454 Persuasive Speech Topics: Easy, Fun, & Controversial Ideas for Students

454 Persuasive Speech Topics: Easy, Fun, & Controversial Ideas for Students

Every day, we create and consume persuasive messages. For example, when we argue about what movie to watch or where to go on the weekend. But how often do we pause to consider how we form our arguments or perceive the ones we hear from others? Public speaking on persuasive topics provides us the chance to do so.

Persuasive speeches do not inform the audience on the issue but rather convince them to take action or change their attitudes. In this article, we’ll discuss the structure of the persuasive speech. You’ll also find many compelling topics for public speaking that can come in handy and motivate the audience to change!

🔝 Top 10 Persuasive Speech Topics in 2024

  1. Why should society accept the AI revolution?
  2. Free education should be accessible to everyone.
  3. Social media impacts social behavior.
  4. Sports should be a part of children’s life.
  5. The death penalty should be canceled.
  6. Fashion and style reveal the inner world of the person.
  7. Every country should have open borders.
  8. Teenagers are addicted to Instagram and Snapchat.
  9. Solo travel is the best method to explore oneself.
  10. Should teachers teach kids in middle school about sex?

❓ What Is a Persuasive Speech?

A persuasive speech is a type of communication with the audience where the speaker tries to persuade them by appealing to logic, ethics, or emotions. The speaker must provide clear arguments to back up their point of view. In contrast to informative speeches, persuasive speeches do not try to give information. Instead, they motivate audiences to think or behave differently.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech?

Various qualities characterize effective persuasive speeches:

  1. Attention-grabbing introduction. Convincing speakers immediately draw the listener into their messages by starting with a brief intriguing statement supported by evidence.
  2. Authority to speak. The audience usually heeds speakers’ messages if they establish their expertise and credibility.
  3. The logical order. The speaker should put the arguments logically and sequentially to control the information flow.
  4. Effective conclusion. The final part of the speech is the last chance to convince the audience, so it must summarize key points and include a call to action.

What to Write a Persuasive Speech on?

To find a perfect topic for your speech, follow the steps below:

  1. Think of something that is important to you or has a life-changing effect.
  2. Try to understand what makes you happy or angry about this theme.
  3. Write down ways in which you can make a difference.

That’s it! Now you know which topic has the potential to inspire action or change among the target listeners!

✍️ Persuasive Speech Outline

Delivering persuasive speeches is not that easy. It usually requires thorough preparation and thoughtful structuring to convey your message clearly and motivate the audience to make a move. We have prepared a detailed outline to help you create an effective persuasive speech. Check out the table below to learn its key components!

Speech component Explanation
General Information Title: Your speech title should create interest and set the tone of the speech.
General purpose: Since your speech is persuasive, your general goal is to convince your audience.
Specific purpose: This is what your audience should do or think after listening to your speech.
Thesis statement: The thesis statement must present your main argument or position on the topic.
Introduction Attention getter: Start your speech with a hook that will make the audience curious about the topic.
Topic relevance: Further, show how your speech topic is connected to the listeners’ interests, concerns, or needs.
Credibility: Establish your credibility by demonstrating your expertise, knowledge, or experience to gain the audience’s trust.
Thesis and preview: In the final part of your introduction, present your thesis and outline the central arguments you will make in your speech.
Main Body Transition 1: Include a linking sentence that would tie your introduction to your speech’s main body.
Point 1—Need for action: Describe the problems concerning your topic and their effects, supporting your claims with evidence. Problem 1 + Effects + Evidence Problem 2 + Effects + Evidence Problem 3 + Effects + Evidence
Transition 2: Make a smooth transition from discussing the problem to proposing the solution.
Point 2—Solution: Provide a thoughtful solution to the problem and present a detailed plan to implement it. Description of the solution. A step-by-step plan of action.
Conclusion Transition 3: Include a linking sentence to connect the main body and the conclusion.
Summary of main points: In this section, you should recap the key arguments or ideas presented in the speech, highlighting their significance.
Call to action: Directly request the audience to take particular actions according to the information from your speech.
Closing statement: End with an effective comment that sticks in the audience’s memory and reinforces your message.

😊 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

  1. Money cannot buy love and loyalty.
  2. Online communication is better than offline.
  3. Students should not wear the uniform.
  4. Youngsters should respect their elders.
  5. Why should lying be banned?
  6. Selfies in tourist locations should be taxed.
  7. iOS is better in use than Android.
  8. Gender should not matter in the sports industry.
  9. Why should people colonize Mars?
  10. People should visit dentists several times per year.
  11. Educational institutions should promote inclusivity.
  12. Adventures are better than routine life.
  13. Memes are a quick way to brighten up the mood.
  14. Offensive jokes should be forbidden.
  15. Nightclubbing is a waste of time.
  16. Why should Halloween as the event be canceled?
  17. A good sense of humor helps make new acquaintances.
  18. Why does time pass faster on vacation?
  19. Life exists after death.
  20. Vaping should be banned in public places.

🎒 Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

  1. Dating a coworker should be illegal.
  2. Jealousy destroys all types of relationships.
  3. Procrastination plays a vital role in the working process.
  4. Why shouldn’t parents force their kids to go to church?
  5. Small businesses should be protected by law.
  6. Why are online bloggers beneficial to society?
  7. Owning a business leads people to feel lonely and isolated.
  8. Bitcoin should be used as legal currency.
  9. Technology doesn’t make us lazy.
  10. Why should the death penalty still be used as a punishment?
  11. People should buy only electric vehicles.
  12. Kids under the age of 13 should have an 8 PM curfew.
  13. Police brutality against black people should be punished.
  14. People should have hobbies to be satisfied with life.
  15. Having a role model is essential for constant self-improvement.
  16. Why is creativity crucial in the SMM industry?
  17. The payment for commonalities should be decreased.
  18. Planning prevents procrastination.
  19. Listening to music while driving decreases the rate of car crashes.
  20. Lotteries should be illegal, the same as gambling and casinos.

🎓 Persuasive Speech Topics for College

  1. The government should take serious measures to prevent the issue of child pornography.
  2. Enormous coffee consumption can cause anxiety or panic attacks.
  3. The three-day weekends can increase work productivity.
  4. Why texting on the road is the leading cause of car accidents?
  5. The number of ads on the billboards should be cut.
  6. Democracy as the government structure has a lot of pitfalls.
  7. Foreign aid from the United States should aim to support global peace.
  8. Affirmative action should be taken to redress historical and ingrained inequalities.
  9. The government should promote the spread of charter schools.
  10. The Black Lives Matter movement has played a vital role in preventing vigilante violence.
  11. COVID-19 vaccines should be mandatory to protect people at risk. 
  12. Genetic engineering can be used for the treatment of genetic diseases.
  13. White nationalism should be canceled.
  14. Why does routine make people feel healthier and more energetic?
  15. Food preferences have the power to connect people around the world.
  16. Positive childhood memories play a crucial role in a person’s development.
  17. Each individual should have a sense of purpose.
  18. Border security should be a priority in ensuring national safety.
  19. Extreme weather disasters are the consequences of global warming.
  20. Why does applying sunscreen reduce the risks of skin cancer?

⭐ Good Persuasive Speech Topics

Whether you want to change the opinion of your audience or motivate them to action, here are some fascinating and thought-provoking topics that are perfect for persuasive speeches:

  1. Year-round school is better for academic success.
  2. The use of fossil fuels should be banned to stop global warming.
  3. The drinking age should be raised to 25 years old.
  4. Abortion should be legalized at the federal level.
  5. Why is a strong middle class crucial to economic development?
  6. Prisoners should be allowed to vote after being acquitted.
  7. Violent video games promote aggressive behavior in teenagers.
  8. Parents should not track the location of their children.
  9. Why is conflict necessary for change in a relationship?
  10. The prices of pharmaceutical drugs should be affordable for elders.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

  1. Every person who has good hearing may sing.
  2. Why does classical music still play a vital role in music art?
  3. The lyrics of a song should elicit emotions in the audience.
  4. Music is an effective way to communicate with the masses.
  5. Pirating music is a severe danger to the country’s economy.
  6. Rap music has a bad influence on people’s behavior.
  7. Music should be an anchor to positive emotions.
  8. Songs with violent lyrics should be banned for teenagers under 18.
  9. Music has the potential to be the most effective therapy for mental illnesses.
  10. Why should patriotic songs inspire people to feel passionate about their country?

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

  1. Coaches should be more active in athlete health management.
  2. Why should hunting animals be banned as a sport in all countries?
  3. Extreme sports with severe consequences should be outlawed.
  4. Heavy training and burnout put young athletes at risk of serious injury.
  5. Alcohol and tobacco advertising during athletic events should be forbidden.
  6. The success of the football team depends on coaching skills.
  7. College athletic teams should have sponsorship from the government.
  8. Terrorist countries should not be allowed to host international sporting activities.
  9. Why do stress and anxiety make athletes more vulnerable to injuries?
  10. The pay for men and women athletes should be equal.

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

  1. Social media dating should be treated more seriously.
  2. Social media is to blame for the proliferation of online sexual exploitation.
  3. Why does Internet communication impact politics and social awareness?
  4. Instagram and TikTok make people more selfish.
  5. The use of social networks should be banned for elementary school students.
  6. Social media causes severe mental disorders.
  7. Why do social networks lead to problems with self-esteem?
  8. Instagram is the best place to earn money in the modern world.
  9. The key benefit of social media is the freedom of speech.
  10. People should be more cautious with using social networks.

💊 Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

The field of medicine provides many intriguing and interesting persuasive speech topics for students! You can check some of them below:

  1. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.
  2. Why should health insurance cover dentistry?
  3. Artificial intelligence positively influences the healthcare industry.
  4. Medical aid for dying should be legalized.
  5. Organ donation and transportation should not be forbidden.
  6. Marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes.
  7. COVID-19 vaccination protects children and adolescents.
  8. Healthy eating habits positively impact physical health.
  9. E-cigarettes lead to lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.
  10. The quality of prenatal and postnatal care should be improved.
  11. Animal testing in medical research should be canceled.
  12. Sex education is crucial in preventing teenage pregnancy.
  13. Childhood obesity comes from the lack of nutrition education in schools.
  14. Regular medical checkups lower the chance of premature mortality.
  15. People should regulate the amount of sugar intake to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

  1. Employers should create healthy work environments for their workforce.
  2. Children experience mental health issues less often than adults.
  3. Stress at work leads to severe psychological issues.
  4. Music therapy should be widely used in healing and recovery processes.
  5. Implicit bias shapes the way medical providers interact with patients.
  6. Regular sport and a healthy diet promote good mental well-being.
  7. Why do open discussions on mental health help cope with anxiety?
  8. Promoting a person’s social-emotional well-being leads to lower crime rates.
  9. Raising awareness of mental health reduces suicide rates.
  10. Mental healthcare professionals should encourage self-care to avoid burnout.
This image lists common myths about mental health.

Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

  1. Trauma-focused psychotherapy is the most effective method of treating people with PTSD.
  2. Why do family relationships affect behavior patterns in children?
  3. Burnout at work is the leading cause of mental disorders.
  4. People should not work as psychologists without higher education.
  5. The harm reduction treatment model is a great alternative to abstinence.
  6. Why is it a bad idea for therapists to text clients?
  7. The social pressure from peers leads to a mental breakdown.
  8. War veterans should take therapy for PTSD.
  9. Marketing firms use human behavior patterns to their advantage.
  10. Happy childhood does not guarantee good mental health.

🍃 Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

The environment takes an important place in our lives. We can make beneficial changes and save the Earth for future generations by highlighting numerous persuasive environmental topics in our speeches! Here are some of the most relevant ones:

  1. Eco-fashion is an effective way to save the Earth.
  2. Plastic pollution poses a danger to the marine ecosystem.
  3. Why does overpopulation negatively impact the environment?
  4. Eco-tourism helps conserve natural resources and raise environmental consciousness.
  5. People should care about e-waste in our digital age.
  6. Why do plant-based diets positively affect people’s mental and physical health?
  7. Rural development contributes to widespread pollution and wildfires.
  8. Buying sustainable production has a positive effect on biodiversity promotion.
  9. Quality of life highly depends on the quality of the environment.
  10. Every person should plant a tree beside the house.
  11. Littering should be punished with heavy fines.
  12. Covid-19 has played an essential role in the environment’s recovery.
  13. Developed countries are responsible for global warming.
  14. We should aim toward a paperless society.
  15. A carbon tax should be necessary to preserve the environment.
This image shows environmental issues to argue about.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Food

  1. Fast-food restaurants should ban the usage of palm oil.
  2. Why should the use of chemicals in agriculture be decreased?
  3. Factory farms increase the instance or exacerbation of asthma cases.
  4. Food waste significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
  5. People should form mindful consumption habits and proper food storage techniques.
  6. Seasonal eating has a positive impact on reducing transportation emissions.
  7. Plastic food packaging should be banned around the world.
  8. The government should take water-saving measures at the national level.
  9. Why can optimizing energy usage in food processing save the environment?
  10. A responsible food system contributes to the long-term health of our planet.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

  1. People should prioritize the protection of endangered species.
  2. Zoos should be closed to prevent animal abuse.
  3. Beauty companies that encourage animal testing should be banned.
  4. Why are animal sports banning campaigns ineffective?
  5. Young kids should be taught how to take care of animals.
  6. Spending time with pets reduces stress and depression.
  7. Domestic animals should be vaccinated as necessary.
  8. Pets should be adopted from the shelter rather than bought in a shop.
  9. Why should pets be microchipped?
  10. Flies, bees, and other insects are essential to the ecosystem.

⚖️ Ethical Persuasive Speech Topics

Ethical persuasive speech topics provide a compelling platform for discussing our world’s moral issues and inspiring significant change. Below are the best persuasive speech topics on ethics themes that can come in handy!

  1. People should live together before marriage.
  2. LGBT people should be permitted to serve in the military.
  3. Why should suicide commitment be legal?
  4. Vaccinations against infectious illnesses should be made mandatory in schools.
  5. Why is lying appropriate when it comes down to survival?
  6. A sugar tax can assist in reducing the spread of diet-related health issues.
  7. People should be legally responsible for their moral decisions and actions.
  8. Why should graffiti be considered art?
  9. Wearing natural fur and leather is unethical in the modern world.
  10. Children should be protected from using inappropriate websites.
  11. Each person should own a gun for personal protection.
  12. Kids should be taught ethics in elementary school.
  13. Religious organizations should be required to pay taxes.
  14. Innovative gadgets make teenagers lazy and rude.
  15. Terminally ill patients should have access to euthanasia.

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

  1. Harassment is one of the most significant ethical challenges in business.
  2. Abuse of leadership negatively affects company development.
  3. Why are transparency and trustworthiness crucial in business financial performance?
  4. Extraverts are worse entrepreneurs than introverts.
  5. Companies should foremost create a good working environment for their employees.
  6. Smoke breaks should not be allowed during the working process.
  7. Why is working for a rival a wise decision?
  8. Political relationships should not be used for business development.
  9. Free perks to employees positively influence overall productivity.
  10. Each business should take corporate social responsibility.

Political Persuasive Speech Topics

  1. Psychological therapies should be government funded.
  2. Why is torture an inappropriate method to receive a confession in prison?
  3. Welfare recipients should be obliged to submit to a drug test.
  4. Political corruption should be punished with the death penalty.
  5. Why should the government fund partisan organizations?
  6. The voting age should be decreased to 16 years old.
  7. Why is there never a good enough cause to declare war?
  8. Prostitution should be legalized and protected by the law.
  9. Illegal immigration significantly impacts terrorism act rates.
  10. Health insurance should be mandatory by law.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Education

  1. Teachers should use social networks to communicate with students.
  2. Why is higher education overrated?
  3. Exams should no longer be used to assess the skills of students.
  4. Online learning is more effective than attending classes at school.
  5. University bribes affect hardworking students.
  6. Why do teachers assist students in cheating during exams?
  7. Teachers’ preferential treatment in schools should be punished.
  8. Parents and students should report bullying and cyberbullying cases.
  9. Students should not be allowed to have their phones with them during school.
  10. Immigrants without documents should be permitted to attend public schools.

➡️ Problem Solution Persuasive Speech Topics

Problem-solution topics convince audiences to actively engage in discovering practical and effective answers to challenges affecting our society. Check out some ideas below!

  1. How can we deal with climate change?
  2. Maintaining peace and security is critical for poverty prevention.
  3. Filtration and disinfection as methods to solve the water pollution issue.
  4. How can a rise in public awareness decrease human rights violation cases?
  5. Taking baths as a way to reduce anxiety and stress.
  6. How can the government solve the problem of wage inequality?
  7. Buying e-books as a way to protect the environment.
  8. Government sanctions are crucial to reducing child labor.
  9. How can we provide adequate salaries for qualified teachers?
  10. Interactive games as a way to increase attention in class.
  11. International cooperation is vital to combat cyber threats.
  12. Donating as a method to reduce global poverty.
  13. How to deal with misinformation and fake news in the digital age?
  14. Planning strategies are essential to solve the problem of overpopulation.
  15. How can gender inequality be stopped at school or the workplace?
  16. Increasing access to cheap internet infrastructure as a way to narrow the digital gap.
  17. How can we solve the problem of doping in sports?
  18. Good school culture as a modern approach to reducing truancy.
  19. Reading out loud helps improve the critical thinking of students.
  20. How can we make the media ethical and responsible?
This image shows current problems with possible solutions.

😜 Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

Funny persuasive speech topics perform two functions: entertain and persuade the target audience. We have prepared a list of the cleverest ideas for you to use in your speech!

  1. Video games should be considered a sport.
  2. Why is the Moon landing fake?
  3. Eating dessert first positively impacts people’s well-being.
  4. The homework for high school students should be canceled.
  5. Laughing is the best therapy for depression.
  6. People in the future should have personal robots.
  7. Why should children be allowed to choose their bedtime?
  8. Instagram kills individuality in teenagers.
  9. Why should schools have pizza breaks between classes?
  10. Parents should not be allowed to comment on their kids’ wardrobe choices.
  11. The consumption of junk food should be controlled on the federal level.
  12. Comic books should be used to teach Mathematics.
  13. The mismatched socks impact academic performance during exams.
  14. The government should create insurance for breakups.
  15. The Loch Ness Monster should be protected from annoying tourists.
  16. Why can sarcastic jokes save the conversation?
  17. Men should always go on compromise with their wives.
  18. Rap music provokes aggressive behavior among teens.
  19. Why breaking up via social media should be illegal?
  20. Binge-watching Netflix should be practiced during the lessons.

🤔 Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

Controversial persuasive speech topics provoke listeners’ critical thinking and encourage dynamic discussion. Check the best persuasive speech topics on controversial themes below!

  1. Why does a bad first date lead to a strong and long relationship?
  2. The dream job topic is the lightest way to talk about work.
  3. Aliens should share their secret technologies with NATO.
  4. Only intelligent speakers should have freedom of speech.
  5. Atheism is not a religion but rather a philosophical position.
  6. Why is nuclear energy ingrained as part of the power grid in the US?
  7. Terrorists are generally more sadistic than religious.
  8. Everyone should be able to possess a gun.
  9. Why is it crucial to be selfish from time to time?
  10. People should pass the test on political awareness before voting.
  11. Gay people should be permitted to adopt children.
  12. Why is feminism irrelevant in the 21st century?
  13. Schools should provide free birth control for teenagers.
  14. Children as young as 12 should be allowed to work.
  15. Why should human cloning be allowed?
  16. The show The Kardashians is harming society.
  17. Why are most conspiracy theories fake?
  18. The Big Bang Theory movie deepens viewers’ knowledge of science.
  19. McDonald’s should be opened in every town around the world.
  20. Why is writing an autobiography a good idea?

📝 Persuasive Essay Topics

Need to write a persuasive essay? Do not panic! Here are some additional persuasive topics that you can use for your writing:

  1. Negative news on TV increases the level of stress.
  2. Leisure time should be spent with benefits for physical and mental health.
  3. Daydreaming develops learning skills in students.
  4. Every person should be required to participate in national public service.
  5. Cell phone radiation is hazardous to people’s health.
  6. More money should be invested in space exploration.
  7. Alternative medicine should be outlawed.
  8. Why can stalkers be dangerous?
  9. Parents should not buy a lot of candies for their children.
  10. Students should plant trees to contribute to a greener environment.
  11. Why is your biggest failure the most beneficial lesson for you?
  12. Countries that started the wars should pay reparations.
  13. Pineapple on a pizza should be canceled.
  14. Why should you and your parents never be friends on Instagram?
  15. Starting a day by making a bed increases productivity during the day.
  16. TikTok is an entertaining social network as well as educational.
  17. Using curse words should be taxed.
  18. Dreaming is the first step in achieving the goal.
  19. Stereotypes and biases are not appropriate in the modern world.
  20. Why are politics bad role models for children?

🔗 References