Persuasive speech topics

Pick a side you can defend

The best persuasive topics are ones where reasonable people disagree. If nobody would argue the other side, you're giving an informative speech. If you can't think of a single reason for your position, pick another topic.

Say your position in the first sentence. Don't build up to it. "Schools should start an hour later" is a stronger opening than a minute of background about sleep.

Give two or three reasons, each with proof

One strong reason with a specific example beats five vague ones. A number, a story about a real person or a comparison the audience recognizes all count as proof. "Teenagers need eight to ten hours of sleep and most get less than eight" lands better than "teens are tired."

Address the obvious objection before the audience raises it in their heads. Saying "you might think later starts just mean later bedtimes, but studies of schools that switched found" shows you've thought it through.

End with what you want

Close by repeating your position in new words and telling people what to do with it: vote, change a habit, try something once. A persuasive speech without an ask leaves the audience agreeing and doing nothing.

Choosing a topic for class

Teachers usually reward topics that are specific and arguable. "Phones should be banned in classrooms" is better than "technology is bad." Start with the easy list if you're nervous, or pick from hard if you have time to research.