Persuasive Speech Topics

Settling on the right persuasive speech topics to meet your needs can be a bit tricky without igniting your passions or those of the audience members. Before you decide on your topic area, though, it is important to understand the fundamental concept of a persuasive speech.

When you think of a persuasive speech assignment, you may think only in terms of today's hottest topics in the headlines. In fact, though, if you consider those the only viable persuasive speech topics, you may be overlooking some of the most important aspects of good persuasive speeches.

The goal of any good persuasive speech is to help listeners make a decision about a topic. You want to influence your audience members to take action, whether that action be to change their beliefs on an issue or actually engage in some sort of activity.

Your persuasive speech will not only have to extrapolate on the finer points of your argument, it will also have to recognize the ideas of the other side of the issue.

If you are too fanatical about a particular topic, you may not be able to weigh both sides of the issue enough to satisfy the curiosity of audience members. As a result, focusing only on the most talked about issues of the day may not be a good idea from your standpoint or from the chairs in the speaking auditorium.

When you get ready to make a list of possible good persuasive speech topics, keep in mind that almost any speech topic you would consider for an informative speech can work quite well for your persuasive speech.

Furthermore, if you think about the goal of a persuasive speech, to get audience members to take action, choosing hot button topics like state-sponsored executions and religion that people spend hours at a time thinking about, may only set you up for failure in terms of your goal.

Try to keep those off of your topic list. You have a short amount of time to convince people. Use it wisely by making a good topic choice. Although if you are truly passionate about a subject you might want to jump on in and take a shot! Check out this free persuasive speech on a controversial subject, this example of a persuasive speech on gender selection, this example persuasive speech on integrating energy medicine into the medical mainstream and this fun persuasive speech on luck.

Start your list with your areas of interest. For example, if you enjoy reading in your spare time, think about convincing audience members to pick up a text by the author of your choice.

Move on to some of your recent experiences. If you went on an interesting vacation before the start of last term, try to persuade your listeners to visit the same area.

If you do want to choose serious topics, think about those that are so frequently ignored by the media. Topics like food stamps and speed limits that have been a part of our society for years are often overlooked by most people. Or how about some fun persuasive speech topics, go for something a little more light-hearted! Think about giving them a fresh perspective on the issue of your choice. Still stumped? Try some of these tips to come up with persuasive speech ideas.

Once you have made your list of persuasive speech topics, you are ready to make a decision about which topic you will actually choose. Make sure you pick a topic with accessible resource material, as any good speech needs a bit of research to make it perfect. Once you've got your topic, create your persuasive speech outline and you'll be well on your way to giving a great speech!

Need more help creating your next speech? Then you need to check out The Stress Free Guide to Public Speaking and Presentations. Paul has written an incredible resource for all your public speaking needs. It's a step-by-step system to guide you every step of the way, from your first words through to your concluding comments. I wish I had written it!

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