100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

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Kids' persuasive speech topics cover everything from current events to age old childhood milestones. If you've been assigned a persuasive writing speech, look for a topic you know a lot about and really stand behind.

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics for Beginners

Students in grades two and up who are just starting to learn about the different types of essays and writing can select easy topics about things they are very familiar with. These persuasive writing prompts work great for short speeches.

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Fun and Interesting Topics

  • Kids should start every morning with yoga.
  • Cereal is not a healthy breakfast.
  • Showering every day isn't important.
  • Kids' clothing should always be designed by kids.
  • Being a YouTube star is a real job.
  • Boredom is good for kids.
  • Borrowing books from the library is better than buying them from a store.
  • Hamsters are the best first pet for kids.
  • Every person is completely unique.
  • My town is the best place for families with young children to live.
  • Being an only child is better than having siblings.
  • Kids should have TVs in their bedrooms.
  • Jeans are the most uncomfortable article of clothing.

Educational Topics

  • Cursive writing shouldn't be taught in schools.
  • Lunch periods should be longer for younger kids and shorter for older kids.
  • Kids shouldn't be allowed to bring homemade treats to share at school.
  • Homework should be optional for kids.
  • Schools should mandate that all kids learn about all holidays celebrated around the world.
  • All schools should have outdoor classrooms available.
  • All foods should be grown or raised by small farmers.
  • Playing video games is a good hobby for kids.
  • Gardening is an easy way to eat healthier.
  • Reading is more important than math.
  • Kids should get to choose what classes they take in elementary school.

Global Topics

  • People's differences make the world a more interesting place.
  • Kids under age 13 shouldn't be allowed to have jobs anywhere in the world.
  • The world is round.
  • Dinosaurs really did exist and go extinct.
  • People should only be allowed to eat food that grows or lives in their country.
  • International pen pals are good for kids.
  • Learning a second language is helpful for everyone.
  • There should be one form of money that every country uses.
  • Every country should have its own kind of schools.
  • Governments should offer free travel to other countries for educational purposes.

Intermediate Persuasive Speech Topics for Children

Kids in upper elementary grades who have some practice in writing persuasive speeches can choose topics that might be a little more controversial. These unique speech topics leave room for longer arguments and feature more interesting subjects.

  • Kids should have cell phones.
  • Kids, not adults, should decide how much screen time to have each day.
  • Every town should be required to have a playground.
  • Waffle cones are better than regular ice cream cones.
  • Dogs are better companions than cats.
  • Wearing pajamas in public is inappropriate.
  • Short hair is for boys and long hair is for girls.
  • Kids should have fewer toys and more cardboard boxes to play with.
  • Girls like to play with action figures.
  • Pokemon are cooler than Yo Kai.
  • Mosquitos are the most annoying of all bugs.
  • Zoos are unsafe for young children.
  • Kids under age 13 should be banned from having social media accounts.
  • Classrooms shouldn't have traditional desks.
  • School lunches should include some junk food options.
  • Every school should have child representatives on their hiring committee.
  • Naps are important for kids of all ages, not just babies and toddlers.
  • The government should stop making paper money and only use coins.
  • Robots make life easier for humans.
  • Children's books should be written by children.
  • Field trips and real-world experiences are more useful than classroom lectures.
  • Columbus discovered America.
  • Kids should be allowed to skip high school and go to college early if they want.
  • Dancing in public should be outlawed.
  • Voice recognition locks are safer than fingerprint recognition locks.
  • People should only eat foods they grow or catch.
  • All people in the world should speak English.
  • All countries should have the same rules about weapons.
  • Every child should spend a year living in another country with their family.
  • Men and women should have the same rights no matter what country they live in.
  • Adults should encourage child participation in strikes and marches for important causes.
  • The current U.S. President represents the country well.
  • Global competition is good for everyone.

Advanced Persuasive Speech Topics for Kids

Upper elementary and lower middle grade students with lots of speech writing experience can pick more complex topics that elicit bigger emotional reactions.

  • TV shows and movies for kids should have stronger content guidelines.
  • Real life heroes like police officers and firefighters would be more approachable if they dressed like Power Rangers and other super heroes.
  • Virtual reality games are better than 3D games.
  • Parents of bullies should be punished for their child's actions.
  • "Crap" and "Heck" are bad words.
  • Riding a bike is not that easy.
  • Funny cat videos are funnier than funny baby videos.
  • There's no such thing as too many stuffed animals.
  • Goats say "maa," not "baa."
  • Kids sports are safe.
  • Holidays shouldn't be celebrated in schools.
  • Kids should rate their teachers at the start and end of every school year.
  • Recess and classroom physical activity breaks help kids focus in school.
  • School buses should have a driver and at least two aides.
  • Classes should be grouped by ability levels rather than ages.
  • Technology makes people's lives better.
  • Middle school is still elementary school.
  • Schools should mandate classes where kids teach each other.
  • No one, teachers or students, should be allowed to bring cell phones into the school.
  • Kids should be allowed to take off their shoes in their classroom.
  • Students should not have to ask permission to take drinks and bathroom breaks.
  • Global warming isn't real.
  • Every country can have its own guidelines for who is allowed to leave or enter.
  • Kids can help combat climate change.
  • Astronauts will find life on other planets.
  • Daylight Savings Time should be eliminated.
  • Aquariums and zoos help with wildlife conservation.
  • People should be allowed to clone animals.
  • Sugar should be outlawed.
  • McDonald's is better than Burger King.
  • Tribal cultures should be preserved.
  • Companies should not be allowed to build their products in other countries.
  • People should call countries by their native name, not a translated name.

More Speech Topics for Kids

Speech topic examples and ideas from other types of speeches can be adapted to persuasive writing with a few minor wording changes.

  • Get students started with motivational speech topics for kids that are uplifting and less controversial.
  • Beginning writers can select simple kids speech topics for their first persuasive essays.
  • Some of the most interesting speech topics for kids include subjects they haven't encountered in real life.
  • Use examples of funny speeches for kids to show how students can inject humor into any kind of speech.

State Your Case

Most people agree that writing in elementary school is important because it gives kids a way to express their thoughts and feelings in a way others can understand. Persuasive writing is all about stating your case, or point, and all the facts that support this opinion. Choose a topic you believe in or are passionate about to create the best persuasive speech.

100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

  • Homework Tips
  • Learning Styles & Skills
  • Study Methods
  • Time Management
  • Private School
  • College Admissions
  • College Life
  • Graduate School
  • Business School
  • Distance Learning
  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

If you are planning a persuasive speech, you should think about a topic that can engage your audience. For this reason, you may want to consider a few topics before settling on the one that allows you to be more descriptive and entertaining.

Another important factor when picking a persuasive speech topic is to choose one that can provoke your audience. If you stir up a little emotion in your audience members, you'll keep their attention.

The list below is provided to help you brainstorm. Choose a topic from this list, or use it to generate an idea of your own. It could even be an idea that opposes the proposed example. For instance, instead of arguing American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law, you could argue why this shouldn't be the case.

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Speech Topic

Persuasive speeches are generally meant to convince an audience to agree with an idea you present. The topics can range from political to scientific or societal, and professional to personal—or even fun. They can be almost anything.

Just remember, a persuasive speech is different than a persuasive essay because you are presenting to an audience. So as you decide on a topic, think about your audience and decide on a subject matter that will be appropriate, compelling, and engaging to discuss. Perhaps it's a timely issue attracting a lot of news coverage, or maybe you want to be motivational and encourage a healthy activity. Whatever it is, structure your argument with a hook to capture attention , a clear definition of the topic or issue, and finally, your proposed solution or opinion.

100 Examples of Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Studying martial arts is good for mind and health.
  • Competitive sports can teach us about life.
  • Reality shows are exploiting people.
  • Community service should be a graduation requirement for all high school students.
  • The characteristics that make a person a hero.
  • It's important to grow things in a garden.
  • Violent video games are dangerous.
  • Lyrics in a song can impact our lives.
  • Traveling and studying abroad are positive experiences.
  • Journal writing is therapeutic.
  • You should spend time with your grandparents.
  • A laptop is better than a tablet.
  • Religion and science can go hand in hand.
  • School uniforms are good.
  • All-female colleges and all-male colleges are bad.
  • Multiple-choice tests are better than essay tests .
  • We should not spend money on space exploration.
  • Open-book tests are as effective as closed-book tests.
  • Security cameras keep us safer.
  • Parents should have access to students' grades.
  • Small classes are better than big classes.
  • You need to start saving for retirement now.
  • Credit cards are harmful to college students.
  • We should have a royal family.
  • We should protect endangered animals.
  • Texting while driving is dangerous.
  • You can write a novel.
  • Recycling should be required in the U.S.
  • State colleges are better than private colleges.
  • Private colleges are better than state colleges.
  • We should do away with penny coins.
  • Fast food containers hurt the environment.
  • Plastic straws are harmful to the environment.
  • You can eat and enjoy healthy snacks.
  • You can become a millionaire.
  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • You should own a bird.
  • It's unethical to keep birds in cages.
  • Liberal arts degrees prepare graduates to be better workers than other degrees.
  • Hunting animals should be banned.
  • Football is a dangerous sport.
  • School days should start later.
  • Night school is better than day school.
  • Technical training is better than a college degree.
  • Immigration laws should be more lenient.
  • Students should be able to choose their schools.
  • Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
  • Grass lawns should be prohibited.
  • Sharks should be protected.
  • We should do away with cars and go back to horse and carriage for transportation.
  • We should use more wind power.
  • We should pay more taxes.
  • We should do away with taxes.
  • Teachers should be tested like students.
  • We should not interfere in the affairs of other countries.
  • Every student should join a club.
  • Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
  • People should stay married for life.
  • Smoking in public should be illegal.
  • College students should live on campus .
  • Parents should let students fail.
  • Giving to charity is good.
  • Education makes us happier people.
  • T​he ​ death penalty should be outlawed.
  • Bigfoot is real.
  • We should increase train travel to save the environment.
  • We should read more classic books.
  • Fame is bad for young children.
  • Athletes should stay loyal to teams.
  • We should reform our prisons.
  • Juvenile offenders should not go to boot camps.
  • Abraham Lincoln was the best president.
  • Abraham Lincoln gets too much credit.
  • Students should be allowed to have cell phones in elementary, middle, and high school.
  • College student-athletes should be paid for playing.
  • Elderly citizens on fixed income should receive free public transportation.
  • Colleges and universities should be free to attend.
  • All American citizens should complete one year of community service.
  • Students should be required to take Spanish language classes.
  • Every student should be required to learn at least one foreign language .
  • Marijuana should be legal for recreational use nationwide.
  • Commercial testing of products on animals should no longer be allowed.
  • High school students should be required to participate in at least one team sport.
  • The minimum drinking age in the U.S. should be 25.
  • Replacing fossil fuels with cheaper alternative energy options should be mandated.
  • Churches need to contribute their share of taxes.
  • The Cuba embargo should be maintained by the U.S.
  • America should replace income taxes with a nationwide flat tax.
  • Once they reach the age of 18, all U.S. citizens should be automatically registered to vote .
  • Doctor-assisted suicide should be legal.
  • Spammers—people who bombard the internet with unsolicited email—should be banned from sending junk mail.
  • Every automobile driver should be required to take a new driver's test every three years.
  • Electroshock treatment is not a humane form of therapy.
  • Global warming is not real.
  • Single-parent adoption should be encouraged and promoted.
  • Gun companies should be held accountable for gun crimes.
  • Human cloning is not moral.
  • Religion does not belong in public education.
  • Juveniles should not be tried as adults.
  • American workers should be guaranteed a three-day weekend by law.
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Speech Topics for Kids

101 Incredible Speech Topics for Kids

16 February 2023

Are you looking for some incredible speech topics for kids?

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog post, we’ll give you 101 amazing ideas for speech topics that will have your young public speaker feeling confident and excited to take the stage for their next presentation. From discussing their favourite sports team to sharing a personal story, there will surely be a topic on this list that resonates with every child.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Looking for some fun debating topics? Check out our blog on debate topics here !

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

What makes a good public speaking topic?

Finding good speech topics, especially as a kid, can be an intimidating task.

As children, our interests tend to change, and it may be difficult to find speech topics that we can expand upon and still engage the audience.

It is important to remember that kids should aim to give presentations on any topic they are passionate about. Ideally, when looking for successful kids’ speech topics, school students should pick a particular topic:

  • they know well, as this will help them give a good speech without too much extra research;
  • that has enough content, which will help with speech length; and
  • is interesting and relevant to the audience they’ll be presenting to.

Taking some time to consider all of these factors will go far in making sure kids create informative, valuable presentations that make their parents proud!

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

The three different kinds of speeches

Whether your child is a budding public speaker or simply looking to bolster their confidence in front of an audience, it’s important to be aware of the three main types of speeches they can give: Informative, Entertaining, and Persuasive speeches.

  • An informative speech teaches people something as they explain a process, inform about a topic, or share information with an audience.
  • An entertaining speech is more light-hearted and focuses on entertaining an audience with a story, joke, or anecdote.
  • A persuasive speech aims to convince an audience of a particular viewpoint. In these types of speeches, it’s important for the speaker to have strong topic knowledge as well as supporting evidence to back up their argument.

By understanding these three speech styles, young public speakers can choose the speaking style that makes them feel the most comfortable and excited about the task of public speaking.

We have provided a range of topics that fit into each of these three speech types and therefore will be perfect for any young public speaker, regardless of their personal preference!

Remember: you can always put a spin on any speech topic to make it more informative, persuasive, or entertaining. Feel free to challenge yourself by turning one of our persuasive speech topics into a comedic presentation or taking an entertaining topic and using it to build a persuasive speech – there is usually no need to restrict yourself to one particular style of expression!

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

Informative Speech Topics

At our public speaking courses for kids, we know how important it is to find the perfect informative speech topic. We want your young public speakers to explore ideas and topics that resonate with their interests and spark their passion for presenting!

From urban bees to sports nutrition, science experiments to art history, the possibilities are endless!

Our list of kid-friendly speech topics provides a great starting point for creating an informative, engaging presentation. Whether they choose a familiar subject or something new and exciting, our goal is to support student excellence in every way possible.

Check out these informative speech ideas:

  • Exploring the Benefits of Outdoor Play
  • The History of Video Games
  • How to Become an Eco-Friendly Consumer
  • The Positive Impact of Music Education
  • What Makes a Great Leader?
  • The Science Behind Climate Change
  • Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
  • Understanding the International Space Station
  • Discovering Ancient Civilizations
  • Exploring Different Cultures Through Dance and Music
  • Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
  • The Art and Science of Computer Programming
  • Every Day Victories
  • The Harms of Violent Video Games
  • Types of Alternative Energy Sources
  • Exploring Different Types of Art
  • The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep
  • Ancient Mythology and Folklore
  • The Science Behind the Human Brain
  • Famous Scientists in History
  • The Most Delicious Meal of All Time
  • Recycling and Waste Management Solutions
  • Global Warming vs Climate Change
  • Robotics: Past, Present, and Future
  • Understanding the Solar System
  • The Biggest Social Issues of our Times
  • The Secret Life of…
  • Investigating Animal Habitats in Nature
  • Why E-Books are the Future
  • Exploring the Wonders of Chemistry

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

Entertaining Speech Topics

Figuring out entertaining topics for public speaking can be a challenge, especially when the speaker is young.

However, the right topic can be the key to making a great impression on your audience.

Whether you are interested in discussing robotics or telling stories of your own life experiences, there is bound to be an entertaining speech topic suitable for everyone!

Our rich variety of topics ensures that young public speakers have plenty of choices when it comes to finding what will make for a captivating performance.

Check out these 30 fun topic ideas that can humour, shock, or entertain the audience:

  • Proof that We Live in a Computer Game
  • The Best Jokes for Kids
  • My Imaginary Friend
  • My Crazy Summer Vacation
  • How I Got In Trouble With My Parents
  • Weird Foods Around the World
  • Fun Facts About Dinosaurs
  • Frighteningly Funny Ghost Stories
  • If I Were a Cartoon Character…
  • Embarrassing Moments We’d Rather Forget!
  • Epic Pranks I’ve Pulled off So Far
  • Interesting Reasons Why We Laugh
  • Life Through a Dog’s Eyes
  • My Favourite Outdoor Activity
  • If I had One Superpower…
  • Superheroes and Their Amazing Powers
  • The Best Thing About Dragons
  • Why Too Much TV is a Good Thing
  • Funny Things I’ve Heard on the Bus
  • Unusual Hobbies Around the World
  • Weird Etiquette Rules That Don’t Make Any Sense
  • How to Make Your Own Board Game
  • Mysteries of the Deep Sea
  • Exploring Outer Space: Astronomy for Kids
  • Fantastic Fables from Other Countries
  • Bizarre Traditions From Around the World
  • The Art of Storytelling: Creative Writing Ideas
  • Fun Facts About Animals
  • Learning with Lego: Building a Better Future
  • The Power of Imagination: Mindful Meditation Techniques

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

Persuasive Speech Topics

Writing a persuasive speech can be intimidating for kids, but it doesn’t have to be.

Not sure where to start? No problem! We have plenty of kid-friendly persuasive speech topics to get students’ creative juices flowing.

From discussing the importance of friendship and relationship building to spurring environmental awareness, we have the perfect persuasive speech topics for any young public speaker.

Become confident and display your power of persuasion with our helpful advice and engaging list of topics.

Have a look at these 30 persuasive speech topics that can help kids call others to action:

  • The Benefits of Social Media
  • How to Become a Responsible Citizen
  • The Value of Having Good Manners
  • Taking Care of the Environment: Reducing Pollution and Waste
  • The One Thing I Know About Eating Healthy Foods
  • Exercise for Kids: Why It Is Important
  • The Impact of Technology on Education
  • Building Better Communities Through Community Service
  • Developing Self-Discipline for Success in Life
  • Argumentative Strategies That Can Be Used In Everyday Life
  • The Power of Positive Thinking
  • Creating Lasting Memories with Family Time
  • Exploring Different Cultures with Travel and Adventure
  • The Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration
  • My Favourite Restaurant
  • Why I Learned a Second Language (and You Should Too)
  • Exploring Causes for Climate Change and Possible Solutions
  • Learning the Benefits of Reading for Pleasure
  • Making Wise Choices When Shopping Responsibly
  • Understanding Cyberbullying and Taking Action Against It
  • Finding Success in Failure: Reframing the Mindset
  • Learning About Money Management through Financial Literacy Programs
  • Practising Compassion, Kindness, and Respect For Others
  • Building Self-Confidence Through Leadership Activities
  • Using Creativity to Solve Everyday Problems
  • Exploring Ways to Balance School and Extracurricular Activities
  • Making Healthy Choices Through Positive Leadership
  • The Wisdom of Being a Young Person
  • Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Schools
  • Learning How To Analyze Fake News with Critical Thinking Skills

Classic Speech Topics for Kids

Not sure if you want to do an informative, persuasive, or entertaining speech?

Are you looking for classic topics that have been done time and time again but are popular topics for a reason?

Look no further than these classic speech topics:

  • My Favorite Book
  • What I Learned From My Pet
  • How to Have Fun Without Technology
  • The Place That Inspires Me the Most
  • The Power of Music
  • What It Means To Be A Good Friend
  • My Best Day Ever
  • If I had Three Wishes…
  • Living a Simple But Fulfilling Life
  • Celebrating Diversity in Our Community
  • My Hero: The Person Who Inspires Me the Most

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

Impromptu and Abstract Speaking Topics

Whilst approaching impromptu and abstract speech topics can be daunting, there actually isn’t much difference between them and normal speech topics.

Impromptu speech topics are usually more generic, providing students with the opportunity to reflect on their own lived experiences and share that with their audience. Rather than spending time finding the perfect content to fit impromptu speech topics, the better approach is generally to bend the topic to something that you’re familiar with and comfortable speaking about, whether it be knitting being the best part of your day or a conversation you had with a friend about time travel.

Being prepared will give your child the confidence necessary to make their presentation successful – so if you’re not sure what speech topic you’re likely to get, make sure to think up plenty of anecdotes before the presentation!

Picking the perfect speech topics for kids

Now that you have a fantastic speech idea, it’s time to get writing!

Let our resources help guide you through the speech crafting process (we’ve got plenty of blogs and videos to help) and give your child the opportunity to shine on the stage. Don’t forget to practice your speaking manner either, including your tone of voice and body language!

Moreover, our in-person and online courses provide step-by-step instruction and guidance throughout each program so kids learn exactly how real-world speaking works – all tailored specifically for your own future speaker.

You can also visit our YouTube Channel for advice to guide you through the entire speech writing process, as well as expert tips for practising your performance!

So don’t wait – take advantage today and get ready to stand out from the crowd with an amazing speech!

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Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

Persuasive speech topics for teens need to address the issues relevant to young people and which they care! This connection to their lives will ensure the finished speech isn't just exciting for the student to write, but compelling to for the audience to hear.

I have a LOT of ideas on this site for creating speeches that are intended to convince others. I created this page for this age group as teenagers can be quite a demanding audience!

For that reason, it's essential to grab their attention immediately with a subject that's relevant to their lives.

Group Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

Please note that you can take an opposing position for any of the topics below - in other words, persuade your audience against the stated idea.

Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens - 1 to 10

  • Too little is being done to deal with poverty in America (with Free Poverty Persuasive Speech Sample)
  • Girls should be allowed to play on boys' sports teams
  • Students should no longer be forced to read 'classic' literature
  • Teenage girls suffer body image issues due to the way women are portrayed in the media
  • Students should be permitted to use cellphones at school
  • Between studies and hobbies, teens are WAY over-scheduled
  • Sex education should not be a part of the curriculum in public schools
  • The voting age should be lowered to 16
  • Children should be allowed to 'divorce' their parents
  • Corporations should not be allowed to advertise in schools

Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens - 11 to 20

  • All students should learn a foreign language
  • Students should be allowed to eat freely in the classroom
  • There is a fine line between pranking and bullying
  • Boys and girls should be taught in separate classroms
  • Violence in video games leads to violence in real life
  • Music with bad language should be banned from school dances
  • All students should be required to undertake a fixed period of voluntary work
  • The outsourcing of work to developing countries is making it hard for unqualified teenagers to earn a living wage
  • Apart from necessary studying, all homework should be banned
  • Students should be allowed to wear headphones to listen to their music in class

Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens - 21 to 30

  • Gay and lesbian relationships should be promoted to students in a positive light
  • Students should be given access to free contraception
  • The parents of obese children should be prosecuted
  • Teachers should never be Facebook friends with their students
  • Students should be given notebook computers instead of textbooks
  • Religion should not be taught in school
  • Schools should ONLY be allowed to serve healthy meal options
  • Teens are becoming more and more obsessed with material possessions
  • Cyberbullying should be grounds for school suspension
  • Parents should restrict the amount of time their teens spend in front of a screen

Thirty Additional Persuasive Speech Topics for Teens

  • The importance of voting and the impact of young people's voices in politics
  • The dangers of social media and the need for online privacy protection
  • The benefits of physical exercise and the importance of a healthy lifestyle
  • The impact of climate change and the need for urgent action
  • The dangers of distracted driving and the importance of focusing on the road
  • The benefits of a plant-based diet and the negative impact of animal agriculture on the environment
  • The importance of mental health and the need for more resources and support
  • The benefits value of cultural exchange
  • The dangers of fast fashion and the importance of supporting sustainable fashion brands
  • The impact of technology on human interaction and the need for balance
  • The importance of education and the role it plays in personal and professional development
  • The negative impact of standardized testing and the need for alternative forms of assessment
  • The dangers of air pollution and the need for stricter regulations and clean energy solutions
  • The importance of financial literacy and the need for more education on personal finance
  • The benefits of volunteering and the impact of community service on individuals and society
  • The dangers of peer pressure and the importance of standing up for oneself
  • The importance of self-care and the negative impact of neglecting one's well-being
  • The benefits of a diverse and inclusive society and the importance of standing up against discrimination
  • The negative impact of stereotypes and the need for representation and representation in media
  • The importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation
  • The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and the importance of responsible decision-making
  • The importance of consent and the need for education on healthy relationships and boundaries
  • The benefits of reading and the impact it has on personal growth and development
  • The dangers of cyberbullying and the need for stricter laws and prevention efforts
  • The importance of protecting endangered species and the need for conservation efforts
  • The dangers of tobacco use and the importance of education on the health risks
  • The benefits of a sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle
  • The importance of preserving historical and cultural sites and the impact of their destruction
  • The benefits of a strong education system and the need for adequate funding
  • The importance of civil rights and the need to stand up against injustice and inequality.

I hope you found some inspiration here to get you well on your way to creating the perfect presentation! By choosing one of these persuasive speech topics for teens, the speech you write will appeal to both you and your classroom audience.

I LOVE to read speeches written by visitors to my site. So, remember, if you put together something you're proud of, share it with the world through our website.  (Or at least the visitors to Best-Speech-Topics.)

Please submit your well-written speech to me using the simple form you'll find here!

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The top five persuasive topics for Valentines day including commercialization, paternalism, inclusiveness, and religion

Persuasive Topics for Valentines

The top five persuasive topics for Valentines day including commercialization, paternalism, inclusiveness, and religion

Here are 54 fun persuasive speech topics for your consideration, around which you can create a light-hearted and entertaining speech.

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

Here are 54 fun persuasive speech topics for your consideration, around which you can create a light-hearted and entertaining speech.

Find lots of persuasive speech topics and discover how to influence your listeners' beliefs, change their opinions and ultimately prompt them to take action!

Persuasive Speech Topics - Find Great Ideas for Your Presentation

Find lots of persuasive speech topics and discover how to influence your listeners' beliefs, change their opinions and ultimately prompt them to take action!

Related content, tips, and techniques

More tips...

  • A Guide to Persuasive Speech Writing
  • More Tips for Writing Good Persuasive Speeches
  • Tips for Creating Your Outline (With Example)
  • Another Example Outline
  • 3 Tips for Writing a Speech That Gets Results

Brainstorming techniques...

  • Coming up With Ideas
  • More Ways to Find the Perfect Topic

Topics to try...

Example persuasive speeches for inspiration...

  • Gender Selection
  • Energy Medicine
  • The Role of Marriage in Society
  • Fun Speech about Luck
  • Second-Hand Smoke Using a Cell Phone Whilst Driving
  • School Uniform Policies
  • Become an Activist

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130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

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Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Kids always do best when they are interested in what they are asked to talk about. But every child has different interests, and therein lies the challenge – selecting awesome speech topics that kids will want to talk about.

A few points you want to consider:

  • If the topic is too “adult,” they may be too young to cope with what they find.
  • If the topic is too simplistic, their growing sense of awareness may be stunted.

speech topics kids

  • Keep in mind the goal of the speech – do you want to educate, to entertain, to express ideas, or something else?
  • Consider topic that suits child’s character: someone who has an extensive imagination won’t like the same topics as someone who is more factual and practical.

Here is a broad range of  speech topics for kids you can choose from.

Family and friends, miscellaneous, more miscellaneous….

  • Why I love my mom and dad
  • Funny things my parents say
  • Let me tell you about my imaginary friend
  • Things that really happen at grandma’s house when mom and dad aren’t there
  • Secrets my mom does all day when I’m not around
  • What my brother/sister thinks of me
  • What my dad does in the bathroom for all that time
  • If I had a choice between getting money or spending time with my family, I would choose…
  • What did I do for my mom last mother’s day
  • Let me tell you about my family
  • My family’s traditions
  • Original projects to surprise my parents on Mother’s Day (in the Spring) and Father’s Day (often marked in June).
  • Where we went on vacation/holiday with my family
  • What is my favorite song
  • My favorite band or singer, and one of his or her greatest hits I would like to play with some clarification.
  • The best fairy tale, or a variation child speech topic can be a cartoon character.
  • My favorite season of the year is…
  • My favourite time of day or week.
  • The funniest April Fool’s Day joke.
  • 5 of my favorite words
  • Top favorite Christmas song of all times
  • 3 favorite things to buy at the market
  • If I went to my favorite restaurant I would order…
  • Mom and my favorite place to visit is..
  • My favorite thing about summer
  • What my favorite pizza toppings are
  • My favorite New Year’s tradition
  • Favorite sundae toppings
  • The most delicious meal I’ve ever had
  • If I built the ultimate sandwich, it would have…
  • The worst vegetable on the planet
  • How many things can you make with a potato
  • Describe the flavors of Thanksgiving foods
  • One thing I know how to cook is…
  • The contents of your lunch box.
  • Different ways to eat an apple
  • Why I don’t care about the “Five second rule”
  • I don’t like to eat … Fill in something you dislike
  • A day in the life as a fly
  • What my dog is thinking
  • What would it be like if dinosaurs roamed the Earth?
  • My dream mythical creature for a pet would be…
  • If I could talk to animals…
  • What do cows think about
  • How do animals talk to each other
  • How to care for your pets, the right way
  • What rights should animals have?
  • What different wild animals have I seen
  • How penguins live on Antarctica and only there and not on the North Pole (besides the zoo of course)
  • A day at the wildlife sea aquarium, with dolphins, sharks, whales and seals.
  • How kangaroos care for their children.
  • What birds visit your backyard at home
  • How do rainbows work
  • What planet would I visit if I had my own rocket ship
  • Why the sky is blue
  • How are stars made
  • Where do clouds come from?
  • Where babies come from
  • What outer space is like
  • Why do the leaves on trees change color in the fall
  • How water is so important
  • What makes the Sun so bright
  • How do boats float
  • Why do we have dreams when we sleep
  • Why are eyes different colors
  • What makes the world go ’round
  • How do planes fly
  • The stars, black holes, galaxies and the interstellar medium in our cosmos
  • Biggest birthday wish
  • Best indoor winter activities
  • Coolest superhero power
  • If I was the President of the U.S….
  • My dream vacation
  • If I were a character in a book, I would be…
  • Why I’m on Santa’s nice/naughty list
  • The inside scoop on __________
  • If I could change one thing about the world, it would be…
  • How I really feel about seeing the doctor
  • The best part about holidays
  • If I had three wishes, they would be…
  • If I were famous, it would be for my…
  • My secret life as a spy
  • My best invention
  • Fun games to play on long car rides
  • Silly songs I know
  • In my dream house, there would be…
  • The best part about being sick
  • Why the tooth fairy must be real
  • What my name means
  • Disney World: the first person I’d want to see is…
  • If I was the author of a book, I’d write about…
  • The charity I’m going to donate to when I’m older is…
  • What happiness means to me
  • The best thing about me is…
  • If I could be a character in any video game, it would be…
  • How I care for the environment every day
  • Why are farmers important
  • What I want to be for Halloween next year
  • What I want to be when I grow up
  • Why best friends are so special
  • If I was a princess or prince, I would …
  • My toys, dolls or mini racing cars collection.
  • My trip to Disney World or other resort.
  • How I decorate my room at home.
  • My biggest adventure.
  • Good kid games online.
  • Nice birthday presents you like to get.
  • What you could do without television or video.
  • Foreign hollidays we do not celebrate.
  • Things – food or scary situations – that make you sick.
  • What is more important: Doing what’s right or being popular
  • The best memory I can remember
  • Who I was named after
  • What it would be like to meet an alien
  • My greatest fear
  • The happiest day of my life
  • Something I have done that I am proud of
  • What adult in my life do I look up to the most
  • How to plan a surprise party
  • A day at the beach
  • The coolest toy I have
  • What I know about (insert sport)
  • Vampires or werewolves?
  • Steps to drawing a flower
  • If I re-wrote the story, “The Little Mermaid” or “Bambi” it would go like this…
  • How to make a snowman
  • The strangest place I’ve ever been
  • Are table manners really important
  • Tell a myth or legend about your future self
  • The coolest art/craft I’ve ever made
  • If I were in charge, the rules I would make would be…

If you are selecting a topic together, sit down with your child and read through this list together and make your own list of which topics stood out to your child . Suggest alternatives or adaptations to some topics. The goal is to get their juices flowing. You want this to be a choice that they are comfortable with.

Help them decide by reminding them who their audience will be and what the occasion is . This will help determine what is appropriate and what the audience will want to hear. Your child probably wouldn’t want to talk about Barbie at a formal function or to an audience of mostly boys.

All that’s left to do is prepare and practice, because we all know – practice makes perfect!

Can We Write Your Speech?

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205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

206 Great Speech Topics for Teens [Persuasive, Informative]

25 thoughts on “130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids”

Sure! It’s about I only want a ribbon about u are afraid Togo on stage and don’t want to go to the next level except a good grade.

A day in a life of me as an old person

im so bad at writing speechs

You should keep some simple and affective topics on which children can speak on. But still good.

this really helped me I am trying to look for a speech and this helped me ALOT!!!!thanks and had lots of good ideas

it’s very good for a child under like 8 but i am 9 and i use it and when our teacher said were have a speech contest i flip out! but i found this web site and it helped me a lot. In fact, i won the speech contest!

Ok you guys are good in all but I feel like I don’t know if kids are going to want to listen to these baby ideas and where baby’s come from and I am in grade six and I don’t think people really want to listen but you guys ar good for like grade threes or something like that because I don’t think people over the grade of four are going to want to listen to this

OK you guys r good but i need more ideas all of are cool but i need to win a speech contest

I love the ideas kind of random but still funny and interesting

please help me to write speech

ya i’m in a speech contest too and thx you have helped me lot’s 🙂

I couldn’t think of anything so I simply did: why I can’t think of a speech topic!

I LOVE your topic Me it inspires me and I think I am going to write about that for my speech contest entry.

i LOVVVE the ideas im going to come first in my speech comments

i wish you would give more responsible topics because i don’t want to write a speech on the steps to write a flower i would want to amaze the judges with a out of this world speech not a stupid one i am in sixth grade and i am about to do a huge essay contest and i want to write something jaw dropping

thank you!!! this is very helpful to us it give us more confidence and knowledge

I need a topic that I can talk about for 20 MINUTES!!!. These topics seem too trivial for an impromptu speech for 20 minutes, but good topics for shorter speeches!

love your ideas so good you really have a brillant brain sir

Thank u a lot

No this is not the topics i am looking for….. I’m looking for persuasive speeches could u please add topics for that

Winning Isn’t Everything

Well, it’s pretty good for school, but I need topics like “Benefits of ___” or “What we should do about pollution”, etc. I’m doing this for a Public Speaking class and we have to do speeches sort of like a ‘TED talk’

I want a speech on the Democratic for my school

I’m kinda annoyed they don’t take you to a site that helps you write it like I need this thing next Monday!

I love those crazy and cute topics….once I read them they grab my heart at once and now my mummy is saying me to make ur speech on this and that blaa … blaaa…. but I can’t leave those cute science topics….thank you so much for whoever have those kind of sweet topics

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This is a stack of books. It is meant to represent the many resources that are required to tackle these persuasive essay topics.

  • Should students be allowed to have phones in elementary and high schools?
  • Should students have to wear uniforms?
  • Should college athletes be paid for playing?
  • Should the elderly receive free bus rides?
  • Should state colleges be free to attend?
  • Should all American citizens have to complete a year of community service?
  • Should students be required to take Spanish classes?
  • Should marijuana be legal for medicinal purposes?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to thirteen?
  • Should the driving age be raised to twenty-one?
  • Should students be paid for having good grades?
  • Should illegal immigrants be allowed to get drivers licenses?
  • Should not wearing a seat-belt be illegal?
  • Should student’s textbooks be replaced by notebook computers or tablets?
  • Should students have to pass a basic skills test to graduate high school?
  • Should schools raise money by selling candy and sugary soft drinks to students?
  • Should schools serve french-fries and fried potato products to students at lunch?
  • Should students’ grades in gym affect their grade point averages?
  • Should girls be allowed to play on boys sports teams?
  • Should teens be able to buy violent video games?
  • Should boys and girls be in separate classes?
  • Should teenage girls be allowed to get birth control without the permission of their parents?
  • Should our country have free health care?
  • Should immigration laws be reformed?
  • Should the federal government recognize civil unions?
  • Should people who download music and movies illegally be punished?
  • Should school athletes have to be on the honor roll to play in games?
  • Should music with curse words be allowed at school dances?
  • Should public schools begin the day with a silent prayer time?
  • Should students be able to listen to music on headphones during study hall?
  • Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
  • Should smoking be allowed at parks and other outdoor public venues?
  • Should cities offer free public Wi-Fi?
  • Should the government place a tax on junk food and fatty snacks?
  • Should the 2 nd amendment give citizens the right to own assault weaponry?
  • Should people traveling in airplanes have to undergo intensive security screenings?
  • Should genetically modified foods be sold with a warning label?
  • Should teachers have to pass a basic skills test every ten years to renew their certification?
  • Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals like chimpanzees or tigers?
  • Should people be allowed to keep pit-bull dogs?
  • Should the city offer a bike sharing program?
  • Should there be an ordinance citing people who fail to recycle $50?
  • Should there be an ordinance citing people who play music too loudly $50?
  • Should prostitution be legalized and regulated by the government?
  • Should celebrities who break the law face stricter penalties?
  • Should the government increase spending on the space program?
  • Should larger passengers have to pay for two plane or movie theater tickets?
  • Should children have to use booster seats in cars?
  • Should people have to get a license to become parents?
  • Should there be tougher federal restrictions for content on the internet?
  • Should people be allowed to curse on daytime television?
  • Should owners be legally accountable for clearing snow from sidewalks on their property?
  • Should sexual education be taught in public schools?
  • Should students be able to get free condoms at school?
  • Should students who commit cyber-bullying be suspended from school?
  • Should corporations be allowed to advertise in schools?
  • Should students be allowed to eat during class?
  • Should more be done to protect and preserve endangered animals?
  • Is it appropriate for students and teachers to be friends on Facebook?
  • Should students have open campus lunch periods?
  • Should abortions be legal?
  • Should abortions be legal in cases of rape and incest?
  • Should the death penalty be used to punish violent criminals?
  • Should students learn about world religions in public schools?
  • Should schools start later in the morning?
  • Should the USA end overseas military operations?
  • Should politicians be allowed to accept campaign contributions from corporate lobbyists?
  • Should people with terminal illnesses have the right to doctor assisted suicides?
  • Should Puerto Rico become a state?
  • Should stem cell researchers be able to use stem cells from aborted babies to cure diseases?
  • Should school athletes have to take drug tests?
  • Should professional athletes have to take drug tests?
  • Should America convert to the metric system?
  • Should high school students have to complete community service hours to graduate?
  • Should teens over 13 years of age be allowed into R rated movies?
  • Should state tests be given in other languages for ESL students?
  • Should scientists be allowed to test products intended for human use on animals?
  • Should unhealthy fast food products be sold with a warning label?
  • Should there be a tariff or tax on products manufactured outside of the country?
  • Should students or teachers receive money for scoring well on standardized tests?
  • Should everyone under the age of 17 have a 9:00 PM curfew?
  • Should schools with low scores on standardized tests be closed?
  • Should minors be allowed to drink alcoholic beverages in their homes with their parents’ consent?
  • Should students be allowed to drop out before they turn 18 years old?
  • Should alcohol manufacturers be allowed to advertise on television?
  • Should students as young as fourteen be allowed to hold jobs?
  • Should American families have a two child max rule to limit population growth?
  • Should children younger than thirteen be allowed to watch MTV or music videos?
  • Should people who are caught driving drunk lose their licenses for a year?
  • Should students who fail their classes be retained and have to repeat the grade?
  • Should large businesses and corporations be required to employ a number of minorities proportionate to the population?
  • Should female construction workers earn the same wages as males?
  • Should children in temporary living situations with a 3.0 GPA earn free college tuition?
  • Should gambling and sports-betting be illegal or should the government regulate it?
  • Should children who commit violent crimes be tried as adults?
  • Should the government be allowed to detain suspected terrorists without trial?
  • Should the government censor internet content deemed inappropriate?
  • Should teachers have to wear uniforms or have a dress code?
  • Should teachers be allowed to have cell phones in the classroom?
  • Should the state execute dogs that have bitten someone?
  • Should talking on a phone without a hands-free device while driving be illegal?

This is an image of a young woman writing an essay. She is in a library and appears to be in deep concentration.

930 Comments

Wessam bedear.

Thanks for your support and cooperation. It is really helped a lot . Much appreciated

Reginald Ademola

Thank you so much for making your resources freely available.

Eric Villari

Thanks for all the effort you’ve put into the site. I teach in Australia, and I tweak and change topics/wording to suit, but It’s a great survey course in general Literacy you’ve put together… Thanks!

Thank you so much. What an informative and comprehensive site. You have provided an array of persuasive topics. I love this site!!

Marg L Brewerton

Thank you for these ideas. An extra idea from one of my students: Should we fix earth or spend our money on interplanetary travel?

Barbara Pulehetoa

I love this website. thank you for making this website

amazing website helped a lot

In my language arts class we are assigned to write two opinion essays the first one my teacher gave us but the second one we choose. i have a trouble with choosing but now that i came to this website i can choose easily and fast. thank you, thank you, thank you for this website.

this site has been absolutely resourceful and its the best site iv been on

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Public Speaking Resources

237 Easy Persuasive Speech Topics and Guide

A persuasive speech is a speech written and delivered to convince people of the speaker’s viewpoint. It uses words to make the audience ‘see’ the speaker’s point of view and to ‘sway’ them into agreeing with it.

It is not a simple matter of presenting gathered facts and evidence. More than just seeing why the speaker thinks that way, a persuasive speech tries to persuade the audience in accepting that line of thought and make it the way they, too, think.

To jump to the persuasive speech topic section, click here .

This is where it differs from an argument. The difference between an argumentative and persuasive speech is that one tries to prove a point while the other tries to affect the listener’s perspective.

  • Informative Speech Topics and Ideas
  • Toastmasters Project 9: Persuade With Power

Table of Contents

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Visualization, writing introduction for persuasive speech, persuasive speech videos, persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics about animals and pets, persuasive speech topics about automobiles, persuasive speech topics about education, persuasive speech topics about environment, persuasive speech topics about ethical issues, persuasive speech topics about food, persuasive speech topics about health.

Some examples of a persuasive speech are sales pitch, the speech of politicians, the speech of environmentalists, the speech of feminists, the speech of animal activists, etc.

In the above examples, you must have noticed that all these kind of speech has a goal. A sales pitch is to get you to buy something, politicians give speeches to get you to vote for them, and environmentalists, feminists, and animal activists have a cause to advocate. They all want you to ‘do’ something.

Action is a persuasive speech’s end goal. Ultimately, the speaker wants to persuade you to do something. And why would you do that?

Say, an environmentalist wants people to re-cycle because they think or know that it is good for the environment. Now, it is the people who need to know and think recycling is good for the environment. Only then they would recycle.

Therefore, a more complete definition of a persuasive speech would be “Speech that convinces the audience of a certain idea to inspire them into the desired action.”

Art of Persuasion

Persuasive speech is an art form.

Take an example of a man who was begging in the street. He had a hat in front of him and a sign that said “I am blind, please help” He got a few coins. Then, a lady came along, turned the sign around, and wrote something. A lot more people started to give the man money. His hat was filled with coins. What did that lady write? What persuaded people to give?

“Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.”

The second line got him more money because it ‘affected’ people, it appealed to their emotions more than the straightforward “I am blind, please help.” This is called pathos.

According to Aristotle, there are three components of or modes to affect people. They are Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Ethos in layman’s terms is credibility or authority. The dictionary defines it as “the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.” So, you need to have that disposition that makes you a reliable or trustable person.

For example, a woman talking about women’s problems is more likely to have an effect on the audience than a male speaker. The principal comes into the class and tells you ‘Tomorrow is a holiday and no questions will be asked. But if your teacher says so, you will investigate first. You will be more eager to listen to a popular person in the field than to a newbie.

It is having an effect on people by your person so that they would be more receiving of you.

Pathos in Greek means ‘suffering’ or ‘experience’. It is generally defined as an appeal to people’s emotions. Like in the story of the blind boy above, Pathos is to tap into people’s experience of suffering in order to move them towards a certain action.

Of course, those people have not experienced blindness but they can imagine losing the privilege of sight that they now possess. In simple words, it is to evoke feelings of pity, fear, anger, and such.

Logos is the logical appeal. This is to persuade by the means of reasoning. If the speaker makes a claim such as ‘polythene bags should be banned, then he should give a reason as to ‘why’ like ‘polythene bags do not biodegrade and continue to pollute the environment or facts like ‘Thousands of bags are produced every week and are dumped somewhere after use’ or ‘every bag produced since 19_ still exists somewhere on earth today.’

Presentation- Monroe’s motivated sequence

Presentation is very important. It is the backbone. How you perform your speech, how you deliver the words have the maximum effect on people. Therefore, a speech needs to be organized.

Monroe’s motivated sequence is a technique for organizing persuasive speech. It consists of the following steps.

Grab their attention. Start with a startling statement, an intriguing story, a dramatic action, anything that will make the audience take notice of you. This is also the introduction part. Hook them. Build their interest.

Now, convince the people that there is a problem. More than that, convince them that action needs to be taken against the problem, that it will not go away by itself. Tap into their imagination to show how this problem affects them. Use reasons and facts to support your claims and to impress upon them the need for change.

The audience should be looking forward to the ‘solution’ to the problem. They should want to know what they can do. In this step, introduce your solution. Demonstrate or give examples to make the audience understand how it works and how it solves the problem. Use testimonials or statistics to prove the effectiveness of that solution.

Paint a world where nothing was done and how it affected them. Also, paint a world where they did as you suggested and how it changed the situation for the better. Use vivid imagery to make them ‘feel’ the troubles and relief of not doing and doing as you said. Create a viable scenario. It should be relatable and believable.

Call to action. Strike when the iron is hot. It should be something that they can readily do and immediately. More the time passes less they are likely to follow with it as other things in life take precedence and the feeling of urgency is lost. Make it easy too. Do most of the handiwork so they have to put the least effort.

This is a classic technique developed by Alan Monroe in the mid-1930s. It is still the most effective basis for many persuasive speeches.

Some people are born with the skill of persuasion while others can build on it by applying such techniques and practicing. Here are some Persuasive Speech Topics that you can practice with.

Take a look at the video below. It explains how to write an introduction for a persuasive speech.

Below are 6 sample videos of persuasive speeches.

  • Why homeschooling is good and should be promoted. (School)

Some students do better in a group with a healthy competition to keep them motivated. Some children are better off studying on their own, continuing at their own fast or slow pace which is hindered when moving along with other children.

  • Students should get minimum of 45 minutes tiffin break. (School)

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Keeping children cooped up in a room for a long is not good. They need regular refreshing breaks to revitalize, to talk with their friends…

  • Is it racism to ban Marijuana when smoking tobacco is legal? (Funny)

Everybody knows cigarettes are harmful and addictive. Yet, there are big industries manufacturing these drugs on a large scale. Then there is Marijuana that is less harmful, less addictive, and has dozens of use; is it not racism to ban it?

  • Some juveniles needs to be prosecuted as adults. (School?)

More and more teenagers are committing heinous crimes. They know they will get off easy, that they will not face serious consequences. According to the level of savagery committed, juveniles should at times be prosecuted as adults.

  • Are pretty or handsome students really dumber? (School)

This is just a stereotype, just like saying women are less logical and others. Or. That appears to hold true in most cases. As time is limited, people who spend more time on appearance spend less time learning and those who spend time learning fails to look after their appearance.

  • Proficiency in academics is not the only measure of intelligence. (School)

Are grades everything? Different people possess different types of intelligence but grades measure only a few kinds. Is it not like judging a fish on its ability to climb a tree?

  • What is the right age to start owing a mobile phone? (Parenting)

Most parents believe that the right age to own mobile is when children can pay for it so that they can be aware of their expenditure. Else, they might engage in long, unnecessary conversation and…

  • Should children be bought a mobile phone for emergencies? (Parenting)

Mobiles or cell phones are the fastest means of communication. Should children, therefore, be allowed to owe mobiles so that they can contact their guardians in case of emergency?

  • Homework should be banned. (School)

Children spend most of their waking hours in school. They have only a few hours at the home to do things other than academics. But homework is the tag along with that…

  • Should men pay child support even if pregnancy was a one sided decision? (Feminism)

If a woman decides to bear a child despite her partner’s protest, is he still obligated to provide monetary support upon divorce for the same reason?

  • Laws should not be based on religion.

There are many religions. Their ideas vary. But the law should be uniform. Basing laws on certain religions is like forcing the ideas of that religion on every citizen.

  • Birth controls should be free and easily available. (Feminism?)

If teen pregnancy is to be avoided, birth controls should be free and easily available with no parental permission required. Imagine asking your parents if you can have sex or parents permitting it. It is the same as unavailability of the contraceptives which takes us back to square one.

  • Honking unnecessarily should be punishable.

Honking during a traffic jam is not going to clear it up. It only disturbs and aggravates everyone else. Honking at girls is offensive. Honking to bully is wrong. Honking unnecessarily like this should be considered criminal and punished.

  • Divorced and happy parents is better for the children than living in a conflicted home.

Some parents stay together for the sake of their children but fail to get along. This creates a very tense environment and that is not how a home should be.

  • Hiding your HIV status in a relationship should be punishable by law.

HIV is a serious disease with no cure available. If a person is aware of his/her HIV positivity, withholding the information and therefore transmitting it to the unsuspecting partner in the process is criminal.

  • Legalization of prostitution has more positive effects than negative.

Stopping prostitution is impossible. They will continue to operate underground where they face many problems. Girls get trafficked, tricked, or forced into it. Making it legal will at least ensure safety and justice to the sex workers and will also help control forced labor.

  • Schools should take bullying more seriously. / Why bullying is a serious offense. (School)

Bullying is very damaging to the victim and can take a very dangerous turn. But it is dismissed as children’s play in most cases. We don’t realize its seriousness until it is too late…

  • Partial Birth Abortion is a sin.

In this method of abortion, a living baby is pulled out from the womb feet first. The base of the skull is punctured and the brain is removed with a powerful suction machine. This is no different from murder. It is usually allowed by law only in order to save the mother’s life but many healthy mothers’ babies are aborted this way every year…

  • All institutions like schools, colleges and offices should start only after 10.

When such institutions start early, people need to wake up earlier for preparation. Waking up feeling unrested can make a person inactive, irritable, and unproductive. Scientists say that a person’s mind is not fully awake until 10 in the morning…

  • Sexual relationship before marriage is not a crime.

Sex is a biological need and a healthy sex life has a lot of mental and physical benefits. If the partners involved are adults and there is mutual consent…

  • School and teachers should stay away from student’s personal life. (School?)

Every institution has some rule. This rule should govern the members within the institution. But some schools like to take this beyond the school grounds and have control over what students do and do not in their personal time.

  • Energy drinks should be considered borderline medicines. (Health)

Energy drinks provide added energy. So, it should only be consumed when your body lacks energy, in a weakened state, like medicine. Plus, it contains a lot of caffeine that does more harm than good…

  • Parents should properly answer their children’s curiosities. (Parenting)

‘How does a baby come?’ children ask and parents tell them about gods and storks. This raises more questions and does nothing but confuse the child. Try to give an anatomically correct answer without being graphic. Never try to dismiss any of their questions or scold them…

  • Euthanasia, is it ethical?

A person should get to choose whether they want to live or die in dire conditions. Or. Euthanasia is no different from suicide. Supporting euthanasia is like supporting suicide.

  • Prospective parent(s) should get a psychiatric approval before adoption. (Parenting)

We want to find a home for every orphaned child but we want a happy home. There are many sick people out there who want to adopt a child only to abuse them or for some other kind of personal gain…

  • Cigarettes should be illegal.

Cigarettes are like drugs and they should be illegal just like drugs are. It has adverse health effects on the smoker as well as people around him…

  • Smoking in public places should be fined.

Cigarettes are very harmful and their harmful smoke does not affect the smoker alone. It affects the surrounding people as well. Not all people are suicidal that way. Why should they suffer? When one’s action harms the other, it is an offense.

  • Are uniforms necessary?

Uniform brings uniformity. It eliminates frivolous fashion competition which is not what school is for… Or. Clothes are a form of expression. Students spend most of their time in school. They should be comfortable with what they wear…

  • Number of children one can have should be limited and children with previous partner(s) counts.

Four from two, eight from four; population multiplies that way. Already, the earth has become so crowded. If this is to continue, we will rid this world of ourselves.

  • Would it be ethical to genetically design babies? (Technology?)

Yes. Why not use science to cure diseases and eradicate the possibility of a child’s suffering? Or. This method can be misused to alter more than just a threat of diseases and that will disturb the diversity in the gene pool…

  • ‘Living together’ relationships, good or bad?

Marriage cannot keep together those who want to go their separate ways and those who want to together do not need such a constitution.

  • ‘Early to sleep, early to rise’ benefits.

They say ‘Early to sleep and early to rise makes a man healthy and wise.’ This was not said without a reason. Going to bed early and waking up early the next day have many benefits, for both our mind and body.

  • Every property should compulsorily have trees. (Environment)

Trees produce oxygen and filters air. We need more trees. But the population is increasing. We are cutting down trees to erect concrete buildings instead…

  • Fast foods are overpriced.

Fast foods like French fries, burgers, pizza, etc. cost way more than they actually should. The restaurants are ripping us off. Take fries for example…

  • Using animals as test subjects is cruel and unfair. (Animal rights)

For you, it is one animal among many. But for that particular animal, one life is all it has and you have no right to play with it.

  • Why Gay Marriage should be legalized. (Gay rights)

Homosexuality is not a disease. It is how people are. They want to marry their partner for the same reasons heterosexual couples do. Not legalizing gay marriage is discrimination…

  • Marriage is not about procreation. (Gay rights)

One, almost logical, reason people give against gay marriage is that they cannot bear kids because of which it is definitely not natural/ biological or ‘how god intended’. But marriage is not about procreation. It is about you and your comfort or happiness, about who you want to spend the rest of your life with.

  • Electronics are stealing childhood.

These days, children spend a lot of time on mobile phones, computers, or other electronic devices instead of running around, going out, and playing as a child should.

  • Teens cannot be good parents. (School/ Parenting)

Some teens decide to start a family when the female partner gets pregnant. While this is seen as an admirable option against abortion, are teen parents really good for the kid?

  • Ads should be tested for sexist messages before being aired. (Feminism)

Not only children but everyone learns from what they see and hear. The subliminal sexist messages in ads impart gender roles on their minds, undoing a lot of feminists’ efforts. But mostly, it brainwashes the coming generation and we should not allow that.

  • Protection and breeding of white tigers is illogical; why hinder natural selection? (Environment/ Animal rights)

White tigers do not fare well in the wild due to their color. It was a case of mutation that would have naturally been eliminated if humans had not interfered. I am not saying all living white tigers must be killed but why are people breeding it in captivity instead of letting it die out? Just because they’re pretty and we like pretty?

  • Exotic pets are not pets. (Animal rights)

Exotic animals belong in the wild. They need to be with their own kind, living in their natural habitat. They should not be isolated in people’s homes where their mobility is limited.

  • Feminism should be made a compulsory subject in high school and college. (Feminism)

Feminism is an eye-opener. It is something every man and woman should know of. Thus, it should be a compulsory and common subject instead of being exclusive to Arts or few other faculty.

  • Age 16 is not juvenile. (School?)

Are 16-year-olds really kids? Can they not be expected to know the difference between right and wrong? Maybe they do not know it is a crime to download songs and movies but what about rape and murder? If 16 is old enough to drive in most countries, it is old enough to be tried as an adult.

  • Playing Video games for few hours does good. (School/ parenting?)

It has been found out that playing a few hours of video game help improve people’s hand-eye coordination and enhances cognitive power. Also, games based on real history or science can impart knowledge…

  • Read before agreeing to sites and applications.

We download apps and software and signup on different sites. Each of these requires us to click ‘I agree’. We click this ‘I agree’ without actually reading the agreement. This can later cause problems…

  • Is death penalty ethical?

It is not ethical to eliminate people like we try to eliminate diseases. What about human rights? Or. What kind of rights for the person who does not respect others’ rights and freedom? It is a befitting punishment.

  • Send drug dealers to prison but addicts for rehabilitation.

Drug Addicts are victims too. They need rehabilitation, not prison. Dealers are the real criminals.

  • Parents should cook tastier option instead of making children eat the healthy foods they don’t want.

If not meat then milk and pulses. There is a range of choices for the required nutrition. So why should children have to eat something they don’t like? Just give them a tastier option.

  • If girls can wear pants, boys can wear skirts. (Funny?)

Is all equality fighting for girls only? What about boys’ rights? When girls can wear boys’ clothes why can boys not wear that of girls?

  • Being slim is not just about looks but health too. (Health?)

Beauties were those who were plum. Now, skinny is the fashion. But to those who want to be ‘comfortable’ in their size, know that a slim body is more than just looks.

  • There should be one holiday in the middle of workdays.

Saturday and Sunday’s rest do not keep us charged up to Friday. This makes people less productive by Thursday and Friday. A break in the middle would be wonderfully refreshing…

  • Considering the real meaning behind Nursery Rhymes, should they be taught to children? (School)

The fun nursery rhyme “Ring around the Rosie” is actually about the bubonic plague that killed nearly 15% of the country. This is only an example among many. Consider the lyrics of “Three blind mice” that goes “… Who cut off their tails, With a carving knife.” Is it okay to teach these to the children?

  • Countries should provide free Wi-Fi in tourist destinations.

Doing this will help tourists as they will be able to contact their people without wandering around confused in a foreign land. This will definitely increase the flow of both national and international tourists. It will be most helpful to students from abroad.

  • Know the woes of genetically modified Chickens.

To meet the demand of the growing population, chickens are fed hormones and other drugs to make them grow faster and fat, especially the meat in the breast area. Because of this, the chickens cripple under their own weight. They suffer terribly…

  • Children should be allowed to use electronics like mobile, notebooks etc. during breaks. (Students)

Using electronics during class is certainly bad and for a number of reasons. But break times belong to the students. Breaks are for recreation. If students choose to enjoy electronics, what is wrong with that?

  • Teachers, too, should keep their mobiles in silent during class.

Class time is for teaching and learning. Students should keep their mobile in silence so as to not disturb the class. But, so should the teacher. They shouldn’t pick up their call during class.

  • Humans are consuming way more salt than necessary. (Health)

Sodium is important. But the larger amount of sodium intake has often been associated with an increase in blood pressure that leads to strokes. 1500 to 2300mg is the maximum amount per day.

  • Benefits of donating blood.

Donating blood is the right thing to do. It saves lives. There are a few moral reasons as such to donate blood but do you know that you are not losing anything either? Donating blood is good for your own health too…

  • Why become an organ donor?

Perfectly healthy people die when trying to donate their organs to their loved ones. Even if they survive, they may have to face complications and they are now, somehow, deficient. If an organ could be got…

  • Original organic fruits taste better than the hybrids.

Hybrid fruits are larger and juicer but it lacks in terms of taste. The taste tastes diluted…

  • Why people who have should give.

Many people suffer from poverty. They have a hard time meeting basic needs like food, shelter, and clothes.

  • Why suicide over ‘love troubles’ is stupid. (Students)

Life moves on. Time heals. Things will happen if you continue to live. But the exaggerated fictional idea of love that the movies market has…

  • Why women should earn irrespective of their husband’s economic status. (Feminism)

Be independent. Money is power. Do not let anyone have an upper hand and be vulnerable to possible abuse…

  • Recycle e-waste. (Environment)

E-waste contains many recoverable materials such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver etc. Reusing this will take a load off of natural resources. E-waste also contains toxins like mercury, lead, beryllium, and others that will inevitably infuse into soil and water.

  • Do not tolerate abuse, speak out. (Feminism)

Certainly, nobody enjoys abuse? Then why do women continue to stay in abusive relationship despite being educated and holding a good job? Why do they tolerate other kinds of abuse as well? There are many reasons for this…

  • Every citizen should be required to, at least, pass high school. (School)

Up to high school, the education is basic. Imagine needing to stop ocean pollution. An educated person would be more easily persuaded or would know why ocean pollution is bad. Or. There are good and bad people. Education will teach the good how to be good and may persuade the bad…

  • Hostels, is it good or bad for children? (Parenting)

Hostels teach children independence. They learn to do a lot in their own. Or. No one can take better care of children than their parents. Children need parents’ love and support. Away in the hostel, surrounded by children no wiser than themselves…

  • Teachers should discuss among themselves to avoid giving too much homework. (School)

After studying for hours in school, spending all the hours in-home doing homework will mentally tire the student. Homework should be very light. But light homework of all the teachers added will take up all of the students’ time. So…

  • Importance of clubs in school or colleges. (School)

School and college clubs are the best way to learn different valuable skills in. In school and college-level clubs, the eligibility for membership is less strict and one gets to learn from the more skilled seniors.

  • Should plastic surgery be so commercial?

Everyone wants to look good. When accidents or attacks disfigure us, we can turn to plastic surgery to try and gain back our lost selves. But intentionally altering ourselves to…

  • Online piracy should be monitored more strictly.

People have a right to their intellectual property. It is so easy to find and download pirated materials that it seems non-criminal…

  • Are single-sex schools better than coed? (School)

According to research done in Korea, students from single-sex schools scored better than those from coed and had more chances of pursuing college-level education. However, this is from a general viewpoint. When considering students at an individual level, it really depends on what kind of environment that particular student does better in.

  • Spaying or neutering pets is good or bad? (Animal right)

Some say that neutering or spaying pets have a lot of benefits, both for the animal and the owner. Others say that neutering or spaying does not change much but only invites diseases upon the poor animal.

  • Are master’s degree or doctorate really necessary? (Students)

High School teaches us the basics and a bachelor is more career-oriented. We can get a good job after bachelor and hone our skills for a better position. Is a master’s and higher degree really important when we can learn more in the field?

  • Who is more responsible for poaching? Poachers or buyers? (Animal right)

This may be an ‘egg first or chicken question. Scientists have now found out that chickens come first but the question ‘Poacher or buyers’ remains.

  • What kind of food should school or college canteen offer? (Student)

From unhealthy commercial food items to unappetizing bland gibberish; can school or college canteens not offer an in-between option? What would be best for the students?

  • What age is proper to talk about the birds and the bees? (Parenting)

From the time a child starts asking about sex is the time from when to start talking about the birds and the bees. Children as young as 4-5 years old are curious about where a baby comes from. Answer them truthfully but avoid being graphic. Also, answer only what they ask.

  • Fee for facilities aside, the tuition fee should be fixed by the government. (Student)

Schools and colleges take a ridiculous amount of tuition fees. It is understandable that according to the facilities provided, the fee may be less or more but the tuition fee, at least, should be a fixed amount that greedy schools cannot increase as they wish.

  • How long should a drunk driver lose his license for?

Drinking and driving can be fatal to both the driver and an innocent passerby. But people do not take it seriously. They think they can handle their liquor and end up causing accidents. This is absolute carelessness.

  • The amount of water one should drink per day. (Health)

About 60% of the human body is water. We continually lose this water through skin and urine. This causes dehydration…

  • Aliens exist. (Paranormal)

There have been many UFO sightings and stories of alien abduction. Even in the old age paintings, cave paintings, Sanskrit scrolls, the extraterrestrial life form is evident. Scientists have found other habitable planets. An intelligent life form somewhere other than Earth is no longer an idea of a fantasist…

  • White meat over red meat or the other way around? (Health)

White meat is less fatty but red meat contains more vitamins like zinc, iron, and B vitamins…

  • Why religion and science should go hand in hand. / Why religion should evolve with scientific discoveries. (Philosophy)

Science explores the universe for answers while religion makes claims about it. Science is open to change, it acknowledges that it can err and backs its claims with evidence. Religion on the other hand is a ‘belief’ system

  • Should astrologers, mediums and the likes be arrested for fraud? (Paranormal)

Do heavenly bodies really affect our personality or future? Do dead ones really become spirits and can be contacted through mediums? Or are these all just a big hoax?

  • Cats or dogs?

Are you a cat person or a dog person? Say why a dog is better than a cat as a pet or that cat makes a better pet.

  • Benefits of eating fruit over drinking its juice. (Health)

There is a whole fruit and we throw away more than half of the substance when choosing to drink its juice even though eating the fruit itself is healthier because of the fiber it contains.

  • Women shouldn’t have to change their last name after marriage. (Feminism)

Having to change our last name after marriage is sexist. It confirms the power males hold over the women in our patriarchal society.

  • Internet promotes communication, not kill it.

Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, messenger, and others keep us in contact with many friends that we would otherwise have forgotten. It is an easy means of communication…

  • Does pressure build or break a person?

Pressure is healthy. It drives us. Or. Yes. Pressure drives us. It drives us nuts.

  • Hiring volunteers on zero pay is cruel.

Volunteers are those who want to donate labor. They need not be paid for their work but what about their expenses like transportation and others? These kinds of expenses, at least, should be covered.

  • Learning multiple language widens our perception of the world.

There are always those words that cannot be exactly translated to another language. This is because that way of thinking does not exist in that other language. It is like the egg of Cristopher. We discover a new way of expressing ourselves, one we couldn’t think of in the limitation of our own language.

  • Oceans are not trash bins. (Environment)

Tons of human waste are thrown into the ocean. This is creating a big problem in the ocean ecosystem…

  • Killing for fun is inhuman, hunting is inhuman. (Animal rights)

How to have fun with animals? By playing with them, baby talking to them, watching them in their weird but fun action. Not by chasing them down and killing them.

  • Cigarette, alcohol or drugs are not the answer for stress or other problems in life.

People tend to depend on harmful substances like cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs when faced with a problem or when under stress. These substances do not cure stress but could be a self-harming method of coping with problems. People under stress tend to show more unhealthy behaviors such as these…

  • Music heals.

On hearing good music, the brain releases dopamine. Dopamine is an essential chemical that plays a number of important roles in the brain and body. Music has also proven effective against stress…

  • Why breakfast is the important meal of the day. (Health)

Breakfast is the first meal after a long gap during the night. It provides us with vital nutrients like calcium, vitamins, minerals, and energy…

  • Fairytales should be re-written for the next generation children.

Fairytales often star a damsel in distress who not only ‘waits’ for a handsome rescuer but also possesses subjugating qualities like obedience, daintiness, etc. It imparts sexist values in young minds…

  • How a time table can help manage our daily lives.

People do not realize how time table can make our day-to-day lives much more manageable and therefore fruitful or efficient. Some find it tedious and some pretentious…

  • Everyone should learn swimming.

Swimming is not just for fun like cycling. It could save someone’s life. It is an important survival skill that everyone should know of.

  • Good thoughts lead to good actions.

Our actions result from our thoughts. Action is a mind’s reflection…

  • Benefits of meditation. (Health)

Meditation has a lot of benefits, both on body and mind. It reduces stress, improves concentration, reduces irritability, increases perseverance, etc…

  • Zoos are not big enough for wild animals. (Animal rights)

How large can you make a zoo? And how can it mimic nature when different animals are confined separately. Wild animals belong in the wild.

Some more Persuasive Speech Topics:

  • Why is adopting a pet better than buying one?
  • How does having a pet better your everyday life?
  • Having a snake as a pet is as cool as it sounds
  • Should you get rid of a pet that harms another person?
  • Is breeding pets for sale unethical?
  • Selfies with animals in tourist locations should be made equal
  • A dog is the perfect pet
  • Why a pet is essential for a growing child
  • Owning a pet makes you healthier
  • Slaughterhouses are unethical
  • Animals are facing extinction, we should do something about it
  • Why wild animals should be left in the wild
  • Petting exotic animals should be made illegal
  • Why dolphin farming is horrific
  • The Yulin Dog festival displays one of the worst sides of humans
  • Why neutering your pets is wrong
  • Advantages of owning a horse(besides looking fantastic)
  • People need to stop fueling pug markets.
  • Is animal slaughter for religious purposes ethical?
  • Manual drivers are unnecessarily aggressive about their cars
  • Why you should not drive without a kid seat
  • Why sports cars are not worth it
  • If you can’t call while driving, then why is there a hands-free mode?
  • New ideas for lessons drivers have to take before getting a license
  • Should you charge people for driving tests?
  • Why cycling is cooler than driving
  • Why traffic rules are designed against bike rides
  • Driving licenses should need a renewal every 5 years
  • Why co-ed education is the best way to teach
  • GPA isn’t everything
  • 9.30 is too early
  • Why teachers need to be recertified
  • Listening to music during exams should be allowed
  • Should sports and arts be mandatory?
  • Does our school curriculum need obligatory life skill classes?
  • Phones in classes are beneficial and convenient
  • Every student should be encouraged to take a gap year
  • Cyber-bullying should be punished the same as bullying
  • Why art classes are just as important as science
  • School canteens need to serve healthier alternatives
  • More institutes should promote nternational exchange programs
  • Curriculums should be designed with the job market in mind
  • Textbooks are overpriced and should be replaced with digital alternatives
  • Should religion be taught in schools?
  • Is repeating classes beneficial for underperforming students?
  • Students should not have to ask to use the restroom
  • Is having a handwriting class beneficial?
  • Is there a point to giving homework?
  • Education needs to be available in prisons
  • We are being overcharged for education
  • Online learning should be held to equal importance as schools
  • Are teachers paid enough?
  • Is there room for commercial advertisement in schools?
  • Are study halls still relevant?
  • Are our children safe at school?
  • School trips are a waste of money
  • Educational institutes should be more welcoming to technological changes
  • Schools should teach multiple languages
  • Public schools are better than private schools
  • Why meditation should be included in the daily curriculum
  • Are scholarships reaching the right people?
  • Current environmental laws are insufficient
  • Green energy is the future
  • The environmental impact of palm oil
  • The environmental impact of single-use bags
  • Fishing restrictions need to be stricter
  • Oil spills are deadly to marine life
  • Leaving fossil fuels behind
  • Pollution has reached alarming levels
  • Garden owners should be allowed to grow exotic plants
  • Switch to hybrid cars to help the environment
  • Rainforests are going extinct at an alarming rate
  • Why natural resources are quickly going extinct
  • Alternative energy sources should be pushed by governments
  • Euthanasia should be legalized
  • Why eating meat does not make me a bad person
  • Can true equality ever really be achieved?
  • Is messing with unborn children’s genetics ethical?
  • Stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason
  • Animal testing is a necessary part of production
  • Why we need to stop producing and buying fur
  • Prostitution should be legalized
  • Doping and it’s place in sports 
  • Why workplace relationships should be avoided
  • Is religion a cult?
  • Should prayers be included in schools?
  • Parents should not be able to choose the sex of their unborn child
  • Donating to charities is a scam
  • Aborting fetuses with birth defects is not immoral
  • Wars have positive consequences as well
  • Why genital mutilation in infants needs to be stopped
  • Conventional beauty standards are misleading
  • China’s One-child policy was a good idea for population control
  • Animal testing and why it is immoral
  • Why banning cigarettes and alcohol from advertisements is not effective
  • Sugar is added to everything we eat
  • Children should be taught to cook
  • Why growing your own food will help both you and the environment
  • Peanuts: The secret superfood
  • We should be more open to genetically engineered food products
  • The proper way to dispose your food waste
  • The loopholes in labelling laws
  • Keto goes against the natural human evolution
  • Artificial chemicals in our food products is harming us
  • The legal age for contraceptive treatment should be lowered
  • Fast food is slowly killing you
  • How positive thinking can change your life
  • Breakfast isn’t the most important meal of the day
  • Stomach stapling should not be normalized
  • If you don’t wear a seat belt, you are putting yourself at great risk
  • How diabetes can affect your work
  • How daily exercise can change your life
  • Stress as the leading cause of teen suicide
  • Diet pills are a scam
  • Body shaming is putting lives at risk
  • Contraceptive education is an effective solution for teen pregnancy
  • There is such a thing as too much soda
  • Free condom distribution at schools is better than teaching about abstinence
  • The toothpick you pick matters
  • Surrogacy should be more widely accepted
  • Why insomnia should be taken as a more serious health concern
  • Helmets and seatbeat save lives
  • Restaurants need to be more vigilant about handling allergies
  • How Big Pharma is controlling your life
  • The medical field is criminally underfunded
  • We are eating too much salt
  • Organ donation should be an opt-out system
  • The dangers of an anti-vaxxers movement
  • Why fire drills are ineffective
  • Why you need to take that vacation
  • Good sleep is underrated
  • Why vaping is not a better alternative
  • Your stress is killing you
  • It is not healthy for children to be vegetarians
  • Parents don’t need to be informed about underage abortions
  • Donating blood should be encouraged early
  • How much do you know about what’s in your food

I hope you find the tips for persuasive speech and persuasive speech topics useful. Let me what you think of them by commenting below.

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100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.

Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

Writing a strong argumentative essay teaches students to make a case for their own point of view without relying on emotion or passion. These argumentative essay topics provide options for kids of all ages, including controversial subjects and some that are just for fun.

School and Education Argumentative Essay Topics

Science and history argumentative essay topics, life and ethics argumentative essay topics, social justice and civics argumentative essay topics, more argumentative essay topics, what’s the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays.

These two types of essays are similar, but there are some subtle and important differences .

  • Author’s purpose: In an argumentative essay, your job is to simply convince the reader that the point of view you’re presenting is valid, even if it doesn’t change their mind. Persuasive essays seek to sway the reader to adopt your point of view over any others.
  • Method: Argumentative essays rely heavily on well-researched facts and logical assertions. In a persuasive essay, the writer may use a blend of emotion and facts to win over the reader.
  • Audience: Persuasive essays require a specific audience, since the writer must acknowledge and attempt to overcome their potential objections. The writer of an argumentative essay is simply making a statement, so knowing their audience is less important.
  • Viewpoint: A persuasive essay writer should believe their point of view is the only correct one, and try to persuade the reader to agree. Argumentative essays acknowledge other points of view, but use reason and logic to argue that the writer’s point of view is best.

Persuasive and argumentative essay topics often overlap. The difference is in how the writer approaches the topic. When you assign one of the topics below as an argumentative essay, remind students to use research, reason, and logic to make a strong but dispassionate argument.

  • Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
  • Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
  • Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
  • What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

  • Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
  • Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • If I could change one school rule, it would be …
  • Is year-round school a good idea?
  • Which is better, private schools or public schools?
  • Should every student have to participate in athletics?
  • Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
  • Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
  • What is the most important school subject?
  • Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

  • Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
  • Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
  • Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
  • Are computers making teachers obsolete?
  • Students who fail a test should be given a chance to take it again.
  • Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
  • Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
  • Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
  • Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
  • Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
  • Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

  • It’s important to spend tax dollars exploring space, instead of on other things.
  • Is there life on other planets?
  • Who was the best/worst American president?
  • Should vaccines be mandatory?
  • Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
  • Is animal cloning ethical?
  • Should human cloning be legal?
  • Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
  • Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?

Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?

  • Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?
  • Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
  • Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
  • Was life really better “back in the day”?
  • Choose a foreign conflict (e.g., Vietnam or Afghanistan) and argue whether or not the United States was justified in getting involved.
  • The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
  • Does social media do more harm than good?
  • The best country in the world is …
  • Are men and women treated equally?
  • Is it better to be vegetarian/vegan than to eat meat?
  • Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
  • Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
  • Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?

Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?

  • Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?
  • Playing violent video games is bad for kids and teens.
  • Parents should track their kids using their cell phones.
  • Are paper books better than e-books?
  • All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
  • All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
  • Is conflict necessary for change?
  • Is war ever justified?
  • A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

  • Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
  • Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
  • Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
  • Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
  • Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol and cigarettes) instead of banning them?
  • Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

  • The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Is capitalism the best form of economy?
  • Should all Americans be required to vote?
  • Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
  • Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?
  • School-age children should be allowed to vote.
  • We should/should not abolish the electoral college.
  • Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
  • Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

  • Does segregation still exist in the United States?
  • We should/should not continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
  • Will stricter gun control laws help control mass shootings?
  • Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?
  • Is the American justice system inherently racist?
  • Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
  • Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
  • Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
  • What animal makes the best pet?
  • Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
  • Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
  • Is a taco a sandwich?
  • Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?

Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?

  • What’s the best video game system?
  • Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.
  • Is video gaming a sport?
  • Are beauty pageants sexist?
  • Should kids get participation trophies for sports?
  • Are stereotypes ever right?
  • Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
  • All teenagers should have part-time jobs.
  • Should kids have limits on screen time?
  • Is it better to read fiction or nonfiction?
  • Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don’t like something?

Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don't like something?

  • Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or exercising?
  • Is graffiti an act of vandalism or an art form?
  • Should society hold celebrities to a high moral standard?

What are your favorite argumentative writing prompts? Come share your thoughts in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Also check out 100 intriguing cause and effect essay topics for students ..

Use these thought-provoking argumentative essay topics to teach students to write well-researched and convincing compositions.

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

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30 Engaging Speech Topics for Kids: Boosting Confidence and Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking often looms as a daunting fear for countless kids, and truth be told, it was once a mountain I had to climb myself. Through a blend of dedicated research and navigating my own journey, I’ve unearthed pivotal strategies that revolutionized not just my skillset but my self-assurance too.

This article is set to share 30 captivating speech topics designed to elevate kids’ confidence and hone their public speaking prowess. Prepare to spark some inspiration!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Kids gain confidence in public speaking by expressing themselves on topics they care about. This helps them turn nervous energy into excitement for their next speech.
  • Public speaking skills help kids develop better communication, including articulating thoughts clearly and effective listening.
  • Choosing the right speech topics encourages creativity and personal growth as kids talk about their interests or share personal experiences.
  • Practicing the speech, learning breathing techniques, making eye contact, and receiving positive feedback are key steps to prepare a successful presentation.
  • Speeches on varied topics like the environment, friendship, teachers’ impact, sports benefits, and health encourage children to explore and discuss different subjects confidently.

The Importance of Public Speaking for Kids

Public speaking for kids boosts confidence and develops communication skills . It also encourages creativity and self-assuredness in middle school students.

Boosts Confidence

I know firsthand how standing in front of a crowd can feel like facing a giant. It used to make my palms sweat and my heart race. Yet, I found out that speaking skills aren’t just about getting words out.

They’re about self-assuredness too. Kids gain confidence when they express themselves and realize people are listening and valuing their ideas. This assurance grows with each speech, turning the nervous energy into excitement for the next opportunity.

Seeing this transformation in kids is incredible. One moment, they might be hesitant to even say their name aloud; next, they’re sharing thoughts on engaging topics like friendship or environmental awareness with peers or at school speeches.

The progress isn’t always linear but noticing the change from shyness to boldness proves the power of public speaking skills for kids. Confidence building for children through these experiences prepares them not just for more presentations but also for life’s many conversations and debates ahead.

Develops Communication Skills

Developing communication skills is crucial for kids as it helps them express themselves confidently. When children engage in public speaking , they learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively.

This fosters better interaction with others and promotes active listening , an essential skill for effective communication. Developing these skills at a young age lays a strong foundation for future success, both academically and socially.

Moreover, enhancing communication skills empowers kids to convey their ideas with clarity and conviction. It enables them to build meaningful connections with peers and adults while fostering empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships .

As children continue to develop these skills, they gain the ability to influence others positively through persuasive language and compelling arguments surrounding various topics.

Incorporating engaging speech topics into their learning environment equips kids with valuable tools that prepare them for real-world experiences while providing opportunities for personal growth.

Encourages Creativity

Choosing engaging speech topics for kids not only enhances their communication skills but also encourages creativity . When children are given the freedom to express their ideas and thoughts on various topics, it sparks their imagination and fosters originality .

This process of brainstorming and articulating their viewpoints amplifies their creative thinking abilities, making public speaking an avenue for them to showcase their unique perspectives.

As they explore different themes through public speaking, they learn how to approach subjects from innovative angles, leading to a deeper understanding of the world around them.

How to Choose Engaging Speech Topics for Kids

When choosing speech topics for kids, consider their interests. Focus on positive messages and encourage personal experiences.

Consider Their Interests

When selecting engaging speech topics for kids, it’s essential to take into account their hobbies and passions . By choosing subjects that resonate with them, you can ignite their enthusiasm and make the speech preparation process more enjoyable.

This also enables children to express themselves authentically on topics they genuinely care about, fostering a sense of confidence and self-assuredness in public speaking situations.

Additionally, aligning the speech topics with their interests creates a natural connection between the speaker and the audience , making the delivery more impactful and compelling.

Focus on Positive Messages

When selecting speech topics for kids, it’s crucial to focus on positive messages . Encouraging themes such as friendship , environmental awareness , and the importance of kindness can inspire children to express themselves confidently and create a supportive atmosphere.

By emphasizing uplifting and optimistic subjects, kids can develop their public speaking skills while conveying meaningful messages that resonate with their audience.

Not only do positive messages empower children to speak confidently, but they also foster a sense of empathy and understanding among peers. This approach ensures that young speakers engage with their audience in a constructive and impactful manner, contributing positively to their personal growth and communication abilities .

Encourage Personal Experiences

As we think about engrossing topics for kids’ speeches, it’s essential to encourage personal experiences . This will enable children to speak from their own lives and share stories that matter to them.

Connecting with their own experiences can make the speech more authentic and engaging , helping them grow confident in expressing themselves.

Encouraging kids to tap into their personal experiences helps them connect with the audience on a deeper level. It also fosters creativity and builds confidence as they share something close to their hearts.

30 Engaging Speech Topic Ideas for Kids

Boost confidence and public speaking skills with 30 engaging speech topic ideas for kids. Read more to empower young speakers!

Environment Day Speech

Today, I would like to talk about the importance of our environment and why we need to take care of it. Our environment gives us clean air to breathe , fresh water to drink , and beautiful nature to enjoy .

It’s important for us to protect our environment so that future generations can also benefit from its gifts. We can start by reducing waste , recycling materials, conserving energy, and planting trees .

Together, we can make a difference and create a healthier planet for all living beings.

Speech on Friendship

Transitioning from discussing environmental topics to friendship, let’s delve into the importance of building relationships through a speech on friendship. Friendships are essential for our well-being and understanding their significance can help kids express themselves confidently.

It also encourages empathy and connection with others, emphasizing the value of positive interpersonal relationships in public speaking beginners’ lives.

Childhood friendships provide support, joy, and companionship.

Encouraging kindness and inclusivity promotes strong bonds .

Speech on Teachers

Teachers play a vital role in shaping our future. Their dedication and hard work deserve recognition. The speech on teachers can express gratitude for their guidance and encouragement, inspiring students to reach for their highest potential.

Sharing personal anecdotes about the impact of a particular teacher can make the speech more heartfelt. Focusing on how teachers inspire growth and learning can resonate with the audience and highlight the importance of educators in our lives.

Speech topics for school speeches

Speech on Sports

Sports are an essential part of our lives and have numerous benefits for kids. Speaking about sports can inspire others to stay active , learn teamwork , and build resilience through both wins and losses.

It’s also a great opportunity to share personal experiences of overcoming challenges and achieving goals in the realm of sports.

Let’s move on to explore the next engaging speech topic for kids!

Speech on Health

Transitioning from the topic of sports to health, it’s important for kids to also understand the significance of taking care of their bodies . This speech on health will provide insights into how we can maintain and improve our well-being.

Kids, keeping ourselves healthy is vital in leading an active and happy life. Let’s delve into some engaging topics that can help us learn more about staying fit and taking care of our bodies.

Healthy living contributes to a happier life.

Health shouldn’t be overlooked; it directly impacts our daily activities .

Understanding how to take care of yourself is crucial at any age.

There are various aspects like exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being that collectively contribute towards a healthy lifestyle.

Tips for Helping Kids Prepare and Present a Successful Speech

Help kids practice their speech repeatedly.

Encourage teaching them breathing techniques.

Stress the importance of making eye contact .

Provide positive feedback to boost their confidence and skills.

For more detailed information, be sure to read on!

Encourage Practice

To boost your public speaking skills, practicing your speech is crucial. Regular practice helps build confidence and fluency in delivering your message. Set aside time each day to rehearse your speech, aiming for smooth delivery and clarity.

Recording yourself can help identify areas for improvement, while practicing in front of a mirror allows you to work on body language and eye contact. The more you practice, the more comfortable and self-assured you’ll become when presenting your speech.

Teach Breathing Techniques

As we encourage practice, it’s important to teach breathing techniques . Deep breaths before speaking can calm nerves and help maintain a steady voice . Slowly inhaling and exhaling helps regulate pace and delivery .

Using these simple yet effective techniques can boost confidence during public speaking. These methods enhance presentation skills while reducing anxiety for a better overall speech performance.

By incorporating such strategies, children will become more self-assured in their public speaking endeavors, ultimately boosting their confidence levels.

Emphasize Eye Contact

When speaking, make eye contact with your audience to build connection and show confidence. This helps you engage with them and keep their attention focused on your speech.

Maintaining eye contact also makes your audience feel acknowledged and respected , enhancing the impact of your message. It portrays self-assuredness and authority while conveying sincerity.

By making deliberate eye contact with different individuals in the audience, you create a sense of inclusivity, making everyone feel involved in the conversation. This simple technique can significantly boost your public speaking skills and leave a lasting impression on your listeners while boosting your own confidence.

Provide Positive Feedback

As you practice your speech, remember to maintain eye contact and use your body language effectively. This will help you connect with your audience and build confidence . You’re doing a great job of preparing for your speech by practicing and focusing on these essential techniques.

Keep up the good work!

Public speaking boosts kids’ confidence and sharpens their communication skills. Kids light up when they talk about things they love. So, picking the right topics is key to getting them excited about public speaking .

From sharing stories about their favorite sports to exploring big ideas like saving the planet, there’s a lot that can spark their interest.

Dr. Samantha Lee, an expert in child psychology with over 20 years of experience, weighs in on this topic. With degrees from prestigious universities and numerous published studies, she understands how crucial public speaking is in developing children’s self-esteem and social skills .

Dr. Lee praises the selection of engaging speech topics for providing a solid foundation for kids to express themselves confidently.

She highlights the importance of these speech activities being safe spaces where kids feel encouraged to share their thoughts without fear of judgment. This approach aligns with ethical standards promoting inclusivity and transparency in educational practices.

Integrating these speech exercises into daily routines or classroom settings can be transformative, Dr. Lee advises. She suggests making it fun by incorporating games or challenges related to upcoming speeches which will not only improve their skills but also make them look forward to speaking out loud.

However, Dr.Lee emphasizes balance – noting while these topics are designed to intrigue children and enhance their presentation abilities, it’s crucial not to push too hard which could lead to stress rather than enjoyment and growth in public speaking capabilities.

In her final recommendation, Dr.Lee sees “30 Engaging Speech Topics for Kids: Boosting Confidence and Public Speaking Skills” as an invaluable tool for young speakers`. She believes such resources significantly contribute towards nurturing articulate and self-assured individuals ready to tackle any conversation or audience with ease.

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

What’s covered:, how to pick an awesome persuasive speech topic, 112 engaging persuasive speech topics, tips for preparing your persuasive speech.

Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.

When it comes time to select a topic for your persuasive speech, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options to choose from—or your brain may be drawing a completely blank slate. If you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect topic, don’t worry. We’re here to help!

In this post, we’re sharing how to choose the perfect persuasive speech topic and tips to prepare for your speech. Plus, you’ll find 112 persuasive speech topics that you can take directly from us or use as creative inspiration for your own ideas!

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

It’s much easier to write, research, and deliver a speech about a cause you care about. Even if it’s challenging to find a topic that completely sparks your interest, try to choose a topic that aligns with your passions.

However, keep in mind that not everyone has the same interests as you. Try to choose a general topic to grab the attention of the majority of your audience, but one that’s specific enough to keep them engaged.

For example, suppose you’re giving a persuasive speech about book censorship. In that case, it’s probably too niche to talk about why “To Kill a Mockingbird” shouldn’t be censored (even if it’s your favorite book), and it’s too broad to talk about media censorship in general.

Steer Clear of Cliches

Have you already heard a persuasive speech topic presented dozens of times? If so, it’s probably not an excellent choice for your speech—even if it’s an issue you’re incredibly passionate about.

Although polarizing topics like abortion and climate control are important to discuss, they aren’t great persuasive speech topics. Most people have already formed an opinion on these topics, which will either cause them to tune out or have a negative impression of your speech.

Instead, choose topics that are fresh, unique, and new. If your audience has never heard your idea presented before, they will be more open to your argument and engaged in your speech.

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

For a persuasive speech to be engaging, there must be a clear side of opposition. To help determine the arguability of your topic, ask yourself: “If I presented my viewpoint on this topic to a group of peers, would someone disagree with me?” If the answer is yes, then you’ve chosen a great topic!

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for what it takes to choose a great persuasive speech topic, here are over one hundred options for you to choose from.

  • Should high school athletes get tested for steroids?
  • Should schools be required to have physical education courses?
  • Should sports grades in school depend on things like athletic ability?
  • What sport should be added to or removed from the Olympics?
  • Should college athletes be able to make money off of their merchandise?
  • Should sports teams be able to recruit young athletes without a college degree?
  • Should we consider video gamers as professional athletes?
  • Is cheerleading considered a sport?
  • Should parents allow their kids to play contact sports?
  • Should professional female athletes be paid the same as professional male athletes?
  • Should college be free at the undergraduate level?
  • Is the traditional college experience obsolete?
  • Should you choose a major based on your interests or your potential salary?
  • Should high school students have to meet a required number of service hours before graduating?
  • Should teachers earn more or less based on how their students perform on standardized tests?
  • Are private high schools more effective than public high schools?
  • Should there be a minimum number of attendance days required to graduate?
  • Are GPAs harmful or helpful?
  • Should schools be required to teach about standardized testing?
  • Should Greek Life be banned in the United States?
  • Should schools offer science classes explicitly about mental health?
  • Should students be able to bring their cell phones to school?
  • Should all public restrooms be all-gender?
  • Should undocumented immigrants have the same employment and education opportunities as citizens?
  • Should everyone be paid a living wage regardless of their employment status?
  • Should supremacist groups be able to hold public events?
  • Should guns be allowed in public places?
  • Should the national drinking age be lowered?
  • Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
  • Should the government raise or lower the retirement age?
  • Should the government be able to control the population?
  • Is the death penalty ethical?

Environment

  • Should stores charge customers for plastic bags?
  • Should breeding animals (dogs, cats, etc.) be illegal?
  • Is it okay to have exotic animals as pets?
  • Should people be fined for not recycling?
  • Should compost bins become mandatory for restaurants?
  • Should electric vehicles have their own transportation infrastructure?
  • Would heavier fining policies reduce corporations’ emissions?
  • Should hunting be encouraged or illegal?
  • Should reusable diapers replace disposable diapers?

Science & Technology

  • Is paper media more reliable than digital news sources?
  • Should automated/self-driving cars be legalized?
  • Should schools be required to provide laptops to all students?
  • Should software companies be able to have pre-downloaded programs and applications on devices?
  • Should drones be allowed in military warfare?
  • Should scientists invest more or less money into cancer research?
  • Should cloning be illegal?
  • Should societies colonize other planets?
  • Should there be legal oversight over the development of technology?

Social Media

  • Should there be an age limit on social media?
  • Should cyberbullying have the same repercussions as in-person bullying?
  • Are online relationships as valuable as in-person relationships?
  • Does “cancel culture” have a positive or negative impact on societies?
  • Are social media platforms reliable information or news sources?
  • Should social media be censored?
  • Does social media create an unrealistic standard of beauty?
  • Is regular social media usage damaging to real-life interactions?
  • Is social media distorting democracy?
  • How many branches of government should there be?
  • Who is the best/worst president of all time?
  • How long should judges serve in the U.S. Supreme Court?
  • Should a more significant portion of the U.S. budget be contributed towards education?
  • Should the government invest in rapid transcontinental transportation infrastructure?
  • Should airport screening be more or less stringent?
  • Should the electoral college be dismantled?
  • Should the U.S. have open borders?
  • Should the government spend more or less money on space exploration?
  • Should students sing Christmas carols, say the pledge of allegiance, or perform other tangentially religious activities?
  • Should nuns and priests become genderless roles?
  • Should schools and other public buildings have prayer rooms?
  • Should animal sacrifice be legal if it occurs in a religious context?
  • Should countries be allowed to impose a national religion on their citizens?
  • Should the church be separated from the state?
  • Does freedom of religion positively or negatively affect societies?

Parenting & Family

  • Is it better to have children at a younger or older age?
  • Is it better for children to go to daycare or stay home with their parents?
  • Does birth order affect personality?
  • Should parents or the school system teach their kids about sex?
  • Are family traditions important?
  • Should parents smoke or drink around young children?
  • Should “spanking” children be illegal?
  • Should parents use swear words in front of their children?
  • Should parents allow their children to play violent video games?

Entertainment

  • Should all actors be paid the same regardless of gender or ethnicity?
  • Should all award shows be based on popular vote?
  • Who should be responsible for paying taxes on prize money, the game show staff or the contestants?
  • Should movies and television shows have ethnicity and gender quotas?
  • Should newspapers and magazines move to a completely online format?
  • Should streaming services like Netflix and Hulu be free for students?
  • Is the movie rating system still effective?
  • Should celebrities have more privacy rights?

Arts & Humanities

  • Are libraries becoming obsolete?
  • Should all schools have mandatory art or music courses in their curriculum?
  • Should offensive language be censored from classic literary works?
  • Is it ethical for museums to keep indigenous artifacts?
  • Should digital designs be considered an art form? 
  • Should abstract art be considered an art form?
  • Is music therapy effective?
  • Should tattoos be regarded as “professional dress” for work?
  • Should schools place greater emphasis on the arts programs?
  • Should euthanasia be allowed in hospitals and other clinical settings?
  • Should the government support and implement universal healthcare?
  • Would obesity rates lower if the government intervened to make healthy foods more affordable?
  • Should teenagers be given access to birth control pills without parental consent?
  • Should food allergies be considered a disease?
  • Should health insurance cover homeopathic medicine?
  • Is using painkillers healthy?
  • Should genetically modified foods be banned?
  • Should there be a tax on unhealthy foods?
  • Should tobacco products be banned from the country?
  • Should the birth control pill be free for everyone?

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can  use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original persuasive speech ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Do Your Research

A great persuasive speech is supported with plenty of well-researched facts and evidence. So before you begin the writing process, research both sides of the topic you’re presenting in-depth to gain a well-rounded perspective of the topic.

Understand Your Audience

It’s critical to understand your audience to deliver a great persuasive speech. After all, you are trying to convince them that your viewpoint is correct. Before writing your speech, consider the facts and information that your audience may already know, and think about the beliefs and concerns they may have about your topic. Then, address these concerns in your speech, and be mindful to include fresh, new information.

Have Someone Read Your Speech

Once you have finished writing your speech, have someone read it to check for areas of strength and improvement. You can use CollegeVine’s free essay review tool to get feedback on your speech from a peer!

Practice Makes Perfect

After completing your final draft, the key to success is to practice. Present your speech out loud in front of a mirror, your family, friends, and basically, anyone who will listen. Not only will the feedback of others help you to make your speech better, but you’ll become more confident in your presentation skills and may even be able to commit your speech to memory.

Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to write a powerful, unique persuasive speech. With the perfect topic, plenty of practice, and a boost of self-confidence, we know you’ll impress your audience with a remarkable speech!

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75 Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas

October 4, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

To write a captivating and persuasive speech you must first decide on a topic that will engage, inform and also persuade the audience. We have discussed how to choose a topic and we have provided a list of speech ideas covering a wide range of categories.

What is persuasive speech?

The aim of a persuasive speech is to inform, educate and convince or motivate an audience to do something. You are essentially trying to sway the audience to adopt your own viewpoint.

The best persuasive speech topics are thought-provoking, daring and have a clear opinion. You should speak about something you are knowledgeable about and can argue your opinion for, as well as objectively discuss counter-arguments.

How to choose a topic for your speech

It’s not easy picking a topic for your speech as there are many options so consider the following factors when deciding.

Familiarity

Topics that you’re familiar with will make it easier to prepare for the speech.

It’s best if you decide on a topic in which you have a genuine interest in because you’ll be doing lots of research on it and if it’s something you enjoy the process will be significantly easier and more enjoyable. The audience will also see this enthusiasm when you’re presenting which will make the speech more persuasive.

The audience’s interest

The audience must care about the topic. You don’t want to lose their attention so choose something you think they’ll be interested in hearing about.

Consider choosing a topic that allows you to be more descriptive because this allows the audience to visualize which consequently helps persuade them.

Not overdone

When people have heard about a topic repeatedly they’re less likely to listen to you as it doesn’t interest them anymore. Avoid cliché or overdone topics as it’s difficult to maintain your audience’s attention because they feel like they’ve heard it all before.

An exception to this would be if you had new viewpoints or new facts to share. If this is the case then ensure you clarify early in your speech that you have unique views or information on the topic.

Emotional topics

Emotions are motivators so the audience is more likely to be persuaded and act on your requests if you present an emotional topic.

People like hearing about issues that affect them or their community, country etc. They find these topics more relatable which means they find them more interesting. Look at local issues and news to discover these topics.

Desired outcome

What do you want your audience to do as a result of your speech? Use this as a guide to choosing your topic, for example, maybe you want people to recycle more so you present a speech on the effect of microplastics in the ocean.

Jamie Oliver persuasive speech

Persuasive speech topics

Lots of timely persuasive topics can be found using social media, the radio, TV and newspapers. We have compiled a list of 75 persuasive speech topic ideas covering a wide range of categories.

Some of the topics also fall into other categories and we have posed the topics as questions so they can be easily adapted into statements to suit your own viewpoint.

  • Should pets be adopted rather than bought from a breeder?
  • Should wild animals be tamed?
  • Should people be allowed to own exotic animals like monkeys?
  • Should all zoos and aquariums be closed?

Arts/Culture

  • Should art and music therapy be covered by health insurance?
  • Should graffiti be considered art?
  • Should all students be required to learn an instrument in school?
  • Should automobile drivers be required to take a test every three years?
  • Are sports cars dangerous?
  • Should bicycles share the roads with cars?
  • Should bicycle riders be required by law to always wear helmets?

Business and economy

  • Do introverts make great leaders?
  • Does owning a business leave you feeling isolated?
  • What is to blame for the rise in energy prices?
  • Does hiring cheaper foreign employees hurt the economy?
  • Should interns be paid for their work?
  • Should employees receive bonuses for walking or biking to work?
  • Should tipping in restaurants be mandatory?
  • Should boys and girls should be taught in separate classrooms?
  • Should schools include meditation breaks during the day?
  • Should students be allowed to have their mobile phones with them during school?
  • Should teachers have to pass a test every decade to renew their certifications?
  • Should online teaching be given equal importance as the regular form of teaching?
  • Is higher education over-rated?
  • What are the best ways to stop bullying?
  • Should people with more than one DUI lose their drivers’ licenses?
  • Should prostitution be legalised?
  • Should guns be illegal in the US?
  • Should cannabis be legalised for medical reasons?
  • Is equality a myth?
  • Does what is “right” and “wrong” change from generation to generation?
  • Is there never a good enough reason to declare war?
  • Should governments tax sugary drinks and use the revenue for public health?
  • Has cosmetic surgery risen to a level that exceeds good sense?
  • Is the fast-food industry legally accountable for obesity?
  • Should school cafeterias only offer healthy food options?
  • Is acupuncture a valid medical technique?
  • Should assisted suicide be legal?
  • Does consuming meat affect health?
  • Is dieting a good way to lose weight?

Law and politics

  • Should voting be made compulsory?
  • Should the President (or similar position) be allowed to serve more than two terms?
  • Would poverty reduce by fixing housing?
  • Should drug addicts be sent for treatment in hospitals instead of prisons?
  • Would it be fair for the government to detain suspected terrorists without proper trial?
  • Is torture acceptable when used for national security?
  • Should celebrities who break the law receive stiffer penalties?
  • Should the government completely ban all cigarettes and tobacco products
  • Is it wrong for the media to promote a certain beauty standard?
  • Is the media responsible for the moral degradation of teenagers?
  • Should advertising be aimed at children?
  • Has freedom of press gone too far?
  • Should prayer be allowed in public schools?
  • Does religion have a place in government?
  • How do cults differ from religion?

Science and the environment

  • Should recycling be mandatory?
  • Should genetically modified foods be sold in supermarkets?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the sex of their unborn children?
  • Should selling plastic bags be completely banned in shops?
  • Should smoking in public places be banned?
  • Should professional female athletes be paid the same as male athletes in the same sport?
  • Should doping be allowed in professional sports?
  • Should schools be required to teach all students how to swim?
  • How does parental pressure affect young athletes?
  • Will technology reduce or increase human employment opportunities?
  • What age should children be allowed to have mobile phones?
  • Should libraries be replaced with unlimited access to e-books?
  • Should we recognize Bitcoin as a legal currency?
  • Should bloggers and vloggers be treated as journalists and punished for indiscretions?
  • Has technology helped connect people or isolate them?
  • Should mobile phone use in public places be regulated?
  • Do violent video games make people more violent?

World peace

  • What is the safest country in the world?
  • Is planetary nuclear disarmament possible?
  • Is the idea of peace on earth naive?

These topics are just suggestions so you need to assess whether they would be suitable for your particular audience. You can easily adapt the topics to suit your interests and audience, for example, you could substitute “meat” in the topic “Does consuming meat affect health?” for many possibilities, such as “processed foods”, “mainly vegan food”, “dairy” and so on.

After choosing your topic

After you’ve chosen your topic it’s important to do the following:

  • Research thoroughly
  • Think about all of the different viewpoints
  • Tailor to your audience – discussing your topic with others is a helpful way to gain an understanding of your audience.
  • How involved are you with this topic – are you a key character?
  • Have you contributed to this area, perhaps through blogs, books, papers and products.
  • How qualified are you to speak on this topic?
  • Do you have personal experience in it? How many years?
  • How long have you been interested in the area?

While it may be difficult to choose from such a variety of persuasive speech topics, think about which of the above you have the most knowledge of and can argue your opinion on.

For advice about how to deliver your persuasive speech, check out our blog  Persuasive Speech Outline and Ideas .

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics for Students in 2024

April 1, 2024

Do you know that moment in your favorite film, when the soundtrack begins to swell and the main character stands up and delivers a speech so rousing, so impassioned, it has the entire room either weeping or cheering by the time it concludes? What distinguishes the effectiveness of such a speech is not only the protagonist’s stellar delivery but also the compelling nature of the subject matter at hand. Choosing an effective persuasive speech topic is essential for guaranteeing that your future speech or essay is as moving as these . If this sounds like a tall order, have no fear. Below you’ll find a list of some of the best and most interesting persuasive speech topics for high school students to tackle, from the playful (“Pets for President”) to the serious (“Should We Stop AI from Replacing Human Workers?”).

And if you’re craving more inspiration, feel free to check out this list of Great Debate Topics , which can be used to generate further ideas.

What is a Good Persuasive Speech?

Before we get to the list, we must address the question on everyone’s minds: what is a persuasive speech, and what the heck makes for a good persuasive speech topic? A persuasive speech is a speech that aims to convince its listeners of a particular point of view . At the heart of each persuasive speech is a central conflict . Note: The persuasive speech stands in contrast to a simple informative speech, which is intended purely to convey information. (I.e., an informative speech topic might read: “The History of Making One’s Bed,” while a persuasive speech topic would be: “Why Making One’s Bed is a Waste of Time”—understand?)

And lest you think that persuasive speeches are simply assigned by your teachers as a particularly cruel form of torture, remember that practicing your oratory skills will benefit you in all areas of life—from job interviews, to business negotiations, to your future college career in public policy or international relations . Knowing how to use your voice to enact meaningful change is a valuable skill that can empower you to make a difference in the world.

Components of a Great Persuasive Speech Topic

The ideal persuasive speech topic will inspire the audience to action via both logical arguments and emotional appeals. As such, we can summarize the question “what makes a good persuasive speech topic?” by saying that the topic must possess the following qualities:

  • Timeliness and Relevance . Great persuasive speech topics grapple with a contemporary issue that is meaningful to the listener at hand. The topic might be a current news item, or it might be a long-standing social issue. In either case, the topic should be one with real-world implications.
  • Complexity . A fruitful persuasive speech topic will have many facets. Topics that are controversial, with some gray area, lend themselves to a high degree of critical thinking. They also offer the speaker an opportunity to consider and refute all counterarguments before making a compelling case for his or her own position.
  • Evidence . You want to be able to back up your argument with clear evidence from reputable sources (i.e., not your best friend or dog). The more evidence and data you can gather, the more sound your position will be. In addition, your audience will be more inclined to trust you.
  • Personal Connection. Do you feel passionately about the topic you’ve chosen? If not, it may be time to go back to the drawing board. This does not mean you have to support the side you choose; sometimes, arguing for the opposing side of what you personally believe can be an effective exercise in building empathy and perspective. Either way, though, the key is to select a topic that you care deeply about. Your passion will be infectious to the audience.

150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should tech companies regulate the development of AI systems and automation to protect humans’ jobs?
  • Should we limit screen time for children?
  • Is it ethical for AI models like Dall-E to train themselves on artists’ work without the artists’ permission?
  • Should the government regulate the use of personal drones?
  • Is mass surveillance ethical? Does its threat to civil liberties outweigh its benefits?
  • Are virtual reality experiences a valuable educational tool?
  • Do the positive effects of powerful AI systems outweigh the risks?
  • Do voice assistants like Siri and Alexa invade individuals’ privacy?
  • Are cell phone bans in the classroom effective for improving student learning?
  • Does the use of facial recognition technology in public violate individuals’ privacy?
  • Should students be allowed to use ChatGPT and other AI tools for writing assignments?
  • Should AI-generated art be allowed in art shows or contests?
  • Who holds responsibility for accidents caused by self-driving cars: the driver or the car company?

Business and Economy

  • Should we do away with the minimum wage? Why or why not?
  • Is it ethical for companies to use unpaid internships as a source of labor?
  • Does the gig economy benefit or harm workers?
  • Is capitalism the best economic system?
  • Is it ethical for companies to use sweatshops in developing countries?
  • Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
  • Should the government regulate prices on pharmaceutical drugs?
  • Should the government enact a universal base income?
  • Should customers be required to tip a minimum amount in order to ensure food service workers make a living wage?
  • Should someone’s tattoos or personal appearance factor into the hiring process?
  • Should US workers have more vacation time?
  • Is big game hunting beneficial for local communities?
  • Should we legalize euthanasia?
  • Is it ethical to use animals for medical research?
  • Is it ethical to allow access to experimental treatments for terminally ill patients?
  • Should we allow genetic engineering in humans?
  • Is the death penalty obsolete?
  • Should we allow the cloning of humans?
  • Is it ethical to allow performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
  • Should embryonic stem cell collection be allowed?
  • Do frozen IVF embryos have rights?
  • Should state and federal investigators be allowed to use DNA from genealogy databases?
  • Should the government limit how many children a couple can have?
  • Is spanking children an acceptable form of discipline?
  • Should we allow parents to choose their children’s physical attributes through genetic engineering?
  • Should we require parents to vaccinate their children?
  • Should we require companies to give mandatory paternal and maternal leave?
  • Should children be allowed to watch violent movies and video games?
  • Should parents allow their teenagers to drink before they turn 21?
  • Should the government provide childcare?
  • Should telling your children about Santa Claus be considered lying?
  • Should one parent stay home?
  • Should parental consent be required for minors to receive birth control?
  • Is it an invasion of privacy for parents to post photographs of their children on social media?

Social Media

  • Should social media platforms ban political ads?
  • Do the benefits of social media outweigh the downsides?
  • Should the government hold social media companies responsible for hate speech on their platforms?
  • Is social media making us more or less social?
  • Do platforms like TikTok exacerbate mental health issues in teens?
  • Should the government regulate social media to protect citizens’ privacy?
  • Is it right for parents to monitor their children’s social media accounts?
  • Should social media companies enact a minimum user age restriction?
  • Should we require social media companies to protect user data?
  • Should we hold social media companies responsible for cyberbullying?
  • Should schools ban the use of social media from their networks?
  • Should we be allowed to record others without their consent?
  • Do online crime sleuths help or hurt criminal investigations?

Education – Persuasive Speech Topics 

  • Would trade schools and other forms of vocational training benefit a greater number of students than traditional institutions of higher education?
  • Should colleges use standardized testing in their admissions processes?
  • Is forcing students to say the Pledge a violation of their right to freedom of speech?
  • Should school districts offer bilingual education programs for non-native speakers?
  • Should schools do away with their physical education requirements?
  • Should schools incorporate a remote learning option into their curriculum?
  • Should we allow school libraries to ban certain books?
  • Should we remove historical figures who owned slaves from school textbooks and other educational materials?
  • Should we have mixed-level classrooms or divide students according to ability?
  • Should grading on a curve be allowed?
  • Should graphic novels be considered literature?
  • Should all students have to take financial literacy classes before graduating?
  • Should colleges pay student athletes?
  • Should we ban violent contact sports like boxing and MMA?
  • Should sports leagues require professional athletes to stand during the national anthem?
  • Should sports teams ban players like Kyrie Irving when they spread misinformation or hate speech?
  • Should high schools require their athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
  • Should the Olympic committee allow transgender athletes to compete?
  • Should high schools ban football due to its safety risks to players?
  • Should all high school students be required to play a team sport?
  • Should sports teams be mixed instead of single-gender?
  • Should there be different athletic standards for men and women?
  • In which renewable energy option would the US do best to invest?
  • Should the US prioritize space exploration over domestic initiatives?
  • Should companies with a high carbon footprint be punished?
  • Should the FDA ban GMOs?
  • Would the world be a safer place without nuclear weapons?
  • Does AI pose a greater threat to humanity than it does the potential for advancement?
  • Who holds the most responsibility for mitigating climate change: individuals or corporations?
  • Should we be allowed to resurrect extinct species?
  • Are cancer screening programs ethical?

Social Issues – Persuasive Speech Topics

  • College education: should the government make it free for all?
  • Should we provide free healthcare for undocumented immigrants?
  • Is physician-assisted suicide morally justifiable?
  • Does social media have a negative impact on democracy?
  • Does cancel culture impede free speech?
  • Does affirmative action help or hinder minority groups in the workplace?
  • Should we hold public figures and celebrities to a higher standard of morality?
  • Should abortion be an issue that is decided at the federal or state level?
  • Should the sex offender registry be available to the public?
  • Should undocumented immigrants have a path to amnesty?
  • Do syringe services programs reduce or increase harmful behaviors?
  • Should there be a statute of limitations?
  • Should those who are convicted of a crime be required to report their criminal history on job and housing applications?

Politics and Government

  • Is the Electoral College still an effective way to elect the President of the US?
  • Should we allow judges to serve on the Supreme Court indefinitely?
  • Should the US establish a national gun registry?
  • Countries like Israel and China require all citizens to serve in the military. Is this a good or bad policy?
  • Should the police force require all its officers to wear body cameras while on duty?
  • Should the US invest in the development of clean meat as a sustainable protein source?
  • Should the US adopt ranked-choice voting?
  • Should institutions that profited from slavery provide reparations?
  • Should the government return land to Native American tribes?
  • Should there be term limits for representatives and senators?
  • Should there be an age limit for presidential candidates?
  • Should women be allowed in special forces units?

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should schools have uniforms?
  • Can video games improve problem-solving skills?
  • Are online classes as effective as in-person classes?
  • Should companies implement a four-day work week?
  • Co-ed learning versus single-sex: which is more effective?
  • Should the school day start later?
  • Is homework an effective teaching tool?
  • Are electric cars really better for the environment?
  • Should schools require all students to study a foreign language?
  • Do professional athletes get paid too much money?

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Should we allow pets to run for public office?
  • Does pineapple belong on pizza?
  • Would students benefit from schools swapping out desks with more comfortable seating arrangements (i.e., bean bag chairs and couches)?
  • Is procrastination the key to success?
  • Should Americans adopt British accents to sound more intelligent?
  • The age-old dilemma: cats or dogs?
  • Should meme creators receive royalties when their memes go viral?
  • Should there be a minimum drinking age for coffee?
  • Are people who make their beds every day more successful than those who don’t?

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Is the movie ranking system an effective way to evaluate the appropriateness of films?
  • Should the government place a “health tax” on junk food?
  • Is it ethical to create artificial life forms that are capable of complex emotions?
  • Should parents let children choose their own names?
  • Creating clones of ourselves to serve as organ donors: ethical or not?
  • Is it ethical to engineer humans to be better and more optimized than nature intended?
  • Should we adopt a universal language to communicate with people from all countries?
  • Should there be a penalty for people who don’t vote?
  • Should calories be printed on menus?
  • Does tourism positively or negatively impact local communities?
  • When used by non-Natives, are dreamcatchers cultural appropriation?
  • Should companies require their employees to specify pronouns in their signature line?
  • Should commercial fishing be banned?
  • Are cemeteries sustainable?
  • Is it okay to change the race, culture, and/or gender of historical figures in movies or TV shows?

I’ve Chosen My Topic, Now What?

Once you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to get to work crafting your argument. Preparation for a persuasive speech or essay involves some key steps, which we’ve outlined for you below.

How to Create a Successful Persuasive Speech, Step by Step

  • Research your topic. Read widely and smartly. Stick to credible sources, such as peer-reviewed articles, published books, government reports, textbooks, and news articles. The right sources and data will be necessary to help you establish your authority. As you go, take notes on the details and nuances of your topic as well as potential counterarguments. Research the counterarguments, too.
  • Choose an angle. For example, if you chose the topic “Should we limit screen time for children?” your speech should come down firmly on one side of that debate. If your topic is frequently debated, such as abortion, capital punishment, gun control, social media, etc. try to find a niche angle or new research. For example, instead of “Should abortion be legal?” you might consider “Should you be able to order abortion pills online?” Another example: “Should the death penalty be banned?” might become “How long is it ethical for someone to stay on death row?” If you do some digging, even the most cliche topics have incredibly interesting and relatively unexplored sub-topics.
  • Create an outline. Your outline should include an introduction with a thesis statement, a body that uses evidence to elaborate and support your position while refuting any counterarguments, and a conclusion. The conclusion will both summarize the points made earlier and serve as your final chance to persuade your audience.
  • Write your speech. Use your outline to help you as well as the data you’ve collected. Remember: this is not dry writing; this writing has a point of view, and that point of view is yours . Accordingly, use anecdotes and examples to back up your argument. The essential components of this speech are logos (logic), ethos (credibility), and pathos (emotion) . The ideal speech will use all three of these functions to engage the audience.

How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech

  • Talk to yourself in the mirror, record yourself, and/or hold a practice speech for family or friends. If you’ll be using visual cues, a slide deck, or notecards, practice incorporating them seamlessly into your speech. You should practice until your speech feels very familiar, at least 5-10 times.
  • Practice body language. Are you making eye contact with your audience, or looking at the ground? Crossing your arms over your chest or walking back and forth across the room? Playing with your hair, cracking your knuckles, or picking at your clothes? Practicing what to do with your body, face, and hands will help you feel more confident on speech day.
  • Take it slow. It’s common to talk quickly while delivering a speech—most of us want to get it over with! However, your audience will be able to connect with you much more effectively if you speak at a moderate pace, breathe, and pause when appropriate.
  • Give yourself grace. How you recover from a mistake is much more important than the mistake itself. Typically, the best approach is to good-naturedly shrug off a blip and move on. 99% of the time, your audience won’t even notice!

Good Persuasive Speech Topics—Final Thoughts

The art of persuasive speaking is a tricky one, but the tips and tricks laid out here will help you craft a compelling argument that will sway even the most dubious audience to your side. Mastering this art takes both time and practice, so don’t fret if it doesn’t come to you right away. Remember to draw upon your sources, speak with authority, and have fun. Once you have the skill of persuasive speaking down, go out there and use your voice to impact change!

Looking for some hot-button topics in college admissions? You might consider checking out the following:

  • Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
  • Should I Apply Test-Optional to College?
  • Should I Waive My Right to See Letters of Recommendation?
  • Should I Use the Common App Additional Information Section?
  • High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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Speech topics for children

141 best speech topics for kids: middle school and up

By:  Susan Dugdale  

Providing suitable school speech topics for children is often a real challenge.

(And, yes, I know that's an understatement! I've been there as the parent AND as the teacher. Finding that gem of an idea to light up a child's imagination can be a mutually exhausting exercise. Hopefully this page will provide the speech topic you need very quickly. ☺)

What's on this page

  • 8 themed lists of speech topic suggestions
  •  Community and social issues
  • Arts and culture
  • Fun and whimsy
  • Sports and games
  • Seasons and nature
  • Animals, birds, fish
  • Hobbies and interests

Finding suitable speech topics for children

As their teachers or parents, we want stimulating, interesting subjects for them to work with. However we also need them to be aligned with their age group.

If we make the topics too adult, we risk pushing them into areas they're too young to cope with. If we make them too simplistic, we run the risk of minimizing or patronizing their growing sense of awareness.

As in everything, we need to find the balance.

These speech ideas have worked well for me with middle-school children, aged between 11 years to approximately 14 years.

You'll find some are more suitable for an imaginative child and others for a practical, factual child. Of course, the topic you select will also depend on the objective or goal for the speech.

And if by small chance you reach the end of the page and no speech idea has leaped out to grab you, there's another 50+ elocution topics for kids waiting here.

dividing line dark green

School Speech Topics for Children - Community, School & Social Issues

Image - shadow of a girl holding a flower on green grass. Text: Speech topics for middle school children. Should more 'green' space (parks) be set aside for community use?

  • That more 'green' space (parks) should be set aside for community use
  • That recycling should be compulsory
  • Everyone should do some sort of regular community service.
  • That large non-electric cars should be banned
  • What rights should a child have and why?
  • Smacking a child should be illegal
  • Does watching violent TV programs make a child think violence is acceptable?
  • Everybody should have access to healthy affordable housing.
  • Does advertising influence our food choices?
  • Do certain types of pop music teach the wrong values?
  • Should students have the right to choose what school they go to?
  • Class sizes should be limited to 20
  • What do you like most about your school?
  • The school leaving age should be abolished.
  • Parents should not pay (bribe) their children to get good grades.
  • Standardized tests are not a reliable a measure of a person's intelligence.
  • The words we use and how we say them influences how people behave toward us
  • Failing a class can be a positive thing.
  • Clothes and being fashionable are way too important.
  • Wearing a school uniform lessens the distinctions between those who come from more affluent homes and those who don't.
  • Coed schools are better.
  • Extra tuition for those who want or need it should be available free of charge.
  • Bullying behavior needs to be dealt with promptly and firmly.
  • Parents should monitor how we use the internet.
  • Chat rooms can be dangerous
  • Earbuds are anti-social
  • Good manners are important

Speech Topics for Children - Arts & Culture

Image- street art- girl on a tire swing. Text: Graffiti is art.

  • Graffiti is art.
  • Explain a cultural festival or practice of significance to you that others may not know about or appreciate.
  • Why are film stars so popular?
  • Who is your favorite screen hero and why?
  • What is pop art?
  • Who is your favorite book/cartoon character and why?
  • What inspires you about dance/art/drama/music or film?
  • If you were to write a book for your age group to read what would it be about?
  • My favorite festival is...
  • I learn the piano, violin, trumpet, drums (insert whatever instrument)...because...
  • The type of art I like to look at is...
  • Strange facts about artists, dancers, musicians etc.
  • If I was a famous screen star I would...
  • My favorite story/poem/song as a little child was...

Speech Topics for Children - Fun & Whimsy

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

  • A day in my life as a... table, pencil, car, potato, bicycle, blackboard, window, ball, or anything else!
  • If I ruled the world...
  • Why I am on the top of Santa's nice/naughty list this year
  • If I was a parent, the ground rules I would make are...
  • When I'm famous it will be for...
  • The silliest practical joke I ever played
  • If I had three wishes they would be...
  • If I re-wrote the story of 'The Three Little Pigs', 'Cinderella' etc. it would go like this...
  • I am a fashion guru and I have decided the new trend will be...
  • What I think of people from the viewpoint of a tree in the school grounds.
  • My secret life as a hero.
  • My greatest and best invention.
  • Weird and wonderful words - what do they mean?
  • How to write using invisible ink.
  • My secret code...How to invent and use a coded language.

School Speech Topics for Children - Sports & Games

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

  • Explain the game of checkers/drafts/chess.
  • My favorite sporting hero is...
  • The best summer sport is...
  • I enjoy learning gymnastics, martial arts...because...
  • Extreme sports are dangerously exciting.
  • In winter I love to ski, ice skate...
  • Everybody should learn to play a team sport.
  • Sport should not be compulsory.
  • The best indoor games are...
  • The best on-line games are...
  • In sport, the rules are there to protect the players.
  • What I learnt through learning to play...
  • Winning is not so important as participating.
  • Strange sports or games.

Speech Topics for Children - Food

Image - vintage children's birthday party. Text: Topics for kids - The best birthday party food.

  • The best meal in the world is...
  • The foods I do not like are...
  • My favorite food to make is...
  • What's in my lunch box compared to what's in my friend's. 
  • How I learnt to cook.
  • Healthy food I really like
  • The best sandwich fillings in the world
  • The best birthday party food
  • My favorite Christmas (celebration) food.
  • Mealtimes in our house - a description
  • Table manners...Are they important?
  • When we eat out, my favorite thing to order is...
  • Fashions in food. What foods used to be eaten regularly that has now gone out of fashion?
  • What food do you eat most of? Potatoes? Bread? Pasta? How many different ways is it served?

Speech Topics for Children - Seasons & Nature

Image: artistic pattern of autumnal leaves. Text: How and why does a tree change the color of its leaves in the fall?

  • Why do we have seasons?
  • How and why does a tree change the color of its leaves in the fall?
  • How does a tree grow?
  • What type of wind has the greatest impact where you live? Monsoon? Mistral? The Cape Doctor?
  • Why does the sky appear blue?
  • Why do we have day and night time?
  • How come the earth goes round and round?
  • What are stars?
  • How does gravity work?
  • Why are there tides?
  • Explain how snow is formed.
  • How is a diamond made?
  • What is global warming?
  • Show the patterns formed in frost.
  • How does a rainbow work?
  • Research strange plants - carnivorous etc.
  • What and where are the biggest trees in the world?
  • How and why should we conserve nature?

Speech Topics for Children - Animals/Birds/Fish

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

  • Why is a dog often called a "man's best friend"?
  • Are there bad dogs or bad dog owners?
  • What is horse sense?
  • Do animals communicate with each other? If so, how?
  • What birds or wild animals do you see regularly in your home area?
  • How has the horse been used by man throughout history?
  • What animal makes a great pet and why?
  • How to look after a pet properly
  • Do animals really think or do we only think they do?
  • Is hunting animals fair?
  • Is eating meat fair?
  • What rights should animals have?
  • Tell an inspiring true story about an animal.
  • Are zoos good places and why?
  • Find out about conserving animals/birds/fish in your local area.
  • Retell a myth or legend about an animal/fish/bird.
  • Research strange or rare animals/birds or fish.
  • Interview a pet shop owner to find out what are the most popular pets.
  • What do you think about restrictions around fishing?
  • Should having a pet cat be banned because they catch birds?
  • What is the symbolism associated with some animals/birds or fish? For example, a lion stands for courage or strength.

Speech Topics for Children - Hobbies/Interests

Image: - a collection of colorful handmade finger puppets. Text: How to make finger puppets.

  • My doll/car/card etc collection
  • How to make a model car, truck, plane ...
  • How to sew your own clothes
  • How to knit
  • How to take a good photograph
  • The best board games to play with friends
  • The best online games for kids
  • How to play an instrument - a flute, a violin, guitar, piano...
  • How to make a garden
  • How to do a magic trick, or two
  • How to fold paper (origami)
  • How to put on a play or a concert for friends and family
  • How to make finger puppets
  • How to scrapbook
  • How to learn another language
  • How to ride a horse, skateboard, etc
  • The best rainy-day activities are...
  • How to tell a joke
  • The best thing I've ever learnt...

Other resources for children's speech topics and speeches

If you've found nothing here to ignite your imagination do try this page of 50+ elocution topics for kids.

Image: colorful label saying "50 Speech topics for kids" in a whimsical, sunshiny font.

If you're here looking for a topic for your own child, go through both pages with them: this one and the other. Suggest other possibilities and adaptions of the topics as you go. You'll need to find a subject they genuinely care about and it's best if the final decision is made by them!

Writing a speech for children

Were you looking for information to help you write a speech for children rather than speech topics for them to use? If so, you'll find this page How to write a speech for kids useful.

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persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

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40 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids of All Ages & Grades

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10 Debate Topics for Kids in Preschool

10 debate topics for elementary kids, 10 debate topics for middle school kids, 10 debate topics for high school kids.

Do you want your child to have a strong opinion about everything? Do you want your child to express those thoughts freely and appropriately? Debate topics for kids are a great place to start!

Debate is one of the best strategies to make your child opinionative and a good communicator. A debate is a well-structured discussion on a topic between two parties based on evidence and statistics. 

It allows your kids to think, process information, and come up with a quick reply. In addition, debates are organized so that both parties get equal time to share their thoughts.

In addition, school debates are organized under the supervision of teachers; this ensures that your child gets a good environment to discuss. So, if your child’s school is hosting a debate competition, you should motivate your child to participate in it. This will help to improve their intellectual and communication skills.

If your child is ready to participate in the debate, we have some great debate topics for kids that you can practice at home.

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40 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids

To make your child good at debating, you should talk daily with them on a new topic. It will help if you use different topics to expand your child’s knowledge base and form their opinion about everything. Here are some exciting debate topics based on your child’s age:

Students sitting on bean bags in break room discussing debate topics for kids

1. Are pets useful or helpful?

2. What is better for learning; teachers or the internet?

3. Is junk food suitable for children or not?

4. Should students wear uniforms to school?

5. What is the right time to watch television for children?

6. Is virtual learning suitable for young children?

7. Should preschool students bring their toys to class?

8. What are the appropriate school activities for preschoolers?

9. What is the right time to sleep for students?

10. How long should a lunch break be?

11. Should students go on field trips?

12. Are outdoor classrooms helpful for learning?

13. Are aliens real or fake?

14. Should schools teach advanced math to elementary students?

15. Should schools allow students to bring pets to the class?

16. Is homeschooling better than the traditional education system?

17. Do students need recess?

18. Should mobile phones be allowed in the classrooms?

19. Should teachers use interactive learning models in the classroom?

20. Will computers replace teachers in the future?

21. Should junk food need to be banned from school cafeterias?

22. Should the internet be banned from the school premises?

23. Is it compulsory to have PE lectures for all students?

24. Are video games helpful or harmful for children?

25. What is the appropriate amount of screen time for a child?

26. Does your generation have sufficient role models?

27. What is better – private or public schools?

28. Should middle school students volunteer for community welfare?

29. Is it important to teach coding and computer programming in middle school?

30. Is virtual learning the new way of learning?

31. How to stop bullying in school?

32. Is sex education important for high school students?

33. What is the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity?

34. Is cyber security a threat to students?

35. Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?

36. Are video games too violent for young minds?

37. Is cooking class important for all students?

38. Should high school students be allowed to study from home?

39. Is history a critical learning subject?

40 Is it good to be bilingual?

How Can Debates Help Your Child?

Participating in school or inter-school debate competitions can help your child in many ways, such as:

Schoolgirls having a discussion and debate topics for kids

1. Analytical skills

When your child gets a topic for debate, they get a chance to explore it with their thought process. As a result, they can analyze situations and come up with adequate replies based on points given by their opponent. In addition, they learn to formulate innovative answers when they are stuck somewhere spontaneously.

2. Public speaking skills 

Debates give your children the confidence to stand on a stage and speak in front of a large audience. The earlier you introduce the debate to your child, the better you can help them overcome their stage fright. Your children learn to handle different audiences and engage with them.

3. Make them listen 

Listening is a very crucial skill that your child can learn from debates. They learn to listen to every word spoken by their opponent carefully. After that, they analyze their remarks and use them to formulate adequate replies. This life skill will help your child become a better emotional and understanding person.

4. Clear thoughts

Debates help your child channel their thoughts and turn them into the right words that other people can easily understand. Multiple thoughts are swirling around your child’s mind. But how to present them properly is something that they don’t know. Thanks to debates, your child can better focus on their thought process and organize it.

Debate Away!

Children talking on the street debate topics for kids

Debates are essential for the academic and analytical brain development of your child. With regular debate participation, you can build a confident and opinionative personality in your child. 

Before taking your child to public debate platforms, you should host a small debate competition at your home. You can use different debate topics for kids mentioned in this blog to prepare your child for school debate competitions.

Explore more online educational resources for kids that will help with their learning experience and make them smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to turn your child into a better debater.

Here are some quick tips to turn your child into a good debate conductor:

  • Start when they are young
  • Spike your child’s interest in the debates by showing them different debate competitions 
  • Ask your child to learn about new things
  • Help your child form an opinion
  • Fix your child’s posture
  • Allow your child to express their thoughts freely

How long should a debate speech be?

A debate speech duration depends upon the level of debate. For example, a middle school debate can be around for five minutes or more. On the contrary, high school and college can go beyond 10 minutes.

persuasive speech topics for 13 year olds

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Eduzenith

Extremely Interesting Speech Topics That are Meant for Kids

Speeches give you a platform to express yourself. Public speaking helps you get rid of stage fright and boosts confidence. An interesting topic is a prerequisite for an interesting speech. In this article, we give you interesting speech topics for kids.

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Interesting Speech Topics for Kids

Speaking on stage is an opportunity in itself. It is a chance to express yourself, share your views with the audience and receive their feedback. An informative speech is an opportunity to educate or inform people about something you know or have researched on. Speaking on a funny speech topic is your chance to entertain the audience. A persuasive speech topic gives you the opportunity to influence the listeners while a demonstrative topic lets you explain something you know about in a way that the audience understands.

The bottom line of public speaking is to capture public interest. Your speech topic and speech delivery should be such that the listeners don’t lose interest till the end of your speech. Whichever type of speech it is, choosing an interesting topic is essential.

When choosing a speech topic, take the following things into account.

  • The occasion
  • The audience
  • Your interest
  • Your strengths

Start well in advance. Take help from your parents or teachers. Rehearse with a few close friends and ask them for feedback.

We are here to help you choose speech topics. Take a look at some interesting speech topics given here and pick the ones you like.

Informative Speech Topics

  • History of Barbie
  • Famous Inventors and their Inventions
  • Formation of Volcanoes (you could choose any other ecological phenomenon like formation of caves, formation of glaciers, etc.)
  • Endangered Animal Species
  • World-famous Artists
  • Leaders who changed the World
  • Evolution of Computers
  • Nutrients in Food
  • Impact of Technology
  • The Most Iconic Sports Figures
  • Famous People from your country/city
  • The Reality of Reality Shows
  • History of the English Alphabet
  • History of the Number System
  • Pros and Cons of Cloning
  • Alternative Sources of Energy and their Use

Informative speech topics

  • The Newest in Technology
  • Genetically Modified Food
  • A particular Period in History
  • A Favorite TV or Radio Show
  • A Favorite Cuisine
  • How a particular gadget Works
  • A particular Revolution or Movement in History
  • Tips/Advice on Investing in… choose from stocks, gold, silver, etc.
  • History of Chocolate
  • Effects of Pollution

Demonstrative Speech Topics

  • Flower Arrangement
  • Teach American Sign Language Alphabet
  • How to Make a Sand Castle
  • How to Make Ice Cream
  • Packing for a Trip
  • Making a Family Tree
  • How to Read Piano Music
  • How to Iron Clothes
  • Making a Halloween Mask
  • Decorating a Christmas Tree
  • How to Tie different Knots
  • How to Play a particular board game
  • How to Pack a Suitcase
  • How to Set up an E-mail Account
  • How to Play a particular Musical Instrument
  • Use of Contact Lenses
  • How to Plant a Tree
  • How to Eat using Chopsticks
  • The Right Way to Use a Spoon, Fork, and Knife
  • How to Apply Makeup

Demonstrative speech topics

  • How to Straighten or Curl your Hair (You could also choose to demonstrate a particular hairstyle.)
  • How to Set a Dinner Table
  • Steps to Draw a… (choose from flowers, cartoon characters, a particular animal/bird, etc.)
  • How to Make a… (choose from craft ideas like making a paper lantern, an origami rose, airplane, paper mache, playdough, gift bag, greeting card, etc.)
  • Fun things to do with… (choose from glue, waste paper, toilet paper, old cardboard box, buttons, old plastic bottles, old clothes. Here, you would be expected to suggest wealth-from-waste ideas and demonstrate innovative ways of using or making something creative out of old materials.)
  • How to Polish Shoes
  • How to Read Maps
  • Yoga Poses of Good Health

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Zoos are good/bad for preservation of animals (go with the option you are convinced with)
  • The recess should be longer
  • Benefits of homework
  • Save the planet
  • Don’t give in to peer pressure
  • Uniforms should/should not be made compulsory (go with the option you are convinced with)
  • Be a vegetarian
  • Treat obesity seriously
  • It’s important to learn a second language
  • Athletic scholarships are fair/unfair ( go with the option you are convinced with )
  • There should be a minimum age for plastic surgery
  • Entrance exam scores are not true indicators of a student’s caliber

Persuasive speech topics

  • Drug addicts should be given medical treatment instead of legal punishment
  • The tax system is fair/unfair ( go with the option you are convinced with )
  • Laws for gun control need to be stricter
  • Education is important
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle
  • Smoking is bad for health

Funny Speech Topics

  • Funniest pranks
  • My most embarrassing moment
  • How I was April fooled
  • Weird things to do on your birthday
  • How to drive someone crazy
  • Excuses for not doing homework
  • Funny voicemail messages
  • … and I couldn’t stop laughing
  • Funny animal behavior
  • Snappy comebacks
  • Fun ways to order a pizza
  • Funny Internet terms
  • Coincidences
  • My biggest blooper
  • Fun ways to remember names/faces
  • Funny questions for friends
  • The stupidest/silliest questions I have been asked
  • The dumbest questions I have ever asked
  • Jokes that make you laugh each time you listen to/read them

Funny speech topics

  • Meeting an alien
  • Why the world’s a funny place
  • Why English is a funny language
  • Prank call ideas
  • Strange addictions
  • Weird world records

Other Interesting Speech Topics

  • Why do stars twinkle?
  • Causes of eclipses
  • Why is the grass green?
  • How birds know when to migrate
  • Why chameleons change color
  • Reasons why we overeat
  • Why do we have dreams when asleep?
  • Why do doctors wear white coats?
  • Why bats hand upside down
  • How honeybees make honey
  • How emotions affect memory
  • How animals communicate
  • How do we remember things?
  • What makes us addicted to things?
  • How the heart works
  • How the brain works
  • What makes a good leader
  • First day at school/college
  • My summer trip
  • My favorite sport
  • Why I love my… (you could choose any close relation like mom, dad, sibling, or grandparents)
  • A food I won’t mind eating everyday
  • My favorite subject in school
  • My greatest fear
  • My most favorite possession
  • The happiest day in my life
  • How to decorate your room
  • How to plan a surprise party
  • The best last-minute gifts to buy

What’s the Occasion? Who’s the Audience?

The occasion could be an event in school or a speech competition. In case of an event or celebration in school, your speech topic should pertain to the significance of that day. In case of a speech competition, you might be given a set of subjects to choose from. In this case, you should also consider the difficulty level of your speech topic. The audience could be students and teachers from your school or from other schools as well. Or it could be your parents. Choose a topic depending on the occasion and the kind of audience you have.

What You Like; What You Are Good At

The next most important things are your interest and strengths. You need to see which subjects interest you and what you are good at. If you know you cannot speak on a funny topic, no point choosing one. If you know you cannot speak convincingly, you may not be able to deliver a good persuasive speech. Similarly, if you are not interested in a particular subject, don’t force yourself to choose it as your speech topic. There are less chances of being able to give an interesting speech on a topic you never liked.

The Time You Have

The next important factor is the time allotted to you. There are topics you can’t cover in a five-minute speech and there are topics you can’t stretch beyond three minutes. A speech on environmental problems, for example, can go long while you cannot speak about something like ‘how volcanoes are formed’ for more than say 3-4 minutes. Now, environmental problems are so many that you can talk about each of them elaborately. But ‘how volcanoes are formed’ is a very specific topic and in stretching the speech too long, you’ll end up being repetitive. The complexity of your topic defines the length of your speech and that determines your preparation time too.

Interesting speech topics make you explore new subjects, experiment with new things, and present what you know in an interesting way. A speech reflects your eloquence and oratory skills as well as the research that has gone into making the speech. Especially so, when it’s an informative or demonstrative topic. Different types of speeches demand different skills. A persuasive speech requires convincing skills while an informative one should be backed by thorough research. A demonstrative speech requires demonstration skills in the speaker while a funny speech demands sense of humor. Whichever topic you pick, make sure it is interesting and your speech also is. Choose one of the interesting speech topics for kids given here; give yourself enough time for preparation, and get ready to set the stage on fire!

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