Caleb S.
Caleb S.

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas for Students

17 min read

Published on: May 2, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

persuasive speech topics

Are you tired of searching the web for the perfect persuasive speech topic? 

Sometimes getting started on your speech can become the hardest part.

This blog is your one-stop shop for engaging and thought-provoking speech topics that will captivate your audience. 

So, if you're a student preparing for a speech, this blog has got you covered. From controversial social issues to lighthearted topics, we've got it all. 

Let’s dive in!

On This Page

Components of a Persuasive Speech

The three persuasive speech and essay components are logos, ethos, and pathos. These elements made your speech more convincing.

Let’s discuss them in detail.

Components of a Persuasive Speech

Logos

Logos are important because they allow the author to include logical connections between ideas, use facts and statistics in their arguments, and historical or literal analogies.

Ethos

Ethos is a way for a writer to show that they are credible and have authority on the topic. The reader needs to know this before believing what the writer has to say. 

Pathos

Pathos is a technique that writers use to emotionally appeal to their readers. They might choose words that are emotionally charged, use meaningful language, or share examples or stories that create an emotional response. 

Expert Tip

Want to get started on your persuasive speech? Give this insightful guide on persuasive speech writing a read to get a good start!

Good Persuasive Speech Topics

For a good speech, you need to find some good persuasive speech topics. A good topic makes a speech more influential and impressive. 

Here we have summed up an extensive list of some good persuasive speech topics. 

Persuasive Speech Topics for University Students

  • Should there be a tax on religious organizations?
  • Should priests be allowed to marry?
  • Should there be a ban on the religious slaughter of animals?
  • Should libraries be replaced with e-books?
  • Should Bitcoin be recognized as a legal currency?
  • Which country is the safest in the world?
  • Is the idea of peace on Earth practical?
  • Should advertising be aimed at children?
  • Has freedom of the press gone beyond limits?
  • How can public speaking help in building confidence?

Persuasive Speech Topics for High School Students

  • Should community service be an obligation in high schools?
  • Should school students be allowed to use their phones in school?
  • Should art classes be enforced in all schools?
  • Is the concept of co-ed acceptable? 
  • Should soda and sweets be allowed in schools? 
  • Does GPA actually matter?
  • Is it reasonable to shut down public schools that are not performing well on test scores?
  • Should college admission officers run psychological tests?
  • Is it illegal to drop students out?
  • Should textbooks be replaced with laptops or tablets?

College Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should schools still teach cursive handwriting?
  • You can become a millionaire.
  • Driving tests should be free.
  • Is artificial intelligence a threat?
  • Why are education costs growing progressively?
  • The slow death of ancient art forms
  • Are family traditions important?
  • Is a college student receiving a scholarship?
  • Stray animals are dangerous.
  • Should women be allowed to be priests?

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Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

  • Using cell phones during the lecture allowed? 
  • Why is it important to save money and understand its value?
  • Should parents allow sleepovers without any insecurity? 
  • Why is reading books more enjoyable than watching TV? 
  • Small kids can have their own pets.
  • Moving to a large city from the village. 
  • Why should we eat healthy food and avoid junk food?
  • Why is a war so scary?
  • Do elementary school students obtain a fair amount of homework?
  • Junk meals must be banned at school.

Persuasive Speech Topics on Health and Fitness

  • The purchase of birth control should be allowed without their parent's consent.
  • What is the importance of balanced nutrition for overall well-being?
  • The government should put a tax on soda and other sugary drinks.
  • High schools provide free condoms to students.
  • Should the US switch to single-payer health care?
  • Healthy people must donate blood regularly. 
  • Why is it necessary to prioritize mental health and practice self-care?
  • Boxing should be declared illegal.
  • Schools should teach all students to swim.
  • Should college athletes be paid for being on a sports team?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Ethics

  • Balancing the benefits and ethical concerns of artificial intelligence and automation
  • Examining the ethical considerations of genetic engineering and gene editing
  • Rethinking animal testing and experimentation: ethical implications and alternatives
  • The ethical dilemma of capital punishment and the death penalty
  • Protecting privacy and freedom in the digital age: exploring the ethical implications of surveillance
  • The Right to Die: an ethical debate on Euthanasia and assisted suicide
  • The Ethics of human cloning and its potential impact on Society
  • The boundaries of censorship and freedom of speech in a democratic society
  • Environmental ethics and the challenges of climate change: responsibility and action
  • The Ethics of War and Military Intervention: examining the moral justifications and Consequences

Persuasive Speech Topics on Technology

  • How has technology improved communication in our daily lives?
  • Is integrating technology in education beneficial?
  • Why is it important to establish regulations on Internet privacy?
  • How has technology positively impacted the healthcare industry?
  • Are there any ethical implications of artificial intelligence and automation?
  • Why should social media platforms take more responsibility for online safety?
  • How has technology transformed the way we work and the future of jobs?
  • What are the environmental consequences of electronic waste and how can we address them?
  • Why should there be stricter regulations on data protection and cybersecurity?
  • How has technology changed the way we access and consume information?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Video Games

  • How video games can have a positive impact on mental health
  • Examining the effects of violent video games on aggression and behavior
  • Why esports should be considered a legitimate sport
  • How video games can affect social relationships and communication
  • Investigating the impact of video games on academic performance and learning
  • Why video games should be recognized as a form of art and storytelling
  • The potential dangers of video game addiction and excessive screen time
  • The need for more inclusivity and diversity in video games
  • Are video games a valid form of art and should they be recognized as such?
  • The potential of video games as educational tools

Great Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should schools incorporate meditation and mindfulness exercises into their curriculum?
  • Is it necessary to implement stricter laws and regulations to combat climate change?
  • Should junk food be completely banned from school campuses?
  • Is social media having a positive or negative impact on society?
  • Should voting be made compulsory in democratic countries?
  • Is it ethical to use animals for scientific research and experimentation?
  • Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Is homeschooling a more effective alternative to traditional schooling?
  • Should professional athletes be held accountable as role models for their behavior off the field?
  • Is it important to prioritize renewable energy sources over fossil fuels?

Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

  • Should schools start later in the morning to accommodate the sleep patterns of teenagers?
  • Is it important for teens to have part-time jobs during high school?
  • Should schools incorporate financial literacy courses into the curriculum?
  • Is it necessary to include comprehensive sex education in schools?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Is it important for teens to volunteer in their community?
  • Should schools ban the use of cell phones during school hours?
  • Is it necessary to address the issue of cyberbullying more seriously?
  • Should the use of plastic bags be banned to protect the environment?
  • Is it important for teens to have a part in decision-making processes that affect their education?

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

  • Wild deer hunting should be banned. 
  • All pets should be microchipped. 
  • It is wrong to use animals in zoos and circuses.
  • Beauty goods should be banned on animals
  • Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos and aquariums for public entertainment?
  • Exotic animals should not be kept as pets.
  • The dog must be trained as a service animal. 
  • It is unethical to crossbreed animals to get hybrids.
  • Effects of poaching on the economy.
  • Should pets be kept outdoors?

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should students have a longer lunch break?
  • Is it important to include more physical education classes in schools?
  • Should schools have a dress code policy?
  • Is it important to have a designated study time at home?
  • Should homework be banned in schools?
  • Is it important to have a school-wide recycling program?
  • Should students be allowed to use smartphones in the classroom?
  • Is it important to have mandatory community service hours for high school students?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on single-use plastic products?
  • Is it important to have a mandatory life skills class in schools?

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should pizza be declared the official national food?
  • Is it time to replace homework with playing video games?
  • Should cats be given the right to vote?
  • Is it acceptable to wear pajamas to school or work?
  • Should chocolate be considered a basic human need?
  • Is it time for dogs to be in charge of running the world?
  • Should all schools replace math class with pizza-making class?
  • Is it necessary to have mandatory "nap time" for adults?
  • Should it be a legal requirement to eat ice cream every day?
  • Is it time to establish a mandatory "funny hat" policy in all workplaces?

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Are superheroes better role models than real-life celebrities?
  • Should video games be considered an official sport in the Olympics?
  • Is it better to be a dog person or a cat person?
  • Should ice cream be served as the main course at every meal?
  • Is it time to declare a national "Pajama Day" where everyone can wear their sleepwear outside?
  • Should schools have a mandatory "Silent Disco" day instead of regular classes?
  • Is it important to have a designated day where everyone speaks in rhyme?
  • Should bubble wrap be recognized as the ultimate stress-relief tool?
  • Is it necessary to have a "Dance Break" in the middle of every work or school day?
  • Should pillow fights be considered an official sport with international championships?

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Polygamy is not an illegal act. 
  • Providing a judge with the sole power of decision-making
  • Lesbian couples should not be allowed to have a child
  • Can art therapy be an effective form of mental health treatment?
  • Torture is helpful in the investigation.
  • Learning a foreign language should be compulsory in high school.
  • Legalizing euthanasia will benefit everyone.
  • The merits of genetically modified organisms.
  • A security camera is an invasion of privacy.
  • CEOs’ wages are high without reason.

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Parents must be informed when their underage daughter chooses to make an abortion?
  • Is it ethical to conduct genetic research on aborted fetuses?
  • How can seat belts prevent fatal casualties in traffic accidents?
  • Is sex ed at schools an important factor in personality building?
  • School kids must be educated about the prevention of rape and other sexual misconduct.
  • Can we lower the percentage of suicides by legalizing euthanasia?
  • Should euthanasia be legalized for terminally ill patients?
  • Is capital punishment an effective deterrent against crime?
  • The myth of electronic cigarettes being less harmful than tobacco
  • Why we should be skeptical about diet pills

Persuasive Speech Topics on Medical Issues

  • The American healthcare system has a lot of flaws.
  • Exercise can help you avoid health problems.
  • Is it important to support and fund research on rare diseases?
  • Is it ethical to use animals for medical research?
  • Should the sale of sugary drinks and snacks be banned in schools?
  • Should vaccinations be mandatory for all children?
  • Can fast food be healthy?
  • Why we should consume little amounts of salt.
  • Do we eat too much meat?
  • Why is the importance of good sleep?

Persuasive Speech Topics About Anxiety

  • How can we create a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals with anxiety?
  • Is it important to incorporate mental health education into school curricula to raise awareness about anxiety?
  • What are effective coping strategies for managing anxiety in daily life?
  • Should employers implement policies and practices that promote mental health support in the workplace?
  • How can we reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety and promote open conversations about mental health?
  • Should healthcare providers receive additional training on diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders?
  • What role does social media play in contributing to anxiety, and how can we address it?
  • Should schools provide more resources and accommodations for students with anxiety?
  • How can we improve access to affordable and quality mental healthcare for individuals with anxiety?
  • Should society prioritize self-care practices and stress reduction techniques to alleviate anxiety?

Environmental Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Rain forests need to be protected.
  • Is water a renewable resource?
  • Natural disasters stimulate economic growth.
  • Using plastic is self-defeating
  • Recycling paper is going to save our planet
  • Should oil drilling stop in Alaska?
  • How can we address the issue of deforestation and protect our forests?
  • Should stricter regulations be implemented to reduce air and water pollution?
  • How can we promote recycling and waste reduction in our communities?
  • Is biodiversity really at risk?

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Does soccer need instant replay?
  • Sport helps our mental well-being.
  • Golf is a rich man’s favorite sport.
  • Sports that involve animals should stop
  • Professional sport is too commercial nowadays.
  • Bodybuilding is inappropriate for women.
  • Colleges spend too much money on their sports programs.
  • Sports betting should be forbidden in any form.
  • Toxic masculinity is ruining team sports
  • The Olympic ideal needs renovation.

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should self-driving cars be legal?
  • Fairy tales are good for young children.
  • Extracurriculars are a waste of time
  • How much is screen time too much?
  • Children should be allowed to choose their religion
  • The drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
  • Does technology make kids lazy?
  • Is homeschooling a good option?
  • Is the idea of peace on earth naive?
  • The Internet should be free for everyone

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Home businesses ruin family lives.
  • Business will harden you.
  • Why should we pay more to support small businesses?
  • Every business should maintain a social media profile.
  • Should companies embrace remote work as a permanent option?
  • Why do introverts make good leaders?
  • Make all bills and business correspondence paperless.
  • Is Canada a good place to start a business?
  • Should companies prioritize ethical sourcing and fair trade practices?
  • Many small businesses focus on hiring the right people. 

Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health

  • Are mental health concerns real in teenage students?
  • How can we promote mental health support and resources in communities?
  • Self-harming is a cry for help
  • Should mental health treatment be free?
  • What are the benefits of incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices into daily life?
  • Should mental health education be a mandatory part of school curriculum?
  • College cafes should offer only healthy foods.
  • The negative impact of steroids
  • What are the reasons for rising mental illness?
  • What are effective strategies for promoting mental well-being in the workplace?

Education Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Technology must be used in schools.
  • Electronic learning should be encouraged
  • Do you think that college should be free?
  • Being a teacher is a privileged position
  • Should high schools have a later start time?
  • Should technology be integrated into classrooms as a learning tool?
  • What are the benefits of inclusive education for students with disabilities?
  • Should financial literacy be a mandatory part of the school curriculum?
  • Education makes us happier people.
  • Cursive writing shouldn't be taught in schools.

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Reasons why children need a family pet.
  • Eating together as a family is important
  • How to run a business with your family?
  • What is the most beneficial parenting style, and why?
  • How can we promote better work-life balance for parents and caregivers?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on advertising targeting children?
  • What are the benefits of shared parenting and co-parenting arrangements?
  • Should grandparents have legally enforceable visitation rights?
  • Should school do more to teach family values?
  • The youngest child in the family is the most spoilt

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Why should you vote?
  • Is it right for the government to fund partisan organizations?
  • The government should cooperate with China.
  • Should the U.S. have open borders?
  • Should government authorities be tested for drugs?
  • Should smokers pay a health tax?
  • Government should regulate internet usage
  • Who is the best/worst president of all time?
  • Parliamentary terms need to be limited.
  • Should voting be made compulsory?

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How to Choose a Persuasive Speech Topic?

Picking up a topic for a persuasive speech is not simple. However, the following are some simple steps that could be considered when deciding on your speech topic.

  • Choose a Familiar Topic
    To write a speech, choose a unique topic but make sure that you have at least some knowledge about the topic. 
    A familiar topic will make the writing process easy. It will also make it easy for you to make the listeners understand your point of view. 
  • Follow Your Interest
    It's best to choose a topic in which you are genuinely interested. Writing a speech involves a lot of research work as you have to collect factual data. 
    An interesting topic would make the research process easy for you, and you will easily deliver it to the audience. 
  • Consider Your Audience's Interests
    The target audience plays a major in the success of your speech. If they find the topic interesting, it is highly probable that they will immediately agree with your point of view.
    Do not choose a topic that is purely according to your mindset. Consider the interest level of your intended audience as well. 
  • Create Visual Impact
    Choose a topic that allows you to be more descriptive and expressive. It will allow the audience to visualize an image in mind, which will tend to persuade them more.
  • Avoid Overdone Topics
    When a discussion revolves around a certain topic repeatedly, the audience gets bored. They lose all interest in listening to what you are saying. 
    Avoid repeating the topics as it will make it very difficult for you to keep the listeners engaged.
  • Tap into Emotions
    Emotions are real game-changers and motivators. There is a high chance that your intended audience will get more influenced by an emotional topic. Choosing an emotional topic would add an extra spark to your speech. 
  • Relate to Your Audience
    People prefer to hear about something that is related to their life or situation. So, consider your target audience and choose a topic related to their community, profession, or culture. 

You might look into newspapers or other news sources to find such topics. You might also look into some unique debate topics. They might help you pick a topic and modify it for your persuasive speech. 

Persuasive speeches can be difficult to compose as one needs strong intellectual skills and very good writing skills. Plus, writing a speech is a time-consuming task as it is all about researching and writing. 

Avoid all this stress and load; just let a professional writing service help you. At CollegeEssay.org, we help you write a strong and effective persuasive speech. 

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Caleb S.

WRITTEN BY

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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