversial. I must caution here that controversial is not the same as inflammatory. An inflammatory topic is one that evokes strong reactions from an audience for the sake of provoking a reaction. Being provocative for no good reason or choosing a topic that is extremist will damage your credibility and prevent you from achieving your speech goals.

You should also choose a topic that is important to you and to society as a whole. As we have already discussed in this book, our voices are powerful, as it is through communication that we participate and make change in society. Therefore we should take seriously opportunities to use our voices to speak publicly. Choosing a speech topic that has implications for society is probably a better application of your public speaking skills than choosing to persuade the audience that Lebron James is the best basketball player in the world or that Superman is a better hero than Spiderman. Although those topics may be very important to you, they don’t carry the same social weight as many other topics you could choose to discuss. Remember that speakers have ethical obligations to the audience and should take the opportunity to speak seriously.

You will also want to choose a topic that connects to your own interests and passions. If you are an education major, it might make more sense to do a persuasive speech about funding for public education than the death penalty. If there are hot-button issues for you that make you get fired up and veins bulge out in your neck, then it may be a good idea to avoid those when speaking in an academic or professional context.

11.2.1N

Choose a persuasive speech topic that you’re passionate about but still able to approach and deliver in an ethical manner.

Michael Vadon – Nigel Farage – CC BY-SA 2.0.

Choosing such topics may interfere with your ability to deliver a speech in a competent and ethical manner. You want to care about your topic, but you also want to be able to approach it in a way that’s going to make people want to listen to you. Most people tune out speakers they perceive to be too ideologically entrenched and write them off as extremists or zealots.

You also want to ensure that your topic is actually persuasive. Draft your thesis statement as an “I believe” statement so your stance on an issue is clear. Also, think of your main points as reasons to support your thesis. Students end up with speeches that aren’t very persuasive in nature if they don’t think of their main points as reasons. Identifying arguments that counter your thesis is also a good exercise to help ensure your topic is persuasive. If you can clearly and easily identify a competing thesis statement and supporting reasons, then your topic and approach are arguable.

Review of Tips for Choosing a Persuasive Speech Topic

  • Not current. People should use seat belts.
  • Current. People should not text while driving.
  • Not controversial. People should recycle.
  • Controversial. Recycling should be mandatory by law.
  • Not as impactful. Superman is the best superhero.
  • Impactful. Colleges and universities should adopt zero-tolerance bullying policies.
  • Unclear thesis. Homeschooling is common in the United States.
  • Clear, argumentative thesis with stance. Homeschooling does not provide the same benefits of traditional education and should be strictly monitored and limited.

Adapting Persuasive Messages

Competent speakers should consider their audience throughout the speech-making process. Given that persuasive messages seek to directly influence the audience in some way, audience adaptation becomes even more important. If possible, poll your audience to find out their orientation toward your thesis. I read my students’ thesis statements aloud and have the class indicate whether they agree with, disagree with, or are neutral in regards to the proposition. It is unlikely that you will have a homogenous audience, meaning that there will probably be some who agree, some who disagree, and some who are neutral. So you may employ all of the following strategies, in varying degrees, in your persuasive speech.

When you have audience members who already agree with your proposition, you should focus on intensifying their agreement. You can also assume that they have foundational background knowledge of the topic, which means you can take the time to inform them about lesser-known aspects of a topic or cause to further reinforce their agreement. Rather than move these audience members from disagreement to agreement, you can focus on moving them from agreement to action. Remember, calls to action should be as specific as possible to help you capitalize on audience members’ motivation in the moment so they are more likely to follow through on the action.

There are two main reasons audience members may be neutral in regards to your topic: (1) they are uninformed about the topic or (2) they do not think the topic affects them. In this case, you should focus on instilling a concern for the topic. Uninformed audiences may need background information before they can decide if they agree or disagree with your proposition. If the issue is familiar but audience members are neutral because they don’t see how the topic affects them, focus on getting the audience’s attention and demonstrating relevance. Remember that concrete and proxemic supporting materials will help an audience find relevance in a topic. Students who pick narrow or unfamiliar topics will have to work harder to persuade their audience, but neutral audiences often provide the most chance of achieving your speech goal since even a small change may move them into agreement.

When audience members disagree with your proposition, you should focus on changing their minds. To effectively persuade, you must be seen as a credible speaker. When an audience is hostile to your proposition, establishing credibility is even more important, as audience members may be quick to discount or discredit someone who doesn’t appear prepared or doesn’t present well-researched and supported information. Don’t give an audience a chance to write you off before you even get to share your best evidence. When facing a disagreeable audience, the goal should also be small change. You may not be able to switch someone’s position completely, but influencing him or her is still a success. Aside from establishing your credibility, you should also establish common ground with an audience.

11.2.2N

Build common ground with disagreeable audiences and acknowledge areas of disagreement.

Chris-Havard Berge – Shaking Hands – CC BY-NC 2.0.

Acknowledging areas of disagreement and logically refuting counterarguments in your speech is also a way to approach persuading an audience in disagreement, as it shows that you are open-minded enough to engage with other perspectives.

Determining Your Proposition

The proposition of your speech is the overall direction of the content and how that relates to the speech goal. A persuasive speech will fall primarily into one of three categories: propositions of fact, value, or policy. A speech may have elements of any of the three propositions, but you can usually determine the overall proposition of a speech from the specific purpose and thesis statements.

Propositions of fact focus on beliefs and try to establish that something “is or isn’t.” Propositions of value focus on persuading audience members that something is “good or bad,” “right or wrong,” or “desirable or undesirable.” Propositions of policy advocate that something “should or shouldn’t” be done. Since most persuasive speech topics can be approached as propositions of fact, value, or policy, it is a good idea to start thinking about what kind of proposition you want to make, as it will influence how you go about your research and writing. As you can see in the following example using the topic of global warming, the type of proposition changes the types of supporting materials you would need:

  • Proposition of fact. Global warming is caused by increased greenhouse gases related to human activity.
  • Proposition of value. America’s disproportionately large amount of pollution relative to other countries is wrong .
  • Proposition of policy. There should be stricter emission restrictions on individual cars.

To support propositions of fact, you would want to present a logical argument based on objective facts that can then be used to build persuasive arguments. Propositions of value may require you to appeal more to your audience’s emotions and cite expert and lay testimony. Persuasive speeches about policy usually require you to research existing and previous laws or procedures and determine if any relevant legislation or propositions are currently being considered.

“Getting Critical”

Persuasion and Masculinity

The traditional view of rhetoric that started in ancient Greece and still informs much of our views on persuasion today has been critiqued for containing Western and masculine biases. Traditional persuasion has been linked to Western and masculine values of domination, competition, and change, which have been critiqued as coercive and violent (Gearhart, 1979).

Communication scholars proposed an alternative to traditional persuasive rhetoric in the form of invitational rhetoric. Invitational rhetoric differs from a traditional view of persuasive rhetoric that “attempts to win over an opponent, or to advocate the correctness of a single position in a very complex issue” (Bone et al., 2008). Instead, invitational rhetoric proposes a model of reaching consensus through dialogue. The goal is to create a climate in which growth and change can occur but isn’t required for one person to “win” an argument over another. Each person in a communication situation is acknowledged to have a standpoint that is valid but can still be influenced through the offering of alternative perspectives and the invitation to engage with and discuss these standpoints (Ryan & Natalle, 2001). Safety, value, and freedom are three important parts of invitational rhetoric. Safety involves a feeling of security in which audience members and speakers feel like their ideas and contributions will not be denigrated. Value refers to the notion that each person in a communication encounter is worthy of recognition and that people are willing to step outside their own perspectives to better understand others. Last, freedom is present in communication when communicators do not limit the thinking or decisions of others, allowing all participants to speak up (Bone et al., 2008).

Invitational rhetoric doesn’t claim that all persuasive rhetoric is violent. Instead, it acknowledges that some persuasion is violent and that the connection between persuasion and violence is worth exploring. Invitational rhetoric has the potential to contribute to the civility of communication in our society. When we are civil, we are capable of engaging with and appreciating different perspectives while still understanding our own. People aren’t attacked or reviled because their views diverge from ours. Rather than reducing the world to “us against them, black or white, and right or wrong,” invitational rhetoric encourages us to acknowledge human perspectives in all their complexity (Bone et al., 2008).

  • What is your reaction to the claim that persuasion includes Western and masculine biases?
  • What are some strengths and weaknesses of the proposed alternatives to traditional persuasion?
  • In what situations might an invitational approach to persuasion be useful? In what situations might you want to rely on traditional models of persuasion?

Organizing a Persuasive Speech

We have already discussed several patterns for organizing your speech, but some organization strategies are specific to persuasive speaking. Some persuasive speech topics lend themselves to a topical organization pattern, which breaks the larger topic up into logical divisions. Earlier, in Chapter 9 “Preparing a Speech” , we discussed recency and primacy, and in this chapter we discussed adapting a persuasive speech based on the audience’s orientation toward the proposition. These concepts can be connected when organizing a persuasive speech topically. Primacy means putting your strongest information first and is based on the idea that audience members put more weight on what they hear first. This strategy can be especially useful when addressing an audience that disagrees with your proposition, as you can try to win them over early. Recency means putting your strongest information last to leave a powerful impression. This can be useful when you are building to a climax in your speech, specifically if you include a call to action.

11.2.3N

Putting your strongest argument last can help motivate an audience to action.

Celestine Chua – The Change – CC BY 2.0.

The problem-solution pattern is an organizational pattern that advocates for a particular approach to solve a problem. You would provide evidence to show that a problem exists and then propose a solution with additional evidence or reasoning to justify the course of action. One main point addressing the problem and one main point addressing the solution may be sufficient, but you are not limited to two. You could add a main point between the problem and solution that outlines other solutions that have failed. You can also combine the problem-solution pattern with the cause-effect pattern or expand the speech to fit with Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.

As was mentioned in Chapter 9 “Preparing a Speech” , the cause-effect pattern can be used for informative speaking when the relationship between the cause and effect is not contested. The pattern is more fitting for persuasive speeches when the relationship between the cause and effect is controversial or unclear. There are several ways to use causes and effects to structure a speech. You could have a two-point speech that argues from cause to effect or from effect to cause. You could also have more than one cause that lead to the same effect or a single cause that leads to multiple effects. The following are some examples of thesis statements that correspond to various organizational patterns. As you can see, the same general topic area, prison overcrowding, is used for each example. This illustrates the importance of considering your organizational options early in the speech-making process, since the pattern you choose will influence your researching and writing.

Persuasive Speech Thesis Statements by Organizational Pattern

  • Problem-solution. Prison overcrowding is a serious problem that we can solve by finding alternative rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders.
  • Problem–failed solution–proposed solution. Prison overcrowding is a serious problem that shouldn’t be solved by building more prisons; instead, we should support alternative rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders.
  • Cause-effect. Prisons are overcrowded with nonviolent offenders, which leads to lesser sentences for violent criminals.
  • Cause-cause-effect. State budgets are being slashed and prisons are overcrowded with nonviolent offenders, which leads to lesser sentences for violent criminals.
  • Cause-effect-effect. Prisons are overcrowded with nonviolent offenders, which leads to increased behavioral problems among inmates and lesser sentences for violent criminals.
  • Cause-effect-solution. Prisons are overcrowded with nonviolent offenders, which leads to lesser sentences for violent criminals; therefore we need to find alternative rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders.

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence is an organizational pattern designed for persuasive speaking that appeals to audience members’ needs and motivates them to action. If your persuasive speaking goals include a call to action, you may want to consider this organizational pattern. We already learned about the five steps of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence in Chapter 9 “Preparing a Speech” , but we will review them here with an example:

  • Hook the audience by making the topic relevant to them.
  • Imagine living a full life, retiring, and slipping into your golden years. As you get older you become more dependent on others and move into an assisted-living facility. Although you think life will be easier, things get worse as you experience abuse and mistreatment from the staff. You report the abuse to a nurse and wait, but nothing happens and the abuse continues. Elder abuse is a common occurrence, and unlike child abuse, there are no laws in our state that mandate complaints of elder abuse be reported or investigated.
  • Cite evidence to support the fact that the issue needs to be addressed.
  • According to the American Psychological Association, one to two million elderly US Americans have been abused by their caretakers. In our state, those in the medical, psychiatric, and social work field are required to report suspicion of child abuse but are not mandated to report suspicions of elder abuse.
  • Offer a solution and persuade the audience that it is feasible and well thought out.
  • There should be a federal law mandating that suspicion of elder abuse be reported and that all claims of elder abuse be investigated.
  • Take the audience beyond your solution and help them visualize the positive results of implementing it or the negative consequences of not.
  • Elderly people should not have to live in fear during their golden years. A mandatory reporting law for elderly abuse will help ensure that the voices of our elderly loved ones will be heard.
  • Call your audience to action by giving them concrete steps to follow to engage in a particular action or to change a thought or behavior.
  • I urge you to take action in two ways. First, raise awareness about this issue by talking to your own friends and family. Second, contact your representatives at the state and national level to let them know that elder abuse should be taken seriously and given the same level of importance as other forms of abuse. I brought cards with the contact information for our state and national representatives for this area. Please take one at the end of my speech. A short e-mail or phone call can help end the silence surrounding elder abuse.

Key Takeaways

  • Arguments are formed by making claims that are supported by evidence. The underlying justification that connects the claim and evidence is the warrant. Arguments can have strong or weak warrants, which will make them more or less persuasive.
  • Good persuasive speech topics are current, controversial (but not inflammatory), and important to the speaker and society.
  • When audience members agree with the proposal, focus on intensifying their agreement and moving them to action.
  • When audience members are neutral in regards to the proposition, provide background information to better inform them about the issue and present information that demonstrates the relevance of the topic to the audience.
  • When audience members disagree with the proposal, focus on establishing your credibility, build common ground with the audience, and incorporate counterarguments and refute them.
  • Propositions of fact focus on establishing that something “is or isn’t” or is “true or false.”
  • Propositions of value focus on persuading an audience that something is “good or bad,” “right or wrong,” or “desirable or undesirable.”
  • Propositions of policy advocate that something “should or shouldn’t” be done.
  • Persuasive speeches can be organized using the following patterns: problem-solution, cause-effect, cause-effect-solution, or Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.
  • Getting integrated: Give an example of persuasive messages that you might need to create in each of the following contexts: academic, professional, personal, and civic. Then do the same thing for persuasive messages you may receive.
  • To help ensure that your persuasive speech topic is persuasive and not informative, identify the claims, evidence, and warrants you may use in your argument. In addition, write a thesis statement that refutes your topic idea and identify evidence and warrants that could support that counterargument.
  • Determine if your speech is primarily a proposition of fact, value, or policy. How can you tell? Identify an organizational pattern that you think will work well for your speech topic, draft one sentence for each of your main points, and arrange them according to the pattern you chose.

Bone, J. E., Cindy L. Griffin, and T. M. Linda Scholz, “Beyond Traditional Conceptualizations of Rhetoric: Invitational Rhetoric and a Move toward Civility,” Western Journal of Communication 72 (2008): 436.

Gearhart, S. M., “The Womanization of Rhetoric,” Women’s Studies International Quarterly 2 (1979): 195–201.

Ryan, K. J., and Elizabeth J. Natalle, “Fusing Horizons: Standpoint Hermenutics and Invitational Rhetoric,” Rhetoric Society Quarterly 31 (2001): 69–90.

Communication in the Real World Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

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Definition of the Persuasive Speech 

Before you explore various persuasive speech topics , let's take a quick look at the definition and learn what a persuasive speech is and how it can be identified in writing. As the title implies, a persuasive speech represents a type of speech that aims to persuade a person to believe in a certain concept or a notion. In some instances, a persuasive speech contains a call to action. A persuasive speech topic may deal with professional challenges, world events, and debates that can be political, commercial, legislative, or educational. Depending on what you study or research, the choices are basically unlimited! Therefore, let your inspiration run free, and ensure that you have at least one statement or argument that poses the ground for persuasion. Choose a certain idea, take a note about your take, and make it clear as you choose a competitive persuasive topic. 

How to Compose an Excellent Persuasive Speech? 

Regardless of what persuasive essay topics you may choose, specific structure rules will help you to achieve success and avoid confusion as you shape your ideas and make your speech inspiring and clear. Here are the main points to consider: 

  • Choose a topic that inspires you and reflects your research objectives. 
  • Narrow things down and do your best to define the goal of your speech. 
  • Study your target audience and check whether your persuasive speech addresses their concerns. 
  • Continue with the thesis statement representing your opinion or a certain notion. 
  • Create an outline for your speech with the hook sentence in the introduction. 
  • Provide facts from both sides of the debate. 
  • Include at least three pieces of evidence for your writing. 
  • Make a call to action in conclusion and repeat the main points. 
  • Edit your speech for repetitions and grammar mistakes. 
  • Proofread your speech aloud and check the readability factor twice. 

List of Persuasive Speech Topics 

Below is the list of 130 competitive persuasive speech essay topics you can use for brainstorming purposes as a speaker . Play with the wording of these persuasive speech examples , narrow things down, and choose the category that looks most suitable. 

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

Here are some persuasive speech topics college style that you will find helpful: 

  • College education should be made free or funded based on academic merits. 
  • The problems of college debt are artificial and can be resolved. 
  • The secret to college popularity: why fashion still matters in 2023? 
  • The colleges represent the best ground for social movements. 
  • Social media use among college students can benefit their studies. 
  • College safety should be increased, and the parties must have stricter control. 
  • American colleges are better than most European institutions regarding career chances. 
  • Hybrid form of learning is the future of college education. 
  • College bullying and the reasons why the cases of harassment are rarely reported. 
  • The best ways to overcome college depression and anxiety. 

Persuasive Speech About Art, Media, and Culture

Dealing with persuasive speech ideas , consider the field of art, media, and culture as one of the branches of science worth exploring. Here are some starting points worth checking: 

  • Modern metal music has roots in the blues and classical music creations. 
  • The older generation sometimes pays attention to the music we like. 
  • Why do college bands remain popular? 
  • The use of art exhibitions in colleges should be obligatory. 
  • The cultural aspect of baseball popularity’s decline in the United States. 
  • The wrong perception of wearing a hoodie: the cultural factor and misconceptions. 
  • The use of social media helps to keep people alert to environmental issues. 
  • Instagram influencers should not be considered journalists. 
  • Video game culture should be considered a separate cultural trend. 
  • Neuroscience and using artificial intelligence to write music will eliminate creativity. 

Persuasive Speech About the Economy and Work

Now, if you are majoring in Business Management, studying the Economy, or working in the Financial sector, the following persuasive speech ideas will be quite helpful in keeping you inspired as you overcome initial confusion: 

  • The concept of third-world countries is outdated and must be eliminated. 
  • Cryptocurrencies are damaging to the American economy. 
  • The phenomenon of economic wonder in Iceland is only possible because of the limited population. 
  • Economic education must be an obligatory part of each academic curriculum. 
  • Economic disparity in Afghanistan is caused by the current gender policies. 
  • Workflow issues can be eliminated with the help of LMS platforms. 
  • The challenges of employment in the United States during the pandemic could have been eliminated. 
  • Most social campaigns these days are driven by the funds provided. 
  • There is a man in the middle in every economic executive plan in business. 
  • What are the pros and cons of digital accounting systems, or why are pros speaking against them?

Persuasive Speech About Education

The problems encountered in education always remain a subject of heated debates as education poses a serious concern not among current learners and educators and everyone out there. Check these helpful topic ideas: 

  • ADHD is an overhyped problem and can be addressed with the help of stricter discipline. 
  • Dealing with PTSD and military veterans can be approached with the help of music education. 
  • AI-based tools will never replace the physical teacher in the classroom. 
  • Pandemic situation has shown us that virtual classrooms take away the sense of belonging. 
  • Smartboards as the solution for shy primary school students. 
  • The reasons why there is a negative bias concerning community colleges. 
  • Why should you choose a Christian college for your education? 
  • Handwriting is still an important skill that should not be ignored. 
  • The pros and cons of the Waldorf schools education system. 
  • Augmented Reality is a dangerous concept for middle schools. 
  • The benefits of gamification in the development of cognitive skills. 
  • The mechanisms that should be used for reporting teacher-student abuse. 
  • The problem of gun control in the classrooms: do teachers have a right to carry a gun? 
  • The racial prejudice in the business management schools in the USA: why it's still a problem.
  • Colleges in the United States should offer free mental coaching sessions. 
  • The reasons why every student should consider becoming an app developer. 
  • The subjects that should be added to a modern college education. 
  • The practice of exchange students leads to a lack of adjustability in the native country. 
  • Females represent better specialists in the cyber security field. 
  • The phenomenon of college athletes: why should they be treated just like anyone else? 

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Dealing with mental health subjects is quite complex. If you are majoring in Healthcare and Psychology, you must remember to be respectful and sensitive as you make your choice and portray a viewpoint : 

  • Why is depression often overlooked as a serious mental health problem? 
  • Social media addiction leads to negative body image issues and wrong perceptions. 
  • The phenomenon of bloggers creates a false impression of instant success. 
  • Childhood abuse recovery: why do the survivors often keep silent?
  • Schools and colleges in the United States must introduce strict mental health screening. 
  • The negative effect of violent media games on children. 
  • British medical ethics versus American perception of mental health. 
  • LGBT movement and dealing with mental health issues is a unique concept worth exploring. 
  • YouTube mental health courses as a free alternative to commercial offerings. 
  • Armed conflicts lead to prolonged mental health issues in the future. 

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

Business marketing and business management also represent a popular field of science for composing an excellent persuasive speech essay. Just take a look at these example ideas : 

  • Why is starting a business as a college student worth it in 2023? 
  • Digital marketing is always the problem of brand loyalty and switching. 
  • Social media and website localization: why should modern businesses implement the practice? 
  • Doing business in China: what are the cultural points worth considering? 
  • Why joining a free business course online will make you a better learner. 
  • The business aspect of the Black Lives Matter social movement. 
  • The male vs. female perception of a successful business in the IT sector. 
  • The use of virtual reality tools to study the target market: a fashion case study. 
  • British versus American understanding of corporate ethics. 
  • Politics have no place in the retail business. 

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

The medical and nursing students will find these persuasive speech ideas quite helpful and interesting : 

  • The problems of the NHS system in the United Kingdom.  
  • The pros and cons of the ObamaCare healthcare campaign. 
  • What are the best methods to overcome professional burnout for nursing personnel? 
  • The most common challenges of the ER nursing department: ethics vs. personal safety. 
  • The readiness for the future risks: analysis of the pandemic threats. 
  • Covid-19 has helped to make our world a safer place. 
  • Why should medical volunteering be developed in 2023?
  • Technology is not always helpful if it's not accessible in remote areas. 
  • Dealing with religious beliefs when offering medical help. 
  • The limitations when reporting suspected abuse: why the changes must be introduced? 

Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

In case you want to choose something complex and scientific, these ten persuasive speech topic offerings will help to keep you inspired: 

  • Augmented Reality tools usage will help people with learning disabilities learn. 
  • The link between the vaccination risks and the cases of autism among children. 
  • The psychological aspect of using painkillers and the damage to the person's system. 
  • Exploration of nuclear Physics remains useless for most people today. 
  • The negative side of the Green Energy transformation. 
  • Politics should have no place in the scientific community. 
  • An ethical aspect of genetically modified foods is ignored because of the lower costs. 
  • The scientific benefits of uniting physically challenged students with healthy learners. 
  • The positive effect of blues music on the human brain: the cardio wave effect. 
  • Social media changes how communication takes things to another level. 

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

If you are a college athlete or majoring in the field of Sports Coaching and Recreational Medicine, you should consider checking these ten persuasive speech subjects that we have chosen for you: 

  • The best ways to manage stress when you become enrolled as a college athlete. 
  • Playing sports in college helps to eliminate depression and anxiety risks. 
  • College sports must be an obligatory part of the curriculum without grading. 
  • The history of college basketball in the United States helped to shape numerous subcultures. 
  • The social aspect of sports and communication among middle school and primary school learners. 
  • The use of sports to challenge substance abuse in the workplace. 
  • Why does politics have no place in sports, and why should athletes be allowed to compete? 
  • Tennis represents one of the best sports to help people maintain cardiovascular health. 
  • Why should playing golf be made more accessible for people with low income? 
  • Playing sports in college helps to address weight gain issues and improve a person's mood.

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

You can also approach the subject of family relations or talk about the values important to you. Check out these ten ideas below: 

  • The values of the methodist church in the United States and their perception of family.  
  • Stay Together For The Kids tour or how alternative rock bands contribute to family values. 
  • The perception of family times during the Victorian Era. 
  • Why is social media changing how children perceive their parents and grandparents? 
  • Resolution of family conflicts can be resolved with the help of mediation techniques. 
  • The psychology of domestic abuse in the Middle East: why are cultural points not likely to change? 
  • The practice of boarding schools in the United Kingdom and overcoming homesickness. 
  • The challenges of becoming independent when leaving home for college are overrated. 
  • Family problems or growing up in a broken home should not be considered a reason for stigmatization. 
  • The American Dream concept is still relevant for the majority of American families.

Persuasive Speech About Politics and Society

Dealing with politics and society may sound easy, yet it often asks you to narrow things down and provide data from both sides of the debate to keep your position clear. See how it's done in the ten political persuasive speech ideas below: 

  • The concept of the Cold War is more relevant for our times than ever. 
  • Celebrities should not become involved in political campaigns and stay true to the art.
  • Most American television networks are run by private funds and offer biased information. 
  • The phenomenon of West-Coast and East-Coast politics in the United States is artificial. 
  • Politics and church should not mix, and why religion should not become a part of the conflict.
  • Racial prejudice in the United States is rooted in wrong politics. 
  • The cultural perception of Canada by an average American is often incorrect. 
  • Marijuana use should be banned as a society cannot control it adequately. 
  • School students should be allowed to vote, starting at 13 years old. 
  • The use of political agendas in colleges should be banned.

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

Now, some students will seek something related to governmental studies or legislation as a way to create their persuasive speech essays. As a way to help you out, here are the subjects for speeches you can start with: 

  • The U.S. government should raise the age limit for the use of alcohol and tobacco. 
  • The controversies related to the military budget of the United States should be turned into a public discussion. 
  • The concept of political immunity and diplomacy should be eliminated as it takes responsibility away. 
  • The government should decrease immigration to the United States. 
  • Politicians should have an obligatory education related to Law and Political Sciences. 
  • Famous media personalities should approach the external politics of the United States. 
  • Governmental support and the problem of cheating with college scholarships. 
  • The problem of racial prejudice could be eliminated with the help of a different political agenda. 
  • The concept of luxury taxing should not be obligatory for celebrities if they participate in charity campaigns. 
  • The reasons why children should learn Political Science and government structure in school.

Discover Thousands of Free Essay Samples! 

Getting your persuasive speech done can be quite challenging, so we have created a list of new topics you may consider. Still, you should see the actual essay examples, which we are happy to offer! Depending on the subject you would like to explore in greater depth for your persuasive speech (or any other purpose!), you can always refer to our free database, where you can find amazing essays and topics.

Our website offers thousands of topics that keywords or subjects can check. These represent essays you can use for inspirational purposes as you compose your persuasive speech. If you are unsure about something , you can always get in touch with our team, and we shall happily direct you toward something that fits your academic objectives.

Read your grading rubric twice, or hit us up with your questions! You must be inspired by what you choose because it is the only way to persuade others. Make sure to clarify your point and convince your target audience that your thoughts and ideas are worth checking and following!

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Persuasive Communication is designed to help you build a critical set of skills in writing, speaking, and presentation by providing a dynamic forum to learn, practice, and receive feedback on these essential skills.

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In Persuasive Communication: Narrative, Evidence, and Impact (Online) you will experience hands-on learning with the latest research in persuasive communication. Throughout the three-week program, you will join peers from around the globe to participate in live sessions led by Harvard faculty complemented with self-paced assignments and group work that can be scheduled at times convenient for you. Overall time commitment is approximately 8-10 hours per week. 

Course Outline

Participate in a knowledge-building and practice-oriented curriculum.

Write, and receive feedback on, an opinion piece.

Develop and deliver a presentation using evidence effectively.

Improve data visualization skills.

Learn how to craft robust arguments.

Understand the current state of the media, its interplay with policymaking, and costs of disinformation.

Grow your professional network and career opportunities.

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Easy persuasive speech topics: examples

309 good persuasive topics + resources for writing persuasive speeches

By:  Susan Dugdale  

Let's be right up front about this.

'Easy' and 'persuasive' are seldom paired when it comes to speech topics! Therefore, examples of easy persuasive speech topics are a bit of a rarity, and finding them can be tricky.

However, all is not completely lost. They can, and do, come together, but only if you work at it.  Let me show you how. 

What's on this page

309 potentially easy persuasive speech topics.

  • the myth of 'easy' and an 'easy speech'
  • what makes a successful persuasive speech
  • how a persuasive speech topic can become easy
  • additional persuasive speech resources

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The myth of 'easy' and an 'easy' speech

That word 'easy' is so very tempting. It seductively implies something you can fling together, without a lot of effort, at short notice. 

Image: a tiger-budgie. Text: Easy and persuasive are seldom paired when it comes to speech topics. That makes easy persuasive speech topics a bit of a rarity. Just like this tiger-budgie.

An 'easy' persuasive speech is not going to take a lot of work to plan, research, to write, or to practice. Everything needed to prepare it will be done without hassle, because it's, 'easy'. The entire process will flow smoothly from start to finish without fuss.

When you present the speech, the audience will be spell-bound, riveted by your outstanding choice of subject and its treatment. In short, they will be amazed. Gob smacked * , and 100% persuaded!

* astounded, overwhelmed.

Return to Top

What a successful persuasive speech usually takes

To give a successful persuasive speech means being able to use a compelling mix of reasoning and emotional appeal to convince whoever you are talking to that your point of view is right or at least, worth considering. Generally doing that well takes thought and effort.

You need to have chosen a subject your audience will be genuinely interested in and to use just the right combination of logical reasoning and emotional appeal to engage and hold them from the first words you say till your last. That in turn means thinking your speech through carefully, step by step, and then doing whatever is needed to make it work.

Those things include:

  • deciding on a specific speech purpose, (what you want people to do as a result of listening to your speech)
  • research to pull facts together to ground your speech, to give you a solid platform to build your speech on
  • understanding your audience so you know how best to shape your material to address their concerns
  • sorting out any additional resources you may want to use (e.g. images, graphs, handouts ...)
  • practice, and then more practice. 

You, see? Easy and persuasive don't seem to have a lot in common.

However, there is a way through.

How a persuasive speech topic becomes easy

You'll be glad to know there are exceptions. 

A persuasive topic becomes 'easy' if:

  • it fits with the criteria you've been given, 
  • you already know a lot about it, 
  • there's a readily accessible, and credible body of knowledge covering it, 
  • you're passionate about it, and
  • you genuinely want to do what is required to do it well.

Difficulties miraculously melt away when you are totally engrossed! 

Below are 309 good persuasive topics chosen for their broad appeal, and because they are subjects people generally feel strongly about.

  • 69 topics based on education
  • 135 based on aspects of health : mental health , the psychology of motivation , autism , natural medicine , the dangers of alternative medicine , current medical issues

21 food themed persuasive speech topics

  • 53 topics based on ethics, morals and values
  • 20 economy themed topics  

Read them through, making a note of any that jump out and that you think you may be able to use. These will be the ones you'll find much 'easier' than the others because you're already interested! 

69 persuasive speech topics on education

Put a group of people together who share concerns about the direction society seems to be headed and it won't be long before the hot topic under discussion is education!

Nelson Mandela quote: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

  • that there is no such thing as the best form of education 
  • that some types of education are a waste of time and resources
  • that all education should be free
  • that education should be paid for by those who want or use it
  • that schools should provide experienced specialist support teachers to meet the needs of all their pupils 
  • that no child should be denied an education on the grounds of gender, race, poverty or the legal status of their parents
  • that online learning can never replace real-time and place class room learning
  • that competition with other students is a necessary part of education
  • that different learning styles need to be to be taken into account by teachers
  • that a student who drops out of school has been failed by the school system
  • that the problems created by illiteracy are bigger than we think
  • that society benefits from promoting gender equality and women's empowerment through education
  • that it is vital to teach media literacy to combat fake news and misinformation
  • that scholarships for those who need them should be increased
  • that a college education is not the right choice for everyone
  • that private schools support elitism
  • that the advantages of project-based learning far outweigh the disadvantages
  • that having a bilingual education is an advantage in a globalized world
  • that a good education is the passport to a better life
  • that a school uniform helps make everyone equal
  • that schools need to systematically teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • that teachers should be held responsible for the performance of their students
  • that the students of a teacher who is enthusiastic about their topic will always achieve better grades
  • that textbooks, and other school supplies, should be provided free of charge to those who need them
  • that there needs to a comprehensive education program on consent and sexual assault prevention in schools
  • that life skills, (how to cook, how to budget and manage money effectively, how to shop economically, how to garden...) should be taught in schools
  • that making some school subjects compulsory should be abolished
  • that coding and computer science should be taught from an early age
  • that taking a gap year should be encouraged
  • that an arts education fosters creativity and critical thinking 
  • that alternative forms of education should be encouraged, and supported
  • that teachers should be thoroughly background checked
  • that teachers should have to pass a regular 'fitness to teach' test
  • that the school leaving age should be raised
  • that students should not be forced to take classes they do not want to
  • that there are significant advantages for using technology in the classroom
  • that school violence is a mirror of the society we live in
  • that students who take part in protests are actively learning about their rights and responsibilities
  • that grades do not reflect intelligence
  • that truancy is powerful comment on the relevancy of schools 
  • that homework, for homework's sake, should be banned
  • that residential segregation has a direct impact on the quality of education students receive
  • that prestigious schools maintain their prestige through only admitting students who are likely to succeed
  • that schools should focus on the core subjects: reading, writing and arithmetic
  • that parents should be far more involved in their children's education
  • that a person who is homeschooled is not disadvantaged 
  • that far too much importance is placed on IQ tests
  • that corporal punishment should never be used
  • that meditation and other forms of mindfulness should be taught in schools
  • that single sex schools are better for girls
  • that intelligence is more than quick accurate recall and clever problem solving
  • that a holistic education is best
  • that an education should be a right, not a privilege
  • that it is important to teach students about empathy and emotional intelligence  
  • that no girl should ever be barred from school because she is pregnant
  • that there is no 'right, one way' to educate a child
  • that bullying, in any form, by anyone, should be addressed immediately and appropriately
  • that students need to be taught how to handle social media responsibly
  • that the arts are equally as valuable as the sciences
  • that an old-fashioned school curriculum teaches respect and values
  • that it is advantageous to learn at least one other language, in addition to your mother tongue
  • that the foundation of all education is laid down in the home
  • that civics and ethics should be core subjects
  • that extracurricular activities are an essential part of a well-rounded education
  • that cheating on a test or in an examination is understandable
  • that community service should be an essential part of education
  • that financial education is essential and should be taught to all students in all schools
  • that guns should never be taken to school
  • that getting top marks in an examination is not the only way to prove a person’s intelligence

dividing line dark green

 135 persuasive speech topics about health

Health, according to the World Health Organization , is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity."  It's a huge topic! And that is an understatement! 

46 mental health persuasive speech topics

Knowing your own darkness is the best method of dealing with the darkness in others. - Carl Jung

  • that mental health should be taken more seriously by general health practitioners
  • that mental health should be discussed in schools
  • that mental health and physical health are interdependent
  • that early intervention is important to prevent long-term mental health problems
  • that good mental health begins with a good diet
  • that being 'mad' does not mean a person is 'bad'
  • that a person can learn to become more mentally resilient
  • that to be vulnerable is to be strong
  • that laughter heals
  • that how the media portrays mental health issues influences public perception for better and for worse
  • that mental health issues are passed down from generation to generation
  • that mental health issues can unnecessarily limit what people choose to do with their lives
  • that poverty and homelessness underpin many mental health issues
  • that we need mental health screenings and regular check-ups to monitor our overall well-being
  • that prolonged lack of sleep can cause mental health concerns
  • that religious practices and beliefs can contribute to mental health problems
  • that anxiety and depression need to be more widely understood
  • that sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me is a lie.
  • that vacations are essential for good mental health
  • that learning to live with mental health is very different from suffering from it
  • that acknowledging our own struggles with mental health makes it easier to understand other people's
  • that teachers need training to recognize symptoms of possible mental health issues in their students
  • that there is a direct link between physical exercise and mental health
  • that substance abuse can mask mental health issues
  • that green environments promote good mental health
  • that bullying can have serious consequences
  • that the real reason a bully bullies is never the person who is being bullied by them
  • that the impact of chronic pain on mental health needs to be more widely understood
  • that negative self-worth beliefs are reflected in mental health problems
  • that treatment for mental health issues should be fully integrated with any other health service providers 
  • that loneliness and isolation are often factors in mental health concerns
  • that cultural difference can underpin mental health issues
  • that being mentally unwell is not a sign of weakness
  • that shaming a person for needing treatment for mental illness is both cruel and ignorant behavior
  • that regular doom-scrolling significantly impacts on a person's mental health
  • that overlooking symptoms of mental health problems is dangerous
  • the pressure to 'fit in', to conform and to become someone else's idea of who you should be is unhealthy
  • that seeking help for mental health concerns is a positive proactive thing to do
  • that taking responsibility for our own mental wellbeing is vital
  • that to be a little bit crazy is a good thing
  • that understanding the cyclical link between addictive behaviors and mental health issues is critical to providing solutions
  • that how we talk to ourselves, about ourselves, influences our state of mind
  • that self-care and self-compassion are important for maintaining good mental health
  • that the adverse impact of traumatic events on mental health is often ignored or underestimated
  • that strategies for recovery from trauma and ongoing resilience should be taught in schools
  • that peer support groups and community networks are an important part of a person's recovery because they  provide a sense of belonging and support 

For 50 more mental health persuasive speech topics

24 persuasive ideas: the psychology of motivation

Motivation

Why do people behave the way they do?

What makes one person deliriously happy when they're in front of a large group of people telling them what to do and another person, utterly miserable?

Why do some people absolutely have to have the latest widget-wodget? And why do others not think about widget-wodgets at all?

The answers are found in motivation.

Motivation is the driving force behind our behavior. It provides the explanation for what we do. 

  • that personal success is motivating
  • that envy is a powerful motivator
  • that 'Fear of Missing Out' (FOMO) motivates/influences people to do things regardless of whether they really want to or not
  • that seeing success in significant others gives people the motivation to make positive changes
  • that finding out what motivates a person at a fundamental level is key to persuading them to follow a certain course of action
  • that social media is responsible for motivating people to strive for the unattainable
  • that carefully selected strategies for motivating students lead them to excel in their studies.
  • that fear of failure motivates many people
  • that the desire to be better than others, and to be seen to be better, is a powerful motivator for many people
  • that money makes the world go round: the need and desire for money motivates how we behave
  • that desire for public recognition and acknowledgment is a powerful motivating force 
  • that the possibility and promise of becoming famous and powerful can motivate all sorts of extreme behavior
  • that knowing what you do is helpful, useful, and kind is motivating
  • that mindfulness practices increase personal motivation
  • that the desire to understand a particular process or to solve a specific problem is the motivation behind most innovative developments and inventions
  • that setting inspiring yet realistic goals motivate a person to strive to reach them
  • that fear of consequences motivates people to continue to do what they would rather not
  • that curiosity motivates exploration and experimentation
  • that being motivated by the acquisition of material rewards, wealth and possessions, will ultimately not be enough
  • that fear and anxiety motivate aggression
  • that serving your community the best way you can is motivating
  • that positive self-talk increases and sustains motivation
  • that people are happiest and most creative when they motivated by what they are passionate about
  • that being genuinely and sincerely proud of oneself is motivation to keep ourselves on track
  • that we need to understand and nurture what motivates us to become the best of ourselves

For more information:  Motivation and What Really Drives Human Behavior (positivepsychology.com)

10 persuasive speech topics about autism

Image: jigsaw puzzle with a piece missing. Text: Persuasive speech topics on Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of mild to severe conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. A recent (2020) study revealed that 1 in 36 children (2.7%) in USA have been diagnosed with the disorder. And that number is increasing. 

  • that promoting autism awareness matters and makes a difference
  • that early intervention and treatment is important 
  • that education for students with autism should be inclusive and supportive
  • that the myths and stereotypes about autism need challenging 
  • that inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations are beneficial for everyone: employers and employees.
  • that families affected by autism need accessible resources, services, and support systems.
  • that technology plays an important role in enhancing communication for nonverbal individuals with autism.
  • that ongoing research, and funding, is required to improve understanding and treatment options.
  •  that there needs to be a holistic approach to autism care.
  • that individuals on autism spectrum have value and strengths just like any other person.

19 persuasive speech topics on natural medicine

The term 'natural medicine' is one of several used interchangeably to describe any medical product or practice that is not standard (conventional) medical care.

Other synonyms are:

  • alternative medicine or therapies,
  • holistic medicine which implies taking into account the 'whole' person rather than focusing on and treating isolated symptoms,
  • herbal (plant based) remedies and,
  • complementary medicine: a treatment regime that includes elements of conventional and alternative medical care.

'Natural medicine' polarizes people. There are those who are vehemently against any form of it and who will not consider any treatment other than what is current standard medical practice. Then there are those who resolutely choose alternative options. Either way, it's a fascinating field!    

Image: chamomile daisy plants. Text: Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to aid relaxation.

  • that traditional herbal remedies effectively treat common ailments
  • that acupuncture is beneficial for pain management
  • that practicing meditation and mindfulness improves mental health
  • that chiropractic treatments effectively relieve back and neck pain
  • that yoga supports physical and mental wellness
  • that naturopathy should be used as a complementary approach to conventional medicine.
  • that homeopathy is effective in treating chronic illnesses.
  • that aromatherapy can relieve stress and enhance relaxation.
  • that traditional Chinese medicine should be incorporated into modern healthcare.
  • that good nutrition prevents disease
  • that massage therapy promotes physical and mental well-being.
  • that energy healing treatments like Reiki and acupuncture work well
  • that CBD (cannabidiol) oil helps people effectively manage pain and anxiety.
  • that the advantages of integrative medicine: combining conventional and alternative approaches should not be underestimated
  • that herbal supplements support good immune system health.
  • that holistic Ayurvedic medicine and practices are proven and promote wellness.
  • that the common myths about alternative health care and its potential harms are overstated
  • that acupuncture is an effective fertility treatment 
  • that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for public speaking fear, smoking cessation, weight loss, and more...

14 persuasive speech topics on the possible dangers of using alternative medicine

Image: mortar and pestle with herbs. Text: 14 persuasive speech topics on the possible dangers of using alternative medicine

  • that there are hidden risks in using unregulated alternative health care practices
  • that there are potential dangers in relying solely on alternative health care for serious medical conditions
  • that there are risks in self-diagnosis and self-treatment with alternative health care
  • that misinformation is a problem in alternative health care practices
  • that there are potential adverse effects with unproven alternative health care treatments
  • that there are hidden financial risks with alternative health care therapies
  • that evidence-based medicine is more reliable than alternative health care approaches
  • that we need to protect vulnerable people from the dangers of untested alternative health care remedies
  • that unqualified practitioners in alternative health care fields can cause harm
  • that relying on unverified testimonials and anecdotal evidence in alternative health care is dangerous
  • that there are risks of negative interactions with conventional medications while using alternative health care treatments
  • that unregulated supplements and herbal remedies in alternative health care could be dangerous
  • that alternative health care therapies for incurable diseases promote false hopes 
  • that informed consent and transparency in alternative health care practices is important

22 current medical issues speech topics

Image: doctor giving a patient a vaccine. Text: 22 current medical issues speech topics. Example: that vaccine hesitancy must be addressed and countered.

  • that vaccine hesitancy must be addressed and countered 
  • that stigmas around mental health must be challenged
  • that good accessible mental health care should be available for all
  • that cosmetic and reconstructive surgery should only be for those who genuinely need it
  • that comprehensive specialized mental health programs and support systems need to in schools 
  • that the lessons for the opioid crisis must be learned
  • that inequal access to medical services needs addressing
  • that the balance between patient autonomy and a physician's responsibility needs careful monitoring
  • that strategies for promoting healthy aging and elderly care are essential with an aging population
  • that organ donation needs to be actively encouraged to overcome the shortage of organs available for transplantation
  • that the ethical implications of genetic testing need careful consideration
  • that healthy active lifestyles must be promoted to combat childhood obesity and the obesity epidemic
  • that the increasing role of technology in healthcare presents as many innovations as it does challenges
  • that pharmaceutical drugs need to be accessible and affordably priced
  • that the impact of social media on body image need to be countered by actively promoting positive self-perception
  • that developing countries need support to improve health care infrastructure and access 
  • that precision medicine or personalized healthcare has better patient outcomes
  • that we should encourage conversations about end-of-life care before the need for it arises
  • that the legal and ethical concerns about euthanasia and assisted suicide can be humanely and respectfully resolved
  • that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine presents great opportunities as well as challenges
  • that improving obstetric care would lower maternal mortality rates
  • that for the good of the health of the mother, abortion on demand should be legal
  • that all tobacco products should be banned
  • that the use of medical marijuana by patients in hospitals needs careful consideration from a legal standpoint

The subject of food: its cultivation, preparation, scarcity or abundance, generates passionate debate regardless of who we are, or where we are on the planet.

Have fun with these!

Image: root vegetables growing in garden Text: 21 food-themed persuasive speech topics. Example: that a plant-based diet is healthier.

  • that poor nutritional health in first world countries is the result of poor food choices
  • that the use of unsustainably produced palm oil in food and other products should be banned
  • that the benefits of eating locally sourced food outweigh the disadvantages
  • that we must reduce food waste to lessen its environmental impact
  • that eating fast food long-term is dangerous
  • that a plant-based diet is healthier
  • that the negative effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food system outstrip their shorter term benefits
  • that organic farming has positive effects on health and the environment
  • that nutrition education in schools helps combat childhood obesity
  • that a sugar tax would help control the consumption of foods with high sugar content
  • that factory farming is unethical
  • that we need to adopt humane animal welfare practices
  • that advertising and marketing of unhealthy food choices makes them attractive
  • that food safety and strictly enforced regulations are necessary for public health
  • that food waste should be against the law
  • that food deserts (areas that have limited access to affordable and nutritious food) have an enormous impact on the health of communities 
  • that there are workable, sustainable, affordable strategies to combat the effects of food deserts and food insecurity
  • that the food we eat effects our mental as well as our physical health
  • that producing food sustainably helps combat climate change 
  • that there are significant health risks associated  artificial food additives and preservatives
  • that genetically modified foods must be labeled for consumer awareness

53 topics: ethics, morals and values

The words 'ethics', 'morals' and 'values' are frequently interchanged as if they mean the same thing. However, although there is considerable overlap between them, they don't.

Diagram showing the overlap of values, morals and ethics.

Values  are the core beliefs on which we center and base our lives. They are the values we have decided are important and can be personal as well as shared. Examples are honesty, service, cooperation, family, heritage, freedom of expression, independence, privacy, loyalty, integrity, or success. 

Morals  are based on our values. They elicit feeling or emotional responses in us. For instance, we feel good when we behave in accordance with our values, and bad when we don't. Like values, our moral codes can be either personal or shared.

For example: if one of our core values is the importance of family, then we will feel guilty and uncomfortable if we don't honor it. We make a moral judgment about our own behavior. 

Ethics : These let us know what is right and wrong. For instance, many professions have a code of ethics to regulate the behavior of their members. Examples are medical practitioners, lawyers, and teachers. They are rules based on a shared moral code as are the laws governing how we function as a society. 

Because life and people's experience of it, is not static, values, morals and ethics can change over time. And although there are some behaviors that have generally always been unlawful, (murder, fraud, infanticide...), what was acceptable and normal once, does not guarantee its rightness now.

For a fuller explanation please see this excellent article:  What's the Difference Between Ethics, Morals and Values?

28 topics based on morals and ethics

  • that there are major ethical implications of the role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives
  • that the unmonitored use of facial recognition technology is a violation of individual rights
  • that corporations have a moral responsibility to address climate change
  • that war is never right ethically or morally
  • that the ethics of genetic engineering and its impact on society need careful monitoring
  • that it is important to fully consider the ethics in the development and use of emerging technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency need
  • that the ethical challenges of data privacy and protection in the digital age must be met for the safety and security of society
  • that the ethical implications of using animals for scientific research requires regular reviewing
  • that the ethical and moral implications of our current abortion laws need thorough and careful investigation
  • that the ethics of capital punishment need scrutinizing. Is it ever morally justifiable?
  • that the ethical implications and long-term impact of gene editing and designer babies need careful consideration
  • that it is no longer either ethical or moral to differentiate salaries or workplace benefits on the basis of gender
  • that the moral obligations of healthcare professionals in end-of-life decisions need to be fully considered 
  • that whistleblowing is an ethical way of ensuring corporate accountability
  • that the use of drones and autonomous weapons demands a thorough review of the ethical considerations involved
  • that an individual has the right to choose their own death. The moral dilemma of euthanasia, if there is one, is their own to solve. 
  • that the ethical implications of the long-term impacts of genetic testing and personalized medicine need to be thoroughly investigated
  • that social media platforms have ethical responsibilities in combating the spread of online harassment and misinformation
  • that the moral issues surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports need to examined calmly and carefully
  • that the ethics of factory farming and its impact on animal welfare need to be thoroughly and regularly reviewed
  • that the ethical and moral implication of discriminatory adoption laws should be investigated
  • that the ethics and impact of online advertising should be independently monitored
  • that the ethical considerations in the allocation of healthcare resources should always play a major role in decision making
  • that the moral implications of genetic cloning and its potential consequences will force our governing bodies to legislate against it
  • that the ethics of global wealth distribution and poverty alleviation will always be in question while inequality exists
  • that the ethical challenges of conducting research on human subjects is entirely justifiable
  • that internet censorship is both sensible and ethical
  • that it is ethical and morally responsible that children should have their use of social media and the internet monitored.

25 persuasive speech topic ideas on values

Image: Father Christmas. Text: 309 persuasive speech topics. Example: that we must never tell lies to children, except about Father Christmas...

  • that we must never tell lies to children except about Father Christmas, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Rabbit
  • that honesty in personal and professional relationships is best at all times
  • that embracing diversity is essential for a harmonious society
  • that team sports build good character traits
  • that empathy, (compassion and understanding), has the power to change lives
  • that education is fundamental for personal growth and the progress of society
  • that privacy and the protection of personal information matters more than ever
  • that everybody is entitled to privacy, including children and teenagers
  • that taking personal responsibility and promoting sustainability for our planet's environment is vital for our and its survival
  • that actively advocating for gender, racial and social justice promotes equality
  • that life was better before the influence of online social media took over
  • that everyone should spend several months per year working for the betterment of others in a non-profit social service organization
  • that regular acts of kindness and goodwill make a positive impact no matter how small
  • that becoming self-aware increases our emotional intelligence, which in turn, improves our relationships with others
  • that the lives of all living creatures should be valued and protected
  • that we need to celebrate, tolerate and accept differences in beliefs, cultures and lifestyles
  • that expressing oneself freely is more important than getting the grammar, punctuation and spelling right
  • that integrity, honoring moral principles, in personal and professional settings, builds trust and respect
  • that cooperation, volunteering and civic engagement builds strong healthy communities
  • that everybody should learn to cook and clean for themselves
  • that we need to value, understand and learn from our history
  • that genuinely and sincerely acknowledging and apologizing for hurtful, damaging behavior promotes healing and encourages transformation
  • that it is better to earn your own living rather than to be financially provided for by someone else
  • that money is not a meaningful measure of success

20 persuasive speech topics about the economy

Diagram of the interrelationship of economics

What is an 'economy'? What does the word mean?  I hear and read it frequently and its often in different contexts. 

For example, at my local grocery store there's a large sign telling me that buying 10 cakes of soap at a never to be repeated discounted rate of 33% off per cake is good economy.

On the news I hear that our economy is challenging. There have been significant rises in the price of food over the past six months and mortgage rates are set to increase.

That's two different uses. The first is implying that buying in bulk will save me money. The second suggests it refers to the ebb and flow of monetary exchange for goods and services in society. 

I sought a definition for clarity and found this:

"An economy is a complex system of interrelated production, consumption, and exchange activities that ultimately determines how resources are allocated among all the participants. The production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services combine to fulfill the needs of those living and operating within the economy.

An economy may represent a nation, a region, a single industry, or even a family."

For more information:  Economy: What It Is, Types of Economies, Economic Indicators (investopedia.com)

This definition covers the dynamic interconnecting web of exchanges for goods and services underpinning our daily lives, and that is the focus of the topics below.  

  • that promoting entrepreneurship for economic growth has benefits
  • that investing in renewable energy for a sustainable economy is important
  • that there are both advantages and disadvantages of globalization on national economies
  • that the impact of automation on employment requires carefully thought through strategies for economic adaptation.
  • that multinational corporations need stricter regulations 
  • that increasing the minimum wage to improve income equality benefits everyone
  • that the advantages of a universal basic income for economic stability outweigh its disadvantages
  • that government should play an active role in fostering innovation and technological advancements
  • that financial literacy education benefits both individuals and the economy
  • that promoting fair trade practices benefits developing economies
  • that income inequality impacts on social stability and economic growth
  • that free trade agreements have significant advantages
  • that investing in infrastructure for economic development is important
  • that implementing sustainable economic policies has benefits for long-term growth
  • that government has a role in reducing poverty and income disparities
  • that immigration and inclusive immigration policies have a positive impact on the economy
  • that the advantages of austerity measures during economic crises outweigh the disadvantages
  • that promoting small businesses is important for local economic development
  • that investing in education and skills training benefits economic competitiveness
  • that technology transforms traditional industries and creates new economic opportunities

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More persuasive speech resources

Persuasive speech topics.

Image: one lonely piece of chocolate cake on a plate. Text: Fun persuasive speech topics - Having you cake and eating it too is fair.

  • 105 fun persuasive speech topics : ideal for light-hearted, informal speeches
  • 100 non-boring persuasive speech ideas   - a 'tired' topic is not for you. Choose something fresh and original.
  • 50 good persuasive speech topics with treatment examples to show you how the same topic is treated differently for different audiences.
  • 310 persuasive speech topics for college : mental health, society, family & friends, animals, education
  • 108 feminist persuasive speech topics : the top current women's rights & feminist issues

For assistance with planning and writing

  • Writing a persuasive speech - a 7 step action plan that includes how to choose a topic, analyze your audience, set a good speech purpose, decide on a structural pattern (with examples) and, more.
  • A persuasive speech outline example using the 5 step structural pattern: Monroe's Motivated Sequence. (With a free printable outline)
  • A persuasive speech example using Monroe's Motivated Sequence

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40 Strong Persuasive Writing Examples (Essays, Speeches, Ads, and More)

Learn from the experts.

The American Crisis historical article, as an instance of persuasive essay examples

The more we read, the better writers we become. Teaching students to write strong persuasive essays should always start with reading some top-notch models. This round-up of persuasive writing examples includes famous speeches, influential ad campaigns, contemporary reviews of famous books, and more. Use them to inspire your students to write their own essays. (Need persuasive essay topics? Check out our list of interesting persuasive essay ideas here! )

  • Persuasive Essays
  • Persuasive Speeches
  • Advertising Campaigns

Persuasive Essay Writing Examples

First paragraph of Thomas Paine's The American Crisis

From the earliest days of print, authors have used persuasive essays to try to sway others to their own point of view. Check out these top persuasive essay writing examples.

Professions for Women by Virginia Woolf

Sample lines: “Outwardly, what is simpler than to write books? Outwardly, what obstacles are there for a woman rather than for a man? Inwardly, I think, the case is very different; she has still many ghosts to fight, many prejudices to overcome. Indeed it will be a long time still, I think, before a woman can sit down to write a book without finding a phantom to be slain, a rock to be dashed against. And if this is so in literature, the freest of all professions for women, how is it in the new professions which you are now for the first time entering?”

The Crisis by Thomas Paine

Sample lines: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.”

Politics and the English Language by George Orwell

Sample lines: “As I have tried to show, modern writing at its worst does not consist in picking out words for the sake of their meaning and inventing images in order to make the meaning clearer. It consists in gumming together long strips of words which have already been set in order by someone else, and making the results presentable by sheer humbug.”

Letter From a Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sample lines: “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was ‘well timed’ in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word ‘Wait!’ It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This ‘Wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never.’ We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that ‘justice too long delayed is justice denied.'”

Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

Sample lines: “Even voting for the right is doing nothing for it. It is only expressing to men feebly your desire that it should prevail. A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority. There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men.”

Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Roger Ebert

Sample lines: “‘Kindness’ covers all of my political beliefs. No need to spell them out. I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime.”

The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin

Sample lines: “Methinks I hear some of you say, must a man afford himself no leisure? I will tell thee, my friend, what Poor Richard says, employ thy time well if thou meanest to gain leisure; and, since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour. Leisure is time for doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man never; so that, as Poor Richard says, a life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things.”

The Crack-Up by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Sample lines: “Of course all life is a process of breaking down, but the blows that do the dramatic side of the work—the big sudden blows that come, or seem to come, from outside—the ones you remember and blame things on and, in moments of weakness, tell your friends about, don’t show their effect all at once.”

Open Letter to the Kansas School Board by Bobby Henderson

Sample lines: “I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. … Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. … We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him. It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories.”

Open Letter to the United Nations by Niels Bohr

Sample lines: “Humanity will, therefore, be confronted with dangers of unprecedented character unless, in due time, measures can be taken to forestall a disastrous competition in such formidable armaments and to establish an international control of the manufacture and use of the powerful materials.”

Persuasive Speech Writing Examples

Many persuasive speeches are political in nature, often addressing subjects like human rights. Here are some of history’s most well-known persuasive writing examples in the form of speeches.

I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sample lines: “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

Woodrow Wilson’s War Message to Congress, 1917

Sample lines: “There are, it may be, many months of fiery trial and sacrifice ahead of us. It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts—for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free.”

Chief Seattle’s 1854 Oration

Sample lines: “I here and now make this condition that we will not be denied the privilege without molestation of visiting at any time the tombs of our ancestors, friends, and children. Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. Even the rocks, which seem to be dumb and dead as they swelter in the sun along the silent shore, thrill with memories of stirring events connected with the lives of my people, and the very dust upon which you now stand responds more lovingly to their footsteps than yours, because it is rich with the blood of our ancestors, and our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch.”

Women’s Rights Are Human Rights, Hillary Rodham Clinton

Sample lines: “What we are learning around the world is that if women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If women are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have a chance to work and earn as full and equal partners in society, their families will flourish. And when families flourish, communities and nations do as well. … If there is one message that echoes forth from this conference, let it be that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights once and for all.”

I Am Prepared to Die, Nelson Mandela

Sample lines: “Above all, My Lord, we want equal political rights, because without them our disabilities will be permanent. I know this sounds revolutionary to the whites in this country, because the majority of voters will be Africans. This makes the white man fear democracy. But this fear cannot be allowed to stand in the way of the only solution which will guarantee racial harmony and freedom for all. It is not true that the enfranchisement of all will result in racial domination. Political division, based on color, is entirely artificial and, when it disappears, so will the domination of one color group by another. … This then is what the ANC is fighting. Our struggle is a truly national one. It is a struggle of the African people, inspired by our own suffering and our own experience. It is a struggle for the right to live.”

The Struggle for Human Rights by Eleanor Roosevelt

Sample lines: “It is my belief, and I am sure it is also yours, that the struggle for democracy and freedom is a critical struggle, for their preservation is essential to the great objective of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. Among free men the end cannot justify the means. We know the patterns of totalitarianism—the single political party, the control of schools, press, radio, the arts, the sciences, and the church to support autocratic authority; these are the age-old patterns against which men have struggled for 3,000 years. These are the signs of reaction, retreat, and retrogression. The United Nations must hold fast to the heritage of freedom won by the struggle of its people; it must help us to pass it on to generations to come.”

Freedom From Fear by Aung San Suu Kyi

Sample lines: “Saints, it has been said, are the sinners who go on trying. So free men are the oppressed who go on trying and who in the process make themselves fit to bear the responsibilities and to uphold the disciplines which will maintain a free society. Among the basic freedoms to which men aspire that their lives might be full and uncramped, freedom from fear stands out as both a means and an end. A people who would build a nation in which strong, democratic institutions are firmly established as a guarantee against state-induced power must first learn to liberate their own minds from apathy and fear.”

Harvey Milk’s “The Hope” Speech

Sample lines: “Some people are satisfied. And some people are not. You see there is a major difference—and it remains a vital difference—between a friend and a gay person, a friend in office and a gay person in office. Gay people have been slandered nationwide. We’ve been tarred and we’ve been brushed with the picture of pornography. In Dade County, we were accused of child molestation. It is not enough anymore just to have friends represent us, no matter how good that friend may be.”

The Union and the Strike, Cesar Chavez

Sample lines: “We are showing our unity in our strike. Our strike is stopping the work in the fields; our strike is stopping ships that would carry grapes; our strike is stopping the trucks that would carry the grapes. Our strike will stop every way the grower makes money until we have a union contract that guarantees us a fair share of the money he makes from our work! We are a union and we are strong and we are striking to force the growers to respect our strength!”

Nobel Lecture by Malala Yousafzai

Sample lines: “The world can no longer accept that basic education is enough. Why do leaders accept that for children in developing countries, only basic literacy is sufficient, when their own children do homework in algebra, mathematics, science, and physics? Leaders must seize this opportunity to guarantee a free, quality, primary and secondary education for every child. Some will say this is impractical, or too expensive, or too hard. Or maybe even impossible. But it is time the world thinks bigger.”   

Persuasive Writing Examples in Advertising Campaigns

Ads are prime persuasive writing examples. You can flip open any magazine or watch TV for an hour or two to see sample after sample of persuasive language. Here are some of the most popular ad campaigns of all time, with links to articles explaining why they were so successful.

Nike: Just Do It

Nike

The iconic swoosh with the simple tagline has persuaded millions to buy their kicks from Nike and Nike alone. Teamed with pro sports-star endorsements, this campaign is one for the ages. Blinkist offers an opinion on what made it work.

Dove: Real Beauty

Beauty brand Dove changed the game by choosing “real” women to tell their stories instead of models. They used relatable images and language to make connections, and inspired other brands to try the same concept. Learn why Global Brands considers this one a true success story.

Wendy’s: Where’s the Beef?

Today’s kids are too young to remember the cranky old woman demanding to know where the beef was on her fast-food hamburger. But in the 1980s, it was a catchphrase that sold millions of Wendy’s burgers. Learn from Better Marketing how this ad campaign even found its way into the 1984 presidential debate.

De Beers: A Diamond Is Forever

Diamond engagement ring on black velvet. Text reads "How do you make two months' salary last forever? The Diamond Engagement Ring."

A diamond engagement ring has become a standard these days, but the tradition isn’t as old as you might think. In fact, it was De Beers jewelry company’s 1948 campaign that created the modern engagement ring trend. The Drum has the whole story of this sparkling campaign.

Volkswagen: Think Small

Americans have always loved big cars. So in the 1960s, when Volkswagen wanted to introduce their small cars to a bigger market, they had a problem. The clever “Think Small” campaign gave buyers clever reasons to consider these models, like “If you run out of gas, it’s easy to push.” Learn how advertisers interested American buyers in little cars at Visual Rhetoric.

American Express: Don’t Leave Home Without It

AmEx was once better known for traveler’s checks than credit cards, and the original slogan was “Don’t leave home without them.” A simple word change convinced travelers that American Express was the credit card they needed when they headed out on adventures. Discover more about this persuasive campaign from Medium.

Skittles: Taste the Rainbow

Bag of Skittles candy against a blue background. Text reads

These candy ads are weird and intriguing and probably not for everyone. But they definitely get you thinking, and that often leads to buying. Learn more about why these wacky ads are successful from The Drum.

Maybelline: Maybe She’s Born With It

Smart wordplay made this ad campaign slogan an instant hit. The ads teased, “Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline.” (So many literary devices all in one phrase!) Fashionista has more on this beauty campaign.

Coca-Cola: Share a Coke

Seeing their own name on a bottle made teens more likely to want to buy a Coke. What can that teach us about persuasive writing in general? It’s an interesting question to consider. Learn more about the “Share a Coke” campaign from Digital Vidya.

Always: #LikeaGirl

Always ad showing a young girl holding a softball. Text reads

Talk about the power of words! This Always campaign turned the derogatory phrase “like a girl” on its head, and the world embraced it. Storytelling is an important part of persuasive writing, and these ads really do it well. Medium has more on this stereotype-bashing campaign.   

Editorial Persuasive Writing Examples

Original newspaper editorial

Newspaper editors or publishers use editorials to share their personal opinions. Noted politicians, experts, or pundits may also offer their opinions on behalf of the editors or publishers. Here are a couple of older well-known editorials, along with a selection from current newspapers.

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (1897)

Sample lines: “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.”

What’s the Matter With Kansas? (1896)

Sample lines: “Oh, this IS a state to be proud of! We are a people who can hold up our heads! What we need is not more money, but less capital, fewer white shirts and brains, fewer men with business judgment, and more of those fellows who boast that they are ‘just ordinary clodhoppers, but they know more in a minute about finance than John Sherman,’ we need more men … who hate prosperity, and who think, because a man believes in national honor, he is a tool of Wall Street.”

America Can Have Democracy or Political Violence. Not Both. (The New York Times)

Sample lines: “The nation is not powerless to stop a slide toward deadly chaos. If institutions and individuals do more to make it unacceptable in American public life, organized violence in the service of political objectives can still be pushed to the fringes. When a faction of one of the country’s two main political parties embraces extremism, that makes thwarting it both more difficult and more necessary. A well-functioning democracy demands it.”

The Booster Isn’t Perfect, But Still Can Help Against COVID (The Washington Post)

Sample lines: “The booster shots are still free, readily available and work better than the previous boosters even as the virus evolves. Much still needs to be done to build better vaccines that protect longer and against more variants, including those that might emerge in the future. But it is worth grabbing the booster that exists today, the jab being a small price for any measure that can help keep COVID at bay.”

If We Want Wildlife To Thrive in L.A., We Have To Share Our Neighborhoods With Them (Los Angeles Times)

Sample lines: “If there are no corridors for wildlife movement and if excessive excavation of dirt to build bigger, taller houses erodes the slope of a hillside, then we are slowly destroying wildlife habitat. For those people fretting about what this will do to their property values—isn’t open space, trees, and wildlife an amenity in these communities?”   

Persuasive Review Writing Examples

Image of first published New York Times Book Review

Book or movie reviews are more great persuasive writing examples. Look for those written by professionals for the strongest arguments and writing styles. Here are reviews of some popular books and movies by well-known critics to use as samples.

The Great Gatsby (The Chicago Tribune, 1925)

Sample lines: “What ails it, fundamentally, is the plain fact that it is simply a story—that Fitzgerald seems to be far more interested in maintaining its suspense than in getting under the skins of its people. It is not that they are false: It is that they are taken too much for granted. Only Gatsby himself genuinely lives and breathes. The rest are mere marionettes—often astonishingly lifelike, but nevertheless not quite alive.”

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (The Washington Post, 1999)

Sample lines: “Obviously, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone should make any modern 11-year-old a very happy reader. The novel moves quickly, packs in everything from a boa constrictor that winks to a melancholy Zen-spouting centaur to an owl postal system, and ends with a scary surprise. Yet it is, essentially, a light-hearted thriller, interrupted by occasional seriousness (the implications of Harry’s miserable childhood, a moral about the power of love).”

Twilight (The Telegraph, 2009)

Sample lines: “No secret, of course, at whom this book is aimed, and no doubt, either, that it has hit its mark. The four Twilight novels are not so much enjoyed, as devoured, by legions of young female fans worldwide. That’s not to say boys can’t enjoy these books; it’s just that the pages of heart-searching dialogue between Edward and Bella may prove too long on chat and too short on action for the average male reader.”

To Kill a Mockingbird (Time, 1960)

Sample lines: “Author Lee, 34, an Alabaman, has written her first novel with all of the tactile brilliance and none of the preciosity generally supposed to be standard swamp-warfare issue for Southern writers. The novel is an account of an awakening to good and evil, and a faint catechistic flavor may have been inevitable. But it is faint indeed; novelist Lee’s prose has an edge that cuts through cant, and she teaches the reader an astonishing number of useful truths about little girls and about Southern life.”

The Diary of Anne Frank (The New York Times, 1952)

Sample lines: “And this quality brings it home to any family in the world today. Just as the Franks lived in momentary fear of the Gestapo’s knock on their hidden door, so every family today lives in fear of the knock of war. Anne’s diary is a great affirmative answer to the life-question of today, for she shows how ordinary people, within this ordeal, consistently hold to the greater human values.”   

What are your favorite persuasive writing examples to use with students? Come share your ideas in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

Find strong persuasive writing examples to use for inspiration, including essays, speeches, advertisements, reviews, and more.

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What Is Public Speaking? Why Is It Important? (Definition + Tips)

What is public speaking? In this article, you'll learn what speaking in public is about and the importance of public speaking in business.

What is public speaking

If you’ve been asked to give a public speech, you may wonder: what is public speaking and why is public speaking important? Those questions are quite logical if you’ve never thought much about public speaking before.

Public speaking is important in business, education, and the public arena. There are many benefits to speaking in public, whether you’re an individual or a business.

In this article, we’ll define public speaking for you. We’ll discuss the importance of public speaking in general. We’ll also cover the importance of public speaking in business. Plus, we’ll share some resources to help you become a better public speaker. This includes some public speaking examples.

Also, if you want to pursue speaking in public yourself, download our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It’ll help you master the complete presentation process.

What Is Public Speaking & Why It’s Important (Quickstart Video)

If you’re reading this, you’re probably asking the question “ what is public speaking “? You may even be faced with the prospect of creating a public speech yourself.

Or maybe you just want to know “ why is public speaking important “? Whatever your situation, we’ve got you covered with this short video that gives a public speaking definition and provides you with some tips to make a better public speech.

To learn even more about public speaking and why it’s important, study the written tutorial below.

A Public Speaking Definition

So what exactly is public speaking? Basically, it’s a presentation that’s given live before an audience. Public speeches can cover a wide variety of different topics. The goal of the speech may be to educate, entertain, or influence the listeners. Often, visual aids in the form of an electronic slideshow are used to supplement the speech. This makes it more interesting to the listeners.

public speaking vs online presentation

A quality public communication definition should explain how it’s different from an online presentation, which is why we’ll cover it here. Here’s a description of some of the differences:

  • A public speaking presentation is different from an online presentation because an online presentation is available any time. A public speech is typically limited to a specific time or place.
  • Online presentations often use slideshows or pre-recorded videos of a speaker. (This includes recordings of a live public speaking presentation).

Because speaking in public is done before a live audience, you need to consider some special factors. We’ll touch on those shortly.

Now that you’ve got an understanding of the meaning of public speaking, let’s take a quick look at the history of (and the importance of) public speaking.

A History of Public Speaking

What is the history of public speaking? And why is public speaking important?

confident public speaker

There’s a good chance that there’s been public speech, in one form or another, as long as there’ve been people. But most public speaking experts involved with public speaking in business communication trace the origins of modern public speaking back to ancient Greece and Rome.

Of course, those societies didn’t have slideshows, but they did have a need for speaking in public. As a result, they developed public speaking methods that are still studied today.

The ancient Greeks used public speech primarily to praise or persuade others. At one point, all Greek citizens had the right to suggest or oppose laws during their assemblies. This resulted in a need for skilled public speakers. Speaking in public became a desirable skill and was taught. Public speaking in the time of the Greeks was called rhetoric. Later, when Rome came to power, speaking in public was used during the Roman senate sessions. The Romans adopted the public speaking rhetoric methods of the Greeks. In fact, most public speaking teachers of the time were Greek.

The Latin style of public speaking was popular in the U.S. and Europe until the mid-20th century . After World War II, a less formal and more conversational speaking style of speaking became popular. Also, electronic tools became available to enhance public presentations.

Towards the end of the 20th century, electronic tools migrated to the computer. They evolved into the computer software tools, like PowerPoint , that we know and use today.

Don’t be fooled, though. Even though today’s public speeches are less formal, they still need to be well organized. More on that later. Now, let’s take a look at the importance of public speaking.

The Importance of Public Speaking

If you ask most people, they’ll probably say they don’t like public speech. They may even admit to being afraid of it since fear of public speaking is very common. Or they may just be shy or introverted. For those reasons, many people avoid speaking in public if they can. If you’re one of those people who avoid speaking in public, you’re missing out.

You may be wondering, “What is public communication and how can it benefit me?” Over the years, public speaking in communication has played a major role in education, government, and business. Words have the power to inform, persuade, educate, and even entertain. And the spoken word can be even more powerful than the written word in the hands of the right speaker.

Whether you’re a small business owner or a student, you’ll benefit from improving your public speaking skills. Some benefits of speaking in public include:

  • improves confidence
  • better research skills
  • stronger deductive skills
  • ability to advocate for causes

Speaking in public is especially important for businesses to market their offers. This allows them to get their message in front of potential customers. Salespeople and executives are often expected to have good public speaking skills. To learn more about some of the benefits of speaking in public, review this article .

Next, let’s explore the methods you can use to become better at speaking in public.

How to Become Better at Public Speaking (5 Quick Tips)

Okay, so now you understand the benefits of public speaking. You might be a little more interested in the topic. Still, you might think it’s not for you. Maybe you gave a speech once and it didn’t go well. Maybe you’re afraid of speaking in public. Or maybe you think you don’t have a natural ability for giving speeches.

The truth is that speaking in public is a skill. And you can learn any skill. While some people may have more natural speaking ability than others, anyone can learn to be a better public speaker. It just takes some know-how and some effort.

To help you become better at giving public speeches, we’ll take a look at these five areas:

  • writing the speech
  • overcoming a fear of speaking
  • practicing the speech
  • preparing your presentation slide designs
  • giving the speech

We’ll start with writing the speech.

1. Write an Effective Speech

The first thing you’ll want to do is work on writing a well-organized, engaging speech. Even a great speaking voice or a great deal of charisma isn’t enough if your material isn’t any good.

Specifically, it’s crucial to research your audience beforehand so that you can target your speech directly to them as much as possible. Become familiar with their wants and needs, as well as any problems you can solve for them. This will drive the actual topic that you actually select for your speech, as well as how you research it.

The more research you do, the easier writing your speech will be.

2. Overcome the Fear of Speaking

Fear of public speaking is very real and can hold you back if you let it. If you don’t feel confident when giving your speech, your listeners may pick up on that. This can make your presentation less effective.

Fortunately, there are some techniques to help manage the fear of speaking in public. They also help you become more confident.

First, let’s tackle fear of public speaking. If you’ve already written an effective speech, then you’ve already taken an important first step. The more familiar you are with your speech, the less worried you’ll be on presentation day.

Besides knowing your topic well, be sure to practice, practice, practice! And remember that if you do make any mistakes on presentation day, it’ll be less obvious to your audience than you think.

Next, let’s work on improving your confidence.

3. Practice the Speech

Even if you’re not afraid of speaking in public, practice helps you give a more effective speech. If you’re in a rush, you may be tempted to skip practicing your speech to save time. While skipping practice may seem like a good idea, it’s really not.

Practicing your speech improves your public presentation skills. It also increases your familiarity with the presentation. As a result, your speech will go smoothly. You can go over this handy checklist to help you practice your speech.

4. Prepare Your Presentation Slide Designs

Your slide design needs to be on point. You’ll want to make sure it looks professional and is easy to read. Luckily, you can find plenty of modern and professional presentation templates on Envato Elements.

You’ll also want to download The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations eBook now. Download it for FREE with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. Learn how to get your ideas formed into a powerful presentation that’ll move your audience.

Don’t forget to make good use of tools like PowerPoint , Google Slides , or Keynote . The right template for your slide deck can make a huge difference in your presentation.

5. Give the Speech

You’ve written a good speech. You feel more confident about giving a speech in public, and you’ve practiced. You’re ready to actually give the speech. There are some tips and tricks you can use on the day of your speech to make it go more smoothly, though.

Remember, you’re giving a presentation before a live audience at a specific place and time. So, you’ve got some concerns about the speaking venue that those who give online presentations don’t have to worry about.

Some common concerns for public speakers include:

  • Will the audience be able to hear me?
  • Does the venue have the equipment I need?
  • Are there enough seats for all my listeners?

Public Speaking Examples

Public speaking examples are great for learning or improving a new skill. That applies to speaking in public as well. If you get the chance to listen to some top-rated public speakers, you should do it. You can observe how other speakers go about giving their speech. In the process, you’ll improve your own speaking skills.

One great source of recorded public speeches is Ted Talks , which is a series of short presentations on a wide variety of topics. Ted Talks are known for attracting world-class and celebrity speakers. You can find my favorite Ted Talks in this article .

The Best Source for Simple PowerPoint Templates (With Unlimited Use)

Envato Elements is the perfect place to find modern PowerPoint templates . For a single monthly fee, access unlimited downloads of PowerPoint themes, photos, fonts, and other resources to use in your next presentation.

Elements gives you the best bang for your buck. And thanks to the unlimited downloads, you can try out a variety of slide designs as you build out your public speaking PowerPoint presentation.

envato templates

PowerPoint templates from Envato Elements have plenty of features to help you create a stunning presentation, such as:

  • bold text and title slides to capture audience attention
  • rich image placeholders to show off photos and videos
  • many infographic elements and charts to visualize data
  • plenty of customization options to make the template your own

Thanks to these templates, you’ll be able to create a modern, standout presentation to go with your public speech.

5 Modern PowerPoint Templates From Envato Elements

1. minimalism clean powerpoint presentation.

Minimalism Clean Powerpoint

Try this template if you’re looking for a clean and simple PowerPoint slide design. The template features a versatile layout. Use it for any type of presentation or topic. It includes 50+ unique slide designs, tons of customization options, and vector elements. The template was designed in widescreen format.

2. Kaspa PowerPoint Presentation

Kaspa Powerpoint Presentation

The Kaspa PowerPoint template has a modern and trendy design. It’s best suited for presentations that need a lot of photos to share information. The template can be customized completely. It comes with slide animations and transitions. The template also includes vector icons.

3. Guava PowerPoint

Guava Powerpoint

The Guava PowerPoint has a dramatic, yet elegant design. You’ll notice dark image overlays and elegant typography that makes your message stand out. The template comes with 50+ unique designs, image placeholders, and master slides. It was designed in widescreen resolution.

4. Dauna Minimalist PowerPoint

Dauna - Minimalist PowerPoint Presentation

The Dauna template is another minimalist PowerPoint design. It works well for any type of business presentation. You’ll find 30 unique slides and two color variations. The template comes with image placeholders and plenty of customization options.

5. Pastelize Colorful Business PowerPoint Presentation

Pastelize - Business Powerpoint Template

If you’re looking for a colorful and bold PowerPoint, the Pastelize template is the perfect choice. The template includes many slide designs, three color variations and color themes, and image placeholders.

Make Great Presentations ( Free PDF eBook Download )

We also have the perfect complement to this tutorial, which will walk you through the complete presentation process. Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully.

making great business presentations

Download our new eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It’s available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter.

What Is Public Speaking? Now You Know! Time to Get Work on Your Next Speech

So what is public communication in terms of what it can do for you, your career, or your business?

In a nutshell, a world of potential! In this article, we defined public speaking and why it’s so important in your business. Hopefully, the public speaking meaning we explored will help dispel any fear you may have.

We discussed a thorough public communication definition so that you can be adequately prepared for your next speech. Besides the public speaking definition, you learned a bit about the history of public speaking and how it evolved to modern standards today.

We also shared some helpful tools to help you learn how to give a public speech and provided you with a source for good public speaking examples that you can learn from.

You should now be ready to grow as a public speaker. Be sure to check out the sleek PowerPoint templates on Envato Elements as you prepare for your next speech. You’ll find a ton of inspiration for your next presentation!

So go ahead. Write that public speech and give it. You’ll be glad you did!

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Three Ways for Campuses to Prepare for the 2024 Election

My daughter arrived home for the summer just a few days before protests erupted on her college campus. She wanted to get involved in the activism and, concerned for her safety and well-being, I sat down with her for a discussion.

As we talked, it became clear that she was not well-informed about campus policy. She couldn’t answer my questions about potential consequences and guidelines. I advised her to educate herself on the complex range of issues, understand her rights, seek out her institution’s policies—perhaps in her student handbook, if she knew where it was, or in conversation with her advisor—and call me if she needed bail money or legal representation!

When I talk to my daughter about these topics, I wear my parent hat, but as a qualitative researcher at the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI), I often find myself asking similar questions of higher education leaders. What is your familiarity with your institutional policies? Where are your policies kept? Who reads them?

persuasive speech online education

For several months this year, I conducted interviews with 21 college presidents, administrators, faculty, and staff (from civic engagement centers to offices of diversity, equity and inclusion [DEI]) about their goals for their campus communities around the 2024 election, another major source of conflict on campuses today. These interviews were in addition to conducting other interviews and reading as much information as possible from education leaders about lessons learned from past elections.

My team and I collated these learnings into an election guidebook to share knowledge about what works to contain campus conflict and transform discourse. The insights are intended to assist college educators and campus leaders in encouraging students to become thoughtful, engaged citizens. The interconnected social and intellectual skills that students acquire to thrive in postsecondary civic spaces are invaluable across all facets of their lives. 

Why policy review is needed

According to the cultural design group, The Gaping Void, “Culture is something you can design, and you design it with your decisions.” One of the places where culture is operationalized is in policies. Policies are tangible signals of institutional culture.

The research that led to the creation of the election guidebook stemmed from an awareness that higher education is in a painful cycle of high conflict, putting strain on the culture of many campus communities. As we head into a potential repeat of the 2020 election, the climates on U.S. campuses could get worse before they get better.

When we asked about previous election experiences, we heard that many institutions felt under-prepared for the 2024 election. University leaders told us they were hoping for a climate of respect and civility, but they were anticipating some anxiety, polarization, and hostility.

Campus tension resulting from the Israel–Hamas conflict exposed gaps and inconsistencies in existing campus policies related to speech and demonstrations. In a study of 331 provosts from a mix of public and private universities, Inside Higher Ed and Hanover Research found that almost 40% of provosts think their speech policies need revisiting. In addition, only around a third of their institutions had policies for dealing with “student complaints about professors’ extramural speech” and “online trolling or other outside attacks on professors.”

A critical question I commonly ask of higher education leaders is “When was the last time you conducted a policy audit?” At CDI, our research suggests that institutions should regularly review and revise these policies to ensure they are fair and transparent and that they uphold the community’s values. Colleges and universities should:

  • Start with their physical environment. Examine speaker- and event-oriented policies. Revisit policies around posting fliers and other materials.
  • Consider who has awareness of these policies, where they are housed, and how and when they were last disseminated.
  • Develop content-neutral restrictions on where, when, and how speech can be made (referred to as time, place, and manner restrictions) or risk violating the First Amendment.
  • Evaluate policies using scenarios that their campus community would recognize that can provide clarity and help make policies feel relevant to their unique context.
  • Enforce these policies consistently to scaffold institutional trust and help them avoid inadvertently creating their own crisis.

Policy review may not be popular, and a participatory review process will take time. In a recent New York Times article , PEN America’s CEO, Suzanne Nossel, stated, “There is this tension between wanting to enforce the rules and also acknowledging that college is a learning environment. You want people to be able to make mistakes without facing lifelong consequences because if you’re too heavy-handed, it can reinforce this sense of grievance.” The same article mentioned that the University of Michigan had drafted a disruptive activity policy aimed at providing improved clarity and clearer definitions of terms. However, the draft faced criticism for being “too vague and broad” regarding activities such as impeding the flow of foot traffic on campus and interrupting lectures or performances. In response to these concerns, Michigan’s president indicated that they plan to take their time and collect community feedback on the draft.

Policy enforcement during an active crisis can be perceived as an abrupt escalation. This perception may arise from a history of inconsistent adherence to or enforcement of policies at the institution. A study conducted by CDI and More In Common found that students’ views on speech are closely tied to their beliefs about systemic fairness and collective responsibility. Michigan appears to be addressing accountability through a key issues tracker and a campus climate update , both available on their website.

Three lenses through which to view campus policy

Based on our interviews, three principles emerged that could help campuses prepare for the 2024 election and create cultures that foster open dialogue and mutual respect.

1. Rather than treating the 2024 election as an isolated event, leverage your existing campus investments in cultural transformation and trust building. In the fall of 2023, staff from the University of San Diego’s (USD) student affairs and public safety departments collaborated to facilitate community discussions about DEI. USD benefits from an existing emergency management infrastructure, including an assembly policy and a critical incident response framework, both updated within the last two years. However, inspired by our election guidebook, USD’s emergency preparedness manager began to consider two implications for his campus.

First, there were some vulnerabilities in their assembly policy that warranted review. During their policy audit, they realized that the vulnerabilities in the assembly policy could largely be addressed through time, place, and manner restrictions. This language typically includes guidelines about event hours and duration, designated areas and restricted zones, allowable use of amplification, and information about permits. By specifying these details, many college campus assembly policies aim to balance the right to free expression, and inclusivity and belonging values, with the need to maintain safety and fulfill the primary mission of the institution.

USD’s existing policy designated only one person for assembly approval, which was neither fair nor practical. Consequently, they drafted a new approval process and recognized the need for an appeals process for denied assembly requests. The revised policy is now underway and may take up to 12 months to complete the stakeholder review.

Second, USD realized that maybe they could use their existing crisis response framework for civil unrest or DEI flashpoints, informed by what they had been hearing in their community forums. Last summer, Student Affairs and the Department of Public Safety began to think about what the election cycle might look like and their state of readiness to address potential unrest. The result was a three-part discussion forum at the intersection of DEI and preparedness. As a community, they sought to explore how to handle extremely uncomfortable discussions while also supporting young people in engaging in these conversations in a safe and enriching way.

Dialogue and policy

The Constructive Dialogue Institute published the election guidebook, which raises the question: Why does an organization focused on dialogue care about policy? If culture is designed and experienced through decisions, policies embody those decisions. Policy is shaped, revised, and disseminated via dialogue. Norms, which exist in the liminal space before and around policy, are established through dialogue. As Seth Godin posits, culture changes horizontally—person to person—through relationships built on a foundation of dialogue. When conflict inevitably arises, dialogue becomes an essential resource for helping communities respond and rebuild .

2. Investing heavily in proactive strategies before November 2024, rather than relying solely on reactive measures, will pay dividends in preventing conflict. Muhlenberg College is an example of a school that is routinely updating policies and sharing them widely across campus.

Raising awareness of changes to campus policy is no small feat. At the outset of each semester, Muhlenberg College disseminates comprehensive policy updates via email. Subsequently, the institution uses both email and social media platforms to apprise student government, clubs, and organizations of the latest policy developments. To bolster the understanding and implementation of recent updates, six training sessions are scheduled throughout the semester. Mandatory for all student clubs, these sessions incorporate case studies and a dedicated question-and-answer segment.

Looking ahead, Muhlenberg College has plans for a similar series in the upcoming fall term, commencing with the dissemination of their partisan political policy. The institution intends to highlight this policy prominently at events such as the club fair and other student-sponsored activities. To ensure broad policy distribution, including to resident advisors, the nonpartisan, student-led political engagement organization, Berg Votes, will play a pivotal role.

Student clubs and organizations are a very effective way to spread new policies, with many student touchpoints and word-of-mouth opportunities.

3. Campuses require proactive leadership and a clear vision from the top to inspire coordinated efforts across every layer of an institution’s system. In November 2023, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) formed a Bears Vote Coalition co-chaired by the dean of student development and the assistant vice president of administration. Since the coalition’s founding, it has selected cochairs and has rounded out a cross-functional team to meet its goals, one of which is to “increase civic education, voter education, and political discourse programming and initiatives.”

The initiative charge document explicitly connected their efforts with institutional learning objectives, student affairs learning aims, and the organization’s vision. The coalition launched a web presence in March 2024 that prioritizes resources and policy information related to freedom of expression. On it, UNC clarifies the kind of culture they seek to provide, stating, “Distinctive service to society can only be offered in a student-centered atmosphere of integrity that is grounded in honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.”

Based on lessons learned from past elections, where campus efforts were more siloed and policies were sometimes inconsistently followed, engagement and logistics are more coordinated for the 2024 election. Representatives from across the campus, including campus police, student affairs staff, library services, administration, the general counsel, and the director of the student union, among others, are coordinating their efforts. For example, one of the co-chairs meets monthly with the associate deans of all the academic colleges to generate awareness of coalition efforts. As soon as their speech resources went live online, they began promoting those resources in weekly campus emails.

As fall 2024 nears, the coalition plans to embed engagement information into the school’s learning management system, making information extremely prominent and accessible for faculty and students.

I have sifted through a mountain of advice on choosing colleges, and I find myself returning to two suggestions. The first, from former university president Elaine Maimon , recommends “look[ing] closely at signs of respect at the colleges.” In this regard, I look closely at institutional policy and the example set by the university’s leaders, who I hope will act with my children’s future in mind. The second suggestion is a reminder that the choice should be rooted not in what the student is today, but who they hope to become. And I hope my children will become adults who pay attention and raise their voices, but who also prize community and cherish the feeling of connecting with other people, even if they don’t agree, for a fulfilling and surprising life of impact and contribution.

About the Author

Headshot of Mary Aviles

Mary Aviles

Mary Aviles is the insights and experience lead at the Constructive Dialogue Institute. She is a human experience researcher who has spent the past two decades stewarding insight-based decisions that improve alignment, increase success, decrease risk, and drive change.

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