---
title: 105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project · PrepScholar
description: Looking for persuasive speech ideas? Check out our comprehensive list of good persuasive speech topics and tips on making your speech stand out.
image: https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/feature_persuasivespeech.jpg
---

**[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)**

CALL NOW:

[+1 (866) 811-5546](tel:18668115546)

[![Start Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-171805697634.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJluK2NyG3jpAJh%2F2lClc1fhnVHyMZoQonqRxtJngB8FMX6lc78F84JqOaVAL0d36TA5%2FYuH%2FLCJw8AG3ewREi%2F7a3XDouZgjxWfYCBUge6z76KnSykOxONl3avMK0gUjJGpJdyJE2BDTx8g3bsgHwMtx4Kr9Jfh6Jr7WA2XEIgtLw1OoVvAMo4Kw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=171805697634&portalId=360031)

## Choose Your Test

SAT Prep ACT Prep

[PrepScholar Advice Blog](https://blog.prepscholar.com/)

 ☰

- Search Blogs By Category
- [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat)
- [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act)
- [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
- [AP and IB Exams](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/advanced-placement-ap)
- [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies)
- [TOEFL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/toefl)
- [GPA and Coursework](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/coursework-gpa)

# [105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project](https://blog.prepscholar.com/good-persuasive-speech-topics)

![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/christine.jpg)

Posted by [Christine Sarikas](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/christine-sarikas) | Updated on September 19, 2024

[General Education](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/general-education)

 

![feature_persuasivespeech.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/feature_persuasivespeech.jpg?width=439&name=feature_persuasivespeech.jpg)

Are you struggling to find good persuasive speech topics? It can be hard to find a topic that interests both you and your audience, but in this guide **we've done the hard work and created a list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas.** They're organized into ten categories and cover a variety of topics, so you're sure to find one that interests you.

In addition to our list, we also go over which factors make good persuasive speech topics and three tips you should follow when researching and writing your persuasive speech.

 

## What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

What makes certain persuasive speech topics better than others? There are numerous reasons, but in this section we discuss three of the most important factors of great topics for a persuasive speech.

 

### It's Something You Know About or Are Interested in Learning About

The most important factor in choosing and creating a great persuasive speech is **picking a topic you care about and are interested in.** You'll need to do a lot of research on this topic, and if it's something you like learning about, that'll make the process much easier and more enjoyable. It'll also help you sound passionate and informed when you talk, both important factors in giving an excellent persuasive speech.

 

### It's a Topic People Care About

In fourth grade, after being told I could give a persuasive speech on any topic I wanted to**, I chose to discuss why the Saguaro cactus should be the United State's national plant.** Even though I gave an impassioned talk and drew a life-size Saguaro cactus on butcher paper to hang behind me, I doubt anyone enjoyed the speech much.

I'd recently returned from a family vacation to Arizona where I'd seen Saguaro cacti for the first time and decided they were the coolest thing ever. However, most people don't care that much about Saguaro cacti, and most people don't care what our national plant is or if we even have one (for the record, the US has a national flower, and it's the rose).

Spare yourself the smattering of bored applause my nine-old self got at the end of my speech and **choose something you think people will be interested in hearing about.** This also ties into knowing your audience, which we discuss more in the final section.

 

### It Isn't Overdone

When I was in high school, nearly every persuasive speech my classmates and I were assigned was the exact same topic: should the drinking age be lowered to 18? I got this prompt in English class, on standardized tests, in speech and debate class, etc. I've written and presented about it so often I could probably still rattle off all the main points of my old speeches word-for-word.

You can imagine that everyone's eyes glazed over whenever classmates gave their speeches on this topic. **We'd heard about it so many times that, even if it was a topic we cared about, speeches on it just didn't interest us anymore.**

The are many potential topics for a persuasive speech. Be wary of choosing one that's cliche or overdone. Even if you give a great speech, it'll be harder to keep your audience interested if they feel like they already know what you're going to say.

**An exception to this rule is that if you feel you have a new viewpoint or facts about the topic that currently aren't common knowledge.** Including them can make an overdone topic interesting. If you do this, be sure to make it clear early on in your speech that you have unique info or opinions on the topic so your audience knows to expect something new.

 

![body_presentation-1.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_presentation-1.jpg?width=432&name=body_presentation-1.jpg)

 

## 105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

Here's our list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. We made sure to choose topics that aren't overdone, yet that many people will have an interest in, and we also made a point of choosing topics with multiple viewpoints rather than simplistic topics that have a more obvious right answer (i.e. Is bullying bad?). The topics are organized into ten categories.

 

### Arts/Culture

 

### Economic

 

### Education

 

### Ethics

 

### Government/Politics

 

### Health

 

### Religion

 

### Science/Environment

 

[![Looking for help with high school? Our one-on-one online tutoring services can help you study for important exams, review challenging material, or plan out big projects. Get matched with a top tutor who is an expert in the subject you're studying!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-178532613026.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKSixwVNzVcFiArs7a7SrEDtK4CbCiPlf9k2bSl8rUeosrjKtZukFl3eophIjTSgUoJBKTVs6Jw%2B0o6G8FUlwiudqSKln5fmDQxNWytnNKVj2jv9LR%2BQ5LNg7PuzQRr7v6MTipXGCN0%2Bg9Ps%2FAapNZIattaR8I%2B0HO1YnVmSBhpOhz6fh62r4CTHSbpM6KL60Q%3D&webInteractiveContentId=178532613026&portalId=360031)

 

### Sports

 

### Technology

 

![body_speechwinner.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/body_speechwinner.jpg)

 

## 3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

Of course, giving a great persuasive speech requires more than just choosing a good topic. Follow the three tips below to create an outstanding speech that'll interest and impress your audience.

 

### Do Your Research

For a persuasive speech, there's nothing worse than getting an audience question that shows you misunderstood the issue or left an important piece out. **It makes your entire speech look weak and unconvincing.**

Before you start writing a single word of your speech, be sure to do lots of research on all sides of the topic. Look at different sources and points of view to be sure you're getting the full picture, and if you know any experts on the topic, be sure to ask their opinion too.

 

### Consider All the Angles

Persuasive speech topics are rarely black and white, which means there will be multiple sides and viewpoints on the topic. For example, for the topic "Should people be allowed to own pit bulls?" there are two obvious viewpoints: everyone should be allowed to own a pit bull if they want to, and no one should be allowed to own a pit bull. **But there are other options you should also consider:** people should only own a pit bull if they pass a dog training class, people should be able to own pit bulls, but only if it's the only dog they own, people should be able to own pi tbulls but only if they live a certain distance from schools, people should be able to own pit bulls only if the dog passes an obedience class, etc.

Thinking about all these angles and including them in your speech will make you seem well-informed on the topic, and it'll increase the quality of your speech by looking at difference nuances of the issue.

 

### Know Your Audience

Whenever you give a speech, it's important to consider your audience, and this is especially true for persuasive speeches when you're trying to convince people to believe a certain viewpoint. **When writing your speech, think about what your audience likely already knows about the topic,** what they probably need explained, and what aspects of the topic they care about most. Also consider what the audience will be most concerned about for a certain topic, and be sure to address those concerns.

For example, if you're giving a speech to a Catholic organization on why you think priests should be allowed to marry, you don't need to go over the history of Catholicism or its core beliefs (which they probably already know), but you should mention any research or prominent opinions that support your view (which they likely don't know about). They may be concerned that priests who marry won't be as committed to God or their congregations, so be sure to address those concerns and why they shouldn't worry about them as much as they may think. Discussing your topic with people (ideally those with viewpoints similar to those of your future audience) before you give your speech is a good way to get a better understanding of how your audience thinks.

 

## More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

If you need more guidance or just want to check out some examples of great persuasive writing, consider checking out the following books:

- [*Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History*](https://www.amazon.com/Lend-Me-Your-Ears-Speeches/dp/0393059316/?tag=ps-ge5-20) by William Safire—This collection of great speeches throughout history will help you decide how to style your own argument.
- [*The Essentials of Persuasive Public Speaking*](https://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Persuasive-Public-Speaking/dp/0393346048/?tag=ps-ge5-20) by Sims Wyeth—For quick direct tips on public speaking, try this all-purpose guide.
- [*Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds*](https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Like-TED-Public-Speaking-Secrets-ebook/dp/B00F1RE1MK/?tag=ps-ge5-20) by Carmine Gallo—This popular book breaks down what makes TED talks work and how you can employ those skills in your own presentations.
- [*We Should All Be Feminists*](https://www.amazon.com/We-Should-All-Be-Feminists/dp/110191176X/?tag=ps-ge5-20) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and [*Make Good Art*](https://www.amazon.com/Make-Good-Art-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0062266764/?tag=ps-ge5-20) by Neil Gaiman—These two recent speeches by contemporary writers offer stellar examples of how to craft a compelling (and engaging) argument.

 

## Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

Good persuasive speech topics can be difficult to think of, but in this guide we've compiled a list of 105 interesting persuasive speech topics for you to look through.

**The best persuasive speech ideas will be on a topic you're interested in, aren't overdone, and will be about something your audience cares about.**

After you've chosen your topic, keep these three tips in mind when writing your persuasive speech:

- Do your research
- Consider all the angles
- Know your audience

 

## What's Next?

**Now that you have persuasive speech topics, it's time to hone your persuasive speech techniques.** Find out what [ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos are and how to use them here](https://blog.prepscholar.com/ethos-pathos-logos-kairos-modes-of-persuasion).

Looking to take your persuasive technique from speech to sheets (of paper)? Get [our three key tips on how to write an argumentative essay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-an-argumentative-essay), or [learn by reading through our thorough breakdown of how to build an essay, step by step](https://blog.prepscholar.com/argumentative-essay).

**Want a great GPA?** Check out our [step-by-step guide to getting good grades in high school](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-good-grades-in-high-school) so you can have a stellar transcript.

**Interested in learning about other great extracurricular opportunities?** Learn more about [job shadowing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/job-shadowing-for-high-school-students), [community service](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-community-service), and [volunteer abroad programs.](https://blog.prepscholar.com/should-you-really-do-a-volunteer-abroad-program)

**Still trying to figure out your courses?** Check out [our expert guide on which classes you should take in high school.](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-classes-should-you-take-in-high-school)

 

[![Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?   We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151856191907.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIanicexV4UBMOfXFyQMlZjrCZ4mzesR01J4HGSiJZreXe%2F%2BsqzEA75Ir2cWPkpy46%2FQ1kCcOTrK2MPqVJpmdxDKojoSq5EpQmfp7f3vU0TOdBW%2BxdmV%2BEk85m0A3KRpEqNmTz7MbGuV%2BVHvnB9CdBl7hX%2BzUM1A7tiYBgQ%2Bw%2BgzKgn8E81KAKJUHb592o%2BxpviJQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=151856191907&portalId=360031)

 

*These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.*

 

### Trending Now

[How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-by-a-harvard-alum)

[How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-4-0-gpa-and-get-better-grades-by-a-harvard-alum)

[How to Write an Amazing College Essay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-a-college-essay)

[Should You Take the SAT or ACT?](https://quiz.prepscholar.com/sat-vs-act)

[What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for)

[ACT vs. SAT: 10 Key Differences](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat)

[Calculate Your College Chances](https://mycollegechances.prepscholar.com/)

Get Your Free

**[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)**

eBook

[5 Tips to Raise Your SAT Score 160+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/sat-5-tips-ebook/)

[5 Tips to Raise Your ACT Score 4+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/act-5-tips-ebook/)

### SAT Prep

[Find Your Target SAT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score)

[Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links)

### **[How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer)**

[Score 800 on SAT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer)

[Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-and-writing)

[Raise Your SAT Score by 160+ Points GUARANTEED. Start Your 5-Day Risk-Free Trial](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/?utm_source=databasepage&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_campaign=sat_guarantee)

### ACT Prep

[Find Your Target ACT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-act-score-a-bad-act-score-an-excellent-act-score)

[Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links)

### **[How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer)**

[Get a 36 on ACT English](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-english-9-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer)

[Get a 36 on ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-math-8-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer)

[Get a 36 on ACT Reading](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-reading-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer)

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

- [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/facebook_logo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar)
- [![Follow us on X (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/twitterx-50.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton)
- [![Follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-sidebar.webp)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)

 Get Exclusive Tips for College Admissions

 Sign up to receive free guidance on everything from acing the SAT to writing a standout college admissions essay.

×

## Thanks for Subscribing!

![Check icon](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2386656898.png/subscribe_check.png.png?width=175&name=subscribe_check.png)

 To receive immediate updates on all our helpful guides and strategies, **follow us** on social media: [![Facebook](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26de6c2beb2b71ee5b8d660200359259.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) [![X](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/f233666501ea25d3fcf3c390d2f08c7b.png)](https://x.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) [![LinkedIn](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) [![Instagram](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/download-1.png)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)

**Have friends who also need help with test prep?** Share this article!

[![Share on email](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fgood-persuasive-speech-topics%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fgood-persuasive-speech-topics%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [![Share on facebook](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fgood-persuasive-speech-topics%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on twitter](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fgood-persuasive-speech-topics%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fgood-persuasive-speech-topics%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fgood-persuasive-speech-topics%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin)

 About the Author

![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/christine.jpg)

 Christine Sarikas

 Christine scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University's Honors College with degrees in Plant Biology and Geography and received her Master's in Public Policy from Duke University. Christine has over ten years of experience in education and teaching.

## Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

**[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-White.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com)**

- [WHO WE ARE](https://www.prepscholar.com/who-we-are/)
- [SUCCESS STORIES](https://www.prepscholar.com/case-studies/)
- [ADVICE BLOG](https://blog.prepscholar.com/)
- [FOR SCHOOLS](https://www.prepscholar.com/for-schools/)

- [SAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/)
- [ACT](https://www.prepscholar.com/act-test-prep/)
- [PSAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/psat-test-prep/)
- [AP](https://www.prepscholar.com/ap-tutoring/)
- [GRE](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre-test-prep/)
- [GMAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/gmat-test-prep/)
- [TOEFL](https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl-test-prep/)
- [ADMISSIONS](https://www.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-consulting/)

- [TERMS OF SERVICE](https://www.prepscholar.com/terms-of-service/)
- [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.prepscholar.com/privacy-policy/)

- [![follow us on X (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/twitter-64.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton)
- [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/facebook-64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar)
- [![follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-64.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)
- [![follow us on TikTok (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/tiktok-50.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@prepscholarofficial)
- [![Follow us on LinkedIn (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/linkedin50.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/)

© PrepScholar 2013-2025. All rights reserved

 SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this web site.   
 ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT Education Corporation ("ACT"). ACT is not involved with or affiliated with PrepScholar Inc., nor does ACT endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by PrepScholar Inc.   
 GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of the ETS®. The ETS® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this web site.   
 GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council®. The Graduate Management Admissions Council® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this website.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Christine Sarikas",
    "url" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/christine-sarikas"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2024-09-19T18:23:35+00:00",
  "datePublished" : "2020-01-25T17:00:00+00:00",
  "description" : "Looking for persuasive speech ideas? Check out our comprehensive list of good persuasive speech topics and tips on making your speech stand out.",
  "headline" : "105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project",
  "image" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/feature_persuasivespeech.jpg",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/good-persuasive-speech-topics",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png"
    },
    "name" : "PrepScholar"
  }
}
```