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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

66 Military Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

I try to cover for you as much persuasive and informative themes as possible related to defense and armed forces, militias, the marine corps and coast guard. This is one of my special speech topic idea pages.

Look on the left for other general and focused examples for an educational spoken essay presentation at school. Twenty interesting and current military speech topics for a good informative on objects, subjects, events, structures and entities can be about:

• Air missile defense strategies in East Europe.
• Small arms and light weapons sales in malls.
• Structure of our armed forces; at sea, on land, in the air.
• Famous battles and wars that form our nation.
• Chain of command in special operations.
• Bases, camps and forts as the defense line.
• Intelligence services: do they cooperate?
• Nuclear weapons stock by country or region.
• Bunker busters; how do they work.
• Patriot missile defense as an example of military engineering.
• Medal of Honor categories and heroes.
• Purple Heart conditions and recipients.
• West Point Academy education curriculum.
• Naval Coast Guard operations on the seas.
• Chief of Staff position and power.
• Megastructures engineered for the army.
• Army marching bands and orchestras and their history.
• Ways to salute in different countries.
• Pentagon building architeture of concentric pentagonal rings and radial corridors.
• Life in a submarine for ten months.
• African Union should increase the number of troops deployed in the Sudanese Darfur province.
• Military actions against regimes with hostile policies is inevitable.
• The effect of war on the economy.
• Closer diplomatic ties with North Korea will mean more control.
• Decommissioning is the only way to negotiate with war lords in Sudan.
• Diplomatic immunity issues in dictatorial systems are based on military power.
• Efforts to bring Nazi war crime suspects to trial will never be successful.
• Every citizen should commit to 2,000 hours of voluntary national service in their lifetime.
• Have more women in military staff functions.
• Immigration control is important to preserve security and culture.
• It’s not cowardly to refuse to fight in a war.
• Kids are most likely to become child soldiers if they are poor.
• Military service should be based on conduct, not sexual orientation.
• Mothers must be persuaded not to fight in militairy combat front lines.
• Negotiating with terrorists is justifiable.
• Recruiting marines is a though duty
• Restrictions on weapons trade ought to be more severe.
• Sometimes force and violence are needed to make peace.
• Support initiatives to help child soldiers.
• The military corps – professionals and / or voluntareers.
• The next great world war will be in western Europe again.
• The US-Mexican border fence to tighten homeland security does not work.
• The use of torture is never appropriate.
• There should be a Code of Conduct in the arms trade.
• Unilateral military action is wrong without the consent of the United Nations.
• We must never stop honouring war veterans.

Here are easy to research ideas for writing a speech on women in the military speech topics:

• Women in front-combat lines: ban or not?
• Role of women in World War II; female power behind the screens.
• Famous female intelligence spies, there are more than you think.
• Sexual harassment policies in the military.
• Women on high positions in the army.
• Seagoing positions and responsibilities on combat ships.
• History of the position of women in military service.
• All jobs in the air force should be opened for females.
• Effects on morale, training, and unit workload.
• Protection in ground combat.

These are examples of military speech topics based on interesting persuasive government policy writing topics. Describe pros/cons or take a side in the public debate about these speech ideas on controversial:

• Are smart bombs really that smart?
• Biological and chemical weapons.
• Nuclear proliferation treaties do they bring a peaceful balance?
• Arms trade codes of conduct by the large co-operating governments.
• Regional conflicts. Cover not all of course, but I think you could pick out one or two and compare the similarities and upper-regional consequences in the long term.
• Space security – a myth or already taken in position in secret agreements?
• Use of dirty bombs and the international protests against it.
• GI Bill on caring for veterans.
• Veteran affairs.
• Military budget cuts and spending balance.

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The Angry Staff Officer

Of history, warfare, leadership, and alcohol

An Army Officer’s Guide to Public Speaking

Right. So I’m just going to put this out here right off: if I have to listen to yet another stumbling, rambling, mispronounced, mumbled, dry, and generally boring as hell briefing from one of my peers, I’m going to find a way to beat someone over the head with their own PowerPoint slides. Seriously, we’ve all been there, right? There’s far little that is worse than a terrible briefing. It adds insult to the already existing injury of the mandatory nature of the briefings. Not only that, but when there’s an officer up there delivering a terrible briefing – no matter the rank – that reflects poorly on all of us. And let’s face it, we already have the deck stacked against us because at one point we were all second lieutenants, and some people don’t forget that.

But really, public speaking is an incredibly important part of our jobs. We’re often in front of large groups of people and so we need to develop the confidence necessary to be an excellent speaker. Your Soldiers expect it of you and if you can execute top-notch brief, it can make you stand out among your peers. Hell, I’m still riding the coattails of a 5-minute brief I gave back in 2011. Plus, how are you going to give that great motivational speech that you’ve had in your back pocket for years if you’re not prepared ahead of time?

Which brings me to my first point:

I don’t care if you’re presenting with visual aids or not, you need to have something prepared in case your brain suddenly turns off. Whether it is your talk verbatim or just some bullet points, have a cheat sheet prepared. And then make sure that there is a copy of your presentation on your computer, the presentation computer, a hard copy, and a copy on a disc. Because Murphy’s Law is always in effect: if something can go wrong, it will.

Next step: rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. It’s just like a battle drill, only with less shooting – hopefully. Inflict the pain on all your friends. Make them listen to you. More importantly, make them critique you. You’d rather have those criticisms coming at you before the actual brief.

When you’re rehearsing and when you’re speaking, please remember that you don’t have a mouth full of marbles nor have you just eaten half a jar of peanut butter at one go. E-nun-see-ate. If you have to break words down by syllable, do that. Do some voice warm-up drills, courtesy of NPR . Do whatever it takes, because a well enunciated talk can make the difference between your audience dozing gently or actually listening to the shifts in the tone of your voice.

Project your voice. What does that mean? Aim at the back of the room and pitch your voice to that spot. If for no other reason than this, I feel like officers should be required to take at least one theater class. Plus, we act like we know what we’re talking about all the time anyways, so we should at least have some semi-professional training in it. Also, projecting your voice gives you more energy, which you can then communicate to your audience through your tone. And it tends to keep people awake if you’re not whispering into a mic as if you were telling it your deepest secrets.

Eye Contact

Okay, so we’re all familiar with the people who brief either to their notes or to the actual slide deck itself. Nothing loses people faster than watching your back as you meticulously read off your slides. Please, for the love of Flying Spaghetti Monster, do not read your slides off. We can read. Well, most of us. And those who can’t don’t really care about your briefing anyways. So don’t read the slides and keep eye contact with your audience. It helps build trust and lets us know that you’re not a cyborg.

Rule of thumb: if you’re not sure how a word is pronounced, or what it means, GTS (That’s “Google That Shit” for those of you that didn’t know). We live in an era with unlimited knowledge at our very fingertips and yet I still have to listen to fellow officers misuse “caveat” almost every day. Sure, you can go on mispronouncing words and using the incorrect terms, but you will run the risk of making everyone aware of how little you care about your job. Probably not the best course of action if you’re briefing your boss, who has the power to free you from your horrible staff position or keep you there forever.

Know your subject matter, in and out. Be the expert in the room. One, this fulfills the primary reason for the briefing which is to convey information. I know, shocker, we all thought the purpose of a brief was the brief itself. Second, it makes it easier for you to speak naturally which allows for you to connect with your audience. And you really want to develop that.

Don’t be afraid to throw in some jokes or asides. No one actually wants to be there, so some well-placed levity can carry a briefing or speaking event for a long time and keep people engaged. Humor covers a multitude of sins. Of course, on the flip side…

Don’t be TOO Funny

If you spend your whole brief cracking jokes or trying to make terrible jokes land, then you’re going to give the impression that you a) don’t care and that b) you have no real idea of what you’re talking about. It’s a fine line to walk, but once you can hit the happy medium between humor and information, you’ll have an audience that is ready to eat out of your hand. If that’s really what you want; sounds unsanitary to me.

Know your Audience

Lastly, gauge your audience for the kind of effect that you want to have. If jokes don’t seem to work with them, maybe they really do just want to hear dry data as quickly as possible. Younger audiences and enlisted members would probably prefer more humor than general officers would. Remember, you are taking their time. Make it valuable. And make it something that they can come away from going, “Huh, I actually learned something” versus the usual “I’m going to go eat glass now, because that will be less painful than what I just sat through.”

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Cover photo: Participants of U.S. Army Africa Training Center Capabilities Seminar 2015 receive capability briefing at 7 th  Army Joint Multinational Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany, November 3, 2015 (U.S. Army/Gertrud Zach)

About the Author: Angry Staff Officer is an Army engineer officer who is adrift in a sea of doctrine and staff operations and uses writing as a means to retain his sanity. He also collaborates on a podcast with  Adin Dobkin  entitled  War Stories , which examines key moments in the history of warfare.

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Top 7 Public Speaking Tips for Military Leaders

As a military leader, you will have to do some public speaking at some point in your career.  This applies to both Officers and NCOs alike.  As you progress up through the ranks, you will speak to larger audiences and you will do public speaking more frequently.

If you read the different surveys online, you will find that people fear public speaking more than they fear just about anything else in life.  They fear public speaking more than spiders and death.  A Soldier can fight in a foxhole, work long hours, go on dangerous convoys and do other dangerous missions without worrying much, but when it comes to public speaking, many fear it.

I guess I’m a little bit different than most Soldiers.  I actually LOVE public speaking.  It’s one of my favorite things to do.  I don’t say that to brag or boast.  I just want you to know that I wasn’t always that way.  Early in my military career, I dreaded it.  I’m not sure if it was because of my lack of confidence or low self-image, but I never wanted to speak to a group of people.

As I matured and honed my leadership skills I began to improve.  What I want to do in the rest of this article is shared some things I did to overcome my fear and improve my public speaking skills.

# 1 Join Toastmasters – If I could credit one thing to helping me be a better public speaker it’s Toastmaster’s.  I spent about 2.5 years with Toastmaster’s and probably gave about 50 speeches. Every time you attend a meeting you are expected to give a speech, whether it is impromptu or a planned speech.  You get good feedback and you actually learn how to plan out a speech.  You also learn how to evaluate other people’s speeches.  I recommend every military leader spend a year or two with Toastmaster’s.  It’s about $40 a year (to the best of my knowledge) and it is money well spent, as I see it.

# 2 Take a Public Speaking Class – If you don’t want to go the Toastmaster’s route you can also take a public speaking class at your local community college.  You won’t get as much experience speaking in this class as you would Toastmaster’s, but it’s still good experience.  Plus, you get some college credits for taking the class.  I’ve taken two or three public speaking college classes in my life and found them to be very helpful.

# 3 Volunteer to Speak – One of the best things you can do to improve your public speaking skills is to volunteer to speak whenever possible.  Volunteer to teach an OPD/ NCODP or give a class.  Do this whenever you can.  See if you can get an opportunity to go up in front of the unit formation and share a short message.  The more public speaking you do the better you will get.

# 4 Read Books About Public Speaking – There are many books about public speaking.  Go to your local library or on Amazon and read the following books.

• The Quick Way to Effective Speaking  by Dale Carnegie
• Confessions of a Public Speaker  by Scott Berkun
• Talk Like Ted: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds  by Carmine Gallo

# 5 Find a Mentor – Another simple thing you can do to improve your public speaking skills is find a mentor .  Find someone in your unit, or even a civilian, who has good public speaking skills and ask them for advice and tips.  They can share some good ideas that will really help you out.

# 6 Watch Other People Speak – Whenever someone else is doing public speaking, watch them closely.  Keep track of what they are doing well and what they are doing badly.  Take notes.  Observe.  Pay close attention.  I learned a lot about public speaking by watching others speak in public.

# 7 Ask for Feedback – Another great idea to improve your public speaking skills is to ask for feedback.  Whenever you do a public speech, ask the people in the crowd, or someone you respect to give you some honest, constructive feedback.  I think of it as doing an After-Action-Review of your speech.  If you don’t ask anyone, you won’t know how you did.

Bonus Tips: When it comes to actually giving your speech, here are a few extra tips.  First of all, plan out your speech and rehearse.  You don’t want to wing it.  Also, look people in the eyes when you talk.  Don’t read your speech verbatim.  Finally, try to make your speech sound like you are having a conversation with someone.  Don’t use tons of big words.  Always keep your audience in mind.   Short and to the point is best!

Final Thoughts

In summary, these are my best public speaking tips for military leaders.  Whether you enjoy public speaking or not, you will have to speak to groups of people many times during your military career.  You can dread it or learn to enjoy it.  By following the seven tips listed above, I truly believe that you can eventually overcome your fears and learn to master (and enjoy) public speaking.

What are your thoughts?  Leave a comment below to let me know what you think.

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5 thoughts on “Top 7 Public Speaking Tips for Military Leaders”

I just finished a tech school and a big portion of it was public speaking and I'll say there is one thing I learned that helps you speak in public: Speaking in public. That's right. Like most things practice makes, if not perfect, at least better. I would say watch a few good people do talks and than do a five minute presentation for a small group. Make sure someone watching a qualified public speaker. After the talk they can point out any physical or verbal crutches for you to work on. Public speaking is like a muscle. It has to be exercised to get stronger.

The more you do it the better you get!

Very good tips! I just became 1SG, and I need all the help I can get in public speaking.

You put a great list of tips together here Chuck. Like many, I used to fear public speaking, but like many other things, fear will leave as you just do it. Toastmasters is a great program, and I also agree with reading books on public speaking.

An old lesson I learned is to find someone in the very back of the room that you can focus on. Forget about the rest of the crowd and speak directly to that person. It works for me, and I believe it will also work for you.

What Chuck said about rehearsing is also important. Trying to “wing” a public speaking engagement is a recipe for disaster.

These are great tips for public speaking. I have never considered Toastmasters (mostly because of time constraints) but if being in front of people is a way of life the fee is definitely worth the investment! You make an excellent point about not reading verbatim either. First of all – if you write out your entire speech you can easily get lost in all the words. Write out bulleted notes, be knowledgeable about your subject and interact with your audience. Constructive criticism is also great. Ask great speakers for suggestions after you speak so you can improve for the next time. A passive “nice job” never cuts it for me.

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3 Great military speeches to inspire you as a leader

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The world sorely needs great leaders, whether in the workplace, in the public square, or in the home. History offers compelling lessons and examples of what such wise governance could look like.

These three historic speeches offer a blueprint for what a great leader might say to inspire his team to give their best effort and get through hard times.

1 Remind your team of who they are.

One of the earliest great speeches on record is the Funeral Oration delivered by Pericles, an eminent Athenian politician, at the end of the first year of the Peloponnesian War. He made the speech at a public funeral held annually for the war dead.

Instead of speaking only of the men who had died , Pericles chose to describe the history of Athens itself, specifically what made it distinct from other city-states. He recalled the efforts with which Athenian ancestors had built up the city:

I will speak first of our ancestors, for it is right and seemly that now, when we are lamenting the dead, a tribute should be paid to their memory. There has never been a time when they did not inhabit this land, which by their valor they will have handed down from generation to generation, and we have received from them a free state. But if they were worthy of praise, still more were our fathers, who added to their inheritance, and after many a struggle transmitted to us their sons this great empire. And we ourselves assembled here today, who are still most of us in the vigor of life, have carried the work of improvement further, and have richly endowed our city with all things, so that she is sufficient for herself both in peace and war.

Then he extolled Athens’ reputation and fame compared to its neighbors, making clear that such a magnificent city was worth every sacrifice :

Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. Our government does not copy our neighbors’, but is an example to them… For we have compelled every land and every sea to open a path for our valor, and have everywhere planted eternal memorials of our friendship and of our enmity. Such is the city for whose sake these men nobly fought and died; they could not bear the thought that she might be taken from them; and every one of us who survive should gladly toil on her behalf.

After making the case at length for the glory and power of Athens, he assured his audience, “So died these men as becomes Athenians. You, their survivors, must determine to have as unfaltering a resolution in the field, though you may pray that it may have a happier outcome.” His statement that these men were “worthy of Athens” carried enormous weight, given all he had said before.

Pericles exalted the history and identity of Athens to remind his listeners of who they were and what set them apart. The pride and honor of their heritage would inspire them to continue the war with renewed vigor.

This is a valuable strategy for modern-day leaders: Remind your team of their great achievements of the past. List all the reasons they have to be proud of their efforts. Recalling past accomplishments is one way to spur them on to future triumph.

2 Describe your vision for great things to come

The year was 1415, and the English army was badly outnumbered when it collided with French forces at Agincourt, France, during the Hundred Years’ War. But the English king, Henry V, delivered a rousing speech that inspired his soldiers to achieve a decisive victory on October 25, the feast of St. Crispin. The exact words of King Henry V’s speech have been lost to history, but Shakespeare captured its themes and spirit in his play Henry V , in a passage known as the St. Crispin’s Day Speech .

This address is exemplary for so many reasons, such as its focus on brotherhood, honor, and pride. It’s also a wonderful example of a simple but powerful leadership tactic: getting through a difficult period by describing in detail the glorious things to come.

Rather than enumerate the terrible odds facing his army, King Henry V vividly outlines how the battle’s veterans will remember this day for the rest of their lives:

He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named, And rouse him at the name of Crispian. He that shall live this day, and see old age, Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbors, And say “To-morrow is Saint Crispian.” Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars, And say “These wounds I had on Crispin’s day.” Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot, But he’ll remember, with advantages, What feats he did that day.

He promises that not only the soldiers themselves but their neighbors, the rest of the country, and indeed all the world will remember their valor on this day:

And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be rememberèd— We few, we happy few, we band of brothers … And gentlemen in England now a-bed Shall think themselves accursed they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.

“We happy few” is a stroke of rhetorical genius; his soldiers know that being comparatively “few” in number will be their weakness in the coming battle, but Henry V turns it around and presents it as a strength, since “few” warriors means more glory for each of them. 

Henry V describes in great detail the glory to be won in the coming battle, glory that will attend each soldier forever. His words reveal a strategy for modern-day leaders: Paint a verbal picture of the coming reward for the hard work and difficult times. Having that vision of the future to look forward to can make all the difference.

3 Acknowledge the worst-case scenario and address it directly.

Most people don’t want to talk about really scary possibilities. They want to plan for the safest options and pretend the worst can’t happen. But leaders are not silent about hard things. Instead, they acknowledge the most fearsome dangers, face them head-on, and outline a plan for overcoming them.

That’s what Winston Churchill did on June 4, 1940, when he addressed the British House of Commons after the Battle of Dunkirk, during the Second World War. The nation was in a euphoric mood. A week before, the Allied Forces had been perilously trapped at the Dunkirk port in France and all seemed lost, but every possible seafaring vessel (including small civilian fishing boats!) had come to their aid and carried over 338,000 troops to safety on British soil.

Despite the immense relief following the successful evacuation, the Allied Forces were in a disastrous situation. They’d had to abandon not only enormous amounts of military equipment but also literally the continent of Europe; the German army had beaten them back to the shores of the British isle, costing the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers. Nobody wanted to admit it, but the grim prospect of a German invasion was looking more and more likely.

Winston Churchill addressed that terrifying possibility directly in his speech that day . He not only acknowledged that the nation’s worst fear could happen, but he told the British people that they would meet that fear, if it came, with their characteristic indomitable courage:

I have, myself, full confidence that … we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone … Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.

His bold response would rouse any heart to courage! Churchill outlined this response to a German invasion of Britain, but the strategy can work for any leader. For your team, what’s the worst-case scenario, the fear no one wants to talk about? What would be the ideal response to it that you would want to see?

Clearly lay out this plan before it ever becomes necessary. Knowing that you have a carefully considered and courageous plan in place for even the worst-case scenario inspires your team to imitate that fearlessness and go forth with confidence.

These are only a small fraction of the countless bold and noble speeches recorded in history’s pages. Winston Churchill once said, “Study history, study history. In history lie all the secrets of statecraft.” In history, too, lie all the secrets of great leadership—of commanding and supporting a team, in both victory and defeat. No better manual or guide book can be found.

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25 Great military conversation questions

Military conversation questions.

Every country has some sort of military be it an army, airforce, or navy. Serving in the armed forces is a suitable career for some people while for others it is not. In any case, most folks will have some fairly strong opinions on the topic which makes for good conversation.

These discussion questions about the military are suitable for adult ESL learners and general English speaking with late teenagers and older. The questions are not so difficult but the subject matter is quite advanced.

The most difficult terms in this speaking activity for ESL learners include – army, navy, airforce, serve in the military, base, natural disaster, forces, camouflage, veteran, enlist, and documentary.

The military conversation questions are –

1 – How do you feel about the military? What five words would you use to describe it?

2 – Does your country have a large military? How many people do you think are in it?

3 – If you had to join the military, would you prefer to be in the army, navy, or air force?

4 – Do you know anyone who has served in the military? What do they think of it?

5 – What do you think would be the most difficult thing about being in the military?

6 – Where is the closest military base to you? How far away is it? What is it for?

7 – How do you believe that your country’s military will change in the coming years?

8 – Does your country require people to serve in the military? Which countries do?

9 – What happens to people who run away from the military in your country?

10- Would you be willing to join the military for several years? Why or why not?

11- Does the military where you live help people when there are natural disasters ? How?

12- How much exercise do most military people do? Do you think you could do this?

13- Which country’s military worries you the most? Why does it concern you?

14- Do you believe that it is important for all countries to have military forces? Why?

15- What kinds of things must a person be able to do to join the special forces?

16- Are there any special days or holidays to celebrate the military where you live?

17- Do you own any camouflage clothing? What is it and why did you buy it?

18- In what ways was your country’s military different 100 years ago?

19- Is it possible that your nation’s military could go to war in the coming years?

20- How would the world be different if there were no soldiers or military?

21- What does your country do to help military veterans? Do they get enough help?

22- Who is a famous military hero that you know of? What did they do and where?

23- Why do you think that people enlist in the military? Why don’t more people do it?

24- Do you enjoy watching movies or documentaries about the military?

25- What is one of the greatest military battles that you know of? Why did it happen?

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Presentation | Public Speaking | Strategy

How to command an audience like a military instructor.

Written by Kai Xin Koh

I was privileged to be a close combat instructor of the Singapore military during my national service stint. Over the two years, I’ve received interesting different responses from varied crowds hailing from different demographics. I’ve instructed both elite infantry units and recruits to even officers during my time in the Singapore military.

When you’re expected to command an audience of diverse backgrounds that respond to different forms of communication week in and out, you’ll have to be highly adaptable. Here are 5 ways to command an audience:

1) Be Authoritative

If you’re standing in front of an audience to impart lessons on a subject, you’re expected to be authoritative or at least competent about your subject matter. They aren’t there to listen to something they’ve already heard umpteen times before, but a unique perspective on your topic of discussion.

Likened to a teacher who is unsure about a subject that he or she is teaching, you’ll very quickly lose the audience’s respect and ultimately their attention.

On the flip side, there are teachers that walk into the room and immediately commands your attention, almost effortlessly earning the respect of those listening. It’s slightly different from ‘knowing’ your stuff, but more so exuding an aura of authority. How can you be authoritative then?

Three of the simplest ways be more authoritative are:

Strong Eye Contact

You need to be able to hold strong, regular eye contact with your crowd. There are no two ways about it. In my experience as a military instructor, I regularly have more than a hundred grown men looking up to me, waiting for instructions.  Looking down to the floor with shifty eyes and uncertainty  is one of the fastest ways to lose their attention and respect.

Strong Body Language

Secondly, is your body language.

When humans get scared, we close up our postures similar to how animals go into a submissive position or posture. It’s so rampant (especially in public figures), that we’ve given it a name: the ‘ Fig-Leaf Presenting Position ‘. Presenters that are nervous or afraid tend to default into this defensive stance to protect their more sensitive parts of the body.

Ever heard of ‘Fake it, till you make it’? To appear more confident via more effective body language, try to consciously maintain a good, comfortable posture. Walk with large purposeful strides, with your feet, shoulder-width apart.

Commanding Vocal Tonality

Lastly, it’s your vocal tonality. I’ve seen huge, bulky military men crumble into nervous wrecks when put infront of an audience in a public-speaking situation. They tend to talk much faster to get through the experience much quicker. This comes at the expense of the audience and their presence.

Instead, to truly command attention, you’ll do well to talk more slowly.

As TED Speaker, Amy Cuddy, Author of ‘Presence’ aptly put:

“Powerful people initiate speech more often, talk more overall, and make more eye contact while they’re speaking than powerless people do. When we feel powerful, we speak more slowly and take more time. We don’t rush. We’re not afraid to pause. We feel entitled to the time we’re using.”

One of the best ways to get good these three areas are to study the speeches of powerful politicians and businessman. Take Lee Kuan Yew’s Speech for example:

2) Demonstrate Instead of Simply Telling

Instead of telling them what you can do. Show them what you can do. If you’re lucky enough to have access to visual aids, you can show pictures or multimedia. In situations where you don’t have access to technology, it always helps to demonstrate live.

One of my favorite demonstrations as an instructor was when we needed to teach the basics of self-defense. The approach was to find the heaviest soldier from the crowd as a volunteer and execute a simple, but effective technique that would sweep him off his feet, resulting in the soldier falling on his back.

As I have a smaller frame (at 1.67M and 65KG) than many of the recruits, the demonstration held even more power. Demonstrating that a much smaller soldier could easily takedown someone two times larger left a deep impression in many of my recruits – not to mention it also helped to cement a positive impression of my capabilities in their minds for the months to follow.

3) Be Passionate

Thirdly, passion goes a long way to command an audience.

“If you organize your life around your passion, you can turn your passion into your story and then turn your story into something bigger―something that matters.” ―Blake Mycoskie

In every class I instruct, there will often be a small minority who isn’t a 100% interested in the class material. They’d much prefer to slack off, not pay attention or cause some disruption to classes with their unruliness. However, over time, I observed that tweaking certain aspects of my delivery became useful in winning over these non-enthusiasts.

Accentuate the Details

You know someone is passionate about that particular expertise when he’s able to pick out the tiny details that 99% of people miss. Identify certain nuances in your field that the majority hardly talks about. Include them in your presentation and delivery to watch your audiences appreciate the effort.

For example, in the arena of public speaking, effective speakers typically pay attention to vocal tonality, the speed of delivery, pauses, vocal inflections when on stage. These are details that most people miss, but differentiate the good speakers from the great ones.

Find Your ‘Flow’

The psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi introduced a concept named ‘flow’. When you’re doing something you’re passionate about, you find yourself losing track of time and your surroundings. That is an example of having found ‘flow’.

Ever observed a street performer so immersed in his performance that you can’t help but steal a closer look? That’s a great example of commanding an audience through flow. The key is to be present at the moment without having your mind wander off and getting distracted by other thoughts.

Mindfulness training and actively focusing on that specific moment you’re delivering your speech can do wonders for your delivery.

4) Work with your Audience

Find common ground.

If you’re working with an audience, you need to garner their trust, respect, and likeability, fast. As an instructor, it’s a tough line to toe. Overly nice treatment gets you perceived as a pushover and being too strict can sow discord. The most effective takeaway I got from these occasions is that the audience needs to perceive you as being ‘one of them’. As Cialdini stated in his book, Influence , people tend to like people that are like them.

If my men perceive me to be a dictator figure hell-bent on my own agendas, nobody is going to listen to me, much less follow my instructions. Introducing parts of your personality or background that aligns with that of audience members is a quick way to build instant rapport and familiarity.

Speak Their Language

Through the years as an instructor, I found that if you speaking to your audience’s hopes, dreams, and fears, you can get them to listen to you more attentively. You can garner their trust, respect and become more likable.

For example, most people aren’t interested in ‘financial literacy’. However, a lot of them are worried about housing loans, car loans or salary increases. Use layman language and avoid speaking at a high-level to connect with your audience members on a personal level.

5) Hold to your Highest Purpose

Lastly, you cannot command an audience when speaking in front of them if you do not hold to your highest purpose. Have you ever wondered how Gandhi, Martin Luther King gave speeches that changed the world?

Yes. That’s because they are holding to their highest purpose. They are delivering those speeches from a point that’s deeply rooted in their purpose. For the greater good.

You may not be Winston Churchill beckoning troops to fight on the beaches, however, you can also hold to your highest purpose when speaking to a crowd.

Contribute to Something Meaningful

The highest purpose of my role as a SAF self-defense instructor was to impart self-defense instruction in an effective manner to Singapore military troops to enable them to defend themselves in an unarmed combat situation. In my heart and in my bones, I was aligned with that purpose and the reason that we’re conducting the presentation in the first place.

The session did not feel forced. Being able to defend yourself in dangerous situations as a soldier can mean the difference between life and death. I was glad to avail time to spend with these young men hailing from different families and backgrounds to enable them to serve their nation.  Likewise, your speech should be something that you believe in.

If you communicate to your audience in a ‘just had to be done’ manner, the devil-may-care attitude towards the topic might backfire. Audiences can feel the lack of sincerity and tune out immediately.

However, gearing your energy and presentation towards your noble agenda or purpose can help you become more charismatic and persuasive.

Through the years as a self-defense instructor for the Singapore military, I found that being authoritative, demonstrating instead of simply telling, being passionate about your subject, working with your audience and holding to your highest purposes are 5 timeless principles to command an audience.

Article Written By: Kai Xin Koh

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339 Military Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best military topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on military, 📃 interesting topics to write about military, 🥇 most interesting military topics to write about, 💡 simple & easy military essay titles, 🎓 good research topics about military, ❓ military research questions.

• Are 18-21 Years Old Psychologically Mature Enough to Go for War/Military? This was done to improve the overall welfare of the service and the inclusion of the eighteen years old meant that they were psychologically fit to offer service in the military and war.
• Comparisons Between Business and Military Strategies The military strategy involves combatant skills that are used to fight enemies and safeguard the interest of international borders. In addition, they involve the acquisition of new skills and information that is useful in competing […]
• Military Interventions: Advantages and Disadvantages This is one of the possible outcomes that can be identified. This is one of the main arguments that can be put forward.
• Military Draft: Arguments for and Against While the all-volunteer military force established in 1973 by the US has been adequate up to the end of the last century, recent events have resulted in the over stretching of the military forces of […]
• Work-Life Balance in the Military The purpose of this research is to establish the main concerns work-life balance in most of the organizations and fields of employment such as the military, business enterprise, health care facilities just to mention but […]
• Accountability of Equipment in Military And, the last task a commander has to do before the change of command ceremony is to account for all the property they had signed for and meet with the property book officer and the […]
• Communication in the Military For the military personnel to engage in effective communication, they have to be open to the opinions and behaviors of each one of them.
• The Importance of Respect in the Military This paper seeks to discuss the importance of respect in the military. Therefore, respect in the army ensures that the jobs of both the seniors and the subordinates are done.
• The American Military and the Evolution of Computer Technology From the Early 1940s to Early 1960s During the 1940s-1960, the American military was the only wouldriver’ of computer development and innovations.”Though most of the research work took place at universities and in commercial firms, military research organizations such as the Office […]
• Mandatory Military Service in the United States The history of the Armed Forces in the United States focuses on the government’s reliance on the civilians who should consider military service as their moral duty and obligation to contribute to the protection and […]
• “Iron Triangle” in Relation to “Military Industrial Complex” The true power of government and public policy lies not in the hands of the citizenry but in the hands of powerful special interest groups, media, and the corporate elite.
• British Military Catering System’s History and Future This revolutionary event marked the start of enhanced cookery in the army. In essence, the system of production of food for British army had not been perfected.
• Kosovo 1999: Hacking the Military The paper addresses the motivation behind the attacks, the methods of attack, and the responses of the defenders to these attacks.
• Followership and Servant Leadership in the Military The soldiers in the military are dedicated to serving and executing the commands given by their supervisors. In the military, followership and servant leadership are crucial approaches for ensuring effective performance to achieve objectives.
• Artificial Intelligence in the Military The current paper will provide research on the virtues, shortcomings, and perspectives of the use of AI in the military. The issue of the usage of AI in military actions is highly controversial and has […]
• The Issues of Race in the Military Consequently, to fully comprehend and assimilate the nature of racial and ethical discrimination meted out on the black military personnel’s or to better put it for military officers of different race or colour, one will […]
• Suicide in the Military (US) The contributions of these factors to the rise in suicide in US military can be explained as follows. The authorities of the US military have taken cognizance of the need to reduce the cases of […]
• US Military Spending In this study, we shall evaluate the impact of spending on the military as measured against other sectors of the economy of the U.S.
• Reverse Logistics of Military Service Concerning the reverse logistics of the military, the Navy completed research in 1998, “three fundamentals of RL having surfaced: dependability, consistency, and accessibility,” according to the research, the fundamentals of army reverse logistic procedures are […]
• Military Logistics and Commercial Logistics Logistics is the management of the distribution of resources and a thorough organization of the chain of supplies. Essentially, the supply chains should focus on the internal dynamics of logistics and have a chance to […]
• Military Families and Their Sacrifices While the acts of heroism made by soldiers are not to be underrated, either, the great sacrifice of their families, who provide consistent support, are proud of their family members in the military, and put […]
• Disaster and Emergency Management: The Use of Military During Disaster Response The validity of this suggestion can be well illustrated in regards to the crucial role that military personnel played, while participating in search-and-rescue operations in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and in regards […]
• Addressing the Disrespect in the Military It is important that every person in the military adhere to the conducts whether in uniform or not. Therefore, issues of disrespect tend to be very minimal in the military.
• Proposed Solution to Military Spending Problem The government could easily cut the expenses by at least $100 billion and invest the money in other spheres that could provide security for the citizens of the US.
• Military Professional Ethics This is where ethical decision-making must be applied to be fair to the nation and my friend. In conclusion, one has to stress that the military is expected to act in a good and ethical […]
• Gratitude to Military: Thank You for Your Service In my opinion, the military profession is one of the most dangerous and significant, and not every person can cope with the tasks assigned to such employees.
• Conflict and Its Resolution Within the U.S. Military and Department of Defense Hence, the aim of the paper is to regard the key types of conflicts that appear within the organization, define how does the government manages these conflicts, and what can be made for resolving these […]
• The United Arab Emirates Military Hence, the UAE military is divided into four main blocks namely; the navy, the air force, the marines and the army.
• Involvement of Psychologists in Military Interrogations This led to sustained and strenuous efforts of these groups and the support of APA, leading to the adoption of detailed and clear specific ethical standards to limit the role of psychologists in interrogations.
• Women in the Military Historically participation of women in the military dates back to times of the revolutionary war, due to the awakening of the world that, women also had a role to play as pertained to protecting their […]
• The Ethics of Drone Use in Military Conflicts: A Kantian Perspective Sovereignty and international security are the greatest ethical issues behind the use of drones in military conflicts. According to Kant’s theory, the need, in this case, is having international peace and sovereignty.
• United States Military JCETs: Lithuania The main goal of the Chief of Mission for Lithuania is to engage the country’s support and partnership to enhance stability and security in Europe.
• The Congressional Medal of Honor in US Military While the Medal of Honor primarily seeks to reinforce desired conduct in soldiers, Sergeant Alwyn Cashe demonstrated selflessness and dedication that inspires fellow members of the armed services and the citizenry. Sergeant Alwyn Cashe depicted […]
• Military Coup in Myanmar and Its Aftermath The goal of the military coup was to change the political order in Myanmar, which resulted in the change of all governing organizations.
• LGBTQ+ (Queer) Military Discrimination in Healthcare Furthermore, the subject is relevant to the field of psychology as the current phenomenon examines discrimination in healthcare both from the psychological outcomes experienced by veterans as well as the perception of LGBTQ+ patients through […]
• Eating Disorders in the Military Exposure to trauma is frequently linked to the emergence of eating disorders. As a result, soldiers develop an eating disorder due to external factors, which affect their mental and physical health, but it remains one […]
• Civilian vs. Military Crew Resource Management Training In the practice of military crew resource management training, the development of the curriculum is preceded by the development and active use of a structural and logical scheme in the field of training.
• The Lucifer Effect: Russian Military Invasion of Ukraine It is important to note that the statement that times of great tragedy such as war, genocide and disaster bring out both the best of us and the worst of us is true.
• Salah al-Din, an Islamic Military Leader To study these events, it is crucial to consider the identity of Salah al-Din. In conclusion, it is important to stress that although the military victories of Salah al-Din caused much trouble for the crusaders, […]
• Application of Irrefutable Laws of Leadership in the Military As a leader in the Army, I will let it be known to everyone that the decisions I take on behalf of the US Army will not be mine but for the rightful will of […]
• How Contemporary Leadership Styles Are Relevant in Today’s Military As a consequence, the need to develop the competencies and abilities of leaders in the field is not generally considered a military core activity.
• Individual and Structural Discrimination Toward LGBT (Queer) Military Personnel Consequently, LGBT military personnel are potentially even more vulnerable to mental health issues due to the combined stress of being LGBT and being in the military.
• Military Medical Staff in a Conflict Area: Challenges and Obstacles The first type of obstacle that the healthcare staff face is related to the organization of the health system in the areas of humanitarian crisis.
• Extremism: The Contribution of the Military The United States Army is strict against extremism, terming it as a harmful behavior that neglects the responsibilities entrusted to the military and instead undermines the rule of law. The importance of this topic is […]
• The Role of the Military in Domestic Terrorism Acts The video focuses on the issue of domestic terrorism in the U.S.in light of the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
• Sarah Rosetta Wakeman’s Participation in the Military Campaigns Although this source is not dedicated to the person under consideration, Rosetta Wakeman, it was chosen as it is instrumental in understanding the position of women in American society in the 19th century.
• Dogs in the Military: Articles’ Rhetorical Analysis Despite the different pathetic natures of the two compared articles about dogs in the industry, their comparison proves that the utilitarian and ethical utility of a scientific article is detectable regardless of the level of […]
• The Mutual Trust Element in Military Operations In the case of launching operation Urgent Fury, the cooperation and mutual trust between the US and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States were chiefly responsible.
• Scaling and Success of DevOps for Military HQDA Army G-4 is a special unit involved in the development and evaluation of logistics processes, programs, and policies for the national military sector.
• Role of Commander’s Intent in Military Operations In other words, the commander’s intent specifies the end state of the battleground in terms of the commander’s own forces, the enemy forces, and the territory.
• Closing the Military-Civilian Career Gap A combination of the above-mentioned factors makes it harder for the ex-military people to work and interact with other employees. The inability to secure employment and the stigma from employers fuel the stress among the […]
• Redeployment Effort in the Military Moreover, the present objective of the logistics system transformation is to match the scale of logistical capacity to the actual demands of the military in terms of technological modernization and professionalization.
• Post-Traumatic Growth Among US Military Veterans The first goal of this research is to describe the Prevalence of PTG overall and in the five domains. The second goal is to describe the nature of the association between PTG and PTSD symptoms […]
• Bridging the Military-Civilian Career Gap The US military has one of the largest armies in the world and is the largest professional standing force. Skills transferability and military identity go hand in hand the military frames individuals to act in […]
• The Military Service: Reasons for Joining Army values determine the spiritual and moral orientations of the individual and underlie the actions, deeds, and motives of individual servicemen and military teams and are a kind of self-regulator of the behavior of servicemen.
• Mandatory Military Training in the US The major argument in this article is that there is no longer a need for mandatory military training in the US.
• Closing the Gap Between Military Service and Civilian Career The most important information in the article shows that the way veterans leave the military may affect their transition. This means that not all veterans have the same level of difficulty while transiting to the […]
• Harassment in Military: My Squad Is Free From Abuse If there is a threat of sexual harassment to a private, he will go to a person he can trust, and I will do my best to become that person as his squad leader.
• Military Effectiveness of Nazi Germany in 1939-1941 World War II is one of the most well-documented conflicts in military history, and there is an extensive amount of academic literature depicting the military effectiveness of the German army.
• Erwin Rommel: Military General in the Nazi Army Nevertheless, in early 1941, Hitler promoted Rommel to the commander of the German troops in North Africa, and shortly after, the whole world recognized the military genius of Rommel.
• Women’s Military Service and Biblical Teaching It is necessary to distinguish between two ideas of equality, which are highly different in moral terms: the idea of equality for the elite, the formal but necessary basis of which are privileges, status, a […]
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation in Military CC: The patient interviewed on the military base. The patient has troubles sleeping after experiencing a traumatic event in Iraq.
• Combat Operations: Military Operations Analysis Thus, due to the supply of arms and provisions to the city, the Soviet Union army could defend the strategically important city and turn the events of the entire war around.
• Hazing and Sexual Assault on the Military Profession In that case, the issues affecting the integrity of the soldiers in the platoon will be fixed once and for all.
• A Year of Duty: Why Mandatory Military Service Is a Great Idea A number of very beneficial social functions that it serves makes a case for implementing mandatory military service: it is capable of unifying people, resulting in economic benefits, and giving meaning to a person’s life.
• Veterans’ Transition From Military to Civilian Life The VA has established several programs that provide medical, financial, and other forms of support to veterans to help them adapt to civilian life.
• The Crusades and Military Campaigns The Crusades were armed expeditions of the peoples of the Christian West organized by the Church and the Papacy of Western Europe to liberate Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslims and subjugate these lands.
• The First World War: Military-Industrial Complex The First World War served as a powerful impetus to the development of the military-industrial complex not only in the United States but also in many European countries.
• Combat Bunker to the Corporate Boardroom – Leveraging the Military Mindset The linkage of the military mindset and their application in business settings support the research and analysis of the selected research topic.
• Leveraging the Military Mindset Into Business With YSG’s culture of hiring veterans and relatives to the veterans, this is an indicator that the company is benefiting from the military mindset in its business. The company has a significant number of employees […]
• Pastoral Counseling in the Military In turn, the standards of the Christian Church will help me to remain patient and understanding of the needs of soldiers so that they could progress in their spiritual development.
• Navigating Religious Pluralism in the Military They also have a significant impact on the development of the religious situation in the country, the dynamics of relations between confessions, and their relationship with the state in the context of the rapid spread […]
• Military Mindset and Its Application in Business Similar to the military organization, the elements of said leadership and mindset can be learned if there are appropriate resources and culture in place as well as influences that promote critical self-reflection.
• Difficulties in Adjusting to Civil Life After the Military Therefore, it is crucial for the nursing staff to address this issue and to explain to Mike the consequences of his health problems. It is vital to inform the patient of his condition and to […]
• The US Sanctions Against Myanmar Military Officials The US, along with the EU, is among the countries that use economic sanctions to achieve their political and economic goals the most frequently.
• American Military University: The Ultimate Advantage Is an Educated Mind AMU is affordable and has programs in fields such as business, information technology, education and management.
• Gender Inequality in Relation to the Military Service In his article, Soutik Biswas refers to the intention of India’s Supreme Court to influence the government and give women commanding roles in the army.
• Military Chaplaincy: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats The chaplaincy’s historical centuries-old experience in military events demonstrates that it has unique opportunities for the development of the spiritual and moral potential of soldiers, actualization and strengthening of spiritual support, and the need to […]
• Military Security (Nuclear Deterrence) Nuclear deterrence is a military strategy suggesting that a state may use its influence to bar another country from utilizing nuclear weapons.
• For Continued TRI-CARE Coverage for Military Retirees In light of the sacrifice members of the armed forces give to their country and the social, psychological and health challenges that retirees face during and after service, it is important to provide continued TRI-CARE […]
• PTSD Dual Representation Theory Use in Military Personnel However, it is the position of this paper that this is mere gender stereotyping and the real cause of trauma among women veterans has to do with sexual harassment.
• Military Medical Practitioners Malpractice The policy prevents them from filing lawsuits and claims against the national government on the grounds of medical malpractice. It allows for service members in active duty to file administrative claims against the government for […]
• Failed Leadership and Triggering Military Coups in Mali The people of the Republic of Mali are used to having their heads of state deposed by the military. The Tuareg people are among the most aggrieved, and in 2012, they staged a mutiny aiming […]
• Response to Terrorist Attacks: The Role of Military and Public Sector Entities Nevertheless, to understand the basis of such partnership, one has to understand the actions that the public sector takes and has taken to respond to terrorism in the United States and globally.
• How the Military Made the Transition From Combat to Garrison The purpose of the briefing is to expound on how the military transition from combat to garrison has and is being conducted and the type of leadership style works best.
• The US Military Veterans’ Mental Healthcare System The study’s main objective was to examine the Veterans’ gratification with VA mental health caring, its occurrence of delayed care, and the links of such results.
• “Experiences of Military Spouses of Veterans With Combat-Related PTSD” by Yambo Spouses living with PTSD veterans are unprepared and struggling to deal with issues that their husbands experience.
• Civil-Military Tension as Ethical Dilemma The first is to accept the situation as it is without questions, strictly following the orders and observing the limitations of their inferior position as consultants to the government.
• Ex-Military Adaptation: Veteran Care Grant Proposal The adaptation process and strategies for its implementation are expressed in the project through a consistent approach to the employment of veterans.
• The Military’s Role During the Fall of Suharto in Indonesia During the fall of Suharto in Indonesia, the military played a significant role as both the silent enforcer and active peacemaker.
• The Military Partnerships: Humanitarian and Support Role The purpose of this paper is to discuss the humanitarian and support role of the military partnerships and the NATO command structure, involvement of the National Guard and military branches, and some vital functions of […]
• Transitioning From Military to Civilian Life Since social adaptation after military service is a relevant social topic, this area is studied extensively in social disciplines.
• Military Technologies Inc. vs. Guidance Systems LLC The stakeholders involved in the aftermath of the decision include the company, the government, the supplier, the alternative supplier, the community, and the competing company as a hostile stakeholder.
• Military Transition To Civilian Life The presentation will review the usefulness of BMA, ET, and phenomenology for the transitioning processes that VMs experience as they go from military life to civilian life.
• Disaster Relief and the Military This paper aims to discuss the capabilities and limitations of Active duty and identify why the national guard is being used to support disaster relief efforts.
• Burma Under the Military Rule in 1962-1988 It is necessary to add that the public had a specific idea on the military as people believed the military could rule the country as they had the authority and the necessary instruments.
• N. Johnson’s Analysis of Military Operations in Uganda The defection campaign aimed at the TA commandment will eliminate the danger that TA poses to the local population and reduce the current number of 100 TA fighters to a minimum.
• Media and U.S. Military Policy 2 This paper discusses how the ubiquity of media continues to affect U.S.military interests and how contemporary military policy responds to media ubiquity.
• Alcohol Before and After Military Combat Deployment The conclusion of the article addressed the risk in the new-onset of heavy drinking, binge drinking and the alcohol-related crises among the soldiers who return from war.
• Sex Trade in South Korea Around US Military Bases According to reports released in 2003 by the Korean Institute of Criminology and the Korean Feminist Association, hundreds of thousands of women in the country are involved in the sex trade.
• Medication Errors at Riyadh Military Hospital: Medical Safety and Quality The safe keeping of medical records is the task of the medical records department. Medication errors are investigated at the hospital with regard to the degree to which the risk of improper management of patients’ […]
• Multi-Touch Touch Screen Controls in Military Aircraft The attitude indicator is in the centre of the top row, the Airspeed indicator is to the left, the altimeter on the right, and the gyrocompass or heading indicator in the centre of the second […]
• Contemporary United States Military Chaplaincy Tuttle elaborates that the government has the policy of encouraging the religious, moral, and recreation affairs as well as the development of members of the Armed Force.
• Military Deployment From Social Service Perspective Among the main problems that led to the development of substance abuse, there is a radical change in the entire lifestyle, changing the previous residence, the decline of the financial situation, housing problems, and uncertainty […]
• Optical Fiber Technologies Development and Military Use The benefits of optical fiber technology are the reasons that made the military sector to become an early adopter, and its usage is gradually becoming fundamental even in other fields.
• Hawks’ “Sergeant York” and Military Social Work The goals of York were to complete his military service as a brave and worthy man, who contributed to the protection and safety of the US.
• The Potential Mental Disorders in the Active-Duty Military The article by Walker et al.titled “Active-Duty Military Service Members’ Visual Representations of PTSD and TBI in Masks” describes the study aimed to identify potential mental disorders in the active-duty military.
• No Respect Given to Military Family The purpose of this essay is to study the impact of the problem of insufficient respect for military families on society and individuals and to find solutions to this issue.
• Sexism Against Women in the Military The results showed that not all of the perpetrators and victims from the reports were connected to the military, and most of the victims were women.
• Military Experience: Sergeant Major A rank of Sergeant Major is considered to be a high one and the person must have a reputation of a responsible and knowledgeable individual.
• Female Military in the Continental Army John Rees claims that the percentage of women in the Continental Army was around 3%, but the actual number is hard to find out since some women were disguised as men, and a lot of […]
• How to End Terrorism: Diplomacy or Military Action? The goal of the terrorist acts is the intimidate the population for the purpose of rocking the political situation in the countries, which policy is controversial to the ideas of terrorists.
• Latino Experiences in US Military It is assumed that the Latinos have increased in the military to replace the number of African Americans that has been reducing with years.
• Should National Governments Hire Private Military Contractors? When the services of private militias are enlisted usually the mission is dirty and dangerous and it is supposed to be a secret.
• Crusades: Military Strategy or Religious Ideology? The main aim of the European powers was the recapturing of the Holy Sepulcher, as well as the lowering of Muslim influence in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
• Task Clusters in Military Learning Activity The first level in this framework is that of reaction whereby the attitude of the trainees is measured using a written questionnaire that measures their interests and motivation.a show of interest is a positive indication […]
• Jobless Youth Joining the Military It is stated that most of the youths in America join the military due to expansion of the nuclear energy and the need for more employees.
• Women Should Be Included in the Military Draft if the President Activates It This means that if there is to be a military draft, whether due to the need of health workers, or the already existing and growing numbers of women in the military, women should definitely be […]
• Military Theorists: Carl von Clausewitz and Antoine-Henri Jomini Jomini just like Clausewitz saw the battle of the French Revolution and the various activities that shaped historical events at the time of the Napoleonic era.
• Military Divorce, Its Causes and Effects As discussed earlier, due to their nature of training and the nature of the job, the military tends to be emotionally imbalanced with violent tendencies.
• Roman Civilization and Its Military Power The Roman Empire used the first systems of the republic to conquer a lot but for the interest of a few who included those living within the cities as well as those who were close […]
• Military Transformation in the US Marine Corps The consensus ‘Committee System’ of Command and Control as practiced by the British Doctrine was identified as the chief weakness in the success of amphibious operations.
• “The Military Family” by James Martin The book chronicles the military’s efforts to deal with the social challenges and how the operational dynamics have forced the military to outsource and privatize many of the family support functions to civilian service providers […]
• International Security Environment and Its Impact on the US Military The dangers of a nuclear armed Iran persist and the US will have to cater for the rise of China as a competing superpower.
• Communication Amongst Military Families At the conclusion of this paper it is the hope of the writer that the reader have an increased understanding of the difficulties experienced by individuals under contract with the military as well as what […]
• The U.S. Military Is Unprepared at Outbreak of Hostilities However, a close look at the development would definitely show that the allegation is the result of blowing the issue out of proportion and there should be no reason the US force, or the NCOs, […]
• Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Military Career The military career of Dwight David Eisenhower was closely connected with the development of the American state and international relations during the first half of the 20th century and till the end of the 1960s.
• Historical Analysis of Military Situations in China The main target of the Soviet was to ensure that the two parties merged. What brought the Communists to power was the revival of the power of the peasantry through Mao Zedong.
• The Sino-Russian Military Exercises and the US-Japanese War Game The purpose of this paper is to argue that the joint military exercises are informed by the diplomatic tensions between the participants, political events in the East Asian countries, and the scramble for the influence […]
• Tax Money Usage on Military Spending Issue The fact that America won the Cold War and defeated the Soviets is taken as a vindication by the American leaders of the need to continue military spending.
• Ethics in Military Service Against the Backdrop of Philosophical Theories of Natural Law, Etc. This essay examines the ethics of military service against the backdrop of philosophical theories of Natural Law, Constitutional ethics, Utilitarianism, Relativism, and Kant’s Categorical Imperative with the aim of determining whether the actions of Kilo […]
• Military: Carl Von Clausewitz Theories In modern times fog and friction of war are not obsolete, and their presence in warfare proves the theory of Clausewitz due to multiple examples of war tactics of today.
• Reinstating the Military Draft If a draft seems quite inappropriate for other aspects of the military, then it is only logical for the same consideration to be made in terms of recruitment of soldiers.
• U.S. Military Transformation History: Recruiting From 1776 to Nowadays The transformations in recruitment under a diversified program have also worked to improve opportunities for the minorities within the society Another major factor that led to widening the diversity of military personnel was the need […]
• Alexander the Great, Military Intellectual When Olympia was pregnant, the god’s are said to have communicated to her and the husband in a dream on the nature of the child to be born.
• Personal Philosophy of Military Leadership Hence, it devolves upon the leader to provide the necessary inspiration, enunciate clearly his vision and mission for his subordinates and above all be faultless in his personal code of conduct and maintain the core […]
• Uniform Code of Military Justice The Uniform Code of Military Justice is the corner stone of military law in the armed forces of the United States.
• Military Professionals Study Military History The question that has been asked over the ages is the reason to study history. This essay is an argument, which states that the study of history is important for military personnel as it demonstrates […]
• Military Leadership in the 21st Century The first challenge of any leadership is to feel the inevitability of tomorrow, meaning that one should be aware that one cannot lead forever and therefore, the delegation of authority should be a part of […]
• What It Takes to Be a Military Commander To grasp the sheer amount of odds that one has to overcome to rise in the military hierarchy, it’s important to start at the beginning- the initial decision to join the military.
• Iraq War and the Effects on the Military Family However, the effects of the wars have been felt by the nationals of the warring regions as well as the families of the troops fighting in the war.
• Military Dictatorships in Latin America Prior to analyzing military regimes in Latin America and the causes of their emergence, it is of crucial importance to understand the concept of dictatorship, because, it has many forms, and can be interpreted from […]
• U.S. Military in Iraq: Should They Just Leave? After the US defeated Iraq and succeeded in removing Sadaam Hussein from power, they continued to stay in the country in order to ensure that peace prevails in the country and ensure that innocent people […]
• World War I Within the Context of Military Revolution The main peculiarity of the World War I is the advent of the so-called “three-dimensional conflict”, which means that the combat is held also in the air.
• Private Military Companies’ Strategic Management This difference in terms of professionalism and reliability is one of the factors leading to differences in performance levels between the companies. In the case of Blackwater, they are not open to public scrutiny.
• The Modernization of the Chinese Military The Chinese people’s liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, and air forces of the Republic of China.
• British Military Medicine in the 18th Century To trace the footpath of military medicine from the fourteenth century to the eighteenth century is akin to detailing the medical advancements that has accompanied military conquests from the early civilizations to the present post […]
• Combating Access to Military Healthcare To change the situation, it is extremely needed to implement measures that would enable the service members and their families to gain access to healthcare in a Military health system.
• Gender Politics: Military Sexual Slavery In this essay, it will be shown that military power and sexual slavery are interconnected, how the human rights of women are violated by the military, and how gender is related to a war crime.
• Military Dictatorship in Brazil (1964-1985) They studied records of interrogations of the government of Brazil so that they could be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the government in dealing with the issue of dictatorship.
• United States Military Withdraw From Iraq Issue In looking at the events that led to the invasion of Iraq by the United States, one would not fail to make a connection between the 2001 terrorist attack on the United States and the […]
• NATO Organization Civilian & Military Structures Internal lettering is of the formal character, and is not always available for the reader, as it is of no interest for the inhabitant. It may be of scientific interest only for the researcher, and […]
• Discrimination Against Gays in the Military This information shows that the problem of gay men and lesbian in the military is a part of politics which supports discrimination and inequalities.
• Military “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy. Is It Legal? The aim of this policy is to allow homosexual men to serve the army in spite of their sexual orientation. Second, and related to the first advantage, the issue definition could allow Clinton to transcend […]
• Military Substance Abuse Issue Analysis Military substance abuse, therefore, refers to the people working in the department of defense and in one way or the other are overindulging themselves in drug abuse or rather depending on a drug or chemical […]
• Tupolev Military Aircraft: International Business Law It is proposed to take over the Tupolev Military Aircraft Production Unit from the Russian Government since it is not, presently, in a position, for financial reasons, to build military helicopters here.
• Should Women Be in the Military? The paper starts with a historical background on the presence of women in the military and how they evolved through various traditional roles to their current roles over their time spent in the military domain. […]
• Is Killing in Military Engagement Justifiable? To consider the same topic in the modern national and international environment, we need to conclude that killing during military engagements is justifiable to the extent when it is very much related to the scope […]
• Military Leadership Styles in Examples He could argue and have a debate with them this was one of the strategies that he strengthens his leadership qualities by making it one of the key factors in his family and in his […]
• Military Leadership and Techniques
• Military in Space: What Will It Give the US?
• Chinese Military Modernization and Capabilities
• Gender Barriers to Military Leadership
• Military Leadership: Qualities to Acquire
• Health Behavior & Policies in Military Communities
• “Russia’s Military Revival” by Bettina Renz
• Military Conflicts at the Civil War
• Alcohol’s Role in Military Sexual Assaults
• Total Military Experience Effects on Arrests in Prison Inmates
• Military and Political Leadership
• Leaders’ Lessons Borrowed From Military Systems
• Sharp System and Its Misconception in US Military
• Social Work in the Military With Homeless Veterans
• Powered Exoskeleton in Military & Space Industries
• Sexual Orientation and Equal Rights in Military
• Military: Rules of Engagement and Opening Fire
• East Asian Military Before and After World Wars
• Challenges of Employing U.S. Military Power
• Why Must Political Power Have Primacy Over Military Power?
• Military Justice Issues: People’s Rights and Freedoms
• Open Homosexuals’ Effects on Military Morale
• Substance Abuse in the US Military System
• Domestic Violence Within the US Military
• War Purpose and Military Values
• Can Terrorism Only Be Defeated by Military Means?
• Military Advances Cause Change in Social Structure
• African Union Military Force in Darfur Conflict
• Social Work Against Alcohol Dependency in Military
• Treatments for Alcohol Abuse in the Military
• Military Social Work: SA Scott Case
• Military Social Worker and Posttraumatic Disorder
• Military Social Work Services and Family Support
• American Military Early Childhood Care System
• Encouraging the Accommodation of the Military in Texas
• Military Cyberspace as a New Technology
• Ex-Military Socialization and Mental Treatment
• Social Work in the Military Rehabilitation
• Wide Area Network Acceleration for Military Field
• Sexual Assault and Harassment in the U.S. Military
• Military Social Work and Psychological Treatment
• Psychological Trauma Care in Military Veterans
• Leadership and Learning Organizations in the US Military
• Military Operation Tomodachi: Communication Plan
• Sexual Assault in the United States Military
• Veteran Service Representatives for US Military
• Military Social Worker’s Services for Family
• Military Social Worker’s Services for Personnel
• Wireless Sensor Networks in Military Applications
• Alcohol Abuse for Military-Connected
• Military Social Worker Intervention
• Social Work in the Military: Psychological Issues
• Military Trials: The Criminal Justice Procedures Violations
• Military Law and One Team’s Concept
• Long Deployment for Military Families
• United States Military Challenges
• Military Personnel Health Problems
• Preventing Suicide in the Military and Veterans
• Policemen of the World: U.S. Military Force
• Napoleon Bonaparte’s Military Dictatorship
• American Military Involvement in Haiti
• The Ubiquity of Media and the U.S. Military Interests
• Military Control of Students’ Demonstrations
• The United States Military Spending
• Virtual Reality in Military Health Care
• Exoskeletons for Military and Healthcare: Marketing Plan
• Soldiers’ Therapy in Military Mental Health Clinic
• CNN’S Articles on North Korea’s Military Parade in 2015
• Military Career: Human Resource Certification
• Pakistan-United States Economic and Military Relations
• Cuban Crisis, Its Military, Social, Economic Factors
• Military Deployment Effects on Family Members
• US Military Thinking and Concepts Development
• Military Technology in the American Civil War
• Native Americans, Colonial Militia, and US Military
• US Militia System Evolution to US Military
• Military Capacity of the US as a Young Nation
• Technology in the US Military Capabilities Revival
• Sexual Assault and How It Changed the Military
• Learning From Crisis: Hospital and Military Examples
• China’s “Military Exercises” Near Taiwan in 1996
• Humanitarian Military Intervention Outcomes
• The Battle of Sadr City as a Military Operation
• Civilian and Military Tribunals Differences
• Classical and Modern Military Strategists
• The United States’ Military: Core Values’ Importance
• Global Operations in Military Logistics Function
• Military Logistics in Operation “Iraqi Freedom”
• China’s Military Transformation and Its Regional Impact
• The Military Actions in the Cyber Reality
• Military Leadership: Great or Toxic
• George Patton: General and Military Innovator
• Military Strategy in the Afghan War
• Military Affairs: Revolution and Development
• Military Dictatorship Effects in Nigeria and Brazil
• Military and Civilian Safety Management System
• The War Finance Feature in Promoting Military Success
• Policy in the Military
• The Return of the Military Draft
• Leadership Development in the Military Context
• “Fall of the Roman Empire: The Military Explanation” by Arthur Ferill
• Mexican War: Diplomatic and Military Causes
• System Engineering and the Positive Role It Has in the Military
• What Makes a Great Military Leader?
• The Military Sealift Command
• Military Sealift Command (MSC)
• The US Military Experience in Films
• Making a Happier Military
• Military Leadership in US
• Diplomatic and Military Fronts: 1948 Arab-Israeli Conflict
• Should the US Increase or Decrease Military Forces Overseas to Protect the US
• Downsizing in the U.S. Military
• Military Fascism in Pre-WWII Japan
• DOD Policy on Social Media Concerning Military Members and Government Public Administration
• The United States Armed Forces: One Military Force Combining Land, Sea, and Air Activities
• Stanislaus Military Academy Developmental Model and Plan
• Revelation of Quran to Prophet Mohammad and Religion, Politics, and Military Affairs
• Changes in Canada’s Military System
• The Military Development of Post-Mao China
• Military Modernization in China and Israel – Research
• How Should the United States Respond to the Expansion of China’s Military Force?
• China’s Military Modernization – Aggressiveness or Defensiveness?
• The Ottoman Military and Political Organization
• “Military Rule in Latin America” by Karen Remmer
• The Combination of a Coaching and Military Style of Leadership
• Military Forces and Politics of Iran
• Does ‘China’s Growing Military Power’ Pose a Threat to the Region?
• The Lack of Child Care Facilities in the Military Communities
• How Racial Discourses Subtend Military Projects
• Military Commercial Driver’s License Act of 2012
• How Military and Civil Courts Address Sexual Assault and Rape in the Military
• Military Master Resilience Training Verses Positive Psychology
• The Government Policy on Military Expansion
• Gays in the Military
• It is Not Just for the United States to Use Military Force to Prevent the Acquisition of Nuclear Weapons by Nations that Pose a Military Threat.
• Military History of United States of America
• Military Equipments and the Technology of China in Early Modern World
• Military Funeral Honors in the US Navy
• Use of Simulation in Military
• Steps by the Local and Military Officials to Prevent the Spread of Avian Flu in Okiwan
• Planning for and Implementation of Information Technology in Civilian and Military Organizations
• United States Military as an Institution
• The Evolution of US Military Logistical Procurement
• How the Constitution Applies to Being a Military Leader/Officer
• The Military Style Practices in Small Business Management
• Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Personnel
• Gay in the Military
• Safety in the Military Workplace
• Why We Fight: Military Industrial Complex and Its Impact on the American Life
• Are Military Regimes Really Belligerent?
• What Is the Biggest Challenge Facing Todays Military?
• How Does Modern and Ancient Military Conflict Differ?
• Is Transformational Leadership Effective in the Military?
• Does Peacetime Military Service Affect Crime?
• How Has Technological Innovation Changed Military Strategy?
• What Are the Factors That Exert the Impact on Military Leadership With the Changing Face of War in the Twenty-First Century?
• Are Women Cut Out for Military Combat?
• How Does the Current Military Approach Reduce the Risk of Sexual Assault?
• Does Military Spending Impede Income Inequality?
• What Is the Psychological Impact of Military Service?
• How Does Modern Turn-Based Military Strategy Work?
• Can Military Force Promote Humanitarian Values?
• Why Is the U.S. Military Unprepared for the Outbreak of Hostilities?
• Does the Military Train Men to Be Violent Criminals?
• How Did the 1918 Breakout of Influenza Affect the American Military?
• What Are the Positive Effects of the Military?
• Did the Military Situation Justify a Surprise Attack With the Atom Bomb?
• What Are the Elements of Military Conflict?
• Are There Similarities Between Military and Business Strategy?
• How Effective Are Military Responses to Terror Threats?
• What Are the Principles of Military Strategy?
• Does Sexual Harassment Still Exist in the Military for Women?
• Who Is the Best Military Strategist?
• How Does Military Force Keep Autocratic Regimes in Power?
• Does Economic Globalization Affect Interstate Military Conflict?
• Which Leadership Style Is Used by the Military?
• Does Military Expenditure Increase External Debt?
• Why Does Sexual Assault Occur in the Military?
• How Did the Development of Atomic Weapons Affect Military Theory?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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IvyPanda . 2024. "339 Military Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/military-essay-topics/.

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IvyPanda . "339 Military Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/military-essay-topics/.

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When you work with Leading Authorities speakers bureau, you will have access to a diverse range of military speakers who can cater their message to match any event. From Medal of Honor recipients to NASA astronauts, our speakers are perfect for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events of any size.

If you're ready to book a speaker for your next event, we invite you to contact our team to learn more about the many military speakers we represent. Our team can also answer any questions about the booking process.

If you need to get in touch with our team faster, another option is to complete the online form below, call us at 1-800-SPEAKER, email our team at [email protected] , or use our live chat to connect with us.

If you would like to book a speaker who is not listed, please contact our team, as we can assist in booking in-demand and hard-to-find speakers from across the globe, even if they are not currently on our speaker listings.

• Speech Crafting →

60 Interesting Public Speaking Topics to Engage Your Audience

If you’re the type of person who gets head spinningly, palms-sweaty nervous when asked to make a public speech, you’re certainly not alone. As intimating and intimidating as it may seem, it’s true that having the ability to confidently stand in front of an audience and deliver a speech can be a super useful tool. Not only could it bring you better marks in school, it’ll also come in handy in future job applications, leadership positions, and even in everyday conversation. Now that you’re serious about conquering public speaking , the next step is knowing what to say. We’ve got your back on this one. Here’s a list of 60 interesting public speaking topics which promise to keep your audience engaged and eager to hear what you have to say. Customize them however you please, add more information and ideas of your own, and let your ideas do the talking! Let’s get going!

Interesting Public Speaking Topics

Public speaking provides a unique opportunity for speakers to share their opinions, experiences, and knowledge in an interesting way. Interesting public speaking topics can range from controversial to informative, from historical to present day, from fun to serious. When selecting a topic , it’s important to consider the interests of your audience as well as what you can provide appropriate supporting information on. Controversial or opinion-based topics can be engaging, but it’s important that all sides of the argument are presented fairly and no one in the audience is disparaged or excluded. Additionally, providing both sides of an argument here helps inform your audience and may even expose them to different perspectives. Informative topics are great for teaching audiences about specific subjects or movements, while delivering the information in an entertaining and interesting way. Explain how each piece fits into the bigger picture and build suspense throughout your talk. Additionally, if you have personal stories associated with the topic, by all means include them; these stories help make your presentation more memorable and engaging for your audience. Historical topics provide excellent fodder for a public speaking engagement; beyond teaching about specific events that occurred in our past, you can also shed light on important dates in history or major events of the past century. Providing context helps bring to life lessons from those points in time that still influence us today. Current events are also great platforms for public speaking – highlighting what is happening now provides a powerful connection between speaker and audience as everyone is probably equally (or almost equally) knowledgeable about it—and if not? You get to teach them! When presenting current events as your topic, make sure you use up-to-date sources and highlight any compliance changes or other political matters that could affect your audience directly. Now let’s move on to discuss current events as an interesting public speaking topic…

Current Events

When it comes to public speaking, current events make for a highly engaging topics. Depending on the agenda and purpose of the speech, current events can be used either to inform and educate the audience or to galvanize support and motivate action. When dealing with current events, speakers should strive to remain impartial while bringing forth both sides of the argument. For example, if the event is to discuss international trade policy in light of recent tariffs disputes between major trading partners, speakers should present both advantages and disadvantages of increased tariffs. Understanding the core issue at hand without commenting on the efficacy of each side’s policies is key in order to maintain an impartial outlook. Similarly, when addressing a complex social issue like discrimination against minority groups or income equality, it is important to provide a sober and nuanced overview of the issue while ensuring that all sides are properly represented. Naturally, as certain issues become particularly salient in the public debate , more detailed analysis may be necessary in order to provide a full account of the situation. With that said, presenters must always exercise caution when discussing hot-button topics so as not to alienate any portion of their audience. Finally, speakers may choose to conclude their discussion by proposing a plan for action or connecting their topic with wider implications for society. As such, choosing current events as one’s topic allows for an opportunity to create real change that can have tangible benefits for members of their audience. With this potential impact in mind, let us now explore creative ideas that are just as interesting but offer a different approach.

10 Current Events Topics

• COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on society, economy, and healthcare systems
• Climate change and environmental issues, including wildfires, hurricanes, and rising sea levels
• Global politics and international relations, including tensions between countries and geopolitical conflicts
• Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and the future of work
• Social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, and their impact on society
• Mental health and wellbeing, including the effects of the pandemic on mental health and access to mental health services
• Education and the challenges of remote learning and hybrid learning models
• Immigration and refugee crises, including the global response and the impact on individuals and communities
• Economic inequality and the wealth gap, including the effects of the pandemic on job losses and income disparities
• The role of media and technology in shaping public opinion and discourse, including issues of censorship and misinformation.

Fun Public Speaking Topics

Public speaking can be an incredibly effective method of communication and expressing ideas to an audience. When selecting a topic for a public speaking event, it is important to choose one that will be engaging, exciting and entertaining . Fun public speaking topics are a great way to captivate your audience’s attention. Some fun topics popular today include conspiracy theories, humorous anecdotes and weird trivia questions. In addition to topics that can evoke laughter, you could opt for a conversation-like approach by selecting topics tailored towards discussing or debating current events or pop culture trends. This type of discussion creates a sense of involvement amongst your listeners, as they are likely to have their own opinions on the subject matter at hand. Knowing the interests of your audience makes it easier to pick one of these types of interesting conversation starters. Yet another type of enjoyable public speaking topic is one related to personal experience. By sharing stories from your own life you can create a connection with your audience because they realize you are not only knowledgeable about academic subjects but also about human experiences. For example, you could talk about how traveling abroad changed your perspective or how volunteer work with animals opened up new opportunities in your life. No matter what route you take, having a fun element in each speech encourages conversations , making it more engaging for the listener.

Here are 10 fun topics for public speaking:

• The science of laughter and how it can improve mental and physical health
• The history of popular board games and how they have evolved over time
• The art of cake decorating and how to create beautiful and delicious desserts
• The world of cosplay and the art of creating intricate costumes
• The benefits of travel and tips for planning the perfect vacation
• The world of online gaming and the rise of esports
• The history of memes and how they have impacted popular culture
• The art of mixology and how to make creative cocktails at home
• The joys and challenges of pet ownership and the benefits of having a furry friend
• The world of improv comedy and how to master the art of improvisation.

These fun public speaking topics spark imagination and interest from all those involved in the discussion. While brainstorming ideas, it is important to keep in mind that the topic should contain enough material to elaborate upon while maintaining a lighthearted spirit; balance is key!

Controversial Public Speaking Topics

Controversial public speaking topics can be excellent ways to engage your audience and spark a lively discussion. It is best to keep the language used respectful, as well as being mindful of the makeup of the audience you are presenting to. Popular controversial public speaking topics range from opinions about current events and politics, religion, gender roles and LGBTQ issues, amongst other things. When debating each side of the argument, it is important to make sure that one doesn’t invalidate or insult the opposing views.

Here are 10 controversial public speaking topics:

• Gun control and the right to bear arms
• Abortion and reproductive rights
• Capital punishment and the death penalty
• Immigration policy and border control
• Affirmative action and equal opportunity employment
• LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality
• The legalization of marijuana and other drugs
• Animal rights and animal testing
• Freedom of speech and hate speech laws
• Climate change and the role of humans in causing and combating it.

No matter which topic you decide to explore, controversial public speaking topics provide a great opportunity for learning experiences. With great research beforehand, ambitious speakers can use these occasions to inform their audiences in meaningful ways. Moving on to the next section, motivational public speaking topics have become increasingly popular within the last several years. This type of speech aims to inspire its audience by inciting positive feelings and emotions while promoting an inspiring idea or action plan.

Key Points to Remember

Controversial public speaking topics can be engaging to an audience, but the language used should remain respectful regardless of opinions held. Popular topics include current events, politics, religion, gender roles, and LGBTQ issues. When debating both sides of a controversial argument, it is important not to insult or invalidate another viewpoint. Controversial public speaking gives speakers a great opportunity to enhance learning experiences with thorough research and information .

Motivational Public Speaking Topics

Motivation is a powerful tool that can influence and inspire people to realize their potential and reach unseen levels of success. When applied effectively, motivational public speaking topics can be incredibly impactful and help an audience take action on ideas they can implement in their daily life. The key to delivering an effective motivational talk is to focus on the idea of progress. Talk about how something good can be accomplished over time if dedication and hard work are continually applied. Present stories of real-life successes, as well as struggles, to illustrate these points and increase the audience’s engagement level. Make sure to inject positive energy into your speech by outlining strategies the audience can use to stay motivated while achieving their goals. By presenting topics in a motivational manner, you can help ensure that members of your audience feel encouraged, empowered, and inspired. If you are debating a controversial topic, make sure to present both sides of the argument within the same motivating framework.

Here are 10 motivational public speaking topics:

• Overcoming obstacles and achieving success
• Finding purpose and meaning in life
• Building self-confidence and self-esteem
• The power of perseverance and determination
• Mindfulness and living in the present moment
• Overcoming fear and taking risks
• The importance of setting and achieving goals
• Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth
• Developing a positive mindset and attitude
• The benefits of gratitude and appreciation in life.

Keeping these important principles in mind will allow you to deliver a compelling motivational presentation that helps your audience believe in themselves and develop clear directions for taking action. Taking the right steps today will bring better results tomorrow — this is a concept worth discussing during your talk.

Historical Topics for Public Speaking

History is a rich and complex tapestry of events, ideas, and movements that have shaped the world we live in today. Exploring historical topics can help us gain a deeper understanding of our collective past, and shed light on the challenges and triumphs of human experience. From the fall of the Roman Empire to the Civil Rights Movement, there are countless historical topics that continue to fascinate and inspire us. In this list, we explore ten historical topics that offer a glimpse into the great events and movements that have shaped our world.

Here are 10 historical topics to talk about:

• The fall of the Roman Empire and its impact on European civilization
• The French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
• The Industrial Revolution and its impact on society, economy, and technology
• The American Revolution and the birth of the United States of America
• The Renaissance and its impact on art, science, and culture
• The colonization of the Americas and the impact on indigenous populations
• The World Wars and their impact on global politics and international relations
• The Age of Exploration and the impact of European colonization on the world
• The Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality in the United States
• The Cold War and the global tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Persuasive Speech Topics

Persuasive speeches are designed to convince the audience to take a particular action, adopt a certain viewpoint, or support a specific idea. These speeches can be powerful tools for effecting change and promoting important causes. From protecting the environment to advocating for social justice, persuasive speech topics cover a wide range of issues that are relevant to our world today. In this list, we explore ten persuasive speech topics that can inspire and motivate audiences to take action and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Here are 10 persuasive speech topics:

• The importance of recycling and reducing waste to protect the environment
• The benefits of meditation and mindfulness for mental health and well-being
• The need for stricter gun control laws to reduce gun violence
• The importance of early childhood education for future success
• The benefits of a plant-based diet for health and the environment
• The need to address income inequality through progressive taxation
• The importance of access to affordable healthcare for all individuals
• The need for comprehensive sex education in schools
• The benefits of renewable energy sources for a sustainable future
• The need for increased support for mental health resources and services

Public speaking is not always an easy task. Whether you are presenting a persuasive or informative speech, it can be difficult to keep your audience interested and engaged. In order to do this, it is essential to choose the appropriate public speaking topics. The fifty-plus interesting public speakings topics suggested in this article can provide plenty of inspiration and help you deliver a powerful message to your audience. Whether you take a light-hearted approach or focus on a more serious subject matter, picking the right public speaking topics can make all the difference. Larger philosophical questions may prove intimidating and impractical as public speaking topics, while trivial conversation starters may bore your audience before they even start listening. To get the most out of your speeches, it is important to pick a topic that walks the line between engaging your listeners without making them uncomfortable or unsure of how to respond. It is also imperative that you develop solid argumentation and presentation skills if you want to succeed in public speaking. An entertaining speech must still provide solid facts and evidence while at the same time grabbing the attention of your listeners. A good balance between interesting content and persuasive rhetoric should help make any speech successful.

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative public speaking topics.

Creative public speaking topics can range from the exploration of current trends, to unique takes on traditional topics. For example, if discussing the current state of education, one could focus on the trend of more expensive tuition for higher education and dive into the implications this has for students and the job market, or discuss emergent strategies for providing greater access to educational opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas. Additionally, one could explore the current technology landscape and how it will shape future generations, or investigate developments in artificial intelligence that are redefining our understanding of what “intelligence” means. One could also take a more artful approach to public speaking and open up a dialogue about the power of creativity in solving problems or elicit discussion around empathy as a form of communication. Ultimately, creative public speaking topics are limited only by creative thought and provide an exciting opportunity for speakers to present inspiring ideas in entertaining ways.

What are some tips for choosing public speaking topics?

Some tips for choosing public speaking topics include: 1. Choose topics that are relevant to your audience. Make sure the topic is of interest to them and will keep their attention. 2. Research the topic thoroughly before speaking. Knowing the subject matter well will make it easier to engage your audience. 3. Select a topic that is both challenging and interesting. While choosing a subject that people might be familiar with can be safe, make sure it is still engaging and stimulating. 4. Avoid topics that are too controversial or sensitive. Refrain from such topics as they could lead to arguments or displeasing reactions amongst the audience members. 5. Expand on popular material but don’t plagiarize other speakers’ ideas. People like new concepts and appreciate hearing new information so challenge yourself to come up with something original!

DSST TEST PREP

DANTES TEST PREPARATION

• DTP Success Team
• Jan 28, 2022
• 10 min read

DSST Principles of Public Speaking: How to Prepare For Your Speech

Updated: Mar 5

DSST Principles of Public Speaking

To pass the Principles of Public Speaking exam, it's crucial to understand its two-part structure, as most institutions mandate passing both for college credit.

The initial phase comprises a multiple-choice test encompassing approximately 100 questions.

To pass, you must correctly answer 56% and 58% of these questions.

The second part necessitates a 3-5 minute presentation.

Your results for this segment will be emailed within 7-10 business days post-exam.

A successful speech involves various elements, including message clarity and delivery style.

Adhering to our straightforward guidelines can significantly enhance your chances of passing.

Table of Contents

Case Study: Jennifer's Experience 

Test-Day Experience, Step-by-Step 

Getting Your Score  

Conclusion  

Bonus: DSST Principles of Public Speaking Study Guide

Speech Preparation - General Overview  

The Day of Your Exam - Test Day  

40 Controversial Speech Topics 

Student Resources 

References 

Case Study: Jennifer's Experience

Jennifer's Background and Personal Notes

Given my background in writing and public speaking, I opted for minimal study for the multiple-choice portion, dedicating roughly 2 hours in total.

Having already completed three prior DSST exams, the Principles of Public Speaking exam marked my fourth endeavor.

Surprisingly, I finished it in approximately 40 minutes and scored 450.

For those with experience in public speaking or familiarity with literary devices, rest assured that you will likely perform well on this exam.

Preparing for the Speech

In readiness for the speech component of the exam, I undertook a structured practice regimen.

Initially, I researched approximately 40 controversial topics and crafted three concise bullet points outlining my stance.

This exercise proved invaluable for swiftly developing opinions on diverse subjects, a skill vital for effective communication.

Furthermore, I honed my speech-writing proficiency by practicing timed speeches.

Utilizing topics my husband chose, I imposed a strict 10-minute writing limit for each speech.

This time constraint facilitated the development of clear and concise arguments within a limited timeframe.

I recommend this approach wholeheartedly, as it ensures thorough preparation for the exam's time constraints.

When structuring my speeches, I adhered to the standard 3-point outline format:

Introduction: 30 seconds

Concisely state your thesis and outline the three supporting points.

Point One: 1 minute

Elaborate on the first supporting point, providing evidence and examples to bolster your argument.

Point Two: 1 minute

Expand upon the second supporting point, emphasizing its significance and relevance to the thesis.

Point Three: 1 minute

Discuss the third supporting point, reinforcing its importance and contribution to the argument.

Conclusion: 30 seconds

Summarize the key points of the speech and reiterate the thesis, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Sample: Speech Topics with Bullet Points and Opinion

Climate Change:

Increased frequency of extreme weather events

Melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels

Need for urgent global action to mitigate climate change

Opinion: Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and concerted efforts from governments, industries, and individuals to address its impacts and prevent further environmental degradation.

Gun Control:

Stricter background checks for gun purchases

Ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines

Implementation of red flag laws to prevent gun violence

Opinion: Implementing stricter gun control measures is essential to reduce gun-related violence and ensure public safety while still respecting the Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners.

Legalization of Marijuana:

Regulation and taxation of marijuana sales

Decriminalization of possession for personal use

Potential benefits of medical marijuana in pain management and treatment

Opinion: The legalization of marijuana would generate revenue through taxation, reduce the criminalization of non-violent drug offenses, and allow for research into its medicinal properties, ultimately leading to a more rational drug policy.

By adhering to this structured approach, I could effectively organize my thoughts and deliver compelling speeches within the allotted time frame.

I encourage all candidates to adopt a similar practice regimen to enhance their preparation and confidence for the speech component of the exam.

Pro Tip: You must give your speech within three to five minutes. You ’ll automatically be disqualified and receive a failing score if you're under or over.

Enhancing Your Speech with a Personal Connection

Hypothetical Story

Incorporating a quick hypothetical story or sharing a personal connection to the subject matter can add depth and engagement to your speech.

Here's an example of how you can weave a personal anecdote into your presentation without relying on fake statistics or sources:

As I reflect on the topic of [insert topic], I'm reminded of a personal experience that resonates deeply with me.

While volunteering at a local shelter last summer, I interacted with individuals directly impacted by [insert relevant issue].

Hearing their stories and witnessing their resilience profoundly influenced my perspective.

Moments like these remind us of the human face behind the statistics and underscore the importance of [reiterate the critical message of your speech].

Alternatively, if you prefer to craft a hypothetical story:

Imagine a world where [insert scenario related to your topic].

Picture the potential impact on [affected individuals or communities].

While this scenario may seem hypothetical, it serves as a powerful reminder of the potential consequences of [reiterate the critical message of your speech].

By incorporating a personal connection or hypothetical scenario into your speech, you can create a memorable and engaging conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Remember to stay authentic and genuine in your storytelling, and play it safe by refraining from citing sources or statistics that cannot be verified.

Speech Do's and Don'ts

Aim to deliver your speech within the optimal time frame of 3 to 5 minutes, as deviating significantly from this range may fail.

Maintain consistency in your stance throughout the speech and avoid flipping sides or expressing understanding for opposing viewpoints.

Speak deliberately and slowly, ensuring clarity and comprehension while incorporating inflection to maintain engagement and prevent sounding robotic.

Don't:

Exceed or fall short of the recommended time frame for your speech, as this could negatively impact your evaluation.

Contradict your stance or express sympathy for opposing viewpoints, as it may undermine the persuasiveness of your argument.

Rush through your speech or speak monotonously, as it may detract from your message and fail to captivate your audience effectively.

Adhering to these speech do's and do n'ts can maximize your effectiveness as a communicator and increase your chances of success in the Principles of Public Speaking exam.

Test-Day Experience

Step-by-Step Process

When you arrive at the testing center computer, you can purchase Public Speaking I (Multiple Choice Portion) or Public Speaking Part II (Speech Portion).

Rest assured, you won't be charged twice for both parts.

The speech portion is complimentary once you've paid for and successfully passed Part I.

I found myself in the same room as other test-takers for the multiple-choice portion.

Although it was longer than anticipated, I completed it within 40 minutes and received my score promptly.

After completing the multiple-choice segment, I notified the proctor, who escorted me to a different room for Part II.

This portion, conducted on a computer in a separate office, involved the speech component.

I received blank paper and a pencil during the speech portion to aid my preparation and delivery.

This setup ensured a focused and private environment conducive to delivering the speech effectively.

Pro Tip: It's a good idea to practice writing your speech and creating an outline to guide you.

Utilizing Recording Controls During the Speech Portion

Recording Controls

When you begin the speech portion, a 20-minute timer initiates to guide your speech duration.

On the left side of the screen, you'll find the familiar "Record/Stop/Playback" controls, facilitating seamless speech delivery.

These controls are identical to those on the equipment test screen, ensuring all users' ease of use and familiarity.

By leveraging these recording controls effectively, you can confidently manage your speech delivery within the allocated time frame.

Allocation of Time:

You're granted 20 minutes for both writing and delivering your speech, offering flexibility in time management.

While reserving 5 minutes to review your audio clip is suggested, some may find this unnecessary.

A practical strategy is to devote 14 minutes to writing your speech, ensuring clarity, coherence, and organization.

This allows 6 minutes of speech delivery and ample time for articulation, pacing, and audience engagement.

Maximizing Performance:

Once you hit record, a timer appears above, counting up to 5 minutes, starting at 0:00.

My speech lasted about 3.5 minutes, so I had nearly a minute left to play back and confirm the recording.

Challenging students to handwrite their speeches/notes is antiquated and cumbersome, adding little value and impeding speech production.

Those who struggle with handwriting face a distinct disadvantage in speed and efficiency.

Pro Tip: A grey box will pop up when you have 5 minutes left.

Receiving Your Score

DSST Exam Results

I diligently checked the status of my exam on the Prometric portal daily, eager for updates.

Each time I logged in, the status read "Submitted for Evaluation" or a similar message, indicating that my exam was in the evaluation process.

Despite the anticipation, I patiently awaited the outcome.

Then, one day, I received the much-anticipated notification in my email: I had successfully passed the exam.

The relief and joy of receiving that "PASS" notification were unparalleled, marking the culmination of my hard work and preparation.

Strategic Approach

In conclusion, preparing for the DSST Principles of Public Speaking exam requires dedication, practice, and a strategic approach.

By familiarizing yourself with the exam format, content areas, and speech preparation techniques, you can increase your confidence and readiness for success.

Remember to allocate your time wisely, utilize resources effectively, and practice delivering speeches within the allotted time frame.

With perseverance and determination, you can conquer this exam and showcase your proficiency in public speaking.

So, embrace the challenge, give it your best effort, and confidently step into the exam room.

Good luck on your journey!

Principles of Public Speaking Study Guide

If you're preparing for the DSST Public Speaking Principles exam, download our Principles of Public Speaking Study Guide or continue reading - we’ve included 40 contentious sample issues for you to practice with.

Our examples should provide plenty of material to get your creative juices flowing and give you some practice writing speeches on controversial topics in public speaking.

You can also try this with friends or family willing participants - it's fun!

Remember that not everyone will agree with what you have to say, but if they do, then great -- chances are others will, too!

We hope these tips help you ace this section of your exam while still having an enjoyable experience doing so.

Speech Preparation - General Overview

Instructions Summary

Research 40 or more debatable topics.

Write three brief bullet points and your opinion on each topic.

Perform timed practice: Write your speech within 10-15 minutes.

Deliver your speech in front of a live audience or practice solo.

Sample: Speech Structure

Your speech should be at least 3 minutes and under 5 minutes.

Thesis and briefly mention your supporting opinions (30 seconds - 1 minute).

Introduction (30 Seconds)

1st Opinion (1 minute)

2nd Opinion (1 minute)

3rd Opinion (1 minute)

Conclusion (30 seconds - 1 minute)

The Day of Your Exam

On the day of your exam, expect to conduct the speech segment in a separate room.

Upon arrival, you'll be provided with headphones for your convenience.

Additionally, a pencil and blank sheet of paper will be available for outlining your speech.

You'll have a generous 20 minutes to both prepare and deliver your speech.

Once you initiate the process by hitting "Begin," a timer will commence. A timely alert will notify you when only 5 minutes remain.

When you're ready to record, another timer will track your speech duration, allowing up to 5 minutes of speaking time.

It's crucial to note that you'll have only one opportunity to record your speech.

Once you halt the recording, you cannot revisit or make adjustments.

Ensure you're well-prepared and make the most of your allotted time. Good luck!

40 Controversial Speech Topics

Speech Topics

Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Are cell phones safe?

Is human activity a substantial cause of global climate change?

Is a college education worth it?

Should adults have the right to carry concealed handguns?

Should Corporal Punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Should the death penalty be allowed?

Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Should performance-enhancing drugs (e.g., steroids) be accepted in sports?

Should felons who have completed their sentence (incarceration, probation, and parole) be allowed to vote?

Should marijuana be a medical option?

Should police officers wear body cameras?

Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Are social networking sites good for our society?

Is the use of standardized tests improving education in America?

Should student loan debt be easier to discharge in Bankruptcy?

Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Does technology get in the way of learning for K-12 students?

Do we give children too many trophies?

Are children of illegal immigrants entitled to public education?

Should k-12 students be barred from taking cell phones to school?

Should companies collect information about us?

What is more important: our privacy or national security?

Should the private lives of famous people be off-limits?

Do photoshopped images promote unrealistic expectations of beauty and body image?

Should texting while driving have heavier legal repercussions?

Should public college be free?

Is cloning ethical?

Should polygamy be legalized?

Should single parents be allowed to adopt?

Are media beauty standards harmful to teens?

Do chemical weapons have the right to exist?

Can the development of alternate forms of energy help us?

Purchasing prescription drugs online: is it okay?

Should euthanasia become legal?

Is blood donation dangerous?

Should athletes go through mandatory drug testing?

Should obesity be a government concern?

Should the human population be controlled?

Should our country take on any responsibility to end global hunger?

Exam Preparation

Preparing for the DSST Principles of Public Speaking exam demands dedication and strategic planning.

It's crucial to have a solid foundation before stepping into the exam room.

I urge you to review our study guide, which provides 40 contentious issues for speech preparation.

Take time to familiarize yourself with these topics and develop quick bullet points outlining your stance on each.

Now, let's dive into crafting your speech.

Remember, it's a persuasive speech, so avoid stating any support for opposing positions.

Be persuasive but also authentic and engaging.

Speak slowly, naturally, and enunciate when needed. Avoid using statistics or sources that you cannot cite.

As you prepare your speech, keep in mind that you have only 10 minutes to complete the entire process.

Allocate your time wisely.

If you find yourself under 3 minutes, have a quick hypothetical story ready.

While it may not be necessary, it ensures a seamless flow of your speech.

Once your speech is crafted, it's time to practice.

Stand up in front of a mirror, set a timer, and rehearse speaking out loud.

Get comfortable with the time required by the DSST Public Speaking Principles exam.

Practice delivering your speech with confidence and conviction.

As you approach the exam day, remember to review several practice exams to prepare for the multiple-choice section.

If you need personal confirmation, don't hesitate to ask your proctor to playback a portion of your speech.

In conclusion, preparing for the DSST Principles of Public Speaking exam is a journey that requires time, effort, and dedication.

But with careful preparation and practice, success is within reach.

Good luck with your DSST exams, and may you excel in your public speaking endeavors.

Student Resources

Our 100 most popular student questions for debate and persuasive writing. James Estrin. (2016).  

Debate Topics. https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/our-100-most-popular-student-questions-for-debate- and-persuasive-writing/

https://www.procon.org/debate-topics.php

Sigma Essays. (2018). 51 Controversial persuasive speech topics. https://sigmaessay.com/51-controversial-persuasive-speech-topics

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Stormy Daniels Takes the Stand

The porn star testified for eight hours at donald trump’s hush-money trial. this is how it went..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

It’s 6:41 AM. I’m feeling a little stressed because I’m running late. It’s the fourth week of Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial. It’s a white collar trial. Most of the witnesses we’ve heard from have been, I think, typical white collar witnesses in terms of their professions.

We’ve got a former publisher, a lawyer, accountants. The witness today, a little less typical, Stormy Daniels, porn star in a New York criminal courtroom in front of a jury more accustomed to the types of witnesses they’ve already seen. There’s a lot that could go wrong.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

Today, what happened when Stormy Daniels took the stand for eight hours in the first criminal trial of Donald J. Trump. As before, my colleague Jonah Bromwich was inside the courtroom.

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It’s Friday, May 10th.

So it’s now day 14 of this trial. And I think it’s worth having you briefly, and in broad strokes, catch listeners up on the biggest developments that have occurred since you were last on, which was the day that opening arguments were made by both the defense and the prosecution. So just give us that brief recap.

Sure. It’s all been the prosecution’s case so far. And prosecutors have a saying, which is that the evidence is coming in great. And I think for this prosecution, which is trying to show that Trump falsified business records to cover up a sex scandal, to ease his way into the White House in 2016, the evidence has been coming in pretty well. It’s come in well through David Pecker, former publisher of The National Enquirer, who testified that he entered into a secret plot with Trump and Michael Cohen, his fixer at the time, to suppress negative stories about Trump, the candidate.

It came in pretty well through Keith Davidson, who was a lawyer to Stormy Daniels in 2016 and negotiated the hush money payment. And we’ve seen all these little bits and pieces of evidence that tell the story that prosecutors want to tell. And the case makes sense so far. We can’t tell what the jury is thinking, as we always say.

But we can tell that there’s a narrative that’s coherent and that matches up with the prosecution’s opening statement. Then we come to Tuesday. And that day really marks the first time that the prosecution’s strategy seems a little bit risky because that’s the day that Stormy Daniels gets called to the witness stand.

OK, well, just explain why the prosecution putting Stormy Daniels on the stand would be so risky. And I guess it makes sense to answer that in the context of why the prosecution is calling her as a witness at all.

Well, you can see why it makes sense to have her. The hush money payment was to her. The cover-up of the hush money payment, in some ways, concerns her. And so she’s this character who’s very much at the center of this story. But according to prosecutors, she’s not at the center of the crime. The prosecution is telling a story, and they hope a compelling one. And arguably, that story starts with Stormy Daniels. It starts in 2006, when Stormy Daniels says that she and Trump had sex, which is something that Trump has always denied.

So if prosecutors were to not call Stormy Daniels to the stand, you would have this big hole in the case. It would be like, effect, effect, effect. But where is the cause? Where is the person who set off this chain reaction? But Stormy Daniels is a porn star. She’s there to testify about sex. Sex and pornography are things that the jurors were not asked about during jury selection. And those are subjects that bring up all kinds of different complex reactions in people.

And so, when the prosecutors bring Stormy Daniels to the courtroom, it’s very difficult to know how the jurors will take it, particularly given that she’s about to describe a sexual episode that she says she had with the former president. Will the jurors think that makes sense, as they sit here and try to decide a falsifying business records case, or will they ask themselves, why are we hearing this?

So the reason why this is the first time that the prosecution’s strategy is, for journalists like you, a little bit confusing, is because it’s the first time that the prosecution seems to be taking a genuine risk in what they’re putting before these jurors. Everything else has been kind of cut and dry and a little bit more mechanical. This is just a wild card.

This is like live ammunition, to some extent. Everything else is settled and controlled. And they know what’s going to happen. With Stormy Daniels, that’s not the case.

OK, so walk us through the testimony. When the prosecution brings her to the stand, what actually happens?

It starts, as every witness does, with what’s called direct examination, which is a fancy word for saying prosecutors question Stormy Daniels. And they have her tell her story. First, they have her tell the jury about her education and where she grew up and her professional experience. And because of Stormy Daniels’s biography, that quickly goes into stripping, and then goes into making adult films.

And I thought the prosecutor who questioned her, Susan Hoffinger, had this nice touch in talking about that, because not only did she ask Daniels about acting in adult films. But she asked her about writing and directing them, too, emphasizing the more professional aspects of that work and giving a little more credit to the witness, as if to say, well, you may think this or you may think that. But this is a person with dignity who took what she did seriously. Got it.

What’s your first impression of Daniels as a witness?

It’s very clear that she’s nervous. She’s speaking fast. She’s laughing to herself and making small jokes. But the tension in the room is so serious from the beginning, from the moment she enters, that those jokes aren’t landing. So it just feels, like, really heavy and still and almost oppressive in there. So Daniels talking quickly, seeming nervous, giving more answers than are being asked of her by the prosecution, even before we get to the sexual encounter that she’s about to describe, all of that presents a really discomfiting impression, I would say.

And how does this move towards the encounter that Daniels ultimately has?

It starts at a golf tournament in 2006, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Daniels meets Trump there. There are other celebrities there, too. They chatted very briefly. And then she received a dinner invitation from him. She thought it over, she says. And she goes to have dinner with Trump, not at a restaurant, by the way. But she’s invited to join him in the hotel suite.

So she gets to the hotel suite. And his bodyguard is there. And the hotel door is cracked open. And the bodyguard greets her and says she looks nice, this and that. And she goes in. And there’s Donald Trump, just as expected. But what’s not expected, she says, is that he’s not wearing what you would wear to a dinner with a stranger, but instead, she says, silk or satin pajamas. She asked him to change, she says. And he obliges.

He goes, and he puts on a dress shirt and dress pants. And they sit down at the hotel suite’s dining room table. And they have a kind of bizarre dinner. Trump is asking her very personal questions about pornography and safe sex. And she testifies that she teased him about vain and pompous he is. And then at some point, she goes to the bathroom. And she sees that he has got his toiletries in there, his Old Spice, his gold tweezers.

Very specific details.

Yeah, we’re getting a ton of detail in this scene. And the reason we’re getting those is because prosecutors are trying to elicit those details to establish that this is a credible person, that this thing did happen, despite what Donald Trump and his lawyers say. And the reason you can know it happened, prosecutors seem to be saying, is because, look at all these details she can still summon up.

She comes out of the bathroom. And she says that Donald Trump is on the hotel bed. And what stands out to me there is what she describes as a very intense physical reaction. She says that she blacked out. And she quickly clarifies, she doesn’t mean from drugs or alcohol. She means that, she says, that the intensity of this experience was such that, suddenly, she can’t remember every detail. The prosecution asks a question that cuts directly to the sex. Essentially, did you start having sex with him? And Daniels says that she did. And she continues to provide more details than even, I think, the prosecution wanted.

And I think we don’t want to go chapter and verse through this claimed sexual encounter. But I wonder what details stand out and which details feel important, given the prosecution’s strategy here.

All the details stand out because it’s a story about having had sex with a former president. And the more salacious and more private the details feel, the more you’re going to remember them. So we’ll remember that Stormy Daniels said what position they had sex in. We’ll remember that she said he didn’t use a condom. Whether that’s important to the prosecution’s case, now, that’s a much harder question to answer, as we’ve been saying.

But what I can tell you is, as she’s describing having had sex with Donald Trump, and Donald Trump is sitting right there, and Eric Trump, his son, is sitting behind him, seeming to turn a different color as he hears this embarrassment of his father being described to a courtroom full of reporters at this trial, it’s hard to even describe the energy in that room. It was like nothing I had ever experienced. And it was just Daniels’s testimony and, seemingly, the former President’s emotions. And you almost felt like you were trapped in there with both of them as this description was happening.

Well, I think it’s important to try to understand why the prosecution is getting these details, these salacious, carnal, pick your word, graphic details about sex with Donald Trump. What is the value, if other details are clearly making the point that she’s recollecting something?

Well, I think, at this point, we can only speculate. But one thing we can say is, this was uncomfortable. This felt bad. And remember, prosecutor’s story is not about the sex. It’s about trying to hide the sex. So if you’re trying to show a jury why it might be worthwhile to hide a story, it might be worth —

Providing lots of salacious details that a person would want to hide.

— exposing them to how bad that story feels and reminding them that if they had been voters and they had heard that story, and, in fact, they asked Daniels this very question, if you hadn’t accepted hush money, if you hadn’t signed that NDA, is this the story you would have told? And she said, yes. And so where I think they’re going with this, but we can’t really be sure yet, is that they’re going to tell the jurors, hey, that story, you can see why he wanted to cover that up, can’t you?

You mentioned the hush money payments. What testimony does Daniels offer about that? And how does it advance the prosecution’s case of business fraud related to the hush money payments?

So little evidence that it’s almost laughable. She says that she received the hush money. But we actually already heard another witness, her lawyer at the time, Keith Davidson, testify that he had received the hush money payment on her behalf. And she testified about feeling as if she had to sell this story because the election was fast approaching, almost as if her leverage was slipping away because she knew this would be bad for Trump.

That feels important. But just help me understand why it’s important.

Well, what the prosecution has been arguing is that Trump covered up this hush money payment in order to conceal a different crime. And that crime, they say, was to promote his election to the presidency by illegal means.

Right, we’ve talked about this in the past.

So when Daniels ties her side of the payment into the election, it just reminds the jurors maybe, oh, right, this is what they’re arguing.

So how does the prosecution end this very dramatic, and from everything you’re saying, very tense questioning of Stormy Daniels about this encounter?

Well, before they can even end, the defense lawyers go and they consult among themselves. And then, with the jury out of the room, one of them stands up. And he says that the defense is moving for a mistrial.

On what terms?

He says that the testimony offered by Daniels that morning is so prejudicial, so damning to Trump in the eyes of the jury, that the trial can no longer be fair. Like, how could these jurors have heard these details and still be fair when they render their verdict? And he says a memorable expression. He says, you can’t un-ring that bell, meaning they heard it. They can’t un-hear it. It’s over. Throw out this trial. It should be done.

Wow. And what is the response from the judge?

So the judge, Juan Merchan, he hears them out. And he really hears them out. But at the end of their arguments, he says, I do think she went a little too far. He says that. He said, there were things that were better left unsaid.

By Stormy Daniels?

By Stormy Daniels. And he acknowledges that she is a difficult witness. But, he says, the remedy for that is not a mistrial, is not stopping the whole thing right now. The remedy for that is cross-examination. If the defense feels that there are issues with her story, issues with her credibility, they can ask her whatever they want. They can try to win the jury back over. If they think this jury has been poisoned by this witness, well, this is their time to provide the antidote. The antidote is cross-examination. And soon enough, cross-examination starts. And it is exactly as intense and combative as we expected.

We’ll be right back.

So, Jonah, how would you characterize the defense’s overall strategy in this intense cross-examination of Stormy Daniels?

People know the word impeach from presidential impeachments. But it has a meaning in law, too. You impeach a witness, and, specifically, their credibility. And that’s what the defense is going for here. They are going to try to make Stormy Daniels look like a liar, a fraud, an extortionist, a money-grubbing opportunist who wanted to take advantage of Trump and sought to do so by any means necessary.

And what did that impeachment strategy look like in the courtroom?

The defense lawyer who questions Stormy Daniels is a woman named Susan Necheles. She’s defended Trump before. And she’s a bit of a cross-examination specialist. We even saw her during jury selection bring up these past details to confront jurors who had said nasty things about Trump on social media with. And she wants to do the same thing with Daniels. She wants to bring up old interviews and old tweets and things that Daniels has said in the past that don’t match what Daniels is saying from the stand.

What’s a specific example? And do they land?

Some of them land. And some of them don’t. One specific example is that Necheles confronts Daniels with this old tweet, where Daniels says that she’s going to dance down the street if Trump goes to jail. And what she’s trying to show there is that Daniels is out for revenge, that she hates Trump, and that she wants to see him go to jail. And that’s why she’s testifying against him.

And Daniels is very interesting during the cross-examination. It’s almost as if she’s a different person. She kind of squares her shoulders. And she sits up a little straighter. And she leans forward. Daniels is ready to fight. But it doesn’t quite land. The tweet actually says, I’ll dance down the street when he’s selected to go to jail.

And Daniels goes off on this digression about how she knows that people don’t get selected to go to jail. That’s not how it works. But she can’t really unseat this argument, that she’s a political enemy of Donald Trump. So that one kind of sticks, I would say. But there are other moves that Necheles tries to pull that don’t stick.

So unlike the prosecution, which typically used words like adult, adult film, Necheles seems to be taking every chance she can get to say porn, or pornography, or porn star, to make it sound base or dirty. And so when she starts to ask Daniels about actually being in pornography, writing, acting, and directing sex films, she tries to land a punch line, Necheles does. She says, so you have a lot of experience making phony stories about sex appear to be real, right?

As if to say, perhaps this story you have told about entering Trump’s suite in Lake Tahoe and having sex with him was made up.

Just another one of your fictional stories about sex. But Daniels comes back and says, the sex in the films, it’s very much real, just like what happened to me in that room. And so, when you have this kind of combat of a lawyer cross-examining very aggressively and the witness fighting back, you can feel the energy in the room shift as one lands a blow or the other does. But here, Daniels lands one back. And the other issue that I think Susan Necheles runs into is, she tries to draw out disparities from interviews that Daniels gave, particularly to N-TOUCH, very early on once the story was out.

It’s kind of like a tabloid magazine?

But some of the disparities don’t seem to be landing quite like Necheles would want. So she tries to do this complicated thing about where the bodyguard was in the room when Daniels walked into the room, as described in an interview in a magazine. But in that magazine interview, as it turns out, Daniels mentioned that Trump was wearing pajamas. And so, if I’m a juror, I don’t care where the bodyguard is. I’m thinking about, oh, yeah, I remember that Stormy Daniels said now in 2024 that Trump was wearing pajamas.

I’m curious if, as somebody in the room, you felt that the defense was effective in undermining Stormy Daniels’s credibility? Because what I took from the earlier part of our conversation was that Stormy Daniels is in this courtroom on behalf of the prosecution to tell a story that’s uncomfortable and has the kind of details that Donald Trump would be motivated to try to hide. And therefore, this defense strategy is to say, those details about what Trump might want to hide, you can’t trust them. So does this back and forth effectively hurt Stormy Daniels’s credibility, in your estimation?

I don’t think that Stormy Daniels came off as perfectly credible about everything she testified about. There are incidents that were unclear or confusing. There were things she talked about that I found hard to believe, when she, for instance, denied that she had attacked Trump in a tweet or talked about her motivations. But about what prosecutors need, that central story, the story of having had sex with him, we can’t know whether it happened.

But there weren’t that many disparities in these accounts over the years. In terms of things that would make me doubt the story that Daniels was telling, details that don’t add up, those weren’t present. And you don’t have to take my word for that, nor should you. But the judge is in the room. And he says something very, very similar.

What does he say? And why does he say it?

Well, he does it when the defense, again, at the end of the day on Thursday, calls for a mistrial.

With a similar argument as before?

Not only with a similar argument as before, but, like, almost the exact same argument. And I would say that I was astonished to see them do this. But I wasn’t because I’ve covered other trials where Trump is the client. And in those trials, the lawyers, again and again, called for a mistrial.

And what does Judge Marchan say in response to this second effort to seek a mistrial?

Let me say, to this one, he seems a little less patient. He says that after the first mistrial ruling, two days before, he went into his chambers. And he read every decision he had made about the case. He took this moment to reflect on the first decision. And he found that he had, in his own estimation, which is all he has, been fair and not allowed evidence that was prejudicial to Trump into this trial. It could continue. And so he said that again. And then he really almost turned on the defense. And he said that the things that the defense was objecting to were things that the defense had made happen.

He says that in their opening statement, the defense could have taken issue with many elements of the case, about whether there were falsified business records, about any of the other things that prosecutors are saying happened. But instead, he says, they focused their energy on denying that Trump ever had sex with Daniels.

And so that was essentially an invitation to the prosecution to call Stormy Daniels as a witness and have her say from the stand, yes, I had this sexual encounter. The upshot of it is that the judge not only takes the defense to task. But he also just says that he finds Stormy Daniels’s narrative credible. He doesn’t see it as having changed so much from year to year.

Interesting. So in thinking back to our original question here, Jonah, about the idea that putting Stormy Daniels on the stand was risky, I wonder if, by the end of this entire journey, you’re reevaluating that idea because it doesn’t sound like it ended up being super risky. It sounded like it ended up working reasonably well for the prosecution.

Well, let me just assert that it doesn’t really matter what I think. The jury is going to decide this. There’s 12 people. And we can’t know what they’re thinking. But my impression was that, while she was being questioned by the prosecution for the prosecution’s case, Stormy Daniels was a real liability. She was a difficult witness for them.

And the judge said as much. But when the defense cross-examined her, Stormy Daniels became a better witness, in part because their struggles to discredit her may have actually ended up making her story look more credible and stronger. And the reason that matters is because, remember, we said that prosecutors are trying to fill this hole in their case. Well, now, they have. The jury has met Stormy Daniels. They’ve heard her account. They’ve made of it what they will. And now, the sequence of events that prosecutors are trying to line up as they seek prison time for the former President really makes a lot of sense.

It starts with what Stormy Daniels says with sex in a hotel suite in 2006. It picks up years later, as Donald Trump is trying to win an election and, prosecutors say, suppressing negative stories, including Stormy Daniels’s very negative story. And the story that prosecutors are telling ends with Donald Trump orchestrating the falsification of business records to keep that story concealed.

Well, Jonah, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Of course, thanks for having me.

The prosecution’s next major witness will be Michael Cohen, the former Trump fixer who arranged for the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Cohen is expected to take the stand on Monday.

Here’s what else you need to know today. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a defiant response to warnings from the United States that it would stop supplying weapons to Israel if Israel invades the Southern Gaza City of Rafah. So far, Israel has carried out a limited incursion into the city where a million civilians are sheltering, but has threatened a full invasion. In a statement, Netanyahu said, quote, “if we need to stand alone, we will stand alone.”

Meanwhile, high level ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been put on hold in part because of anger over Israel’s incursion into Rafah.

A reminder, tomorrow, we’ll be sharing the latest episode of our colleague’s new show, “The Interview” This week on “The Interview,” Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with radio host Charlamagne Tha God about his frustrations with how Americans talk about politics.

If me as a Black man, if I criticize Democrats, then I’m supporting MAGA. But if I criticize, you know, Donald Trump and Republicans, then I’m a Democratic shill. Why can’t I just be a person who deals in nuance?

Today’s episode was produced by Olivia Natt and Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Lexie Diao, with help from Paige Cowett, contains original music by Will Reid and Marion Lozano, and was engineered by Alyssa Moxley. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you on Monday.

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Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jonah E. Bromwich

Produced by Olivia Natt and Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Lexie Diao

With Paige Cowett

Original music by Will Reid and Marion Lozano

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

This episode contains descriptions of an alleged sexual liaison.

What happened when Stormy Daniels took the stand for eight hours in the first criminal trial of former President Donald J. Trump?

Jonah Bromwich, one of the lead reporters covering the trial for The Times, was in the room.

On today’s episode

Jonah E. Bromwich , who covers criminal justice in New York for The New York Times.

Background reading

In a second day of cross-examination, Stormy Daniels resisted the implication she had tried to shake down Donald J. Trump by selling her story of a sexual liaison.

Here are six takeaways from Ms. Daniels’s earlier testimony.

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Jonah E. Bromwich covers criminal justice in New York, with a focus on the Manhattan district attorney’s office and state criminal courts in Manhattan. More about Jonah E. Bromwich

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