10 Persuasive Speech Examples To Help You Get Started

Have you ever struggled to convince an audience during a debate or class presentation? 

You might be finding it challenging to structure your arguments in a way that truly persuades others. 

Without strong examples to follow, speeches can feel unorganized or unconvincing. The good news is that learning from effective persuasive speeches can make a big difference. 

In this blog, we’ll look at examples of persuasive speeches to help you craft your own compelling speech.

So, let’s dive in!

What is Persuasive Speech 

A persuasive speech is designed to captivate your audience and convince them to adopt a specific viewpoint or take action.

Unlike an informative speech that simply presents facts, this speech aims to influence opinions, change attitudes, or inspire action. To be truly effective, a persuasive speech must be thought-provoking and engaging. It relies on three key elements: ethos, pathos and logos. 

Keep reading to find various examples to develop better understanding.

Persuasive Speech Examples for Students

Persuasive speeches are a great way for students to learn how to present arguments, back them up with evidence, and engage an audience. 

Below are different types of persuasive speech examples, each with a downloadable PDF to help you understand how to structure and deliver a strong speech.

Persuasive Speech Examples for High School

High school students often give persuasive speeches on topics that affect their daily lives, such as school rules, social issues, or personal values. 

These speeches help them build confidence and learn how to argue their points effectively.

Check out this example for highschool:

Persuasive Speech Examples for College

At the college level, persuasive speeches become more detailed and research-driven. 

Students tackle complex issues like environmental policies, free speech, or the impact of technology on society. These speeches require logical reasoning and strong supporting evidence.

View this well-structured persuasive speech for college students:

Famous Persuasive Speech Example

Some of the most powerful speeches in history have changed minds, inspired movements, and even shaped nations. 

From Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" to Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech, famous persuasive speeches use strong rhetoric and emotional appeal to make an impact.

Read this excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech:

Persuasive Speech Example About Life

Persuasive speeches about life often focus on motivation, personal growth, or overcoming obstacles. They inspire people to take action, improve themselves, or see life from a different perspective.

Check out this example for a speech that encourages positive change in life:

Persuasive Speech Example About Education

Education is a topic that affects everyone, making it a great subject for a persuasive speech. 

Whether it's about improving the education system, reducing student debt, or the benefits of lifelong learning, these speeches make people think about how education shapes society.

View this example:

Short Persuasive Speech Examples

Not all persuasive speeches need to be long. A well-crafted short speech can still deliver a strong message in just a few minutes. These are great for quick presentations, debates, or class assignments.

Take a look at these examples for a concise but effective persuasive speech example.

Getting started on your persuasive speech? Check out these good persuasive speech topics to kickstart your writing process!

Types of Persuasive Speech Examples

Persuasive speeches can be categorized based on their purpose and approach. The three main types are:

Value Persuasive Speech Example

A value persuasive speech argues whether something is good or bad, right or wrong, or more or less important. 

These speeches focus on personal beliefs and ethics rather than policies or facts. Speakers often appeal to emotions and shared values to convince their audience.

Check out this example for a well-structured value persuasive speech.

Policy Persuasive Speech Example

A policy persuasive speech advocates for a specific action or change in laws, policies, or behaviors. 

These speeches often address societal issues, such as why schools should implement mental health programs or why governments should invest in renewable energy. 

They rely on logic, evidence, and practical solutions to convince the audience that change is necessary.

View this example of a strong policy persuasive speech.

Claim Persuasive Speech Example

A claim persuasive speech argues whether something is true or false, debatable or not. 

These speeches often tackle controversial topics and require strong reasoning and evidence. The goal is to persuade the audience to accept the claim as valid.

Read the example below for a persuasive speech based on a claim.

Learn more about the types of persuasive speech and how to approach each type!

Tips for Writing a Good Persuasive Speech

Here are some essential tips to help you write a compelling persuasive speech:

• Choose a Strong Topic – Pick a relevant and debatable subject that interests your audience.
• Know Your Audience – Understand their beliefs, interests, and concerns to tailor your message.
• Create a Clear Thesis – Define your main argument in a concise and direct statement.
• Use Ethos, Pathos, and Logos – Build credibility, appeal to emotions, and support claims with logic.
• Address Counterarguments – Acknowledge opposing views and refute them with strong reasoning.
• Use Persuasive Language – Include rhetorical devices like repetition, strong word choices, and emotional appeals.
• Practice and Deliver with Confidence – Speak clearly, use body language effectively, and engage with your audience.

With the right approach, any topic can become thought-provoking and impactful.

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