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151 Best Public Speaking Topics In 2021

Thu Oct 21, 2021

Do you love giving a speech in front of a large group of people or simply feel nervous about it? Sometimes, the lack of preparation and planning a good speech may cause the latter. With today's fast-paced environment, you will have to step up on stage to deliver a speech at some time in your life. Writing a compelling and insightful speech necessitates the selection of a suitable topic, extensive research. It will need the creation of individual ideas to communicate everything fact and opinion. It might be difficult to select a suitable speech topic for your speech . But don't worry, the work has been done for you! This blog provides a list of popular English speaking themes as well as some useful tips and methods. Be ready to effectively communicate your views and suggestions in front of the public. Table Of Contents:

List Of Best Speech Topics For Public Speaking

1-minute speech topics.

• 2-Minute Speech Topics

Unique Speech Topics

Interesting speech topics, easy speech topics, speech topics on environment.

• Speech Topics On Social Issues

Speech Topics On Greatest Leaders

Speech topics on education, speech topics on health, frequently asked questions.

Speeches are entirely about the speaker's own ideas. It should not be duplicated from another source. It ultimately boils down to what the speaker believes about any particular issue. Examine the following collection of English Speaking Ideas on various current topics and themes.

A 2-minute speech is an excellent method to start into public speaking and is often utilised in the classroom. It's brief. It's quick.

To make things easier for yourself, choose a topic that fascinates you and about which you can speak passionately.

• Public Smoking
• Bar Hours of Operation
• Confirmed Alien Sightings
• The Rape Culture
• Indian Reservation Casinos
• Marijuana Legalization
• Making Prostitution Legal
• The Dangers of Cosmetic Surgery
• Adoption Across Cultures
• What Causes Men to Have Affairs?
• What Is the Importance of Reading?
• Homelessness in the United States
• Reducing the Legal Drinking Age
• General Education Courses (20)
• Is Online Dating Dangerous or Safe?
• How to Speak English in America
• Getting Your Pets Spayed/Neutered
• Are Video Games Beneficial to Your Health?

Choosing new and exciting unique speech themes for your public speaking skills is vital. It can also help with any other special event that necessitates developing your own exceptional experiences. Read through these ideas and choose just the ones that are unique to you.

• Seniors are no longer able to adopt children.
• TV commercials are not works of art.
• Allow students to use social media at school.
• Cash will be phased out.
• Music has the ability to heal.
• Historic structures must be protected.
• There should be a one-car-per-family regulation.
• Marriage should be permitted only after the age of 25.
• Parents who home educate their children should first have to pass examinations.
• The Bermuda Triangle is not a work of fiction.
• Medication has no effect on hyperactive youngsters.
• It is possible to survive without internet access.
• Leadership cannot be learned.
• Married couples should engage in extramarital relationships.
• Modern art just requires ambition.

Almost always, you will be required to present one or more compelling speeches throughout your career.

Unless the topic is appropriate, no matter how good your material or delivery is, you will fail to make an impression. As a result, when making this decision, one must use extreme caution and wisdom. Here are some interesting topics to choose from, especially if it’s your first on stage.

• Reality television is a source of exploitation.
• Reality programmes are far from authentic.
• Computer-based learning is the most efficient.
• Gamification and virtual reality are the educational technologies of the future.
• Juvenile criminality is tolerated.
• Prostitution need to be legalised.
• To conserve endangered species, severe fines should be imposed.
• Pollution of the environment is a worldwide issue.
• The developed world is to blame for global warming.
• Is Pink appropriate for men
• Eco-fashion is the way of the future.
• Fashion shows one's actual self.
• Travel introduces fresh experiences.
• Travel broadens your horizons.
• Rhetorical learning is less essential than personal experience.

If you don't have much time to prepare or research , it's necessary to adhere to what you know. This will greatly reduce your burden because you already know the majority of what there is to know.

Here are some simple and easy speech topics on popular topics.

• There are less professional ads in schools.
• Why are single-gender public schools preferable than co-ed?
• From cradle to finish, schools should educate students on healthy nutrition.
• Students who engage in cyberbullying should be expelled from school.
• Before getting married, you should live together.
• Higher education is a basic requirement for success in today's world.
• French fries and drinks should not be served in schools.
• Students who study online are more likely to cheat.
• Classic literature should be reserved for college students alone.
• Every kid at every school should be required to wear a uniform.
• After completing a basic education, students should be put in trade schools.
• Exam results provide little insight into a student's skills.
• History textbooks do not always tell the entire storey.
• It is critical for students to learn about all global faiths in school.
• Homeschooling outperforms formal education.

For public speaking , consider environmental speech themes and essay writing on many elements of our ecology. https://www.letstute.com/s/store/courses/Spoken%20English

Do you want to write about sustainability in the environment? These suggestions will serve to enliven your imagination.

• The dangers of oil spills in the water.
• Recycling should be made compulsory.
• Why is it necessary to save oil?
• Why should we use reusable bags?
• Why should palm oil be banned?
• Mining should be prohibited in environmentally vulnerable regions.
• Disposable diapers pollute the environment.
• In deciding how a person will turn out, the environment is more significant than heredity.
• The dangers of drilling for oil in Alaska.
• Fishing restrictions are required to protect the ecosystem.
• Endangered species must be protected.
• We need to put more money into alternate fuels.
• Endangered oceans ought to be protected.
• We should work for a paperless society.
• Conserve the world's resources.
• Rain forests must be safeguarded.

You may also like:

• The massive list of 51 English speaking tips
• How talk in English
• 13 Actionable tips to learn English Speaking

Speech Topics on Social Issues

When working on a speech that asks you to write about a societal topic, you must be neutral in your research and writing. The topic you choose should be related to and relevant to the societal issue addressed in your speech. Here are a few issues that will have a bigger influence in terms of social affairs.

• The notion that all individuals are equal
• The statistics on homelessness in the United States are accurate. Fashion is the biggest cause of kid misbehaviour.
• Corporate corruption is a major factor of poor economies in many countries.
• Never take your right to privacy for granted.
• People are not killed by firearms. People kill one other, and the meaning of beauty pageants is muddled.
• The prevalence of spoiled children has increased as a result of media violence.
• The world's biggest population has lost its cultural identity.
• There is an urgent need to put an end to the maiming and abuse of schoolgirls.
• China's one-child policy is justifiable.
• In current culture, correct tipping etiquette and procedures
• Unemployment, a growing crisis
• The Importance of the Right to an Education
• Child trafficking as an unspoken issue

The capacity to lead is extremely powerful since it allows you to influence the future and control the behaviour of others.

Choose a theme for your speech that focuses on the notion of leadership. By delving into this subject and expanding on it in your speech, you may not only increase your personal understanding of what makes a successful leader. However, also communicate your insights with your listening crowd. Pick on the topics below to exemplify leadership.

• Jacinda Adern
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Nelson Mandela
• Winston Churchill
• Martin Luther King Jr
• Abraham Lincoln
• Mother Teresa
• Napoleon Bonaparte
• George Washington
• Julias Caesar
• Franklin D Roosevelt
• Francoise Hollande
• Pope Francis
• Akbar the Great

Education is a human right to which everyone is entitled. When individuals differ on what is good and wrong with education, problems occur. As a part of public speaking, education becomes an important topic to address the audience about.

The topics listed below are ones that everyone working in or with education must deal with at some time.

• The value of education in advancing one's career
• Outside the classroom, there is a lesson to be learned.
• The Advantages of E-Learning
• E-learning vs. traditional classroom instruction
• What will the future of education look like?
• Is it appropriate for instructors and students to connect on social media?
• Should homework be assigned in schools?
• How to Achieve Academic Success in College Through Online Learning
• Which is the better measure of success: theory or practise?
• Various modes of learning and teaching
• Before being admitted to school, one should undergo a psychological evaluation.
• Do you believe it should be permissible for students to drop out before reaching the age of 18?
• Should life skills classes be required in schools?
• Should public universities be free?
• Should laptops take the role of textbooks?

Today, public health speeches are required so that people may concentrate on promoting and safeguarding community health. It is critical to implant the concept of well-being in broad groups of people, with a focus on wellness.

Here is a list of compelling and instructive health and wellness speech themes. These are certainly, also for the purpose of enhancing your own thinking and that of others.

• Diet beverages are frequently not diet at all, while ordinary beverages are not quite regular.
• Going barefoot in the summer is beneficial to your feet.
• Take a test to determine whether you are susceptible to any hazardous diseases or viruses.
• Why you shouldn't work too hard if you have diabetes.
• Breakfast is the most essential meal of the day for several reasons.
• Fast food establishments should provide healthier choices.
• Do you believe that sex education should be taught in schools?
• People who live in cities will die younger.
• Excessive salt consumption is harmful to one's health.
• Consumption of meat should be decreased.
• People should be more concerned about their sleep.
• Why should you become an organ donor?
• Why should we utilise homoeopathic remedies?
• Why are vaccinations beneficial?
• Are e-cigarettes preferable to cigarettes?

1. What are the 4 types of public speeches?

To master public speaking, you must first distinguish between four styles of public speaking:

• Ceremonial Speaking
• Demonstrative Speaking
• Informative Speaking
• Persuasive Speaking

2. What do you say in a 2-minute public speech?

Prepare your 2–3 main points ahead of time, and keep in mind that a successful presentation would include:

• Captivating start, such as a strong quotation or questions that pique your audience's attention.
• Introduction, major body, and conclusion are all well-structured.
• A strong conclusion that will stay with the viewers.

3. What is the best topic for students?

The Best Speech Topics for Students:

• Noise Pollution
• Women Empowerment
• Environment Pollution
• Health and Wellness

4. What are the 7 elements of public speaking?

The 7 aspects of public speaking are:

• The speaker
• The message
• The channel
• The listener
• The feedback
• The interference
• The circumstance

5. How do you practice impromptu speaking?

You may practise spontaneous speeches in two ways:

• You're on your own. Every day, pick a different random topic and talk out about it.
• Speak in front of a group. The greatest method to master spontaneous speaking is to practise in front of a group and receive expert criticism.

People are generally encouraged to talk about a current issue in order to help them become better public speakers. They are also required to acquire the skill of expressing themselves in front of an audience. Choosing the appropriate topic before you begin practising your speech may make all the difference. It is a method of keeping your audience engaged and from being bored. You may also choose one about which you are enthusiastic so that you can express it properly. When considering these persuasive English speech ideas, ensure you keep it interesting, engaging, short, and clear. Do you think we left something out? Or do you have a topic that you believe is significant and would want to add? Please mention them in the comments section below!

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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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75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

October 4, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

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

What is persuasive speech?

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

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

How to choose a topic for your speech

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

Familiarity

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

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

The audience’s interest

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

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

Not overdone

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

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

Emotional topics

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

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

Desired outcome

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

Persuasive speech topics

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

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

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

Arts/Culture

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

Business and economy

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

Law and politics

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

Science and the environment

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

World peace

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

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

After choosing your topic

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

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

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

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

• Speech Crafting →

The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Perfect Public Speaking Topic

Identifying the purpose of the speech

Kickstarting your public speaking journey involves  identifying the overall goal  or purpose of your speech. This essential step paves the way to productive topic selection, ensuring a focused and targeted message that resonates with your audience.

The core purpose of any speech may be informative, persuasive, or ceremonial – each category hosting its own unique elements and requirements. For example, an informative speech seeks primarily to enlighten and educate listeners on a chosen subject area.

On the other hand, persuasive speeches aim for attitude adjustment – convincing listeners towards a certain viewpoint or action through compelling arguments and evidence presentation. Ceremonial events like weddings or graduations call for emotionally-laden speeches but don’t discount concise humor! Choosing a properly narrowed topic is vital here; it helps align the ever-present general purpose: to inform, entertain, persuade with each specific event type.

Remember personal interests can also make memorable topics – there’s nothing like genuine passion in conveying impactful messages in public speaking.

Analyzing the audience and their interests

Public speaking is not a monologue, but rather a dynamic interaction between speaker and audience. Engaging the audience pivots on assessing topic interest and knowledge – what excites them about your chosen topic, and how well-versed are they in it already? The significance of your theme to your listeners can evoke curiosity or emotional connection, motivating them to listen actively .

Cultural sensitivity plays an enormous role here. Understanding the cultural diversity within your target audience aids in adapting your speech so it resonates with each individual’s unique background.

Moreover, it encourages healthy conversation, promoting respect for all perspectives present. Gathering audience demographics further enables you to tailor some aspects of the talk; age ranges or occupations often share certain traits that can be addressed specifically for enhanced engagement.

Analyzing the audience isn’t just about catering to their interests – there’s also an element of considering situational factors related to the physical setting and context of the speech itself.

This feeds into building common ground with listeners through shared experiences or understanding, strengthening bonds between speaker and listener from multiple angles.

Brainstorming potential topics

Diving into the process of  brainstorming potential topics  is an exhilarating exercise. It involves opening up your mind to a wide array of possibilities, allowing for creativity and fresh ideas.

This often starts with broad subjects–an expansive field full of opportunity.

Using the Topic Selection Helper Web page as a handy tool might fast-track this creative exploration. Its efficiency comes from the way it serves up multiple avenues for you to wander down, aiding in list generation filled with prospective speech themes.

Yet, one thing remains paramount – personal significance in topic selection. As Kareem exemplifies, meaningful and relevant topics derived from brainstorming not only resonate more powerfully with the speaker but also translate this enthusiasm to the audience effectively.

Coupled with preparation and organization for a speech, such customized topics can create an impactful presentation.

As short sentences punctuate each point articulated and active voices deliver them energetically; remember that supporting material strengthens your chosen topic while in-depth research ensures a comprehensive understanding of it – both crucial elements that feed back into generating compelling speeches during these brainstorming session.

Narrowing down the list of potential topics

In the exciting journey of speech preparation,  narrowing down the list of potential topics  can often pose a challenge. As a public speaker, you are likely to have several ideas running through your mind.

It’s crucial to streamline these thoughts into solid options for your speech topic selection. Brainstorming is one way to generate this list of prospective talking points; however, efficient topic selection for speeches doesn’t end at brainstorming.

After creating a comprehensive list, start identifying narrow speech topics – those with not enough material for extensive exploration within your time limit. The goal here is to find an engaging subject that fits snugly within the parameters set by your speaking window.

This process ensures that every point you make will be impactful and resonant with your audience.

And don’t forget: while selecting an apt theme from your list of narrowed-down choices, always consider audience engagement and relevancy as top priorities! After all, without a captivated audience intrigued by what you bring to the podium or stage, even well-crafted words might fall flat in delivery.

Remember also that topic selection should align with personal values and beliefs whenever possible – authenticity shines right through! No one can sell or offer insights on a story better than someone who genuinely believes in it themselves.

Considering current events and trends

Considering current events and trends is a crucial step in selecting a speech topic that will captivate your audience. Staying up to date with the latest news and popular trends allows you to tap into topics that are relevant and timely.

By aligning your speech with current events, you can demonstrate that you are aware of what’s happening in the world, which helps establish credibility and relevance.

Additionally, analyzing trends provides insight into what topics are currently resonating with people. This knowledge allows you to choose a subject matter that will capture the interest of your specific audience.

Whether it’s discussing advancements in technology, exploring social issues, or examining emerging industries, incorporating current events and trends into your speech adds an element of excitement and relevance.

Furthermore, by  considering current events and trends  when selecting your speech topic, you can ensure that your content remains fresh and engaging. As new developments occur in various fields or impactful stories make headlines, these become opportunities for creating informative speeches that spark meaningful conversations.

In summary, keeping abreast of current events and trends enables you to select a speech topic that is both timely and captivating for your audience. It showcases your awareness of what’s happening in the world while helping establish credibility and relevance.

So take advantage of this valuable resource as you brainstorm ideas for an engaging public speaking experience!

Researching the chosen topic

Researching the chosen topic is a crucial step in preparing for public speaking. Once you have narrowed down your list of potential topics, it’s time to dive deeper and gather more information.

Start by conducting online research, reading articles, books, and credible sources related to your chosen topic. This will help you gain a better understanding of the subject matter and ensure that your speech is well-informed.

Additionally, consider interviewing experts or individuals who have knowledge and experience on the topic. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and enhance the credibility of your speech.

Take notes during your research process to keep track of important points or statistics that you may want to include in your speech.

Remember that while researching is essential, it’s also important not to get overwhelmed with too much information. Focus on finding key facts or supporting evidence that will strengthen your main points and make them more memorable for your audience.

A well-researched speech demonstrates expertise on the topic and increases audience engagement.

By thoroughly researching your chosen topic, you’ll be able to deliver a well-informed and engaging speech that captivates your audience’s attention. So take the time to dig deeper into the subject matter, gather relevant information from reputable sources, and incorporate those findings into an impactful presentation that leaves a lasting impression on everyone listening.

Evaluating the feasibility of the topic

To deliver a successful speech, it’s crucial to evaluate the feasibility of your chosen topic. This involves considering various factors such as the availability of credible sources and the level of interest it holds for both you and your audience.

You’ll want to ensure that there is enough information available on the topic so that you can provide valuable insights and keep your audience engaged throughout your speech. Conduct thorough research to gather relevant data and statistics, making sure to use trustworthy sources.

Another aspect of evaluating feasibility is examining whether the topic aligns with your personal values and beliefs. It’s important to choose a subject that you’re genuinely passionate about, as this will help convey sincerity in your delivery.

Additionally, consider how much time you have available for preparation. A complex or broad topic might require more research and preparation compared to a narrow or specific one.

By taking these aspects into account during topic selection, you increase the likelihood of delivering an impactful speech that resonates with both yourself and your audience. So remember – choose a feasible topic based on extensive research, alignment with personal values, relevance to current events or trends if applicable, and consideration for time constraints.

Choosing a topic that aligns with personal values and beliefs

When selecting a topic for your public speaking engagement, it is essential to choose one that aligns with your personal values and beliefs. By doing so, you’ll be able to deliver your speech authentically and passionately, captivating your audience’s attention.

When you speak about something that truly matters to you, it shows in the way you present yourself on stage.

Consider what topics resonate with your core principles and interests. Are there social issues or causes that hold significant importance for you? Or perhaps there are subjects related to your profession or expertise that you feel strongly about? Selecting a topic aligned with your personal value system not only allows you to share valuable insights but also helps establish credibility with your audience.

Remember, when preparing for a speech, strive for comfort and confidence in the chosen subject matter. Research extensively to deepen your understanding of the topic and gather relevant facts from reliable sources.

This will enable you to provide well-informed knowledge during the presentation and address any potential questions effectively.

Additionally, keep in mind that choosing a topic based on personal values and beliefs ensures consistency in how it fits within the context of other aspects of life as well. It creates harmony between who we are as individuals and what we advocate for professionally or personally.

In summary, select a topic that resonates deeply with your personal values and beliefs when preparing for public speaking engagements. By doing so, not only will you bring authenticity to your delivery but also establish credibility and captivate audiences through passion-infused presentations.

Considering the time constraints for the speech

Considering the time constraints for your speech is crucial in ensuring a successful presentation. When selecting a topic, it’s important to keep in mind the duration of your speech and how much information you can reasonably cover within that time frame.

By narrowing down the scope of your topic based on time limitations, you can ensure that you have enough material to engage your audience without overwhelming them.

Take into account the writing ease as well when considering time constraints. Choosing a topic that is too complex or requires extensive research may not be feasible within the given timeframe.

It’s important to strike a balance between an interesting and substantial topic while also keeping it manageable for preparation.

Remember that audience engagement and your own passion play key roles in choosing a successful speech topic. Consider what topics align with both the interests of your audience and your personal values and beliefs.

Being genuinely passionate about your chosen subject will help captivate your listeners and make for a more compelling delivery.

Keep in mind that there might be limited options available due to various factors such as current events or trends, so be open-minded during brainstorming sessions. Seek feedback from others on potential topics to gain different perspectives.

Considering the time constraints when selecting a topic ensures that you deliver an engaging speech while making effective use of the allocated time. Remember to keep these factors in mind while researching and evaluating potential topics, allowing you to choose one that fits perfectly within both context and duration constraints.

Seeking feedback from others on the chosen topic.

After narrowing down your list of potential topics for a public speaking engagement, it’s important to seek feedback from others. This step is crucial because getting input from different perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you refine your chosen topic.

Feedback can come from a variety of sources, such as trusted friends, colleagues, or even mentors who have experience in public speaking.

By seeking feedback, you open up the opportunity to receive constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. Others may be able to offer fresh ideas or point out any blind spots that you might have overlooked during the selection process.

Additionally, their feedback can help ensure that your chosen topic resonates with your target audience and aligns with their interests.

While it’s essential to consider other people’s opinions, remember that ultimately the decision rests with you. You should choose a topic that not only receives positive feedback but also sparks your own passion and enthusiasm.

By combining external input with personal values and beliefs, you create a speech that is authentic and engaging.

In summary, seeking feedback on your chosen topic allows for multiple perspectives and invaluable advice. It helps refine your speech idea while ensuring alignment with audience interests. Make sure to listen carefully to the suggestions offered by others while staying true to yourself as you prepare for an impactful public speaking event.

1. How do I choose a topic for public speaking?

Choosing a topic for public speaking involves identifying your interests and expertise, considering the audience’s preferences and needs, and selecting a subject that is relevant, engaging, and unique.

2. What are some popular topics for public speaking?

Popular topics for public speaking include leadership skills , effective communication techniques, personal development and motivation, career success strategies, technology trends, social issues, environmental sustainability, and mental health awareness.

3. How can I ensure my public speaking topic is captivating?

To ensure your public speaking topic is captivating, you should focus on creating a strong opening to grab the audience’s attention, incorporating engaging stories or anecdotes related to the subject matter, using visual aids effectively to enhance understanding and engagement, delivering passionate delivery with confidence and enthusiasm.

4. Should I select a controversial topic for public speaking?

Selecting a controversial topic for public speaking can be impactful as it sparks discussions and engages the audience; however it also carries risks of polarizing opinions or triggering sensitive emotions. Consider carefully whether your target audience will be receptive to such topics before choosing controversy as part of your speech content strategy.

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Speech Topics - 100s of them!

By:  Susan Dugdale   | Last modified: 01-10-2023

Speech ideas ordered by speech type & theme 

So you're preparing to give a speech.

The next step, unless you've been told or you've already decided for yourself, is choosing a topic.

What will you talk about?  There are literally so many possibilities.

To make choosing a subject easier, here's a collection of speech topic suggestions arranged either by speech type,  age group or theme. 

• Demonstration speech topics  (5 pages: 738 + topics)
• Speech topics for kids  (2 pages: 150 + topics)
• Persuasive topics  (6 pages: 998+ topics)

125 examples of narrative speech topics

• 60 vocal variety and body language topics

145 good cause and effect topics for students

• Fun public speaking topics  (2 pages:165 topics)
• 180+ interesting topics for students  (1 page: 180 + topics)
• Good informative speech topics  (1 page: 100s of topics)
• Commemorative speech topic ideas  (1 page: themes)
• Argumentative/controversial speech topics  (1 page: 290 topics)
• Easter themed speech topics  (1 page: 32 topics)
• Impromptu speech topics  (4 pages: 570 topics)
• Printable impromptu speech topics  (98 proverbs or quotations ready-to-go)

Teacher or student, these lists are for you.

I hope they're useful! Happy speaking, Susan

Demonstration speech ideas

These are the 'show and tell' or 'how to' speeches where you demonstrate a skill, make something, or explain how something works. Think of these speeches as stepping through a process from beginning to end, showing and explaining every step of the way.

The goal of them is often to inspire those listening to try whatever is being shown for themselves.

I have five pages of topics specifically selected because they are good for demonstration speeches. You'll see the lists are adaptable to meet the needs of people of middle school age and upwards.

• 290 themed 'how to' demonstration speech ideas   
• 6 themed demonstration topic lists using the magic of 'how'
• 50 soft skill 'how to' demonstrative speech topics
• 100+ 10-minute, or less, demonstration speech topics
• 188 funny how-to speech topics

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Speech topics for kids

I've got two pages of speech topics especially chosen with children in mind. They're mainly for kids in the middle school age bracket (11 - 14 years old) but are readily adaptable for those either younger or older.

Both pages are really useful if you're a teacher or parent looking for inspiration! I've carefully put together lists covering social/community issues, arts and culture, sports and games, food, fun and whimsy, hobbies, and more. 

-  8 themed lists of speech topics for children

- 50+ elocution topics for kids

Persuasive speech topics

Convince me!

Change my mind!

Challenge my thinking!

Convert me!

And, if appropriate, make me laugh!

Whatever topic you choose you will be expected to take a position on it and persuade your audience to consider what you're saying about it seriously.

For example:

'To be vegan is the only right, and moral way to live.'

'Good or right thinking is a matter of opinion.' 

My six persuasive speech topic pages are below.

• 50 good persuasive speech topics
• 5 0+ persuasive speech topic ideas
• 105 fun persuasive speech topics
• 309 easy persuasive speech topics
• 310 persuasive speech topics for college
• 108 feminist persuasive speech topics

125 strong ideas for effective story telling speeches, preparation guidelines, plus a printable narrative speech outline.

If you're looking for suggestions for the Toastmasters Level Three Project 'Connect with storytelling' these will get you off to a great start.

Go to: 125 examples of narrative speech topics

60 vocal variety & body language topics

60 speech topic ideas to help you work with body language and gesture. They're perfect for evocative personal storytelling speeches or for either of these Toastmasters Pathway projects:

• Level 2: Learning Your Style: Effective Body Language or,
• Level 1:  Mastering Fundamentals: Vocal Variety and Body Language

Go to 6 0 vocal variety and body language speech topics

Cause and effect topics for speeches and essays to challenge, connect and make a difference. With explanations, examples and a free printable blank fish bone diagram, (an extremely useful visual cause and effect analytical tool), to download for your own use.

Go to 145 good cause and effect topics

Fun public speaking topics

They're silly; deliberately daft and ridiculous!

These speech topics focus on light-hearted nonsense, tilting the world side-ways, giving your audience a glimpse of it funny side-up.

Gems include:

• 'How to procrastinate like a professional',
• 'How to look innocent',
• 'Why lying can be useful', ...

Go on. Make them snort with laughter. Visit:

• 60 fun public speaking topics for kids of all ages 
• 1 88 funny how-to speech topics

180 + interesting speech topic ideas

Here's a page of topic suggestions encouraging people to push beyond ordinary.

There's a bundle of 50 ideas around the growing influence of social media, a collection of 45 thought provoking suggestions centered on your very own community and family history, 61 'weird' topics, and more. 

You only need ONE truly bright and original idea, right?

Have a look here for it.

There are  180  interesting speech topic ideas   to browse through. 

Good informative speech topics

An informative speech does what its title says: it informs. It gives the facts about the topic. Not people's feelings about the subject - just the facts.

Informational speech topic possibilities are quite truly endless.  Use my page as a beginning to set your own creative juices in motion.

Visit:  100s of good informational speech topics

Commemorative speech topic ideas

A commemorative or tribute speech honors the memory of  a person, a group, an institution, a thing, an event or an idea.

Use this  commemorative speech topic helper  page (and its resource links) to identify the right topic and theme to match the event you've been asked to speak at.

239 controversial or argumentative speech topics

These topics are deliberately provocative. They cover four broad areas affecting us all: the food we eat, our children (from infancy through to teenage years), and the communities/countries we live in.

In addition to the 239 topics there are comprehensive guidelines about choosing the best topic: one fitting yourself and your audience. 

Find yourself a controversial speech topic .

Note: these topics are best suited for high school and college students.

32 Easter themed speech topics

Easter - what is its history? What are the special days, like Palm Sunday, all about? What do bunnies and chocolate eggs have to do with it? Why does the White House have a tradition of egg-rolling as part of its Easter celebrations?

Use this page of 32  Easter speech topic possibilities  to find an idea for an inspirational  demonstration or an interesting informative speech.

Impromptu speech topics

Help! I have a class and need lots of impromptu speech topics for them to practice with.

You've got them here. I have four pages of topics for impromptu speeches.

You'll find them suitable for middle school and upwards. They're great for public speaking clubs too.

• 200 impromptu speech topics
• 150 1 minute speech topics - with sample speech outlines, speeches: full text & audio
• 11 themed sets of fun topics for impromptu speeches
• 80+ themed table topic questions, with printables   

And last, but not least there's ...

98 printable impromptu speech topic cards, an almost* instantly available resource for busy public speaking teachers.

If you're time-poor and need a grab-and-go solution to your "HELP! I want speech topics for my public speaking class, and I need them now" problem, check these out.

Printable Impromptu Speech Topic Cards

* It'll take you 5 minutes to select the set you want, (proverbs or quotations), pay, and have it downloaded ready for printing. You'll be getting 98 themed speech topic cards - a great reusable resource for $4.75.

& One Minute Speeches!

Another almost instantly available resource.

A fun and hugely effective impromptu speaking activity. You get topics + instructions for the core activity, plus three advanced variations for $5.95. Take a look - One Minute Speeches .

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Exploring Public Speaking Topics: Interesting Ideas for Students and Beginners in English

On This Page

Did you know that public speaking consistently ranks as one of the top fears for people worldwide? It’s a common worry, but here’s an interesting fact: speaking in front of an audience can transform from a nerve-wracking experience into a powerful and engaging opportunity with the right topic.

That is why, in this blog, we will explore the essential aspects of public speaking topics, from finding the right ones to specific ideas for different occasions. So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to delivering speeches that leave a lasting impression!

Tips To Find Interesting Public Speaking Topics

Identifying the perfect topic is like setting the stage for a memorable performance.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find that engaging subject:

Identify the theme of the speaking event: Begin by understanding the overarching theme or purpose of the event. Whether it’s an informative seminar, a persuasive presentation, or an entertaining speech, aligning your topic with the event’s objectives sets the tone for success.

Know your audience: Your audience is your compass. Consider their interests, age group, and cultural background. A topic that resonates with them ensures a more engaged and responsive audience.

Share your personal knowledge: Authenticity is key. Draw from your personal knowledge and experiences. Your passion and genuine connection to the topic will shine through, making your speech more compelling.

Catch any latest related news: Stay informed about current events and trends related to your field or area of interest. Incorporating recent news or developments adds relevance and immediacy to your speech.

Make a list of possible ideas: Brainstorm a list of potential topics. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage; just jot down any ideas that come to mind.

Make a short topic list: Narrow down your list to a handful of topics that align with the event’s theme and your audience’s interests. Consider the ones that excite you the most.

Make a decision and stick with it: Commit to it once you’ve selected a topic. Avoid second-guessing or constant changes. Confidence in your choice enhances your delivery and makes your speech more impactful.

Types Of Persuasive Speech Topics

Now that you’ve nailed down the process of finding an interesting topic, let’s delve into the types of persuasive speech topics. Understanding these categories can help you tailor your speech to achieve specific objectives.

Here are the three main types:

1. Factual Persuasive Speech

In this type, your goal is to present concrete facts and information to persuade your audience. Choose topics where data and evidence play a crucial role. Examples include discussing the impact of climate change on communities or presenting statistics on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

2. Value Persuasive Speech

When focusing on value persuasive speech, your aim is to convince your audience that a particular value or belief is essential. Topics might revolve around the importance of honesty, the value of diversity in society, or the significance of empathy in building strong relationships.

3. Policy Persuasive Speech

Here, your objective is to advocate for a specific course of action or propose policy changes. This type often involves discussing solutions to real-world problems. Topics could include advocating for stricter environmental regulations, proposing education reforms, or suggesting ways to address social inequalities.

1-Minute Speech Topics

For those moments when brevity is key, consider these short yet impactful 1-minute speech topics that can leave a lasting impression:

The power of a genuine smile.

Embracing change in life.

The importance of gratitude in daily living.

Overcoming fear and taking risks.

Nurturing meaningful connections in a digital age.

The impact of small acts of kindness.

Learning from failure: A stepping stone to success.

The value of time in our fast-paced world.

Finding joy in the little things.

The role of laughter in promoting well-being.

2-Minute Speech Topics

When you have a bit more time to elaborate, explore these 2-minute speech topics that allow for a deeper exploration of ideas:

The significance of self-motivation.

Balancing work and personal life for overall well-being.

The art of effective communication in relationships.

The impact of technology on modern relationships.

The role of education in shaping our future.

Embracing diversity for a harmonious society.

The importance of mental health awareness.

The influence of role models in our lives.

Harnessing creativity for problem-solving.

Building resilience in the face of challenges.

Easy Topics for Speech in English

For those taking their first steps into the world of public speaking, it’s crucial to start with topics that are accessible and relatable. Here are some easy speech topics in English for beginners:

The benefits of regular exercise.

My favourite hobby and why I enjoy it.

The importance of a healthy diet.

The impact of technology on daily life.

How to overcome common fears.

The joy of reading and its benefits.

My most memorable travel experience.

The role of pets in our lives.

The significance of friendship.

Setting and achieving personal goals.

Top 10 Public Speaking Topics For Students

Navigating the world of public speaking is a  valuable skill  for students. Here are ten engaging topics that resonate with the student experience:

The Impact of Social Media on Student Life

Balancing Academics and Extracurricular Activities

The Pros and Cons of Remote Learning

Exploring Career Options in the Digital Age

The Role of Students in Environmental Conservation

Overcoming Challenges in Group Projects

Building Effective Study Habits

Nurturing Mental Health in the Student Community

The Influence of Technology on Education

The Power of Youth Activism in Creating Change

Top 10 Public Speaking Topics For Beginners

Entering the world of public speaking can be both exciting and challenging for beginners. Here are ten accessible and interesting topics to help newcomers find their voice:

My Favorite Book and Why I Love It

A Memorable Family Vacation

The Importance of Kindness in Daily Life

How I Overcame a Personal Challenge

Exploring My Hobbies and Interests

The Impact of a Positive Role Model

What Friendship Means to Me

A Place I Dream of Visiting

The Joy of Learning Something New

My Goals and Aspirations for the Future

Now, let’s delve into speech topics related to the environment, an increasingly important theme in today’s world.

Top 10 English Speech Topics on Environment

As we become more conscious of our impact on the planet, discussing environmental issues becomes increasingly relevant. Here are ten compelling speech topics that beginners can explore to raise awareness about our environment:

The Importance of Recycling in Daily Life

How Small Changes Can Make a Big Environmental Impact

The Role of Trees in Maintaining Ecological Balance

The Effects of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life

Simple Ways to Conserve Water at Home

The Significance of Renewable Energy Sources

The Impact of Climate Change on Global Weather Patterns

Biodiversity Conservation: Why It Matters

Sustainable Living Practices for a Greener Future

The Role of Individuals in Combating Environmental Challenges

Moving forward, let’s explore the intersection of public speaking and technology, a topic that continues to shape our world.

Top 10 Public Speaking Topics On Technology

In our rapidly evolving world, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives. Here are ten engaging public speaking topics that allow beginners to explore the impact of technology on society:

The Pros and Cons of Social Media

The Influence of Technology on Communication

How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Industries

Navigating the Digital Age: Tips for Online Safety

The Role of Technology in Remote Work and Education

Exploring the Future of Virtual Reality

The Ethical Considerations of Emerging Technologies

The Impact of Smart Devices on Daily Living

Cybersecurity: Protecting Our Digital World

The Importance of Digital Literacy in the 21st Century

Now, let’s shine a spotlight on specific English speech topics related to significant cultural events and celebrations.

Top 10 English Speech Topics On Independence Day

Celebrating Independence Day is a momentous occasion that invites reflection and patriotic expression. Here are ten English speech topics that capture the spirit of this important day:

The Significance of Independence Day Celebrations

Reflecting on the Journey to Independence

Honouring the Sacrifices of Freedom Fighters

Upholding Democratic Values in the 21st Century

The Role of Youth in Nation-Building

Preserving National Heritage and Cultural Identity

Fostering Unity in Diversity on Independence Day

The Evolution of Independence Day Celebrations Over the Years

Addressing Contemporary Challenges to National Unity

Inspiring Acts of Patriotism: Stories from History

Moving forward, let’s address a topic that demands attention – the impact of corruption on society.

Top 10 English Speech Topics On Corruption

Corruption remains a pressing issue affecting societies worldwide. Here are ten English speech topics that invite speakers to address the impact of corruption and discuss potential solutions:

The Detrimental Effects of Corruption on Society

Strategies to Eradicate Corruption: A Collective Effort

The Role of Youth in Fighting Corruption

Transparency and Accountability in Governance

Corruption in Different Sectors: Unveiling Hidden Realities

The Economic Impact of Corruption on Development

Technology as a Tool to Combat Corruption

The Importance of Whistleblower Protection

International Collaboration Against Corruption

Building Ethical  Leadership  to Counteract Corruption

Now, let’s shift our focus to a topic that advocates for gender equality – Feminism.

Top 10 English Speech Topics On Feminism

Advocating for gender equality and women’s rights is crucial in today’s society. Here are ten English speech topics that allow speakers to explore different facets of feminism:

Breaking Gender Stereotypes: A Call for Equality

The Importance of Women’s Empowerment in the Workplace

Feminism and Intersectionality: Understanding Diversity

Challenging Gender Bias in Education

The Role of Men in Advancing Feminist Goals

Addressing Body Image Issues: A Feminist Perspective

Achieving Equal Pay: Closing the Gender Wage Gap

Feminism in Literature and Media Representation

Feminist Movements Around the World

Empowering Women for a Progressive Society

These speech topics provide a platform for speakers to engage in conversations about gender equality, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to the ongoing movement for women’s rights. Now, let’s celebrate motherhood and explore speech topics related to Mother’s Day.

Top 10 English Speech Topics On Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honour and celebrate the incredible influence of mothers. Here are ten English speech topics that capture the essence of Mother’s Day:

The Unconditional Love of Mothers

Balancing Motherhood and Career: Navigating Challenges

The Evolution of Mother’s Day Celebrations

Celebrating Motherhood in Different Cultures

The Impact of a Mother’s Role in Child Development

The Role of Grandmothers in Family Dynamics

The Challenges Faced by Single Mothers

The Importance of Self-Care for Mothers

Mother-Daughter Relationships: Nurturing Bonds

Expressing Gratitude to Mothers on Mother’s Day

Moving forward, let’s explore a topic that has a significant impact on our economic and social systems – Capitalism.

Top 10 English Speaking Topics On Capitalism

Capitalism, as an economic system, influences societies globally. Here are ten English speaking topics that allow speakers to explore different dimensions of capitalism:

The Pros and Cons of Capitalism

Income Inequality in a Capitalist Society

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in a Capitalist Economy

The Role of Government Regulation in Capitalism

Corporate Social Responsibility in Capitalist Business Models

Addressing Environmental Concerns Within Capitalism

The Impact of Globalisation on Capitalist Economies

Inclusive Capitalism: Bridging Socioeconomic Gaps

Exploring Alternative Economic Models to Capitalism

The Future of Capitalism in an Evolving World

Now, let’s explore speech topics related to the joy of reading and its impact on individuals and society.

Top 10 English Speech Topics On Reading

The joy of reading goes beyond the pages of a book, influencing individuals and society at large. Here are ten English speech topics that allow speakers to explore the significance and impact of reading:

The Benefits of Reading for Personal Development

Fostering Empathy Through Literature

The Impact of Reading on Mental Health

The Role of Libraries in Promoting a Reading Culture

Diverse Perspectives in Literature: Broadening Horizons

The Influence of Book Adaptations on Popular Culture

Building Critical Thinking Skills Through Reading

The Joy of Discovering New Authors and Genres

The Power of Reading Aloud in Building Connections

Encouraging a Love for Reading in the Digital Age

Now, let’s explore a topic that addresses environmental concerns – Deforestation.

Top 10 English Speech Topics On Deforestation

Deforestation is a critical environmental issue that demands attention and action. Here are ten English speech topics that allow speakers to explore the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to deforestation:

The Consequences of Deforestation on Climate Change

Sustainable Practices to Combat Deforestation

The Importance of Forests in Biodiversity Conservation

Deforestation and Its Impact on Indigenous Communities

Logging Industry Practices: Balancing Profit and Sustainability

Reforestation Initiatives: Restoring Balance to Ecosystems

The Role of Governments in Combating Illegal Logging

The Connection Between Deforestation and Loss of Wildlife Habitat

Consumer Choices and their Impact on Deforestation

Advocating for Global Cooperation to Address Deforestation

These speech topics provide a platform for speakers to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of deforestation and discuss strategies for sustainable forest management. Now, let’s turn our attention to speech topics that shed light on various social issues.

Top 10 English Speech Topics On Social Issues

Addressing social issues is crucial for fostering positive change in society. Here are ten English speech topics that allow speakers to explore different aspects of prevalent social challenges:

Homelessness: Addressing the Root Causes

Combating Discrimination and Fostering Inclusivity

Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma

The Impact of Poverty on Access to Education

Substance Abuse: Understanding and Prevention

Cyberbullying: Navigating the Digital World Safely

Access to Healthcare: Bridging the Gap

Promoting LGBTQ+ Rights and Acceptance

Addressing Youth Unemployment and Underemployment

The Role of Education in Reducing Social Inequality

Now, let’s explore speech topics related to important days and events that hold significance globally.

Top 10 Public Speaking Topics On Important Days

Certain days and events hold special significance globally, providing opportunities for reflection and discussion. Here are ten public speaking topics that allow speakers to delve into the importance of specific days and events:

World Health Day: Prioritising Global Health

International Women’s Day: Achieving Gender Parity

Earth Day: Uniting for Environmental Conservation

World Humanitarian Day: Recognising Aid Workers’ Contributions

International Day of Peace: Navigating Conflict Resolution

Global Youth Service Day: Empowering Young Change-Makers

World Food Day: Addressing Global Hunger Issues

International Day of Democracy: Promoting Civic Engagement

World AIDS Day: Combating Stigma and Raising Awareness

International Day of Happiness: Cultivating Well-being Together

These public speaking topics provide a platform for speakers to explore the significance of these days and events, fostering awareness and encouraging positive action. Now, let’s explore speech topics related to proverbs, which often encapsulate profound wisdom in concise form.

Top 10 English Speech Topics On Proverbs

Proverbs encapsulate timeless wisdom in succinct expressions. Here are ten English speech topics that allow speakers to explore the meaning and relevance of various proverbs:

“Actions Speak Louder Than Words”: The Power of Deeds

“Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way”: Nurturing Determination

“Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch”: Lessons in Patience

“A Stitch in Time Saves Nine”: The Importance of Timely Action

“All That Glitters Is Not Gold”: Discerning True Value

“Honesty is the Best Policy”: Upholding Integrity

“Birds of a Feather Flock Together”: The Influence of Company

“Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth”: The Pitfalls of Overcrowding

“The Early Bird Catches the Worm”: Embracing Proactive Habits

“When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do”: Adapting to Cultural Contexts

These speech topics provide a platform for speakers to delve into the wisdom embedded in proverbs, offering valuable insights that remain relevant across different cultures and contexts. Now, let’s explore speech topics related to a fundamental aspect of human existence – Human Rights.

Top 10 Public Speaking Topics On Human Rights

Human rights are fundamental to the dignity and well-being of individuals worldwide. Here are ten public speaking topics that allow speakers to advocate for and explore various aspects of human rights:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Foundation and Significance

Women’s Rights: Empowering Half of the Population

LGBTQ+ Rights: Navigating Towards Inclusivity

Children’s Rights: Ensuring a Safe and Nurturing Environment

The Right to Freedom of Expression: Balancing Liberty and Responsibility

Racial and Ethnic Equality: Combating Discrimination

Access to Education as a Fundamental Human Right

The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Human Rights

Right to Healthcare: Addressing Disparities

Human Rights in the Digital Age: Navigating Challenges

Now, let’s explore speech topics related to the vital role of education in personal and societal development.

Top 10 Public Speaking Topics On Education

Education is a cornerstone for personal and societal development. Here are ten public speaking topics that allow speakers to delve into various aspects of education:

The Transformative Power of Education

The Role of Technology in Shaping the Future of Education

Inclusive Education: Nurturing Diversity in the Classroom

Challenges and Opportunities in Remote Learning

Lifelong Learning: Embracing a Continuous Educational Journey

Education for Sustainable Development: Nurturing Global Citizenship

The Impact of Quality Early Childhood Education

Addressing Educational Inequality: A Call to Action

The Importance of Critical Thinking in Education

The Role of Teachers in Inspiring and Shaping Minds

Now, let’s conclude our exploration with a diverse set of miscellaneous speech topics.

Miscellaneous Speech Topics

In this diverse collection, we explore miscellaneous speech topics that touch on various aspects of life, society, and personal development. Here are ten engaging miscellaneous speech topics for speakers:

The Art of Time Management in a Busy World

The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships

The Journey of Self-Discovery: Navigating Personal Growth

The Significance of Mindfulness in Everyday Living

The Role of Humor in Relieving Stress and Enhancing Well-being

Overcoming Procrastination: Strategies for Productivity

The Influence of Music on Mood and Emotions

Exploring Cultural Diversity: Embracing Differences

The Power of Positive Thinking in Overcoming Challenges

Finding Balance in a Hectic World: Work-Life Harmony

These miscellaneous speech topics provide a broad canvas for speakers to address diverse aspects of life, offering valuable insights and fostering engaging discussions. Now, let’s wrap up with some tips for crafting an impactful public speaking speech.

Tips for Writing a Public Speaking Speech

Crafting a compelling and effective public speaking speech requires thoughtful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to enhance the impact of your speech:

Know your audience: Tailor your speech to the interests and expectations of your audience, ensuring your message resonates with them.

Have an engaging opening: Capture attention with a compelling introduction – a quote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question sets the tone.

Create structured content: Organise your speech clearly, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Use transitions for smooth progression.

Practise with dedication: Rehearse your speech to become familiar with the content and improve your delivery. Practice boosts confidence and fluency.

Conclude with impact: Project confidence through good posture and eye contact. End with a strong conclusion, summarising key points or leaving a lasting thought.

By incorporating these tips into your speech preparation, you can enhance your ability to communicate effectively and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Mastering public speaking involves understanding your audience, choosing compelling topics, and delivering with confidence. From global issues to cultural celebrations, diverse topics provide ample opportunities for impactful speeches.

Craft your speech with a captivating opening, a well-organised body, and a powerful conclusion. Practice ensures a confident and authentic delivery, allowing your message to resonate with the audience. Armed with these insights and a rich variety of topics, you’re ready to captivate your audience. Step onto the stage, share your voice, and enjoy the journey of public speaking. Happy speaking!

By Rishabh Bhandari

Best public speaking books for free download and skill enhancement, how to add public speaking skills on resume, how to be confident in public speaking: 3-step approach.

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20 Public Speaking Tips With Great Examples (for 2022)

Written by: Chloe West

We've created a list of 20 public speaking tips to help you improve your public speaking skills and present with confidence in front of any audience.

Here are the some of the tips you’ll find inside:

• Make enough rehearsals so that you feel confident with your speech
• Practice in front of a mirror and in front of others
• Prepare a visually appealing presentation
• Get to know your audience
• And, many more.

So, if you want to get your public speaking skills to the next level, you’ll need this list. 

Read the tips one by one or choose the ones that interest you the most from the navigation below.

Let’s get into it. 

20 Public Speaking Tips to Make You a Better Speaker

Tip #1: know your audience, tip #2: prepare a visually appealing presentation, tip #3: practice in front of a mirror & in front of others, tip #4: make enough rehearsals, tip #5: speak from the heart, tip #6: use props for effect, tip #7: be candid, tip #8: start with a question, tip #9: end with a question, tip #10: simplify the complex, tip #11: test the equipment that you’ll be using, tip #12: make eye contact with your audience, tip #13: speak slower than usual, tip #14: leave space to breathe, tip #15: get to know the stage, tip #16: ask for feedback to improve, tip #17: don’t be afraid to repeat yourself, tip #18: try to memorize your notes, tip #19: plan your speech & create a structure, tip #20: include a digital version of your presentation.

The first thing you need to do is have a full grasp on who your audience is going to be. You need to have this down before you even begin choosing a topic and creating your presentation content because it could vary based on who you’re speaking to.

Even if you’re giving the same speech two separate audiences, take the time to tweak it and personalize it based on where you’re speaking and who you’re speaking to.

Furthermore, your presentation slides, props and stories that you tell might vary whether you’re speaking to a more business-oriented audience versus a room full of peers.

The next tip we have for public speakers is to ensure your presentation is visually appealing and engaging to your audience members.

This is the best way you can ensure you grab your audience’s attention from the get go. While the rest relies on your ability to speak well, you have full control over the design of your slides.

If you have no idea where to start, a professionally designed slide deck is the perfect starting point. Give our Simple theme a try – it has over 300 different slide designs for you to pick and choose from when creating your presentation.

Just be sure to leave out those bullet points and boring black and white slides. Match your branding if it makes sense and incorporate a variety of visual aids.

One great way to help you get over a fear of public speaking is to practice in front of a mirror and watch how you present yourself. 

Then once you’re comfortable giving your speech alone, recruit a group of friends, family members or colleagues who are willing to be your audience as you practice in front of them.

This can help you prepare for speaking in front of people, and starting small is the best way to become more comfortable and in your element.

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Practice, practice, practice. The only way you’re going to get over that nervous energy and help your speech come across as natural as possible is through rehearsing it over and over again.

Read over your slides, make mental notes and create mnemonic devices to help you remember the information you want to share for each slide you create.

You don’t want to simply read off your slides, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to rehearse. When it comes to public speaking, you don’t want to leave anything to the last minute.

If there was a category for the most forgettable speeches in the world each spring, it would be for those delivered at graduation ceremonies.

However in 2016, a young man by the name of Donovan Livingston changed all of that. His speech began safely with a quotation, a tried-and-true technique, although over-used for generations. But then, in an amazing display of creativity, Livingston broke all the rules.

Instead of the standard platitudes and well-wishes, he launched into a spoken-word poem as a speech and his imagery was so vivid, it drew an emotionally overcome audience to its feet at the end.

Livingston’s speech has since been shared more than 170,000 times and viewed by eight million people.

This proves that making presentations that your audience supports is not a trick or a gimmick – it is simply delivering eloquent, amazing content that touches people deeply and inspires them to reach out and share your message.

Sometimes the best way to stand out in front of an audience is to incorporate props into your presentation.

That was evident in another speech that brought the audience to its feet in support of Mohammed Qahtani, winner of the Toastmaster’s 2015 World Champion of Public Speaking award.

Standing on stage, reaching in his pocket and pulling out a cigarette, putting it to his lips and then flicking his lighter, the quirky speaker elicited a shocked response from his audience. Then he made them laugh by quoting some amazing statistics which he then revealed he had made up.

By this time the audience was hooked. What would happen next? You can watch this example below.

Qahtani’s unorthodox opening mixed with humor and effective facial expressions caught people’s attention and when he was ready to hammer home his message, they were already on his side.

“Words have power, words are power, words could be your power,” he told them.

The presentation of a powerful message for change can fall on unresponsive ears unless the speaker can bring the issue into the lives and hearts of the audience.

Caitlyn Jenner, in her acceptance speech for the Arthur Ashe Courage Award managed to bring her audience onside through her remarkably straightforward talk.

As you listen to these excerpts from Jenner’s message, you sense the emotion building. By the time she tells her story and vows to “reshape the landscape of how trans issues are viewed and how trans people are treated,” she has the audience following every word.

What Jenner illustrates best is not only how to grab the audience’s attention, but how to keep their attention. She reached out to thank her children in an emotional moment and talked about the everyday things that women take for granted that she had to get used to.

Telling a moving personal story remains one of the all-time best public speaking tips to get and keep an audience on your side. The more unusual the story is, the more the audience will be fascinated.

Note that Jenner also refrained from glorifying herself with her stories.

Instead, she focused on the impact of her decision on those around her and on urging others uncomfortable with their gender to take the necessary steps to live life on their terms. This approach scores higher with any audience.

She didn’t brag; she didn’t exaggerate. Her direct speaking style was refreshing to her audience and effective in bringing them on her side.

Telling a great story works well in bringing an audience on your side, as illustrated by Jenner’s remarks, but it gains even more power when you combine the story with another great technique, and that is asking your audience a question.

When self-help guru Amy Morin did both in her speech “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong,” her audience was onside immediately.

Listen to her effective opening as she first tells a story about her friend and follows it up with a self-revealing question to her audience.

Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and lecturer at Northeastern University, is adept at building a bridge to her audience.

In fact, she not only bridges to them, but mentally they climb up on that bridge and start walking toward her. She knows how to use the best techniques in a way that is so natural, her audience is unaware that they are seeing professional tactics of presentation science at work.

If you opt to tell a personal story, make sure that it is closely connected to your theme. Also, make sure that it is not more than a minute or two in length.

If you decide to ask a question that invites your audience to think about your topic, be very specific. There is a time in life for open-ended questions, but it is not at the start of your presentation.

As Morin did, ask them one direct question about their immediate response or emotion to something. For example, do not say “do you think jealousy is just a part of the bigger picture of being human?”

In the same vein as starting with a question, you can also consider ending your speech with a question. This is a great way to keep people thinking about your topic and how they can apply it to their own life, job, etc.

Ending your presentation with a question can be a great way to inspire or motivate your audience and keep them thinking about your key points long after you’re finished.

Another important strategy for bringing audiences on your side is ensuring that if you are going to talk about a more complicated topic, you break down the concepts you present in a way that your audience can easily understand.

A great example of that is Dan Gilbert’s presentation on The Surprising Science of Happiness.

Gilbert makes his point by explaining from the beginning how the human brain works, and how cognitive judgments are formed. Then he illustrates that we can all misinterpret our own happiness or well-being because of our cognitive interpretations and false assumptions.

He makes it clear to his audience that they have the power to try out life experiences before actually doing them for real. He takes complicated concepts like our experience simulator and impact bias and shows how we can mislead ourselves.

But when we master these brain responses, we can live and interpret our experiences in a more positive way.

As all of the impressive presentations mentioned illustrate, there are lots of public speaking tips you can apply to bring your audience on side with you, but the foundation of all of them is having something worthwhile to say and a straightforward vocabulary to ensure that your audience grasps it.

In the presentation game, there is a huge element of showmanship, but in the end, that only works to impress people when you still deliver content that creates value in their lives.

Before you encounter technology errors in front of your entire audience, be sure to test all equipment that you’ll be using during your speech.

This can be anything from the clicker for your presentation slides, the computer you’re using to open your presentation, the projector or any other piece of equipment that might be available to you.

Knowing exactly how to use each of these objects before you go into your presentation will help your setup be that much more seamless and can take the edge off a bit before a big speech.

One of the key characteristics of any great speaker involves making eye contact with your audience. As you speak, take the time to look around the room, speaking directly to each person sitting in front of you.

Not only is this a great way to help yourself feel more at ease while you speak, it helps your audience feel even more connected and engaged with what you’re saying.

Often when people feel nervous or are encountering stage fright, they start to speak quickly. You need to be conscious of this so you can avoid that bad habit.

When you speak too quickly, your messaging can easily be lost on your audience as they struggle to keep up. Even a normal, conversational speed can be too quick for a speech.

You want to be fully aware of every word that leaves your mouth, speaking more slowly than you typically would, so that your main points really resonate with your audience. 

Another good practice is to pause for emphasis after your important points to let them really sink in. Speaking slowly and pausing for effect are two tactics for great speeches.

This goes right in line with our previous point – allow yourself time to breathe and don’t speak too quickly .

When you’re rushing through your speech, not only does it cause you to lose your audience, but it will also cause you to get winded quickly, ruining your performance.

Be sure to give yourself time to breathe. Taking deep breaths can also be a great way to get over stage fright and start to feel more confident on stage.

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While you’re testing out your equipment, take a chance to really get to know your stage area. Will you have a larger stage? If so, practice walking around while you give your speech so you can cover as much area as possible.

Find out if there’s a podium. If so, it might be helpful to bring props, notes and other memorization devices to keep on the podium with you.

If you’re able to access the stage ahead of time, consider doing a test run of your speech so that you know what to expect when you have an audience.

At the end of the speech, be sure to ask trusted colleagues and attendees for any advice or feedback on improving your presentation skills. 

As you get more comfortable speaking, this can be helpful to ensure you hone in on the feedback you’ve received and work to get better and better during each speaking engagement you attend in the future, whether it’s a TED Talk or a friend’s wedding.

If there’s a point you really want to drill into your audience, don’t be afraid to repeat yourself! Saying the same powerful phrase over and over again is going to sink in much more effectively than any filler words would.

Find the number one takeaway that you want your audience to get from your speech and say it again and again throughout your presentation.

You don’t want to stand up on the stage and read your presentation word for word from notecards. This is why it’s important to try to memorize your notes.

We’ve previously covered 8 memorization techniques that pros use to remember their notes, so be sure to check them out.

Another one that we recommend is to utilize our presentation notes feature. Include bullet points and quick summaries to keep you on track. You can also use this feature to time yourself so you know how long you’ve spent on each slide.

Be as prepared as possible. While you create your presentation slides , ensure the order makes sense and that you’ve planned your speaking points around the structure of your slides.

There are a number of ways to structure your presentation for maximum impact on your audience as well, so be sure to plan out the best way to tell your story and make your point. Ensure your body language matches the words you’re saying as well.

Creating a structure for your presentation helps your story to flow well from beginning to end. Practice sticking to your structure so your presentation makes sense and resonates with your audience.

Print out and distribute handouts to your audience, but also be sure to include a digital version of your presentation for your viewers to watch again later.

You can easily share this on your website, in a blog post or on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Uploading a digital version to SlideShare is another way to reach even more people with your content.

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Now that you’re ready to be a pro public speaker, it’s time to start designing a presentation your audience will never forget. Sign up for Visme to get access to professionally designed slide templates and stunning presentation elements for a one-of-a-kind slide deck.

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About the Author

Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.

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50 Unique Topics for Speeches to Impress Your Audience

Deciding on the perfect topic for a speech can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Believe me, I understand the struggle all too well – finding that ideal combination of engaging and informative content is no small feat.

Throughout my own journey, I’ve stumbled upon not just one but 50 unique topics that are sure to captivate any audience . This article is designed to give you insights into selecting those attention-grabbing subjects , ensuring you leave an unforgettable impression each time you step onto the stage.

So, buckle up and get ready to wow your listeners!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Good speech topics should excite the audience, be relevant to current issues , and reflect the speaker’s knowledge and interest.
• Topics range across various areas including arts, humanities, social issues, science and technology, health and medicine, and economics .
• Choosing a unique topic helps in standing out. It’s important to research thoroughly and consider different viewpoints on your chosen subject.
• Knowing your audience is crucial for making the speech engaging. Tailor content to their interests and understanding level for better engagement .
• Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence and refine it based on feedback to ensure an impactful delivery .

What Makes a Good Speech Topic

– A good speech topic is one that excites the audience and sparks their curiosity, leading them to want to know more.

– It should be relevant to current issues or areas of great significance, engaging the listeners with fresh ideas and perspectives.

Knowledge and Interest

Choosing a topic that you know about makes your speech stronger. You can share insights and details. It shows in how you talk about it. Your passion for the subject keeps people listening.

They can tell when you care deeply.

Your interest also helps in picking engaging speech topics . If it excites you, chances are it will grab your audience’s attention too. Exploring new ideas becomes easier because your enthusiasm drives you to learn more and present better.

Relevance and Significance

When choosing speech topics, it’s important to consider the relevance and significance of the subject matter. It’s essential that your topic resonates with your audience and has a meaningful impact on them.

The significance of your speech topic should be evident in how it relates to real-world issues or captures the audience’s attention . Additionally, a relevant topic ensures that you can connect with your audience on a personal level , making your speech more engaging and thought-provoking .

Now let’s delve into exploring different types of persuasive speech topics – Arts, Humanities, and Culture.

Originality

Strive for unique topics that spark interest

to captivate your audience and stand out .

Selecting original speech subjects is vital –

offer something fresh and thought-provoking .

Avoid cliches and seek ideas beyond the obvious ,

Types of Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive speech topics cover a range of subject areas such as arts, humanities, social issues, science and technology, health and medicine, and economics. They resonate with audiences through their relevance, significance, and ability to stimulate thought.

Arts, Humanities, and Culture

When it comes to captivating speech topics, arts, humanities, and culture offer a rich source of inspiration. Here are some thought-provoking speech topics for you to consider:

• The influence of art on society
• Cultural appropriation in the media
• The evolution of hip – hop music
• Gender representation in literature
• The impact of social media on visual arts
• The significance of ancient mythology in modern storytelling
• Preservation of indigenous languages and traditions
• Role of museums in preserving cultural heritage
• Cultural diversity in global cinema
• The power of music in shaping identities

These intriguing speech topics will help you engage your audience and leave a lasting impression with your insightful presentations.

Social Issues

When it comes to persuasive speaking, addressing social issues can be impactful and thought-provoking. These topics can captivate your audience and spark meaningful discussions. Here are some compelling speech topics related to social issues:

• The impact of social media on mental health and well-being
• Strategies to combat cyberbullying and online harassment
• The importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Addressing homelessness in urban communities
• Raising awareness about the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations
• Promoting mental health education in schools to reduce stigma
• Exploring the impact of poverty on access to quality education
• Strategies for combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery

These topics provide a platform for engaging discussions that can inspire change and raise awareness about pressing social issues in our communities.

Science and Technology

As we transition from social issues, let’s delve into the realm of science and technology. Here are some stimulating speech topics to impress your audience:

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Society : Discuss how AI is shaping various industries and its implications for the future.
• Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering : Explore the moral considerations surrounding gene editing and its potential impact on humanity.
• Advancements in Space Exploration : Delve into recent developments in space technology and their significance for our understanding of the cosmos.
• The Future of Renewable Energy : Examine innovative approaches to sustainable energy production and their potential to combat climate change.
• Cybersecurity in the Digital Age : Highlight the importance of protecting personal data and critical infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world.
• Biotechnology Innovations in Medicine : Explore cutting-edge medical treatments and their potential to revolutionize healthcare.
• The Promise and Perils of Quantum Computing : Discuss the capabilities of quantum computing and its potential consequences for cybersecurity and scientific research.
• The Role of Technology in Environmental Conservation : Examine how modern technologies are being used to address environmental challenges such as pollution and deforestation.
• Augmented Reality and Its Applications : Explore how AR is transforming various industries, from gaming to education and healthcare.
• The Future of Transportation Technology : Discuss emerging trends in transportation, including autonomous vehicles and sustainable transit solutions.

These thought-provoking speech topics are designed to captivate your audience with engaging insights into the ever-evolving world of science and technology.

Health and Medicine

When it comes to persuasive speech topics, health and medicine are crucial areas. These topics can captivate your audience and spark important discussions. Here’s a comprehensive list of engaging health and medicine speech topics:

• The impact of mental health on overall well-being, including strategies for maintaining good mental health.
• The importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases and the debunking of common myths surrounding vaccinations.
• Exploring the benefits and risks of alternative medicine practices such as acupuncture and herbal remedies.
• The ethical considerations of gene editing technology and its potential impact on future generations.
• Understanding the role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases and improving overall health.
• Discussing the stigmatization of mental illness in society and promoting awareness for better understanding.

These captivating health and medicine speech topics will engage your audience and create meaningful dialogue about crucial aspects of our well-being.

As a public speaking beginner, I understand the importance of choosing a compelling speech topic to engage your audience. Here are some persuasive speech topics related to economics that can impress your listeners:

• The impact of globalization on local economies and businesses
• The role of small businesses in driving economic growth and innovation
• The pros and cons of increasing the minimum wage for workers
• How technology is changing the landscape of the job market and its effects on the economy
• The relationship between consumer behavior and economic trends
• Exploring sustainable practices in business and their economic benefits
• The significance of financial literacy in today’s economy and its impact on individuals and communities
• Analyzing the impact of government policies on economic stability and growth
• The role of entrepreneurship in shaping economic development and job creation
• Understanding the concept of supply and demand in influencing market prices

These topics are designed to spark engaging discussions and captivate your audience while addressing key aspects of economics.

Tips for Crafting a Compelling Speech

Crafting a compelling speech requires thorough research and consideration of all angles. Knowing your audience is crucial for tailoring the content effectively.

Research and Consider All Angles

When crafting a speech topic, research and consider all angles . It’s crucial to delve into various perspectives on the topic. This ensures that your speech has depth and addresses different viewpoints.

By thoroughly researching and considering all angles, you can present a well-rounded and comprehensive view to captivate your audience.

Focusing on thorough research helps in finding compelling facts and evidence that support your argument or topic. Moreover, considering all angles demonstrates respect for differing opinions , making your speech more inclusive and engaging for the audience.

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Tailoring your speech to fit their interests and knowledge level will help you engage them better . This means considering what they already know, their age group, and any specific interests they may have.

Keep it simple for high school or college students but aim for depth if speaking to those with a more advanced understanding of the topic. Remember , captivating your audience starts with knowing who they are and what resonates with them.

I’ve found that knowing your audience helps in choosing the right words and examples which would make my message clearer and more relevant to them. It’s not only about what interests me as the speaker but also about piquing curiosity amongst the listeners through shared commonalities or something new that catches their attention.

Practice and Refine

To craft a compelling speech, practice and refine are crucial. Practice by rehearsing your speech multiple times to build confidence. Time yourself to ensure that you deliver within the allocated duration.

Refine your speech by seeking feedback from peers or mentors and making necessary adjustments. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and pacing during practice sessions to improve delivery.

Rehearse in front of a mirror or record yourself to identify areas for improvement. Finally, seek opportunities to speak in public or join groups like Toastmasters International for practical experience .

Picking a good speech topic is key . It must interest you and grab your audience’s attention. Dr. Susan Hart, a renowned public speaking coach with over 20 years of experience, sees the value in unique topics .

Dr. Hart, with her Ph.D. in Communication from Stanford University, has guided thousands through the art of impactful speaking.

Dr. Hart praises our list for its range and originality. These topics encourage deep research and showcase various perspectives , she notes.

She also highlights the importance of ethical speech preparation .

For daily life or special events, Dr. Hart suggests these topics can inspire conversations or debates…

Weighing pros and cons, Dr.Hart finds our list diverse but warns against choosing overly complex subjects without enough prep time.

In her view, “50 Unique Topics for Speeches to Impress Your Audience” stands out as a valuable tool for anyone eager to improve their public speaking skills by offering fresh ideas that captivate any crowd.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

243 Easy and Simple Speech Topics

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.

If you have interest and knowledge in a specific subject, it makes for an easy speech topic. If a subject is not complex, it makes for an easy subject. If you have interest and knowledge on a simple non-complex topic, that makes for a really easy speech topic.

If time doesn’t allow for much preparation or research, what’s best is to stick with something you know. This will cut down significantly on your workload because you already know most of what there is to know.

In this article:

Family, Friends, Relationships

Government and the law, miscellaneous, easy and simple speech topics on popular subjects.

• Teachers should be required to take basic skills tests every few years to keep their certification
• Less professional advertisements in schools
• Why single-sex public schools are better than co-ed
• SAT scores for college applicants
• Student cyber bullies should be expelled from school
• Hazing on college campuses is a problem
• Higher education is a basic need for succeeding in life today.
• Schools should not serve french fries and soda
• Students that study online cheat more.
• Classic literature should only be for college students.
• Every student in every school should wear a uniform
• Students should be placed in trade schools after getting a basic education
• Exam scores have little indication on a student’s abilities
• History textbooks don’t tell the whole truth
• Learning about all world religions in schools is important
• Homeschooling is better than traditional education
• Phones are distracting students from learning
• Going to college has little bearing on a successful future
• Students should learn and be fluent in a second language
• Mandatory community service for students to graduate high school
• Should tablets and other technology replace books?
• Schools should educate on proper nutrition from start to finish
• Regulating the music at school dances to eliminate cursing
• The impact of gym class on students

• Dual parent households benefit children more.
• Couples are wrong to stay together for the kids.
• Family must always come first.
• Parents need to stop forcing their own dreams on their children.
• Live together before getting married.
• Married couples must have date nights.
• Breastfeeding is better than formula feeding
• Discipline should be based on rewards, not punishment
• Divorce doesn’t damage children.
• Lower cost childcare or childcare provided at every workplace
• Make help more readily available to single pregnant mothers
• Never borrow money from friends.
• Pros and cons of abstinence
• Imposing a curfew on kids 17 and under
• Parents should be accountable for not providing a healthy diet to their children
• Kids having jam-packed schedules isn’t good for them
• Long distance relationships don’t work.
• It’s not good to be an only child.
• Families eating together is important
• Kids today are being made to be selfish, disrespectful, and entitled
• Teenagers should contribute to household expenses
• The need for parental consent to give teen girls birth control
• Restrictions on how many children one family can have
• Free counseling to at-risk youth
• Parents right to give consent for their child to drink at home under supervision
• Should parents respect kids privacy at all times?
• How it takes a village to raise a child
• Parent’s responsibility to discuss sex education
• Video game violence causing violent kids
• Imposing better and more affordable options for the aging community

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• Dogs are better pets than cats.
• Exotic animals are not pets.
• Neutering pets is a must.
• Humans have turned pit bulls into monsters.
• Zoos do not give animals enough space.
• Adopt don’t shop is key to getting a pet.
• Birds are not meant to live in cages.
• Dolphins are intelligent creatures.
• Zoos cause more harm than good
• Euthanize dogs that have bitten more than once
• Ban slaughter houses for horses
• Why dogs are man’s best friend
• Not allowing people to keep exotic animals as pets
• Pit bulls aren’t the problem , it’s their owners

• Two child max rule should apply worldwide.
• Smoking in all public places should be illegal worldwide.
• Legalize abortion for rape and incest cases.
• Buyers should be punished even harsher than poachers.
• Cosmetic surgery should be regulated.
• Equal punishment and less protection for celebrities who break the law
• Impose bi-annual drivers tests for people over 60
• People on welfare should be drug tested to receive welfare, and at random to keep it
• Moral and legal stance on capital punishment
• Immigrants should be required to speak the primary language of the country they wish to immigrate to
• Red light cameras at every traffic light
• Everyone having access to affordable or even free universal health care
• The government is no longer “by the people and for the people”
• Impose stricter federal restrictions on internet content
• Making self-defense courses available to the public
• Regulate automobile emissions
• All weapons must be registered with the police
• The government shouldn’t censor information given online
• Stricter punishments for driving drunk
• No death penalty for juveniles
• Higher standards held for the President
• Weeding out the dirty politicians
• Protecting the quality of drinking water in America
• Criminals should pay restitution to their victims rather than to society
• Eliminate cursing on day-time television
• Restrictions on garbage output to reduce pollution and carbon footprint
• Legal issues are the best sources to find suggestions for persuasive speech topics.
• There is a need for more prisons.
• Human rights must be respected.

• People need to visit dentists more often.
• Fast foods must be more expensive than healthier foods.
• Music has healing power.
• Fast food restaurants are not responsible for obesity.
• Eating fruit is healthier than drinking fruit juice.
• Medical marijuana isn’t a cure.
• Vegan diets are too extreme.
• Benefits of drinking 2L of water per day is a myth.
• Calcium doesn’t make teeth stronger.
• Losing weight is easy, keeping it off is not.
• Aging cannot be reversed.
• Fat isn’t bad for you.
• Electronic cigarettes are harmful.
• Diet pills do not work.
• Balanced sugar-free nutrition is an effective treatment for ADHD.
• Hospitals should allow owners of pets to have their pets brought in
• Buying local goods is better for the economy and for our health
• The impact of consuming all organic foods on our bodies
• The benefits of alternative medicine vs. Western medicine
•  HIV and AIDS testing done annually for Health Care Professional 
• Fast food and the war on obesity
• Morbidly obese people should have to pay more for public transportation
• Healthcare should include a gym membership and nutrition counseling
• The negative implications of Facebook
• Television programs must be censored before broadcasting.
• Talking during movies at the theater is rude behavior.
• How the paparazzi hinders free press
• The good and bad when it comes to Google
• The paparazzi are the real stalkers.
• Celebrities get away with everything.
• Video games are not evil.
• Downloading copyrighted MP3s is piracy.
• Sex and violence on television is harmful to children.
• Ad spots in news programs should be banned.
• News media should give equal attention to all politicians.
• There is nothing real about reality TV.
• Social media should be blocked at work places.
• Fake news writers should be punished.
• Word of mouth will always be the best form of advertising.
• TV’s will soon be a thing of the past.
• Romantic movies set unrealistic standards.
• Ads aimed at children should be strictly regulated.
• Television has become the number two news source after the internet and tv will be further downsized.
• Beer advertisements promote irresponsible drinking and ought to be banned from the communal street views.
• Harry Potter books are popular even among adults.
• News reporters earn money because of people who make a mess of their lives.
• No news is good news!
• Books should never be burned in public.
• Advantages of having a three-day weekend instead of a two-day weekend
• Why everyone should visit Disney World
• Allow married women to enter Miss World and Miss Universe pageants.
• There couldn’t be enough beauty contests for children!
• Beauty contests degrade women.
• Some market toys provoke and promote violent behavior.
• Mac is better than PC
• Santiago de Chile tourists must be made aware of pickpocketers. (or another city)
• Love is far more powerful than hate
• Make free public wi-fi available
• Bike-sharing programs
• Stealing from the rich to give to the poor is not nobel.
• The morals behind lying
• Silly games like Candy Crush are making people less intelligent
• Using hands-free devices while driving
• Using lie detector tests for employment purposes
• What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
• Money can’t buy happiness
• Is Batman a real superhero?
• Why there aren’t more female construction workers
• Lie detector tests are inaccurate.
• Organic food tastes better.
• Alternative power is the answer to our energy crisis.
• It’s immoral to genetically design babies.
• Every property needs to have at least one tree.
• Nursery rhymes need to be looked at better.
• Hostels are not a place for children.
• Plant fruit trees on sidewalks.
• Religion and science can go hand in hand.
• Everyone should know how to swim.
• Not wearing a seat belt a personal choice.
• Opposites will always attract.
• Climate change is always changing.
• Not enough is done to end world hunger.
• Battery farming is unethical.
• People shouldn’t be paying for drivers licenses.
• Smokers make the most acquaintances.
• First impressions are always right.
• Cash should be abandoned completely.
• Allow mind reading during poker.
• Minimum wage is too low.
• Security cameras are an invasion of privacy.
• Clients don’t want birthday messages from businesses.
• Allow casual dress clothes in the workplace.
• Make public transport free.
• The welfare system doesn’t work.
• Organ donors should be paid.
• All kids on a winning team should get a trophy.
• Illegal immigrants don’t harm the economy.
• Humans are vegetarian by nature.
• Self-driving cars will cause fewer accidents.
• It is time to include internet slang to dictionaries.
• Teens are unfairly stereotyped.
• Group homes are better than foster care.
• Guns don’t kill people.
• Fracking is dangerous.
• Money isn’t the root of all evil.
• Being homeless is a choice.
• The school curriculum is too overloaded.
• Graffiti is art.
• Priests shouldn’t be giving marriage counseling.
• Everyone must be taught to do CPR.
• Juvenile crime is dealt with incorrectly.
• Older generations were crueler.
• Royal families are not needed in this day and age.
• Fame will always be bad for children.
• Prisoners must not be allowed tovote.
• Yearly HIV tests for all health professionals.
• Being skinny is no longer cool.
• Lego’s are not gender bias.
• The drought in Cape Town will happen in other parts of the world too.
• Employees know more than employers.
• Adoption records should be opened.
• Affirmative action is false competition in the workspace.
• Aids tests should be required in federal prisons – for all inmates and the prison guards too.
• The millimeter wave scanner at airports security zones strikes out all privacy that we fought for.
• Water management in our home really does matter.
• Why you should only buy fair trade.
• Hundred percent airline safety is an utopia.
• Helping runaways is a crime.
• Help addicted popstars immediately and save them.
• Hands free cell phone use in cars must be promoted better.
• Drivers quickly forget their drivers education.
• The driving age for teens should be raised to 18.
• The 1st Amendment is not a shield for hate groups.
• Reducing crime is a utopia.
• Impose trade and social sanctions on countries that do not prohibit child labor.
• More cold cases will be solved if investigators make use of DNA available.
• Ban the sale of guns at shops and stores.
• Saying what you want must not include hate speech.
• Immigrants must learn the language of the country they move to.
• Refund or rebate extra taxes collected plus interest on it to those who paid.
• Help the homeless down the streets and persuade them to look for work.
• Cell phone use is dangerous while driving.
• How Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas.
• History of our National Anthem and rituals.
• Paying off mortgage debt early is a good investment.
• Global awareness makes us responsible citizens of the world.

Nothing really stand out? No problem. Start by writing a list of things that interest you. Keep going until you find something you know a good deal about and that you could talk about forever. Choose something that will get your blood boiling, that you feel strongly about, even if others don’t. You’ll likely convert some people to your way of thinking just by the way you speak about your chosen topic.

No matter what topic you choose, always be credible and purpose-driven. Giving false facts is a big “no-no” and so is being wishy-washy with you speech. Give it meaning, give it purpose.

Just remember, what may be  easy speech topics to one person, isn’t always easily understood by someone else. So keep that in mind when persuading your audience.

613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas

The Best Microphone Stands and Desktop Boom Arms of 2022

8 thoughts on “243 Easy and Simple Speech Topics”

which topic is best topic in the world?

Thanks a lot It helped me in debate competition

Oof! that was quite a lot of reading, but it helped me greatly! I’m in a speech contest (middle grade, I’m in Canada).

Nice Idea to Easy and Simple Speech for Student Great Work well done

Thanks a lot it’s helpful

Last year I was super motivated to do a speech, and I came first in my school, with the topic of beach and ocean pollution. But know i’m not even motivated at all. Any suggestions of what I should do?

when your watching a movie with your parents and it gets to a sex scene and you tryna act cool: yes, the floor is very nice

My school has the best topics from this website UWU

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333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation

A powerful presentation covers a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. Use this master list to find your next great speech idea.

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You have been assigned a speech, presentation, or essay, but you have no clue what to talk about. A powerful presentation begins with a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. But you also need to discuss something you feel excited to research and discuss. 

This guide contains 333 informative speech topics for your next presentation, plus pro tips for delivering the best presentation possible.

What Is An Informative Speech?

Informative speeches aim to teach or instruct the audience about a topic. They include objective information and fact-based research but can incorporate a unique perspective, compelling storytelling , or a powerful take-home message. Unlike a celebratory wedding toast or an inaugural speech , informative speeches are written specifically to educate.

The six key types of informative speeches are: 

• Definition speeches : This speech aims to explain a concept or theory. For example, a speech topic starting with “What is…?” is usually a definition-type informative speech. 
• Explanatory speeches : These speeches explain how something works. For example, an explanatory speech could explain how your brain processes information or how an electric car works. 
• Demonstrative speeches : These classic “how-to’s” show the audience how to perform a task and often include a visual presentation. For example, students could teach their classmates how to be more productive or cook a healthy meal.  
• Comparative speeches : When a speaker compares or contrasts two alternative things, they help the audience understand the similarities or differences between two topics. For example, a comparative speech may weigh the pros and cons of private versus public schools. 
• Descriptive speeches : This informative speech describes a person, place, or thing and explains why the subject is essential. For example, a student may teach their classmates about a historical figure, or an entrepreneur may give a descriptive speech about the specifics of their product idea.
• Persuasive informative speeches : Although persuasive speeches are often categorized separately, some informative speeches can cross over into persuasion by using evidence to convince the audience why a particular method or perspective is better than its alternatives. For example, a salesperson may give a presentation to convince clients to buy their services, or a mental health advocate may give a speech to persuade people to do yoga more regularly. 

How To Pick An Informative Speech Topic: The Five W’s

Whether you want to give a top-notch school speech assignment or a groundbreaking TED Talk , the best informative speeches have one thing in common: they deliver a purposeful message with a captivating delivery. You must understand the basic who, what, when, where, and why to pick the perfect topic. 

• Who: Before you start looking for topics, you should know who your audience is. A college speech class is a far different audience than a room of conference attendees. Consider what your audience is interested in, why they should care about your speech and their level of knowledge about the topic. If you talk about something too basic, they may be bored, but if you discuss something too technical, they may have difficulty understanding your speech. 
• What: Consider your passions and existing knowledge about a subject. The “what” of your speech is the meat of the presentation. Imagine a three-circle Venn diagram. The three circles are labeled: “things I am interested in,” “things my audience cares about,” and “things I can research.” The center point where these three circles overlap is the sweet spot for your speech topic. 
• When (Length): The length of your speech can drastically impact how in-depth you dive into the topic. A five-minute speech should cover a niche topic or a high-level concept. A thirty-minute to an hour-long presentation can teach about a more detailed topic. 
• Where: If you’re giving a speech in a meeting room at an office, your performance will likely be very different from speaking on stage in a large auditorium. Consider where you will be speaking and what kind of technology (projector, large screen, whiteboard, etc.) you will have available. The geographic location of your speech can also determine your selection of a local or regional topic relevant to the community. 
• Why: Most importantly, you should know the purpose of your speech. If your goal is to get a good grade, it may help you pay more attention to following the teacher’s rubric. If your goal is to convince the audience to make a lifestyle change or donate to an important cause, you should structure your speech with the core “why” in mind. 

The best speeches combine a simple message with charismatic delivery, an easily digestible structure, and something the audience can relate to. The essence of a great speech is that it arouses something in the audience, such as the motivation to take action or to see things in a new way.

List of Informative Speech Topics: 333 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

In an informative speech, it is essential to have plenty of evidence or data to support your claims. But even the most well-researched presentation can feel hollow without the passion for delivering it authentically. 

As you explore ideas for your speech, you should naturally gravitate toward intriguing and exciting topics. Giving a speech about something you think your teacher or colleagues will like (rather than what you’re truly interested in) could ultimately be inauthentic or boring. Take note of what makes your heart beat a little faster and follow that curiosity . 

Easy Informative Speech Topics

If you’re in a pinch, choose a speech topic that doesn’t require extensive explanations to get the point across. It may be a good idea to avoid anything controversial or technical. Instead, choose a straightforward demonstrative or descriptive topic with a wide range of online information.

• How to improve your communication skills
• The most memorable speeches in history
• Why you should buy an electric car 
• The most popular cars of the year
• How to read body language  
• Top habits of successful people
• The most famous actors in history
• The benefits of time in nature
• Lesser known presidents
• Most popular breeds of dogs
• The worst natural disasters in the world 
• How to eat healthier  
• Harmful impacts of technology
• How to survive without electricity 
• The richest people in the world 
• The top companies in the world
• Child geniuses and prodigies
• How does sugar influence the body?
• The history of Disneyland
• How to break bad habits
• Top beauty products for younger skin
• How to do your homework faster 
• How to be more productive  
• High school students should do these 5 things before graduating
• Why high school students should take a gap year before college
• The best healthy snacks 
• Why you should go vegan
• How to be more confident  
• How to start a business
• Fashion through the decades 

Pro Tip : Start your speech with an attention-grabbing hook that draws the audience in to listen. Try not to start by mentioning a technical difficulty (“Is this microphone working?”) or saying a lackluster nicety (“Thanks for having me.”).

Instead, try starting with:

• A story: “I’m here for a reason. And It’s an interesting story….”
• A big idea: “The single most important thing I want to share with you today is….”
• A quirky one-liner or interesting fact: “You might have always thought….”

Here is a guide on How to Start a Speech: Best and Worst Speech Openers . 

You can also watch our video to learn the best (and worst) speech openers:

Informative Speech Topics for College

If public speaking isn’t scary enough, college speech classes can be brutal. You want to impress your professor without thoroughly embarrassing yourself in front of your peers. These topics are scholarly without being boring. 

• How you can reduce your carbon footprint
• Different forms of learning
• The truth about microplastics and possible alternatives
• How to ace a college test 
• Why schools shouldn’t give homework 
• America’s fastest-growing cities
• The differences between female and male communication
• The best marketing tactics
• The importance of education for a country’s economy 
• Ethical questions of artificial intelligence
• Unique ways to stop global climate change
• How to live to be 100
• Benefits of E-learning
• History of education in America
• How to eradicate poverty
• The real picture of foster care in America
• How to decide on a college major
• Pros and cons of the current education system
• Economics of urban versus rural development
• The history of agriculture 
• How ancient Egyptians built the pyramids
• How to prevent the top 5 leading causes of death in America
• Understanding industrial hemp
• Pros and cons of remote work
• How college students can become millionaires by age 50 with monthly investing
• How to start an organic garden
• Private vs. public school
• The importance of discipline
• The most useful websites for college students
• Where does public university funding come from

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Most people don’t realize that playful topics like video games and reality TV can still be informative. These less serious subjects have the potential to become great speeches that invoke laughter, excitement, or new perspectives. 

• Can procrastination be good for you?
• Myth or reality? We only use 10% of our brains
• The funniest commercials of all time
• Bizzare sports you didn’t know existed 
• How snake venom attacks the body
• What will humans look like in the future? 
• Weirdest medical facts
• The strangest phobias 
• Secrets to a great relationship
• The fastest cars in the world 
• What causes hiccups
• Evidence of life on Mars 
• The world history of tattoos 
• Why college students love fast food 
• The evolution of video games 
• How cryptocurrency can change finance 
• Where do stereotypes come from?
• The most bizarre conspiracy theories 
• The most influential musicians of our time
• Top craziest amusement park rides in the world
• The most fun things to do when you’re bored
• History of tattoo art
• The seven wonders of the world
• How to survive an annoying roommate
• The truth about reality shows
• How to create a bucket list
• The secrets behind the best TV shows 
• Weirdest foods taste surprisingly delicious
• How to talk to people you don’t like 

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

The most viral TED Talks combine a compelling or unique idea with exceptional nonverbal delivery. These interesting topics are sure to get your audience thinking.

• The neuroscience of attraction
• Mind-blowing facts about volcanoes
• The psychology of selling things 
• Why you should turn your lawn into a garden
• Proof that aliens are real/fake 
• How to start a business for under $100
• The history of America from a minority perspective 
• How technology affects our brains
• What would happen to the economy if everyone grew their own food?
• The science and ethics of genetic modification 
• How the electric car originated 
• Elon Musk’s rise to success 
• What is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)?
• How deaf people talk with emotion 
• Why smiles are contagious 

Informative Speech Topics About Science

From biology to chemistry to genetics, science encompasses many subjects. Where modern technology meets cutting-edge discoveries, these topics are for inquisitive researchers who want to dig into the data. 

• How your brain works
• History of space exploration
• How solar panels work
• The evolution of plants
• Fascinating origins of plant medicines
• How DNA evidence is used
• How galaxies are formed 
• How science is influenced by corporations 
• Why dinosaurs really went extinct
• The oldest fossils ever found 
• How does the human brain work?
• The effects of music on the brain  
• The life of Albert Einstein
• How earthquakes can be predicted
• The craziest scientists in history
• What is CRISPR?
• Potential cures for cancer 
• What is epigenetics?

Pro Tip : Google Scholar and PubMed are two excellent resources for peer-reviewed scientific literature. Accredited institutions conduct these studies and have undergone the rigor of the scientific method. They even include easy copy-and-paste citations if you need to turn in a bibliography with your speech.

Informative Speech Topics about Animals 

From cuddly pets to the alien-like mystery creatures of the deep ocean, animals are universally fascinating. 

• How to train a dog
• The most dangerous animals in the ocean
• How elephants use plants to medicate themselves 
• The science behind the fastest animals in the world
• Can depression be treated with emotional support animals?
• Comparing reptiles versus mammals
• The strongest animal in the world
• Top 10 strangest animals on Earth
• Comparing human and primate brains
• Animals that have their own languages
• Ethical questions with animal testing
• What causes animals to become extinct? 
• How to adopt a cat
• Pros and cons of the pet adoption system
• Is it kind to keep a monkey as a pet?

Informative Speech Topics Sports

Fitness, sports medicine, and professional sports teams are just scraping the surface regarding this subject. You can talk about the inspiring life of your favorite player or game history. The speech topics are perfect for anyone who loves to sweat and cheer.

• How sports teach kids discipline 
• The importance of physical activity for stress relief
• Why companies should promote workplace fitness programs  
• Top-paying careers in sports 
• How people with disabilities can still play sports
• Football culture in the American south 
• The importance of sports for children’s socialization
• The role of sports and masculinity in young boys 
• Gambling problems in sports
• What makes a great sports coach? 
• The best football players of all time 
• How yoga can complement workouts
• How to prevent sports injuries 
• The best physical therapy for college athletes
• The life of Michael Jordan
• Game-changing athletes in history 
• Lebron James’ secret to success  
• How Jackie Robinson transformed baseball 
• The best nutrition for athletes, based on science
• Top vegan athletes in the world 
• Why cheerleading is/isn’t a real sport
• Controversial moments in the Olympics 
• Modern controversies about transgender athletes 
• The most extreme sports in the world
• How hockey changed my life
• Pros and cons of CrossFit
• Why swimming is one of the healthiest workouts
• How adult hobby sports can improve socialization
• Daily exercise improves mental health 
• The best at-home workouts
• Top marketing strategies used by the Super Bowl
• How the Olympics promotes international peace 
• Should pro athletes have salary caps?
• How college athletes go pro
• Top female athletes in the world
• Interesting sports from around the world
• Why height is not the most important factor in basketball
• Why soccer is the most popular international sport
• Why women’s soccer gets less media coverage than men’s
• The best solo sports for introverts 
• How handicapped people can still play sports 
• The most inspirational handicapped athletes 

Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Speech With Stage Presence

Did you know that public speaking is actually a skill? Many people struggle with stage anxiety because they feel they ‘missed the memo’ on public speaking or they are lacking because they do not have a natural stage presence. Not true!

Stage presence and public speaking are skills you need to be taught—very few people have them naturally. 

Watch our video to learn 7 steps to overcome stage fright and beat performance anxiety:

Here are all the aspects of public speaking you can master.

• How to make a first impression with an audience
• How to have stage presence
• Powerful body language
• How to speak with a commanding voice
• What to do with your hands while speaking

For every speaking skill you add to your toolbox, the less speaking anxiety you will feel.

If you want help really diving into your presentation skills, be sure to sign-up for our course…

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Cultural Informative Speech Topics

Learning about different cultures can drastically expand your viewpoint of the world. These speech ideas cover everything from language to ancient history to pop culture. 

• How to learn about local culture while traveling
• The importance of workplace culture
• How to build a positive corporate culture 
• How social media connects and promotes culture 
• The oldest cultures in the world 
• Modern versus traditional gender roles 
• How women have transformed corporate leadership 
• The dangers of hustle culture
• How social media culture impacts self-esteem
• How to learn from watching movies
• The rise of podcasts and their role in modern culture 
• The role of social media in business 
• How immigrants maintain cultural traditions in their new countries
• Ancient archeological artifacts you’ve never heard of
• Native American spiritual traditions
• Holy herbs and plants across global cultures
• How to make an African tribal basket
• The portrayal of black culture in the media
• Culture of Scandinavia
• Burial rituals in ancient Mesopotamia 
• History and meaning of the Om symbol
• The history of Buddhism
• How to show respect in Japanese culture
• The cultural history of African Americans 
• Chinese traditional foods 
• Top 10 foreign dishes you have to try before you die
• The most important spiritual symbols in the world
• Generational differences in Mexican culture
• The symbolism of marigolds in Mexican traditions
• What is Dia De Los Muertos?  

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Informative Speech Topics About History

They say, “history repeats itself.” Consider giving a unique or lesser-known perspective about historical events for a thought-provoking speech. Use museum artifacts and first-hand accounts to guide your points. 

• The Civil Rights Movement
• The oldest civilizations in the world
• Nelson Mandela’s historical impact
• The truth about colonization and Thanksgiving 
• How the Industrial Revolution impacted the environment 
• The real story of the Titanic 
• The craziest criminals in history  
• What caused the Great Depression? 
• What schools get wrong about black history 
• Religion during the age of the Aztecs
• Archeological evidence of aliens
• Ancient history of dogs and wolves 
• What caused the Salem witch trials?
• The American Revolution
• The role of Christianity in slavery
• Human rights violations throughout history
• How life changed for Native Americans after colonization 
• The role of urbanization on the changing American landscape
• The cowboy era: myths and truths 
• The American Constitution
• The most influential people in world history
• Forming of the United Nations
• What caused World War I?
• Financial panics and recessions throughout history
• The Prohibition era 
• What led to consumerism in society? 
• The Vietnam War
• The California Gold Rush
• The true story of Pocahontas
• Little-known facts about Mexican history

Informative Speech Topics About Music

Music is the soundtrack to our lives. Beyond mere entertainment, its impact dives into the roots of culture, identity, and brain function. Here are some exciting ways to incorporate your love of music into an informative speech. 

• How music can help mental health 
• Why you should learn an instrument
• How listening to music improves your productivity
• Genres of music 
• Links between classical music and IQ
• Why do people bond over music 
• Rarest instruments in the world
• The easiest instruments to play
• Best country musicians of all time
• How hip hop music has shaped culture in America
• Evolution of rap and hip hop 
• The origins of rock n’ roll in southern blues music
• The history of opera
• The best electronic dance music
• The impact of reggae music
• How punk rock got its start 
• How folk music shaped Appalachia 
• Country music hall of fame
• Must-see musical landmarks around the world
• Importance of gospel music
• The ethics of sampling other artist’s music
• How music shapes subculture 
• Has social media made record companies obsolete?
• The importance of musical education in public schools
• Music as a form of protest
• How sad music helps you overcome heartbreaks
• Why music shapes generations
• How dancing can change your mindset
• From the phonograph to iPhone: History of music machines

Health Informative Speech Topics

The ever-changing landscape of health offers a wealth of resources. Leave an impact on your audience by inspiring them to improve their eating habits or approach healthy living in a new way. Be sure to find the right sources for these speeches to make sure you are citing correct health science.

• How to extend your lifespan 
• Links between diet and mental illnesses 
• How to cook healthy food on a budget 
• Why a daily walk outside can transform your health
• History of herbal medicine 
• Let food be thy medicine: From Hippocrates to modern day food pyramid
• Why you should do yoga for 15 minutes a day
• Benefits and drawbacks of a vegetarian diet
• The healthiest fruits in the world 
• What is really in processed food?
• Is weight lifting or cardio better for burning fat?
• How agriculture affects our health
• The gut microbiome
• The dangers of pesticides in our food system
• How soil health impacts human health 
• Who controls the food system? 
• The science behind keto diets
• The dangers of low-fat diets
• Top 5 best foods for brain function
• The daily habits of the healthiest people in the world
• Differences in definitions of health
• European versus American food ingredients 
• The role of fats in brain function 
• How to fix a headache
• The benefits of magnesium
• The best supplements, according to science 
• The main signs of a stroke
• The chronic disease epidemic in America 
• How to lose weight the healthy way
• Why you should avoid eating seed oils
• Why you should stop eating gluten 
• How to prevent arthritis
• The real causes of diabetes
• Is meat actually bad for you? Pros and cons
• How to stop the mental health epidemic 
• How dental health impacts your digestion
• Amazing benefits of black seed oil
• The Harvard Longevity Project: Why happy people live longer
• Ancient health remedies from around the world
• Why you should eat fermented foods
• Causes of cancer and how to prevent it
• Why people should donate their organs
• Effects of radiation
• The healthiest cultures in the world 
• Why obesity is a modern problem
• How to have stronger bones
• Healthcare access for minorities
• Why fast food restaurants are addictive
• Pros and cons of salt
• How to overcome stress
• The dangers of e-cigarettes
• People need to drink more water
• The insurance and healthcare system in America
• How friendships improve your health
• Why couples should exercise together
• Benefits of dark chocolate
• Dangerous food additives you’ve never heard of
• Easy ways to improve your nutrition
• How to reverse hair loss
• Secrets to have healthy hair
• Benefits and drawbacks of stem cell research 
• Why you should stop drinking soda
• How to reduce asthma attacks
• Health benefits of ginger
• Why you should drink tea

Key Takeaways: Find Inspiration for a Speech

Any informative topic can be used to craft a speech, but a showstopping presentation requires thinking outside the box and approaching your speech from a unique point of view. Before you settle on a topic for your next speech, be sure that your speech idea is:

• Authentically interesting : Discussing something that doesn’t spark your interest is no use. Choose a topic or idea that you actually care about for an authentic and passionate delivery. 
• Relevant to your audience : If you don’t know your audience, you might as well be speaking to a wall. Professional presenters understand the general knowledge level of their audience and what information will be valuable or interesting to them. 
• Easy to research : Obscure topics can be alluring and challenging to research. Choose a topic that has plenty of information available in books or online. Be sure to use reputable sources and cite them when necessary.
• The proper length : The depth and detail of your speech ultimately depend on the length of time you have to talk. Pick a subject that you can thoroughly describe in the allotted time frame.  

Once you narrow down a few of your favorite topic ideas, start brainstorming how you want your speech to impact the audience. Use these 10 Presentation Ideas That Will Radically Improve Your Presentation Skills , such as:

• Why you should save the best for first and last
• How to design epic presentation slides
• Why you shouldn’t over-rehearse
• How to own the stage 

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10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to calm the nerves and deliverable memorable orations.

Marjorie North

Snakes? Fine. Flying? No problem. Public speaking? Yikes! Just thinking about public speaking — routinely described as one of the greatest (and most common) fears — can make your palms sweat. But there are many ways to tackle this anxiety and learn to deliver a memorable speech.

In part one of this series,  Mastering the Basics of Communication , I shared strategies to improve how you communicate. In part two, How to Communicate More Effectively in the Workplace , I examined how to apply these techniques as you interact with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. For the third and final part of this series, I’m providing you with public speaking tips that will help reduce your anxiety, dispel myths, and improve your performance.

Here Are My 10 Tips for Public Speaking:

1. nervousness is normal. practice and prepare.

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice — a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

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2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose.

Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea, and main points. Make sure to grab the audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don’t become a talking head — in any type of communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a real person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience’s attention. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.

Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with “Today I’m going to talk to you about X”? Most people don’t. Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or concise quotation. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or clarify your content, or capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

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About the Author

North is a consultant for political candidates, physicians, and lawyers, and runs a private practice specializing in public speaking, and executive communication skills. Previously, she was the clinical director in the department of speech and language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University.

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120+ Examples of Interesting Topic For Speaking in 2024

Jane Ng • 16 April, 2024 • 13 min read

Are you looking for good topics for a speech, specifically public speaking topics?

Are you a college student who is struggling to come up with an interesting topic for public speaking in a university contest, or simply to finish your speaking assignment with a high mark?

If you are looking for a motivational or persuasive speech topic that will both interest you and captivate your audience, we are here to help you. So, how to choose an attractive public speaking topic that not only excites your audience but also helps you beat Glossophobia !?

AhaSlides will introduce you to 120+ Examples of Interesting Topic For Speaking and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Table of Contents

• How To Find An Interesting Topic For Speaking
• 30 Persuasive Speech Examples
• 29 Motivational speaking topics
• 10 Random Interesting Topic For Speaking
• 20 Unique Speech Topics

15 Topics for Public Speaking at University

16 topics for public speaking for college students.

• 17 Speaking Topics for Students
• How to Make your Speech Better

Frequently Asked Questions

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• What is Public Speaking?
• Types of Public Speaking
• Why is Public Speaking Important?
• External Resource: MySpeechClass

How To Find An Interesting Topic For Speaking?

#1: identify the theme and purpose of the speaking event.

Determining the event's purpose saves a lot of time and effort to figure out ideas for the speech. Although this is the main step and seems obvious, there are still speakers who prepare sketchy speech that doesn't have strong point and doesn't fit the event.

#2: Know your audience 

Before having unique speech topics, you must know your audience! Knowing what your audience has in common can help you choose a relevant topic. 

A reason why they are all sitting in the same room listening to you. General characteristics may include age, gender, seniority, education, interests, experience, ethnicity, and employment.

#3: Share your personal knowledge and experience

Keeping in mind the nature of your speaking event and audience, what related interesting topic for speaking are you interested in? Finding relevant topics will make researching, writing, and speak it more enjoyable.

#4: Catch any latest related news

Is there media coverage of a particular topic you and your audience want to know? Interesting and trending topics will make your talk much more engaging.

#5: Make a list of possible ideas

Time to brainstorm and jot down all potential ideas. You can ask your friends to add more ideas, or comments to make sure no opportunity is missed.

#6: Make a short topics list 

Reviewing the list and narrowing it down to three finalists. Consider all the factors like

• Which of your interesting topic for speaking is the best fit for the speaking event? 
• Which idea is most likely to appeal to your audience? 
• What topics do you know the most about and find interesting?

#7: Make a decision and Stick With 

Picking a topic that surprises you, you find yourself naturally attached to, and stick it in your mind. Outline the selected topic, if you find it easiest and fastest to complete the outline. That's the theme you should choose!

Still need more interesting speech topics? Here are some interesting topics for speaking ideas you can try.

30 Persuasive Speech Examples

• Being a mom is a career. 
• Introverts make excellent leaders
• Embarrassing moments make us stronger
• Winning is not what matters
• Animal testing should be eliminated
• The media should give equal coverage to Female sports 
• Should there be restrooms exclusively for transgender people?
•  The dangers of young people becoming famous online as children or teens.
• Intelligence depends more on the environment than genetics
• Arranged marriages must be outlawed
• How marketing affects people and their perceptions
• What are current global issues between countries?
• Should we use products made with animal fur?
• Is the electric car our new solution for the fossil fuel crisis?
• How do our differences make us unique?
• Are introverts better leaders?
• Social media make people’s self-image and self-esteem
• Does technology harm the youngster?
• Learning from your mistake
• Spending time with your grandparents
• A simple way to overcome stress
• How to learn more than two languages at the same time
• Should we use Genetically modified foods
• Tips to overcome covid-19 pandemic
• E-sports is important as other sport
• How to be self-employed?
• Does TikTok designed for an addition?
• How to enjoy your campus life meaningfully
• How can writing a journal help you become a better person?
• How to speak confidently in public?

29 Motivational Speaking Topics

• Why losing is necessary to succeed
• The dress code is unnecessary for office employees
• Parents should become their kids' best friends
• Effective listening is more important than talking
• Why it is important to support local businesses
• How to turn Challenges into Opportunities
• Underrated art of patience & silent observation
• Why have personal boundaries important?
• Life is a chain of ups and downs
• Being honest about your own mistakes
• Being a winner
• Being a better role model to our children
• Don’t let others define who you are
• Donations make you happy
• Protech environment for the future generation
• Being confident
• Starting a healthy life by breaking a bad habit
• Positive thinking changes your life
• Effective leadership
• Listening to your inner voice
• Restarting a new career
• Starting a healthy life
• Women’s place at work
• To be successful, you have to be disciplined
• Time management
• Strategies for focusing on study and work
• Tips for quick weight loss
• Most inspiring moment
• Balancing social life with studies

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10 Random Interesting Topic For Speaking

You can use a spinner wheel to choose a random, weird speech topics, as it's humorous, or interesting topic to speaking

• Thirteen is a lucky number
• 10 best ways to make your kids leave you alone
• 10 ways to annoy your parents
• Hot girl problems
• Boys gossip more than girls do
• Blame your cats for your problems
• Do not take life too seriously.
• If men had a menstrual cycle
• Control your laugh at serious moments
• The game of Monopoly is a mental sport

20 Unique Speech Topic s

• Technology is a double-edged sword
• There is life after death
• Life is never fair for everyone
• A decision is more important than hard-working
• We live once
• The healing power of music
• What is the most ideal age to get married
• Is it possible to live without the internet
• Clothes do influence how people react to you
• Untidy people are more creative
• You are what you say
• Boarding game for family and friend bonding
• Gay couples can raise a good family
• Never give money to the beggar
• Crypto-currency
• Leadership cannot be taught
• Overcome the fear of Maths
• Should exotic animals should be kept as pets
• Why are so many beauty contests?
• Giving birth to a twins

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• The virtual classroom will take over in the future
• Peer pressure is necessary for self-development
• Go to career fairs is a smart move
• Technical training is better than a bachelor's degree
• Pregnancy is not the end of a student's university dream
• Fake personas and social media
• Ideas for spring break trips
• Credit cards are harmful to college students
• Changing a major is not the end of the world
• The harmful effects of alcohol
• Dealing with adolescent depression
• Universities should have career counseling programs now and then
• Colleges and universities should be free to attend
• Multiple choice tests are better than essay tests
• Gap years are a very great idea

• State colleges are better than private colleges
• College dropouts are more successful than college pass outs
• Beauty > Leadership skills while participating in college elections?
• Plagiarism checks have made life more miserable
• Decorating your college apartment with a low budget
• How to be Happy Being Single
• College students should live on campus
• Saving money while in college
• Education should be available to everyone as a human right
• How we undermine depression by normalizing it
• Pros and cons of community college vs. a four-year college or university
• Media psychology and communication relationship
• Why are so many students afraid of public speaking?
• How is Emotional Intelligence measured?
• How to pick up a topic for your graduation project
• Can a hobby turn into a profitable business?

17 Speaking Topics for Students

• Teachers should be tested like students.
• Is higher education overrated?
• Cooking should be taught in schools
• Boys and girls are potentially equal in every aspect
• Are birds comfortable in the zoo?
• Online friends show more compassion
• Consequences of cheating in exams
• Homeschooling is better than normal schooling
• What are the best ways to stop bullying?
• Teens should have weekend jobs
• School days should start later
• Why reading is more beneficial than watching television?
• TV shows or movies about teenage suicide encourage it or prevent it?
• Students should be allowed to have cell phones in elementary, middle, and high school
• Internet chatrooms are not safe
• Parents should let students fail

You can take one of the ideas above and turn them into an interesting topic for speaking.

How to Make your Speech Better!

#1: outline public speaking.

An Interesting topic for speaking makes an excellent speech if it has a clear structure. Here is a typical example:

Introduction

• A. Capture the audience's attention
• B. Introduce the main idea you are talking about
• C. Talk about why the audience should listen
• D. Brief overview of the main points of your speech

A. First main point (spoken as a statement)

• Subpoint (spoken as a statement, supporting the main point)
• Evidence to support the main point
• Any other potential sub-points, interpreted in the same way as 1

B. Second main point (expressed as a statement)

• Subpoint (expressed as a statement; supporting the main point)
• (Continue to follow the organization of the First Main Point)

C. Third main point (expressed as a statement)

• 1. Subpoint (expressed as a statement; supporting the main point)
• (Continued to follow the organization of First Main Point)
• A. Summary - A brief review of the main points
• B. Closing - Complete speech
• C. QnA - Time to answer questions from the audience

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#2: Craft and Deliver an Interesting Inspirational Speech

Once you have chosen your ideal topic, now it is time for you to begin preparing content. Preparation is the key to delivering an impressive speech. You need to work hard to make sure each paragraph of your speech is informative, clear, relevant, and valuable to listeners. There are some guidelines and tips that you can follow to make your speech expressive and effective.

• Research your speech topic

It can be time-consuming and frustrating at the beginning but believe it or not once you adopt the right mindset and passion, you will enjoy the process of looking for different information. Make sure you follow the audience-centric and fill your knowledge gaps. Because above all, your goal is to educate, persuade or inspire your audience. Therefore, read everything that is related to the topic you are exploring as much as you can.

• Create an outline

The best way to make sure your speech is spoken perfectly is to work on your draft which lists important outlines. It is the plan to help you stay on track, at the same time, ensure your paper is organized, focused, and supported. You can write down all the points and possible transitions between paragraphs.

• Choosing the right words

Make sure you avoid the fluff and superfluous words that make your speech sounds cliche or boring. Put it shortly and concisely as Winston Churchill once said, “Short words are best, and old words, when short, are best of all.” However, don’t forget to stay true to your own voice. Moreover, you can ultimately use a sense of humor to engage your listeners but don’t overuse it if you don’t want to be blamed for the offense.

• Support your main idea with persuasive examples and facts

There are a variety of useful sources that you can facilitate such as library sources, peer-reviewed academic journals, newspapers, Wikipedia… and even your personal library sources. One of the best inspiring examples can come from your own experience. Using anecdotes from your own life or someone that you know can stimulate the audience's heart and mind at the same time. Additionally, you can quote reputable sources to prove your point of view more solid and persuasive.

• Ending your speech with a strong conclusion

In your closing, restate your opinion, and exert the audience's heartstrings at the last time by summarizing your points in a short and memorable sentence. Besides, you can call for action by giving the audience challenges which leave them motivated and remember your speech.

• Practice makes perfect

Keeping on practicing is the only way to make your speech perfect. Don’t worry if you are not a good speaker. Again, practice makes perfect. Practicing before the mirror repeatedly or getting feedback from professionals will help you to build confidence and coherence while speaking.

• Using AhaSlides to brighten up  your speech

Make use of this powerful tool as much as possible. Engaging visual presentation slides will absolutely help you capture the audience's attention at the beginning as well as at the end of the speech. AhAslide is easy to use and portable for edit on almost devices. It is highly recommended by professionals around the world. Pick a template and have a go, your public speaking will never be the same again.

What are good speech topics? It can be difficult to choose an interesting topic for speaking from among such a wide variety of ideas. Think about which of the above topics you are most knowledgeable about, most comfortable with, and which opinions can be highlighted.

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6 steps to find Interesting Topic For Speaking?

The 6 steps include: (1) Identify the theme and purpose of the speaking event (2) Know your audience  (3) Share your personal knowledge and experience (4) Catch any latest related news (5) Make a list of possible ideas (6) Make a short topics list 

Why interesting topics to speak are important?

Interesting topics are important for a speech because they help to capture the audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout the presentation. When the audience is interested in the topic, they are more likely to be receptive to the message and to remember the key points of the speech.

Why interesting topics should be in short format?

Shorter speeches can be just as effective if they are well-crafted and delivered with impact. A short, powerful speech can leave a lasting impression on the audience and can be more memorable than a longer speech that rambles on. But please be aware that the length of a speech should be determined by the needs of the situation and the goals of the speaker.

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100+ Entertaining Speech Topics

Previously, public speeches used to follow a very formal and rigid structure. They were largely informative and only really done by leaders or organizations. Because of this, there wasn’t a draw to it for a large community of people. However, these days public speeches have become a lot more receptive to a more lighthearted and entertaining structure.

Integrating humor is no longer just looked at as informal but has in fact become its own umbrella of public speaking. These days entertaining a crowd is one of the number one recommended methods to keep them interested. But all of it begins with picking the right speech topic.

This is why we have below a list of over 100 entertaining speech topics for you to practice and pick from.

Let’s get right to it!

Table of Contents

Choose an entertaining topic 

Consider your audience , plan laughter, practice with an audience, practice your speech, persuasive funny topics:, informative and funny speech topics:, funny speech topics for any occasion:, inspirational and funny topics:, wrapping up,, how to deliver an effective entertaining speech.

There is an art to delivering an entertaining speech. Like any other form of speech, it also has its own elements. To make sure your speech has it all, here are our tips on delivering an effective entertaining speech:

As we know, an entertaining topic is at the bane of an entertaining speech. Depending on the audience and the stage, you might have to filter exactly what is appropriate. You can either pick an outright funny topic or choose to add a fun spin to a typically serious topic. Both have their pros and it will be best to pick one that suits your sense of humor. 

The same joke is unlikely to work for different audiences. This is why any speech needs to be fine-tuned to the audience. These are the efforts that elevate your speech and make you stand out. In any setting, the most important thing to do is connecting to your audience. If your speech contains controversial elements, definitely re-check if the crowd will have a polarising reaction to it.

An entertaining speech of course, comes with laughter. You can plan this laughter by either incorporating jokes, ridiculing yourself, or utilizing exaggeration. Absurdity has a great place to play in a humorous speech. To get a better idea, we recommend watching some standup comedians at work. You will see how some use grandiose elements, while some simply stick to punchlines with a casual delivery. You will need to experiment with these styles to know what comes more naturally to you.

Unlike informative and persuasive speeches, there is no way to know whether your entertaining speech hits the mark without trying it on someone. Your content might be hilarious to you but delivering it on stage and receiving silence can be extremely disheartening. Once you get your script ready, get a friend’s opinion. Be open to criticism and make the changes that you agree with. Getting their vote of confidence will also make you a lot more sure in your material for the day of the performance.

This goes without saying. You need to practice your speech until there is a natural flow to it. Recording and listening to your speech will give you a better idea of the right tempo, pauses, and flow necessary to your delivery. Similarly, it can also help improve your body language. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will get with your content and the more effortlessly funny you will appear.

100+ Entertaining Speech Topics:

• Smokers: they do it to look cool!
• There is nothing as tempting as prohibited activities.
• Why dogs are better than people.
• Atheists cannot like Godzilla, try Sciencezilla.
• Vegetarian food proved non-lethal to meat-eaters.
• In God we trust, that’s what the data concludes.
• Why it should be illegal for females to enter man caves.
• Children are the only ones benefiting from marriage.
• Cats think we are their slaves – why they are right!
• “If you think you are too insignificant to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito”- Dalai Lama
• Growing up is a trap – don’t do it!
• Humans – creatures on two legs and ungrateful.
• Frequency of eating soup as a function of mustache type.
• Lumberjack beards draw cats to men.
• Flat Earth believers and GPS – it’s complicated.
• Truth will set you free, but first, it will hurt.
• Government doesn’t want you to know penguins are swallows who eat before sleep.
• Pigeons aren’t real.
• We shouldn’t fear a villain, just the smart ones.
• We don’t know the best criminal ever because they haven’t been caught.
• Twitter and the presidency, it’s complicated.
• Reusing birthday congratulation messages is just effective time management.
• All drivers were once pedestrians.
• Underestimated art of eating with your mouth closed.
• Wake up world! This is a simulation!
• How to procrastinate like a professional.
• How glasses can make you look innocent.
• Life is too short to take it seriously.
• The answer to life, universe and everything: 42.
• If you want something you’ve never had, do something you’ve never done (but is still legal).
• Life’s tricks you with temptation.
• Maybe it’s love, maybe it’s maybelline.
• Love does not die of starvation but rather, of indigestion.
• Second mouse gets less cheese but is also less exhausted.
• Why is there grass on the other side?
• Having a favorite problem: how optimism helps you tackle problems.
• “Most people would succeed in small things if they were not troubled with great ambitions”- Henry Longfellow
• What Tibetan monks would say about your Amazon cart.
• “Turn the other cheek” and other terrible advice.
• Offering soft toys as presents can effectively calm superiors.
• Banging head against the wall helps reduce stress but choose whose head is key
• Not washing hands after using the toilet as a predictor of sociopaths in children.
• Modern art is confusing – a visual presentation.
• If baby shampoo does not irritate eyes why do adults use shampoo that does?
• Bread always falls with butter downwards: A demonstation.
• What percentage of craziness counts as originality?
• Thanks to e-books, people cannot use an excuse that reading leads to deforestation.
• True friendships survive auto-correction mistakes, but best friendships frame them.
• Dunning-Kruger effect – correlation between incompetence and confidence in knowledge.
• When you are dead, you don’t feel anything but others suffer. Same as when you are stupid.
• Clowns are scary for a reason.
• Cats are proof people enjoy complicating their lives.
• Plants are proof that people don’t want to be loved back.
• Behind every man is a woman rolling her eyes.
• Behind every woman is a man blocking the drawer she needs to get to.
• Human nature tells Pinocchio would have kept lying if nobody knew.
• Ignorance is bliss.
• Stop worshiping the busy – we know you’re faking it!
• Quoting “Pulp fiction,” ketchup beats mayonnaise.
• Reading articles about overcoming procrastination is another form of procrastination.
• Procrastination without borders – uniting people worldwide: tomorrow.
• 50 shades of guilt – do dogs really regret as much as they act?
• A chicken is a way for an egg to get another egg.
• Being completely honest is a great way to lose friends.
• More of my friends are in hell than heaven, it can’t be so bad!
• Turning baseball caps for people without a personality.
• “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it” – Baz Luhrmann.
• Responding to email spam and how I met my best friend.
• Why animals deserve more rights than some people.
• The parrot reign is over, crows make for much smarter pets.
• How to master the art of annoyance.
• What your favorite weather says about you.
• Why you need to eat the tastiest part of your meal first.
• Removing your birthday date on Facebook removes your right to get mad if people forget to wish you.
• How older siblings make you less egoistic.
• Why people don’t believe in horoscopes but still keep reading them.
• New self-care routine: blaming others for your problems to get relief.
• Learning through mistakes – the only kind of learning for most people.
• Forget your partner’s birthday once and they will make sure you remember it forever.
• Honey badgers as an example of fearlessness for us, humans.
• Robots will make us even lazier than we are.
• Naming babies with names of hurricanes causes them to be unpredictable.
• Stop marriages to reduce divorces.
• Cooking together to test compatibility.
• How your clothes affect the way you feel.
• How dressing your most hated clothes influences you throughout the day.
• Brainstorming while being drunk gives you a better perspective at a problem.
• Good shoes make a good person.
• “A moment alone with the phone” policy to ensure peace and harmony in young families.
• The way to a man’s heart goes through the stomach.
• Innovative karma concept – everything bad you do to others they must have deserved in previous lives.
• If you intend to tell someone what you think about them, make it a joke, otherwise they’ll kill you.
• May our lives one day be as we pretend on Facebook.
• Smart people seem crazy in the eyes of dumb.
• The smart ones don’t get caught up in pointless arguments.
• It’s a wonder realizing how weird I am and that I still have friends.
• Bats look like angels to mice – be careful who you idolize.
• Turning off the news to reduce the grip of fear from terrorism.
• “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday”- Dale Carnegie.
• Adulthood: old enough to know better but young enough to do it anyway.
• I am online, therefore I exist without sleep.
• Three ways to really know a person: Financial crisis, loss of a loved one, slow internet.
• Customers are rarely right – but it’s all about phrasing.
• Hot new tip for beginners – begin!
• Your main goal in life should be to die young as late as possible.
• Why don’t we snap green beans with our grandmothers anymore?
• People shouldn’t compare Freddie Mercury with God – he’s got style but he’s no Freddie Mercury.
• Life Tip: Pretend that you are helping children to get to play with their toys.
• Endorsing pot for better movie scripts.

Entertainment is a versatile field to pick for your public speech. What makes it so is that the topic is simply so vast. From the sheer variety of humor that can be applied to virtually any field to the different intricate aspects of each of them. You can choose to give a general overview of an aspect of life or zero in on an inspirational message. Similarly, from history, technology, to day-to-day activities, there is never a shortage of entertaining topics to add a humorous spin to. Life in general has a rich supply of humor, if you can simply find the right angle. Once you find your style of delivery, you are sure to ensure a good time for your audiences. Any entertaining topics typically work better with body language and vocal variety to properly convey your message. We hope our topics are able to aid your practice and help you pick a topic that suits your needs. All the best!

15 Powerful Persuasive Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk

• The Speaker Lab
• June 24, 2024

Table of Contents

Crafting a persuasive speech that captivates your audience and drives them to action is no easy feat. If you’re hitting the books, climbing the corporate ladder, or just dreaming of rocking the stage with your speeches, having a killer set of persuasive speech examples can totally change your game. In this post, we’ve curated some of the most compelling and inspiring persuasive speech examples to help you elevate your own speaking skills. So buckle up and grab your pen, because we’re diving into the secrets behind these unforgettable speeches.

What is a Persuasive Speech?

When we talk about a persuasive speech , we refer to a form of communication that seeks to influence the audience’s beliefs or actions. In the course of a persuasive speech, a person will present compelling arguments—backed by evidence and persuasive techniques—in order to convince listeners to embrace a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. Persuasive speeches are used in many different areas of life, such as in a school or university setting, in a job, or in a social setting.

When preparing to give a persuasive speech, always choose a topic or cause you’re interested in and passionate about. If you want to convince other people to agree with your stance, you must be seen to believe in it yourself. In addition, it helps to choose a topic that people care about and hasn’t been overdone.

Funny Persuasive Speech Examples

Looking for some funny persuasive speech examples to inspire your next presentation? You’ve come to the right place. Humor is a powerful tool when it comes to persuasion. It can help you connect with your audience, make your message more memorable, and even diffuse tension around controversial topics.

One classic example comes from David McCullough, Jr.’s high school commencement speech entitled “You Are Not Special.” While the title might not sound funny, McCullough delivers a hilarious reality check to graduates, poking fun at the coddling and praise they’ve received growing up. His ultimate message—that true success comes from hard work and taking risks—is made all the more powerful by his humorous approach.

But what makes funny persuasive speeches so effective? For one, humor helps the speakers build rapport with their audiences. Laughter is a shared experience that brings people together and makes them more open to new ideas. Additionally, injecting some levity into a speech can make the overall message more palatable and less preachy.

Of course, using humor in a persuasive speech requires some finesse. The jokes should be tasteful, relevant to your overall message, and not offensive to your audience. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. After all, a flat joke is better than one that leaves listeners cringing.

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Persuasive Speech Examples About Public Policy

Policy persuasive speeches advocate for a particular course of action on a public policy issue. These speeches go beyond simply raising awareness about a problem – they propose concrete solutions and try to sway the audience to support a specific plan.

One powerful policy persuasive speech example comes from Greta Thunberg’s address to the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 . Thunberg doesn’t mince words when lambasting world leaders for their inaction on climate change. But she also lays out clear policy demands, like immediately halting fossil fuel subsidies and drastically reducing carbon emissions. Her message is clear: we know what needs to be done and we need to do it.

When crafting your own policy persuasive speech, it’s important to back up your arguments with solid evidence. Use statistics, expert testimony, and real-world examples to show why your proposed solution is feasible and necessary. Anticipate counterarguments and address them head-on. And most importantly, make a clear call to action. Ask yourself: what exactly do you want your audience to do to support your policy goals?

Value Persuasive Speech Examples

Value persuasive speeches aim to change people’s beliefs or attitudes about a particular issue. Rather than advocating for a specific policy, these speeches try to shift the audience’s underlying values and assumptions.

A classic example of a value persuasive speech is Mary McLeod Bethune’s “ What Does American Democracy Mean to Me? ” address. As an African American woman born into poverty, Bethune faced countless obstacles and injustices throughout her life. But in this speech, she reframes the narrative around American democracy, arguing that our nation’s highest ideals are worth fighting for, even if we haven’t yet lived up to them. By appealing to shared values like freedom, justice, and equality, Bethune inspires her audience to keep pushing for change.

The key to a successful value persuasive speech is tapping into your audience’s existing beliefs and values. Use vivid language and storytelling to paint a picture of the world you want to see. Make your case in moral and ethical terms, not just practical ones. And don’t be afraid to show some vulnerability. By sharing your own experiences and struggles, you can create an emotional connection with your listeners.

Persuasive Speech Examples About Social Issues

Social issues make for compelling persuasive speech topics because they touch on deeply held beliefs and affect people’s everyday lives. Whether you’re talking about racial justice, gender equality, or income inequality, these speeches require a deft touch and a willingness to engage with complex, often controversial ideas.

Talking About Mental Health

One powerful example of a persuasive speech about mental health is Kevin Breel’s “ Confessions of a Depressed Comic ” from TEDxKids@Ambleside. As a stand-up comedian, Breel knows how to get laughs, but he also knows the pain of living with depression. In this speech, he shares his own story of struggling with mental illness and calls on society to break the stigma around talking about mental health. By speaking vulnerably, Breel makes a compelling case for why we need to take depression seriously and support those who are struggling.

Addressing Physical Health

Another great example of a persuasive speech about health is Jamie Oliver’s TED Talk “ Teach Every Child About Food .” As a celebrity chef, Oliver has seen firsthand the impact of poor nutrition on people’s health. In this speech, he makes a passionate plea for better food education in schools, arguing that it’s a matter of life and death. With shocking statistics and personal anecdotes, Oliver paints a grim picture of the obesity epidemic and calls on parents, educators, and policymakers to take action.

Persuasive Speech Examples About the Environment

Environmental issues are some of the most pressing challenges we face as a society. From climate change to pollution to habitat destruction, the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s why persuasive speeches about the environment are so important. By inspiring people to take action, they make a true difference.

One of the most famous environmental speeches of all time is Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” lecture, which was later turned into an Academy Award-winning documentary. In this speech, Gore lays out the scientific evidence for climate change and argues that we have a moral imperative to act. With compelling visuals and a sense of urgency, Gore makes a powerful case for why we need to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources.

Another great example of an environmental persuasive speech is Severn Suzuki’s address to the UN Earth Summit in 1992. At just 12 years old, Suzuki delivered a heartfelt plea for action on behalf of her generation, arguing that adults were stealing children’s future by destroying the planet. Her speech went viral and helped galvanize the youth environmental movement. By speaking from the heart and calling out the hypocrisy of world leaders, Suzuki showed that you’re never too young to make a difference.

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FAQs on Persuasive Speech Examples

What are some examples of a persuasive speech.

Think climate change action, voting rights, or the importance of mental health awareness. They push for change.

What are 5 examples of persuasive essay?

Gun control laws, school uniforms debate, death penalty perspectives, animal testing ethics, and social media impacts make the list.

What’s an easy persuasive speech topic?

“Why recycling matters” is straightforward and impactful. It connects with everyday actions and broader environmental goals.

What is an example of a persuasive statement?

“Switching to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.” This urges action towards sustainability.

Persuasive speech examples show us how to inspire, motivate, and transform the way we communicate our ideas to the world. By studying these remarkable speeches, you’ve gained valuable insights into the art of persuasion and the techniques that make a speech truly unforgettable.

Remember, winning people over with your words takes more than just knowing the right things to say. It’s about practice, caring deeply, and tuning into the folks listening. Take the lessons you’ve learned from these examples and apply them to your own unique style and message. Pouring your soul into your speech can truly move an audience emotionally, altering their thinking for good.

Now your moment in the spotlight is here, so show off those persuasive speech skills. Go forth and create a speech that not only informs and entertains but also inspires and empowers your audience to take meaningful action. The world is waiting to hear your voice, so make it count!

• Last Updated: June 21, 2024

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126 Good Informative Speech Topics – 2024

June 23, 2024

What is an informative speech? You may be asking this question if you find yourself needing to give one for a class or extracurricular. Unlike a persuasive speech , which is designed to convince an audience of something, or a debate , which can be polemic by nature, an informative speech is meant to educate its listeners on a topic, elucidate an unclear idea, or simply help an audience delve more deeply into a subject. In other words, while informative speeches can persuade or argue, they don’t have to. In this article, we’ll highlight a few tips on how to choose good informative speech topics, and then provide a list of 126 informative speech ideas to get you brainstorming for your next big speech!

How to Choose Informative Speech Topics

Your choice of informative speech topic will depend greatly upon the task at hand: is this speech for a class? A passion project ? A campus rally? A professional development conference? Recruiting for a particular major, club, or community service organization? A high school speech competition? Once you know the purpose and parameters of your speech, it will be easier to select an informative speech topic that is an appropriate subject and size. Additionally, it’s important to consider your audience, expertise, scope, research, and tone before you delve into your writing.

Knowing your target audience is key to creating reciprocity, or the necessary give and take between speaker and listener that creates communication and understanding. Speakers who know their audiences are better able to shape their speeches to be well-received. [i] Imagine, for example, you’re giving an informative speech on “Jane Austen’s narrators.” You must ask yourself: are you giving your speech to a panel of scholars, to educated adult non-experts, or to grade school-aged children? If your audience will be comprised of literature professors, your speech should provide fairly advanced and in-depth knowledge and should be filled with the latest developments in professional literary criticism. If your audience is made up of grade school-aged children, you’ll want to start with the basics, like who was Jane Austen? And what, exactly, is a narrator?

As you give your informative speech, you’ll want to think about not only your audience’s level of expertise in your speech topic, but also your own (and it’s okay if you’re a novice in the subject!). [ii] An informative speech often includes or takes into consideration a synthesis of preexisting scholarship in a field or information around a topic. While you don’t need to apprise your audience of an entire body of research before you begin delivering your speech, you do want to have a working knowledge of the preexisting conversation around your informative speech topic. [iii] This will inform the level of research you’ll need to perform before you begin writing your speech.

In terms of selecting research sources, it’s good to remember the three P’s: peer-reviewed , published , and prestigious . A peer-reviewed source is one that has been evaluated by a group of experts in the field of the writer. It has undergone the most stringent editing and fact-checking and, when first published, is the most up-to-date information in a field. A published source is one that has also usually undergone some editing before publication – though you’ll want to be wary of self-published sources and online publications (these usually don’t receive the same kind of scrutiny as printed texts).

Finally, it’s certainly okay to use online sources, but you want to make sure they are coming from a prestigious or at least well-known source like a national newspaper or even an established commercial website. A good tip for assessing a source’s quality is to check: does this source cite any outside resources in a works cited or in footnotes?

You want to be sure that you are able to cover a topic thoroughly, given the time and resources allotted. For example, if you have five minutes to give an informative speech to your psychology 101 classmates, you could choose a general topic like, “Why was Sigmund Freud important to psychology?” If you have an hour to give an informative speech at a professional psychology conference, you might provide a detailed account of Sigmund Freud’s most important contributions to a particular branch of modern psychology and explain its current significance to the field, including recent developments in research and clinical practice.

Finally, something crucial to consider is the emotional register of your speech. Is the subject matter something serious like an illness or climate change? Or is it a politically charged topic like immigration or gun control? Is it light, like “how to make pizza dough” or “the invention of the roller coaster?” Or is it merely intriguing or educating like, “personality typing and psychology,” “owning a poodle,” or “Ben Franklin’s top five aphorisms?” Gauging the emotional involvement of your audience will help you choose an appropriate informative speech topic for the project at hand and will ultimately let you craft a more effective speech.

The 126 informative speech ideas below run the gamut from broad to very specific and can all serve as starting points as you brainstorm what you’d like to give a speech on. Good luck!

Health & Medicine Informative Speech Topics

1) Ideas on curbing the spread of future global pandemics.

2) What is the endocrine system?

3) What is a physician’s assistant?

4) The importance of blood donation.

5) Disparities in healthcare between different demographic groups.

6) How did Marie Curie contribute to the medical field?

7) What is the role of nurses in primary care settings?

8) What subspecialties are there in women’s health?

9) What recent developments have been made in knee replacement surgery techniques?

Good Informative Speech Topics/Informative Speech Ideas (Continued)

10) What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

11) Telehealth and patient outcomes in recent years.

12) How to MRI machines work?

13) Comparing healthcare systems in different countries.

14) The five most important cancer research innovations in the past five years.

15) What is a plague?

16) How does social media affect mental health?

17) What is the World Health Organization?

18) What are the differences between a midwife and an obstetrician?

STEM Informative Speech Topics

19) What are some important differences between commercial and government-sponsored space flight programs?

20) How do rollercoasters work?

21) The relationship between AI and defense.

22) How are robots used in surgeries?

23) How do you solve a quadratic equation?

24) Why are information systems an important part of modern marketing?

25) What recent innovations have been made in the field of machine learning algorithms?

26) How has cloud computing changed in the past five years?

27) What is the role of engineers in mining and extraction?

28) What is a black hole?

29) What is internal combustion?

30) How self-driving cars work.

31) What are some differences between aeronautical and aerospace engineers?

32) What is Euclidian geometry?

33) How is probability be used in sport management?

34) Why are we running out of helium?

35) What is the relationship between cybersecurity and national politics?

36) The most important uses of 3D printing?

Arts & Humanities Informative Speech Topics

37) What are the most likely interpretations of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be?” speech ?

38) What was the Dadaism movement?

39) Why is the Mona Lisa so popular?

40) The differences between highbrow, lowbrow, and commercial cultural production.

41) What are the major tenets of postmodernism?

42) The influences of Alfred Hitchcock on modern cinema.

43) What is the difference between “performance” and “performativity?”

44) What are the differences between an early novel and a romance?

45) Recent developments in literature and ecocriticism.

46) What is the debate on the Elgin Marbles?

47) In what ways was fashion an important element of the Belle Epoch era?

48) The top five most influential texts in speculative fiction.

49) What is pop art?

50) Who was Andy Warhol?

51) What is The Iliad ?

52) Postcolonial studies as an academic field.

53) The history of the Louvre museum.

54) Jane Austen’s narrators and free indirect discourse.

Psychology and Sociology Informative Speech Topics

55) What is the Enneagram and how is it used in therapeutic settings?

56) How did Pierre Bourdieu define “fields?”

57) What is the Panopticon?

58) What is intersectionality?

59) The role of psychologists in school settings.

60) How is behavior psychology related to consumerism and marketing?

61) What is gentrification?

62) The role of the pharmaceutical industry in psychiatric treatment.

63) Who was Sigmund Freud and why is he important?

64) What is the difference between clinical and research psychology?

65) What is the relationship between social media and mental health?

66) What is neuropsychology?

67) What is an ethnographic study?

68) How did Habermas define the public sphere?

69) What is multiple personality disorder?

70) What is are the “gaze” and the “mirror stage,” according to Lacan?

71) Describe the prisoner’s dilemma.

72) What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Nature and Environment Informative Speech Topics

73) What are some pros and cons of wind farming?

74) Why are microbiomes important for health?

75) What is an axolotl?

76) Death Valley: the hottest place on Earth

77) What threats do spotted lanternflies pose?

78) What are the most significant climate change “points of no return?”

79) Water conservation strategies in the American West.

80) What is biodiversity?

81) How do dolphins communicate?

82) Why was Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring significant for the environmentalist movement?

83) How was the Santorini caldera created?

84) What are plate tectonics?

85) How and why tornadoes happen.

86) What is the El Niño phenomenon and why is it important?

87) Fungus and blue spruce disease in Northeast Ohio.

88) What measures are being taken to curb deforestation in the Amazon?

89) How is the Galapagos ecosystem preserved today?

90) Floridian ecosystems and the Red Tide.

Business, Marketing, Finance and Economy

91) The role of sports merchandising in U.S. women’s Olympic events.

92) Subprime mortgages and the housing market crash of 2008.

93) What are the eight best steps you can take to better your personal finances?

94) Which social media platforms are most lucrative for marketing to each current online generation?

95) What is inflation?

96) What is the relationship between politics and the unemployment rate?

97) What is market saturation?

98) How do we measure the GDP of emergent nations?

99) What developments to we expect to see in the industry competition between EVs and regular automobiles?

100) What is an index fund? What is a mutual fund?

101) Bond holdings late in retirement.

102) The role of social justice in branding.

103) How does search engine optimization work for marketing?

104) Is the influencer economy a bubble?

105) Describe the differences between a CFA and a CPA.

106) What developments have we seen in start-up economies in the past five years?

107) What is embezzlement?

108) What is the history of human resource departments?

History and Travel

109) The religious persuasions of each of Henry VIII’s wives .

110) How the aqueduct system worked in ancient Rome

111) What are the tallest buildings in the world?

112) What was the Black Death?

113) The Watergate Scandal.

114) In what ways was the printing press an important invention?

115) What is the Chernobyl site like today?

116) What was the relationship between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla?

117) Why was the Great Wall of China built?

118) Who were medieval anchorites?

119) The political significance of whistle-stop train tours.

120) What was the significance of the Second Boer War?

121) The Tennis Court Oath .

122) What are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

123) Witch hunting in 1600s New England.

124) What was the Space Race?

125) Why are the bodies of Pompeiians preserved?

126) What is Machu Picchu?

Good Informative Speech Topics – Works Cited

[i] Lloyd-Hughes, Sarah. How to Be Brilliant at Public Speaking: Any Audience, Any Situation . Pearson Educated Limited, Edinburgh 2011.

[ii] Downs, Douglas and Elizabeth Wardle. “What Can a Novice Contribute? Undergraduate Researchers in First-Year Composition,” Undergraduate Research in English Studies (2010) pp. 173-90).

[iii] Graff, Gerard, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 2006.

Informative Speech Ideas – Additional Reading

• 149 Capstone Project Ideas and Examples
• 100 Best Political Science Research Topics
• 64 Social Issues Topics 
• High School Success

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

Related Articles

Become a pro at giving a speech in 2024

Jun 22, 2024

Posted by: Regine Fe Arat

Giving a speech can be daunting, but it’s an incredible opportunity to inspire, persuade and make a lasting impact on your audience. 

Whether you're speaking at a conference, a wedding or in a classroom, the ability to deliver a powerful speech is a valuable skill that can open doors and create meaningful connections. 

From Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to Steve Jobs' commencement address at Stanford University, we’ve seen many amazing speeches. History is full of speeches that have inspired generations and shaped the world. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to crafting and delivering a memorable speech that will leave a lasting impression on your listeners.

Crafting an effective main message

At the heart of every great speech is a clear, compelling message. This main idea or theme is what you want your audience to take away from your speech. 

To craft an effective message, start by asking yourself what you want your audience to think, feel or do after hearing your words. 

Once you have a clear goal in mind, distill your message into a single, powerful statement that sums up your main point. 

Imagine you're giving a speech about the importance of volunteering. Your main message might be: "Giving our time and talents to others can create a more compassionate and connected world."

Connecting with your audience through body language

Your body language impacts how your audience perceives and engages with your speech.

It's important to use nonverbal cues that convey confidence, warmth and authenticity to create a strong connection with your listeners. 

Some key body language tips to keep in mind include:

• Maintaining eye contact: Look directly at your audience members, making brief but meaningful eye contact throughout the room.
• Using gestures : Emphasize key points and add visual interest to your speech by using natural, expressive gestures.
• Smiling : A genuine smile can put your audience at ease and create a positive, welcoming atmosphere.
• Standing tall : To project confidence and authority, maintain good posture with your shoulders back and your feet planted firmly on the ground.

Using natural adrenaline to boost confidence

It's normal to feel nervous before giving a speech, and you can use these feelings to boost your confidence and performance. 

The key is to reframe your nerves as excitement and use that energy to fuel your passion and enthusiasm for your topic. 

Some techniques for channeling your adrenaline in a positive way include:

Power posing

Before your speech, take a few minutes to stand in a confident, big stance (such as the Superman pose) to increase your sense of power and self-assurance.

Positive self-talk

Use affirmative statements to remind yourself of your strengths and abilities, such as "I am well-prepared and ready to share my message."

Visualizing success

Picture yourself delivering your speech with clarity, confidence and impact, with your audience responding positively to your words.

Preparing for a successful speech

Effective speech writing involves a systematic process of researching, organizing and refining your content:

Choose and cite authoritative sources

First, you need to research your topic. Look for compelling facts, statistics and examples to illustrate your key points and make your message more memorable.

To give your speech credibility and impact, choose sources that support your key points. Look for references that are:

• Reputable : Look for information from well-known, respected organizations, institutions or people in your field.
• Current : Use the most up-to-date information available to ensure accurate content.
• Relevant : Select sources that directly support your main points and contribute to your overall message.

When citing your sources in your speech, credit the original authors or creators properly. This demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity and helps your audience trust the information you're presenting. 

Some common ways to cite sources in a speech include:

• Verbal attribution : Mention the author or organization name when referencing their work, such as "According to a recent study by Harvard University..."
• Slides or handouts : If you're using visual aids, include a list of references or sources for your audience to refer to later.

Draft a compelling speech summary

Next, summarize your speech's main point or argument. This is usually best near the end of your introduction as a roadmap for the rest of your speech. 

To craft the best summary, consider the following tips:

• Be specific: Avoid broad statements — focus on a clear, specific claim or argument.
• Be arguable: Present a perspective or position with evidence and reasoning.
• Be concise: Aim for a single sentence that captures your main point clearly and directly.

For example, if you're giving a speech on the benefits of meditation, your summary might be: "Regular meditation practice can reduce stress, improve focus and promote overall well-being."

Outline your speech

Once you have a solid foundation of information and your main argument, begin outlining your speech. 

Break your content down into logical sections, such as an introduction, main body and conclusion. Within each section, organize your points to flow naturally and build toward your message.

As you write your speech, focus on clear, concise language. It should be easy for your audience to understand and follow. Use short sentences, active voice and concrete examples to make your points more engaging and memorable. 

Remember to also include transitions between sections to help your audience follow your train of thought and see the connections between your ideas.

If the audience needs a call to action, include it in the conclusion. 

Tighten up sentence structure and flow

The way you structure your sentences and paragraphs can impact how your audience understands and engages with your speech.

To create a clear and compelling flow, consider the following tips:

• Vary your sentence lengths: Alternate between short, punchy sentences and longer ones to create a dynamic and engaging rhythm.
• Use parallel structure: When listing ideas or examples, use the same grammatical structure for each item to create a sense of balance.
• Use transitions: Phrases like "however," "in addition" and "as a result" show the connections between your ideas and help your audience follow your train of thought.

11 tips for effective speech delivery

Practice your microphone technique.

If you're using a microphone during your speech, take some time to practice with it beforehand. 

Get a feel for the optimal distance and angle to hold the microphone, and experiment with your volume and tone to ensure everyone can hear you.

Remember, the microphone is there to project your voice, so you don’t need to yell into it. 

Speak directly into the microphone. Avoid turning your head away while speaking as this can reduce the volume of your voice.

Timing is important

One of the most important things to remember when delivering a speech is to be concise. 

Aim to keep your speech within the allotted time frame and avoid going off on tangents or including unnecessary details. 

A good rule of thumb is around one minute of speaking time for each main point. A concise speech ensures you hold your audience's attention and drive home your key messages.

Consider what your audience wants to hear

When crafting and delivering your speech, keep your audience's needs and interests in mind. 

Research your audience beforehand, and tailor your content and delivery style to their specific needs and preferences. 

For example, if you're speaking to a group of experts in your field, you may want to use more technical language and discuss your topic in more detail. 

However, a general audience will prefer more accessible language and less jargon. Focus on the broader essence of your message and keep it straightforward.

Pick a theme and stick to it

It's important to choose a clear theme and stick to it throughout a speech to create a cohesive and memorable presentation . 

Avoid trying to cover too many different topics or ideas. A confusing, jumbled speech can quickly turn an audience off. 

Instead, focus on developing a single, powerful theme that ties your main points together and reinforces your overall message. 

For example, if you're giving a speech on the importance of sustainability, you might choose a theme like "Small changes, big impact.” You could use examples and anecdotes that illustrate how individual actions can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Speak slowly

When delivering your speech, it's important to speak at a pace that allows your audience to follow along and absorb your message.

Many speakers rush through their material when they're nervous, making it difficult for their audience to keep up. 

To avoid this, practice speaking at a slower, more deliberate pace. Use pauses strategically to emphasize key points or give your audience time to process what you've said. 

If you find yourself speeding up, take a deep breath and consciously slow down your delivery.

Tell a couple of jokes

Incorporating humor into your speech can be a great way to engage your audience and make your message more memorable. 

A well-placed joke or funny anecdote can break the ice, lighten the mood and create a more relaxed and receptive atmosphere. 

However, it's important to use humor carefully and ensure your jokes are appropriate and relevant to your topic. Avoid offensive or insensitive humor, and don't rely too heavily on jokes at the expense of your core message.

If telling jokes doesn’t come naturally, avoid them entirely or practice them until you sound like a seasoned comedian. 

Don't be afraid to repeat yourself if you need to

Repetition is a powerful tool in speech-making, as it reinforces your key points and makes them more memorable. 

A technique known as "the rule of three" suggests that people are more likely to remember information in groups of three. 

So don't be afraid to repeat your primary message or points throughout your speech with slightly different language or examples each time. 

Only use the visual aids you need

Visual aids, such as slides, charts or props, can reinforce your message and make your speech more engaging. 

However, it's important to only include those that are truly necessary to support your points. 

Avoid cluttering your presentation with too many slides or images, as this can detract from your overall message. 

Instead, choose a few key visuals that are clear, relevant and easy to understand. Use them strategically throughout your speech to enhance your words.

Ask for feedback

One of the best ways to improve your speech delivery is to seek feedback from others.

Consider joining a public speaking group, course or Toastmasters club to practice your skills in a supportive environment. 

You can also ask friends, colleagues or mentors to listen to your speech and provide feedback on your content, delivery and overall impact. 

Another challenge of public speaking is being aware of your body language. When certain movements feel normal, you might not realize it’s distracting for those watching. 

Ask a friend or colleague to watch you practice your speech and provide feedback on any awkward mannerisms.

They may notice that you fidget with your hands, sway back and forth or use filler words like "um" or "like" frequently. 

Becoming aware of these habits means you can work to minimize them and project a more confident, polished presence on stage.

Remember that feedback is a gift, and constructive criticism can help you grow as a speaker.

Practice regularly

The key to becoming a confident and effective public speaker is regular practice. The more you practice your speech, the more comfortable and natural you'll feel when delivering it.

Dedicate time each week to work on your public speaking skills, whether you practice a specific speech or work on general techniques like vocal projection, gestures or eye contact.

Consider recording yourself speaking and watch the video to identify areas for improvement. You can also practice your speech in front of a mirror or with a small group of friends to build your confidence.

Look around the room

When delivering your speech, it's important to make eye contact with your audience to create a sense of connection and engagement. 

However, many speakers make the mistake of focusing on just one or two people throughout their entire speech. 

To avoid this, make a conscious effort to look around the room and make eye contact with people in different sections of the audience. 

This will help you connect with a wider range of people and make your speech feel more inclusive and engaging. 

Don’t let your gaze wander aimlessly or linger too long on anyone, as this can be distracting or uncomfortable for your audience.

Overcoming fear and nervousness

One of the most effective ways to calm your nerves before and during a speech is to practice deep breathing techniques. 

Deep breathing slows down your heart rate, relaxes your muscles and calms your mind, which can help you feel more centered and focused. 

To practice deep breathing:

• find a quiet place where you can sit or stand comfortably,
• place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, 
• take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, 
• allow your belly to expand as you inhale,
• hold the breath for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth, 
• feel your belly fall as you release the air,
• repeat this process for several minutes and
• focus on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body.

How to effectively handle impromptu speeches

Impromptu speeches can be particularly nerve-wracking, as they require you to think on your feet and organize your thoughts quickly. 

To handle an impromptu speech effectively, try the following tips:

Take a moment to collect your thoughts

Before you start speaking, take a deep breath and give yourself a few seconds to gather your thoughts and choose a main point or theme to focus on.

Use a simple structure

Organize your speech into a basic structure, such as an introduction, three main points and a conclusion. This will help you stay focused and avoid rambling or getting off track.

Speak from experience

Draw on your experiences, knowledge and opinions to provide examples and anecdotes that support your main points. This will help you speak more authentically and confidently.

Embrace the unexpected

Remember that impromptu speeches are an opportunity to showcase your ability to think on your feet and adapt to new situations. Embrace the challenge and try to have fun with it.

Preparing for Q&A sessions and panel discussions

Many speeches are followed by a Q&A session or panel discussion, which can be an opportunity to engage with your audience and provide additional insights and perspectives on your topic. To prepare for these sessions, consider the following tips:

Anticipate common questions

Before your speech, brainstorm a list of questions that your audience may ask, and practice your responses. This will help you feel more prepared and confident when fielding questions.

Be concise and direct

When answering questions, aim to be concise and to the point, while still providing enough context and detail to fully address the question.

Defer to other experts

If you're part of a panel discussion, don't feel like you need to answer every question or dominate the conversation. Defer to other panelists when appropriate and build on their ideas to create a more dynamic and engaging discussion.

Stay positive and professional

Even if you receive a challenging or hostile question, try to remain positive and professional in your response. Avoid getting defensive or argumentative. Instead, focus on providing a thoughtful and measured perspective.

Examples of persuasive speeches

To help illustrate the techniques and strategies we've covered in this guide, let's take a look at a few examples of persuasive speeches that have made a lasting impact:

“The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown

This popular TED Talk by researcher Brené Brown uses humor, personal stories and scientific data to argue that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness and that it's essential for building authentic connections and living a meaningful life.

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

This iconic speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, is a powerful example of using rhetorical devices. King mastered the use of repetition, metaphors and emotional appeal to convey a message of hope and unity.

"The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

In this TED Talk, novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie uses personal anecdotes and storytelling to illustrate the importance of seeking out diverse perspectives and challenging stereotypes.

“Ain’t I A Woman?” by Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in 1797 and escaped from her master in 1827. She’s a prime example of an early feminist and anti-slavery speaker. In her famous speech, ”Ain’t I A Woman?” she used repetition and thought-provoking questions to highlight the poor treatment of Black women. 

"The Price of Shame" by Monica Lewinsky

In this powerful TED Talk, Monica Lewinsky draws on her own experiences with public shaming and cyberbullying to argue for a more compassionate and empathetic online culture.

The last card

Giving a speech can be challenging but rewarding. It allows you to share your ideas, inspire others and make a positive impact on the world. 

Follow the strategies and techniques outlined in this guide to become a more confident, effective and persuasive speaker. 

Remember to start by crafting a clear and compelling main message, and use body language, vocal techniques and storytelling to engage and connect with your audience. 

Practice regularly, seek feedback from others, and don't be afraid to embrace your natural nervousness and use it to your advantage.

How do I start giving a speech?

To start giving a speech, try:

• opening with a fun or hard-hitting fact,
• making a joke,
• sharing an anecdote,
• asking the audience a question,
• quoting someone famous and
• setting the scene — if you’re solving a problem, tell a relatable, relevant story

What are the steps of preparing for a speech?

• Choose a topic you're passionate about that will resonate with your audience.
• Research your topic thoroughly and organize your ideas into a clear and logical structure.
• Craft an attention-grabbing opening to hook your audience, like a joke or hard-hitting fact.
• Practice your speech, focusing on your delivery, body language and vocal techniques.
• Seek feedback from others and continue refining your speech until you feel confident and prepared.

What are the 4 stages of giving a speech?

The four stages of giving a speech are:

• Preparation: Research your topic, organize ideas and craft your speech outline and content.
• Practice: Rehearse your speech, focusing on your delivery, body language and visual aids.
• Delivery: Give your speech to your audience, using the techniques and strategies you've practiced to engage and persuade them.
• Reflection: After your speech, reflect on what went well and what you could improve. Seek feedback from your audience or a mentor, and use that feedback to continue refining your skills.

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7 expert body language tips for public speaking, 20 public speaking tips for students in 2024, the art of strategic storytelling: how to master it.

More From Forbes

Mastering the art of public speaking for professionals.

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Wayne Elsey, Founder & Head Coach/CEO, The Funds2Orgs Group .

One skill professionals should develop to stay ahead is one that's probably been happening since the beginning of human speech—public speaking. We live and operate in a very digital and technologically advanced world. However, it's now a given that everyone has to upskill continuously. We all know that creating a learning culture at the office and continuous learning are essential. So, how can ambitious professionals stand out? Public speaking.

The Importance Of Public Speaking For Professionals

Public speaking is a crucial skill to develop for business for anyone who wants to stand out from the competition. For one, it remains essential for career advancement. Executives pay attention and notice team members who can capture an audience's attention and speak confidently. Almost by default, professionals who do public speaking well inevitably establish their authority and credibility.

There are other reasons why mastering public speaking is an excellent idea for any professional. For instance, it's a great opportunity to create and build relationships. When public speakers speak at conferences and events, inevitably, they will meet other professionals—expanding opportunities. Moreover, when public speakers help drive change and influence their sectors, they transform the companies where they work and stand out as leaders.

Another reason why being great at public speaking is a wise idea is personal branding. If you've paid attention to how business has evolved in recent years, many professionals have personal brands . The lines between business and personal lives have blurred. It's expected to have people share business information in their personal brand spheres. Public speaking can help with sharing these messages effectively.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, strategies for crafting and delivering impactful speeches.

So, how do you master public speaking?

Mastering public speaking can be challenging. It takes a lot of practice to accomplish it and do it well. That means that professionals who want to master public speaking need to plan, prepare and execute. Most company CEOs and leaders have done public speaking, and I include myself in that group. As a result, I have some ideas and strategies to share with those who want to excel at public speaking.

Master nervousness.

The number-one reason most people don’t want to do public speaking is because it makes them nervous. Nerves are part of the public speaking equation. But there are techniques that can help, such as deep breathing . Deep breathing relaxes you because it oxygenates your body and calms your system.

Learn about nonverbal communication.

When doing public speaking, body language, as well as a speaker's voice, communicates so much. Therefore, learning about proper postures that are open and relaxed, as well as expressions and vocal tone, is essential for making good speeches and keeping audiences engaged.

Know the audience.

Knowing an audience goes beyond just the topic they want to hear about in the speech. For example, if you're speaking in a particular area of the country, there might be a flow or interesting tidbits you can add to the speech to settle everyone down. Consider how many comedians acknowledge where they’re at at the start of a set.

Clear objectives.

Every speech requires the speaker to understand what they want to convey during the speech. Speakers should decide what their ultimate aim is for the speech. Do they want to persuade, inform or inspire? Knowing the ultimate objective makes it easier to structure the speech.

Practice, practice, practice.

Rehearing a speech out loud is essential. When speakers verbally practice a speech repeatedly, they get a rhythm going. They also internalize and memorize some of the speech or crucial parts. Moreover, practicing builds confidence and helps speakers know when and what they want to emphasize.

Engage with the audience.

When speaking, it's an excellent opportunity to engage with the audience. This not only relaxes the speaker and connects them to the audience, but it also brings the audience into the speech. Asking questions or soliciting feedback can help create an excellent experience for the audience.

Handle Q&As.

Finally, it's important to anticipate questions for any Q&A session at the end of a speech. By doing so, speakers will be able to confidently answer the questions asked because they've already considered them. In a Q&A, restate the question if needed and reply concisely, drawing on experience and expertise.

After The Speech

After a speech, public speakers should solicit feedback from the audience. It could be handled by sending a survey email to attendees asking them about highlights and areas for improvement. Moreover, all public speakers need to consider their performance objectively. One approach is to list the strong areas and then note where improvement could occur.

However, one of the best ways for anyone to master the art of public speaking is to step into the circle and keep doing it until it becomes reflexive, like breathing or driving. The best way to master the skill is to sign up to speak at as many events, workshops and conferences as possible. And in time, public speaking can become an element of success for any professional willing to make the effort.

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Public speaking mastery: 5 essential tips for success

Discover five essential techniques to master public speaking, boost your confidence, engage your audience, and succeed in any speaking scenario..

Tuesday June 25, 2024 , 4 min Read

Public speaking is a critical skill that can significantly impact your personal and professional life. Whether you're presenting in front of a small group or addressing a large audience, mastering public speaking can boost your confidence and enhance your ability to communicate effectively.

Here are five essential techniques to help you achieve success in public speaking.

1. Know your audience

Understanding your audience is the first step to effective public speaking . Tailoring your message to meet their needs and expectations ensures your content resonates with them. Here’s how you can get to know your audience better:

• Research : Learn about their demographics, interests, and knowledge level regarding your topic.
• Engage : If possible, interact with some audience members before your speech to gauge their expectations and interests.
• Customise : Adjust your language, examples, and tone to align with the audience's preferences and understanding.

2. Structure your speech

A well-structured speech is easier to follow and more engaging. Organise your content logically, ensuring a smooth flow from one point to the next. Here’s a basic structure you can follow:

• Introduction : Capture the audience's attention with a compelling opening statement or question. Introduce your main topic and outline what you will cover.
• Body : Divide the main content into clear sections or points. Use transitions to connect these sections seamlessly.
• Conclusion : Summarise the key points and end with a strong closing statement or call to action.

3. Practice, practice, practice

Practice is crucial for public speaking mastery . The more you rehearse, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Here are some effective practice techniques:

• Rehearse aloud : Practice your speech out loud to get used to the sound of your voice and the rhythm of your words.
• Use a mirror : Practice in front of a mirror to observe your body language and facial expressions.
• Record yourself : Record your rehearsals to identify areas for improvement and to track your progress.
• Seek feedback : Present your speech to a friend or family member and ask for constructive feedback.

4. Master non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in how your message is received. Your body language, facial expressions, and eye contact can enhance or undermine your words. Here’s how to improve your non-verbal communication:

• Maintain eye contact : Establish a connection with your audience by maintaining eye contact. This shows confidence and helps build trust.
• Use gestures : Incorporate natural gestures to emphasise key points and make your speech more dynamic.
• Be aware of posture : Stand or sit up straight to convey confidence and authority. Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms, as these can signal nervousness or defensiveness.
• Facial expressions : Use facial expressions to convey emotions and reinforce your message.

5. Manage your anxiety

Public speaking anxiety is common, but it can be managed with the right techniques. Here are some strategies to help you stay calm and focused:

• Preparation : Thorough preparation can alleviate anxiety. Knowing your material well gives you confidence.
• Breathing exercises : Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves before and during your speech.
• Visualisation : Visualise yourself delivering a successful speech. This positive imagery can boost your confidence.
• Focus on the message : Concentrate on the message you want to convey rather than on yourself. This shift in focus can reduce self-consciousness and anxiety.

Mastering public speaking takes time and practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By knowing your audience, structuring your speech, practising diligently, mastering non-verbal communication, and managing your anxiety, you can become a more effective and confident speaker. These essential techniques will not only enhance your public speaking skills but also open doors to new opportunities in both your personal and professional life.

• Public speaking
• presentation skills
• Overcoming Stage Fright
• speaking skills
• personal growth

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'I know how to do this job': A defiant Biden rejects calls to end his bid for president

WASHINGTON — Amid calls from some Democrats for him to bow out after a disastrous debate performance , a defiant President Joe Biden vowed Friday he will beat Donald Trump in the November election, making clear he has no plans to end his reelection campaign.

"I know I'm not a young man − to state the obvious," Biden said near the end of a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. "Folks, I don't walk as easy as I used to. I don't speak as smoothly as I used to. I don't debate as well as I used to. But I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth.

"I know right from wrong. I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. And I know, like millions of Americans know, when you get knocked down, you get back," Biden said, prompting loud applause from supporters.

Biden took the stage to chants of "four more years" following performances by rappers Fat Joe and E-40. From the outset of his remarks, Biden set out to dispel any notion that he might terminate his bid for president following Thursday night's rocky debate.

"I'm here in North Carolina for one reason: because I intend to win this state in November," Biden said. "If we win here, we win the election."

Biden displayed much more energy and spoke clearer than the debate, when he struggled to put together coherent sentences, got lost in his answers and failed to rebut many of Trump's falsehoods. In his speech Friday, Biden slammed Trump as a morally corrupt liar.

"Now folks, I don't know what you did last night, but I spent 90 minutes on the stage debating a guy who has the morals of an alley cat," Biden said, reciting a line he delivered during the debate.

Biden said he guesses Trump broke "a new record for the most lies told in a single debate," singling out above all the former president and presumptive Republican nominee downplaying his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

"His biggest lie: He lied about how he had nothing to do with the insurrection on Jan. 6. We all saw it with our own eyes. We watched it on television," Biden said.

"Donald Trump will destroy our democracy. I will defend it," Biden said.

During Thursday night's debate hosted by CNN, Biden's voice was hoarse and raspy from the start. He stumbled over words and had to correct himself with numbers. He was sometimes hard to follow. On one occasion, the president appeared to lose his train of thought, stopped speaking and concluded − confusingly − with the line, "we finally beat Medicare."

While Trump talked, Biden often looked his way with a blank stare and his mouth open.

His performance led to calls from anonymous Democratic lawmakers, pro-Biden columnists and other Trump critics for Biden to step aside to let someone else run as the Democratic nominee.

Ahead of Biden's rally in Raleigh, a Biden campaign adviser told USA Today that Biden does not plan to drop out of the race and is committed to taking part in a second debate against Trump. Biden's allies in Congress, including House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., pushed back at Democratic anxieties and said Biden should stay the course.

First lady Jill Biden, wearing a black dress featuring the words "vote," defended her husband's debate performance as she introduced him.

"What you saw last night on the debate stage was Joe Biden: a president with integrity and character, who told the truth. And Donald Trump told lie after lie after lie," Jill Biden said.

Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Biden ally, also gave a vigorous defense of the president.

"Here's one thing I know to be true: When the fate of our country was hanging in the balance with a Donald Trump presidency, Joe Biden saved this nation with his victory in 2020. We must do it again in 2024."

Reach Joey Garrison on x, formerly Twitter @joeygarrison.