Persuasive Speech Topics

A speech that helps the speaker persuade the listener about something is a Persuasive speech.

This is the kind of speech that presents a point of view that is different from what is commonly thought about a topic and thus, opens up an avenue for discussion and debate.

There are many things that go into the dynamics of giving a persuasive speech. How you stand, how you talk, how fast you talk, how you use your hands, eye contact – all these are a few things to note when one delivers any speech. Along with all this, the subject or topic of your speech is also equally important.

We engage in this kind of persuasive speaking on a day-to-day basis when we are trying to convince someone about something. Notice it. And you will realize that we do this all the time.

How would you search for a persuasive speech ideas that can be used to deliver a persuasive speech?

First, find a subject that means something to you. This way, you will know the details well enough to talk about it in front of a crowd, and with authority. But don’t choose a subject that you are too touchy about, because it will make you too emotional to approach the topic with a realistic, rational and in a detached manner.

Also, make sure that the topic would not be too offensive for even a section of the crowd. You are there to debate upon controversy, not to hurt people’s feelings or sentiments by getting personal or invading their privacy.

Go for a topic that is current and controversial. If all the people in the crowd of listeners are going to agree with you, there would be no one left to debate or no controversy created in the first place.

So where would you look for an interesting topic for a persuasive speech? Here are a few places you might try: Internet News Websites where there are plenty of Current Events, Newspapers with Current Events and Stories, Books with Interesting Ideas, Concepts or Theories, Movies with Interesting Ideas, Concepts or Stories, Your own Life where some controversial topic was felt very strongly by you, or Someone Else’s Life where a debatable issue was felt very strongly by you.

Here are some practical examples of persuasive speech ideas and topics:

Internet Websites: Pick a hot topic which is quite controversial at the moment, and talk about it. I read about the married couple in Germany a few days back, who turned out to be brother and sister who didn’t know about it until years after they got married and had four kids. A good topic based on this subject could be: Should Marriage between Close Relatives be allowed?

Newspapers: The newspapers are full of similar items of interest. You can pick one, and make up a topic for a persuasive speech.

Books: There are books which have enough controversial ideas to spark off a revolution or two. A good example for a topic derived from Ayn Rand’s ideas of Objectivism is: Being Selfish is the better alternative.

Movies: Some movies also carry a wealth of meaning in them. Look for a topic that sparks off a debate.

And here are some ideas for a good topic for a persuasive speech:

• Is Stem Cell Research Ethical?
• Is Cosmetic Surgery teaching a good Self Image to Youngsters?
• Is Euthanasia (Mercy Killing) the best alternative?
• Do Video Games or Movies promote violence?
• Why should I pay Income Tax?

The whole idea here is to spark off a healthy debate and a conversation about the ‘pros and cons’, the ‘fors and againsts’ of the subject. Decide on one side, and speak for it. Know the subject inside out, so that you can answer any and all questions that will be directed to you.

Go ahead and look around you. You will be able to come up with a list of topics for a persuasive speech.

A persuasive speech is not a war. It is a wonderful method of conveying unusual and different points of view to listeners who may gain an insightfully changed perspective about a topic.