A Guide To Persuasive Speech Topics

There may come a time when you need to give a speech. Whether it’s for high school, college or some type of event, chances are you will be fumbling to think of persuasive speech topics that are engaging and often times controversial. Almost all speeches come down to persuasive speech topics (with the exception of informative speeches, though persuasion is often used for those speeches as well). That is the ultimate goal of a speech; to persuade a group of people to support an idea, to persuade people to contribute to an organization-whatever the case, it generally comes down to persuasion.

In a lot of instances, you will already know what your speech will be about, especially if you are preparing a speech for a particular organization or cause. Though, what if you are a college student and one of your assignments is to give a persuasive speech? What if your professor does not provide you with a list of persuasive speech topics to choose from? For some, this can be quite stressful having to come up with a creative idea where as for others they love the freedom to choose and explore their passions.

Whatever the case may be, once you understand the dynamics of a speech, choosing from a list of persuasive speech topics will be quite easy. Here are the four key ingredients or dynamics that make up a great speech:

· Passion

· Relevancy

· Controversy

· Call to Action

Being passionate about a particular cause or topic is vital for formulating an effective and successful speech. Though, it is important to remember that just because you are passionate about something, others might not share the same ideals as you. In fact, if your topic is not relevant your speech may be a total flop. Don’t worry, I will show you how to incorporate your passion regardless of the topic to make your speech relevant.

 

If you were giving a persuasive speech with the goal of conserving an area of land due to the endangerment of insects that inhabit the area, you might not spark much interest. Though, if you make a case for conservation due to an environmental issue that is relevant you may get a lot of support and save your insects all at the same time.

Often times when you are preparing a speech, you have to broaden your ideas to make your topic of choice relevant to a wider audience. Sticking with the example above about insects; there may not be a major group of people who really feel that conserving land to save bugs is all that important. Now you have to ask yourself, what are some other reasons for wanting to conserve that particular area of land? Are there any major endangered species that inhabit the area such as a migratory bird or predator? Is there particular flora or fauna that are exclusive to that area? What would the environmental impact be if that area was not conserved? Sometimes you have to skate around your passion to create relevancy and at the same time providing a positive outcome for your underlying passion.

There is generally controversy around any speech topic you may be able to think of. This is because people are different and have different ideals and value systems. To be effective with your speech, you must learn to use controversy to your advantage.

Keeping with the above example, let’s assume your rivals wanted to develop the land in question for financial gain. If you can create some type of compromise or ingenious solution that would appease both parties, this is the ultimate positive outcome. Though, this technique will not always work but should be properly evaluated none the less. Even if you can’t think of a way to incorporate a win-win situation in your speech, there are other reasons why controversy is important for your speech topic.

The more controversy there is around a particular topic, the easier it is to get attention from outside venues such as the media. Publicity can really help launch or bring added support and attention (the side of the fence you are on and bringing attention to through speech) to the topic you are creating awareness around.

Controversy is also important for persuasive speech topics in that you must be completely clear and concise as to what side you are taking. Any statements you make during your speech must be backed up by a legitimate verifiable source, and the more the better. You must also think of what the other side will be countering with and what there counterpoints are. This will help you in both a defensive and offensive stance to present your side particularly in the case of a debate.

People like to feel like they are important, that their opinion matters and that they are capable of contributing and effecting change. This is where a call to action comes in.

 When you use a call to action in a speech, you are reaching out to your audience and asking them to engage or to join in your quest, whatever that may be. If you are able to rally support for your cause through a call to action, you have a much greater chance at preserving that area of land and saving the insects.

People like to get involved. If you are giving a speech to a crowd of people, it becomes even easier to arouse support by using a call to action.

Here is a list of possible persuasive speech topics:

The Economy

· Possible Resolutions

· Advocating for Small Business

· Advocating for Entrepreneurs

· Micro Financing

Unemployment

· Spark Interest for Job Training Program

· Possible Grant Funding Sources

· Research Cause and Effect

· Advocate for Job Placement for a Particular Group –Inmate Re-entry, Legal Immigrants, etc.

Education

· Testing Scores

· Deficiency

· Teacher Rights and Benefits

· Reform

Abortion

· Pro Life

· Pro Choice

· Planned Parenthood

· Advocate for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs

Health Care

· Health Care Reform

· Benefits for Medical Students

· Insurance Coverage and Rates

· Advocate for a Clinic or Health Care Agency

These are just a few of unlimited ideas you can choose from for a persuasive speech. Remember, when going through persuasive speech topics to choose from, don’t be so broad. In other words, narrow down your topic so you can be clear and concise as to what you are trying to accomplish. Be passionate about the topic you choose. Use controversy to your benefit when able. Use a call of action in your speech to gain support. If you follow these guidelines, you are well on your way to creating an effective persuasive speech with positive outcomes.