210 Persuasive Speech Topics That Will Captivate Your Audience

Creating and delivering an interesting persuasive speech is a major endeavor. The last thing you want is to get stuck on the first step—selecting a persuasive speech topic. 

Don't worry we've got you covered!

To help you identify the perfect persuasive speech topic, we have compiled a list of 210 compelling, persuasive speech ideas. Every single one of these ideas has the potential to be an outstanding persuasive speech. 

In addition, we will dig in deep to teach you what makes a good persuasive speech topic. We will give you expert tips for selecting, narrowing down, and ultimately delivering your chosen topic with gusto!

Let’s look at our list of 210 potential topics.

Table of Contents  Good Persuasive Speech Topics For Students Persuasive Speech Topics On The Environment  Art Persuasive Speech Topics History Persuasive Speech Topics  Persuasive Speech Topics About Business Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics For Medicines Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics Science Persuasive Speech Topics Media Persuasive Speech Topics Government Persuasive Speech Topics Technology Persuasive Speech Topics  Fashion Persuasive Speech Topics Travel Persuasive Speech Topics Persuasive Speech Topics On Economy Persuasive Speech Topics On Culture History Persuasive Speech Topics  How To Pick a Persuasive Speech Topic

Good Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

Selecting a persuasive speech topic can be difficult for a student. {1} But worry no more! We have done extensive digging for you so you can focus on delivering a fantastic and eloquent speech. 

Persuasive Speech Topics About College Students

• The benefits of a gap year
• The importance of voting
• Dangers of social media
• The negative effects of stress
• The importance of a healthy diet
• The point of view on dangers of alcohol abuse
• The dangers of drug abuse
• Importance of physical activity
• The importance of mental health
• The dangers of texting and driving

Persuasive Speech Topics For High School Students

•  School uniforms should be mandatory in all public schools.
•  The drinking age should be lowered to 18.
•  All students should be required to take a foreign language course.
•  Gun ownership should be banned in the United States.
•  Marijuana should be legalized nationwide.
•  Animal testing should be banned.
•  All schools should have metal detectors at all entrances.
• Corporal punishment should be banned in schools.
• School days should start later in the morning.
• There should be a dress code for teachers in all schools.

Persuasive Speech Topics For 8th Grade

• The importance of a good education
• The benefits of a healthy diet
• The importance of exercise
• The dangers of smoking
• The dangers of drug abuse
• The importance of responsible drinking
• The importance of setting goals
• The importance of staying positive
• The importance of teamwork
• The importance of good communication skills

Persuasive Speech Topics On Academics

• Cheating in school should be punished more severely.
• Standardized tests are not an accurate measure of intelligence.
•  School uniforms should be mandatory in all schools.
•  Schools should be required to ban Cell phones.
• Social media is hurting the academic performance of students.
•  Grades are not an accurate measure of intelligence or knowledge.
• The education system is not preparing students for the real world.
• Teachers are required to teach mannerisms to students. 
•  Video games are affecting the academic performance of young boys and girls. 
•  Homeschooling is a better option than traditional schooling.

 Persuasive Speech Topics On The Environment

• We need to stop using plastic straws.
• We need to start recycling more.
• We need to stop using plastic bags.
• We need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
• We need to stop cutting down trees.
• We need to protect endangered species.
• We need to reduce water consumption.
• We need to start composting more.
• We need to stop using pesticides and herbicides.

Art Persuasive Speech Topics

• The importance of art in our daily lives
• The impacts of art on our emotions
• The relationship between art and society
• The role of art in history
• The significance of art in religion
• The value of art in education
• The power of art in politics
• The influence of art on culture
• How is technology changing the art world?
• Street art vs. traditional art

History Persuasive Speech Topics

• The American Revolution was fought over taxation without representation.
• Christopher Columbus did not discover America.
• The United States is not the land of opportunity for everyone.
• The American Civil War was not about slavery.
• Women have always been capable of the same things as men.
• There is no such thing as a natural-born leader.
• Anyone can be a hero.
• We all have bias, and it's okay to admit it.
• Change is hard but necessary.
• Progress takes time but is worth the wait.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Business

• The Benefits of a Four-Day Work Week 
• The Importance of Employee Recognition 
• Why Every Business Needs a Social Media Strategy 
• How to Create an Engaging Company Culture 
• The Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility 
• The Power of Branding 
• How to Write an Effective Business Plan 
• The Importance of Customer Service 
• How to Effectively Market Your Business 
• The Benefits of Diversification 

 Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health

• The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
• The Stigma of Mental Health
• The Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders
• Causes of Mental Health Disorders
• The Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
• Treatment of Mental Health Disorders
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Health
• The Importance of a Good Diet for Mental Health
• Link Between Sleep and Mental Health
• The Connection Between Stress and Mental Health
• Importance of Connecting With Others for Mental Health

Persuasive Speech Topics For Medicines

• The Importance of Generic Drugs
• The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse
• The Risks of Taking Herbal Supplements
• The Benefits of Vaccinations
• The Dangers of Tanning
• Funny Persuasive Speech Topics
• The Importance of Vaccines 
• The Dangers of Smoking 
• The Risks of Alcohol 
• The Dangers of Drug Abuse 

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

•  The Benefits of Organic Foods
• The Dangers of Texting and Driving
• The Importance of Voting
•  Why You Should (Or Shouldn't) Get a College Degree
•  Why You Should (Or Shouldn't) Eat Meat
•  The Pros and Cons Of Social Media
• The Dangers af Energy Drinks
• The Benefits of Meditation
• Why You Should (Or Shouldn't) Travel Alone
• How to be a Successful Student

Controversial Persuasive Speech Topics

•  The legalization of marijuana
•  The death penalty in the United States
•  Euthanasia and Students
•  Gun control policies
• Animal testing should be banned
•  Genetically modified foods are a harm to us
•  Human cloning is harmful to our society 
• Birth control should be banned
•  Prostitution and its adversities 
• Censorship rights in the US.

Science Persuasive Speech Topics

• The world is not flat.
• Vaccines are not linked to autism.
• Climate change is real and is caused by human activity.
• The universe is billions of years old, not thousands.
• Evolution is a scientific fact.
• Humans are not the only species that use tools.
• Animal testing is necessary for medical progress.
• Genetically modified food is safe to eat.
• Nuclear energy is a safe and clean source of energy.
• The Earth goes through warming and cooling periods, but the current warming trend is largely caused by human activity.

Media Persuasive Speech Topics

• The power of the media should be regulated.
• Public speaking is a right of all.
• The media is to blame for the rise in narcissistic behavior.
• The media is creating a generation of entitled children.
• Reality television is damaging our perception of reality.
• The media is contributing to the decline of traditional values.
• The news is biased and often inaccurate.
• Celebrities are given too much attention by the media.
• The media is responsible for the increasing number of eating disorders.
• We must be more discerning about the sources we get our news from.

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

• The government should provide free healthcare for all citizens.
• Government should invest more money in renewable energy sources.
• The government should ban the use of plastic bags.
• Government should make public transportation free for all citizens.
• The government should increase the minimum wage.
• The government should provide a free college education for all citizens.
• Government should reduce the military budget and redirect that money to other needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• The government should legalize marijuana and regulate it like alcohol or tobacco.
• Government should end its support of the fossil fuel industry and invest in renewable energy sources instead.
• The government should implement stricter gun control laws to prevent mass shootings.

Technology Persuasive Speech Topics

• The Benefits of Technology
• The Dangers of Technology
• The Impact of Technology on Society
• The Importance of Technology in Education
• The Impact of Technology on the Environment
• The Use of Technology in Healthcare
• The Use of Technology in Business
• The Ethics of Technology
• The Future of Technology
• How to Use Technology Responsibly

Fashion Persuasive Speech Topics

• Why should everyone own a little black dress?
• How is fashion reflective of one's personality?
• The power of accessories and why they are important.
• The difference between style and fashion.
• How to put together the perfect outfit for any occasion?
• The history of fashion and how it has evolved.
• The importance of dressing for success.
• The dangers of high heels and why they are not worth it.
• How fashion can be used as a form of self-expression.

Travel Persuasive Speech Topics

• The world is your oyster.
• YOLO: You only live once
• Carpe diem: Seize the day
• Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today
• Life is a journey, not a destination
• It's not about the destination; it's about the journey
• The best things in life are free
• Life is too short to waste time
• Time is money
• A penny saved is a penny earned.

Persuasive Speech Topics On Economy

• The current state of the economy and what can be done to improve it.
• The role of the government in the economy and whether or not it should be involved.
• The impact of taxation on the economy and whether or not it is fair.
• The role of businesses in the economy and whether or not they are doing enough to help.
• The impact of globalization on the economy and how it affects different countries.
• The role of technology in the economy and how it impacts different industries.
• The housing market and the current state of the real estate industry.
• The stock market and how it is affecting investments and retirement plans.
• The student loan crisis and how it is impacting young people's ability to get ahead financially.
• The rising cost of healthcare and how it impacts families across the country.

Persuasive Speech Topics On Culture

• American culture is too materialistic.
• The beauty standard in America is unrealistic and unhealthy.
• We need to do more to preserve indigenous cultures.
• Multiculturalism is essential for a healthy society.
• We need to learn from other cultures to progress as a society.
• Other cultures have a lot to offer in terms of art, music, and cuisine.
• We can learn about sustainability and living in harmony with nature from other cultures.
• We can learn about different ways of organizing society from other cultures.
• We must be more open-minded about other cultures and customs.
• We should celebrate our differences instead of trying to homogenize everyone into one culture.

History Persuasive Speech Topics

• The history of the world is full of fascinating stories that are often left out of history books.
• There are many forgotten heroes in history who deserve to be remembered.
• The true story of what happened during the Holocaust often differs from what we have been told.
• Many conspiracy theories about historical events are true.
• We can learn a lot from studying the history of other cultures.
• The history of the United States is full of interesting stories often left out of 
• history books.
• Women have made significant contributions to history that are often overlooked.
• African Americans have made significant contributions to history that are often overlooked.
• Native Americans have a rich history often left out of history books.
• Asian Americans have a rich history often left out of history books.

How To Pick a Persuasive Speech Topic

So you've been asked to give a great persuasive speech. Suddenly, all those years of watching Law & Order and Boston Legal have prepared you for this moment...just kidding.

If you're a student, the thought of standing up in front of your classmates and giving a speech is enough to make you want to pull your hair out.

But never fear! 

Essay writing service here to help you select a persuasive speech topic that will not only make your life easier but will also earn you an A+.

Brainstorm With A Friend Or Family Member

The first step is to brainstorm potential topics with someone who knows you well. This could be a friend, family member, or even a teacher. They can help you develop ideas that are both relevant to the assignment and interesting to you.

Do Some Research

Once you've got a list of potential topics, it's time to do some research. See what others have said about your topics of interest and look for any current events that could be related. This will help narrow your list and give you something specific to focus on.

Choose a Side

Now that you know what you're talking about, it's time to choose a side. Are you going to be arguing for or against your topic? This is important because it will help shape the rest of your speech. 

Make It Personal

Your audience is more likely to be persuaded by an emotional and relatable speech. So, try to find a way to make your topic relevant to your own life or experiences. This will make it easier for you to stay passionate about your argument and keep your audience engaged throughout the speech.

Choosing a persuasive speech topic as a student doesn't have to be difficult. By carefully reading the topics listed above, you can easily narrow down your choices and select a topic that is right for you. 

So what are you waiting for? Select your topic and start writing a persuasive speech.

References:

{1} Persuasive Speech Types and Features - Claudia F. - study.com