230 Great Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

Words have power, especially if you know how to use them. A persuasive speech is a monologue you present to make the audience understand your perspective and maybe even convince them to believe or do something.

However, since almost half of the population feels like their attention span has diminished over the past years, holding your audience's interest during a speech takes more than skill. It takes strategy. So, is there a secret to delivering a successful persuasive speech? Logic, emotion, and credibility are probably the most important ingredients, but they still won't work without a well-chosen topic. This article is here to inspire you with more than 200 persuasive speech topics you can pick from.

If your academic assignments are weighing you down, DoMyEssay is right here. It doesn't matter if you need help choosing a topic for your speech or writing an entire essay; our professional academic writers are just a few clicks away.

Best Persuasive Speech Topics for 2025

Trends change, new issues come up, and what was the hottest idea last year might be old news today. But to make your persuasive speech powerful, you need fresh and relevant topics. So, here are ten thought-provoking topics that can inspire you and challenge the perspective of your listener.

1. Can AI-generated art be considered truly creative?
2. Does banning social media platforms for minors actually help reduce addiction?
3. Would a four-day school week improve students' mental health?
4. Are electric cars really the future of transportation?
5. Should influencers have age restrictions when promoting products to kids?
6. Does ‘cancel’ culture promote accountability or just fuel online outrage?
7. Should schools make personal finance a mandatory subject?
8. Are smart devices changing the way we think for the worse?
9. Should college tuition be based on the earning potential of a major?
10. Is it ethical for AI to make hiring decisions?

Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

When it comes to persuasive speaking, tailoring your topic to the student's level of understanding is key. Here are topic suggestions broken down by educational level.

1. Should students grade their teachers?
2. Is fast fashion hurting the planet more than we realize?
3. Should free Wi-Fi be available everywhere in public?
4. Do school dress codes unfairly target certain students?
5. Should competitive gaming be recognized as a real sport?
6. Is banning single-use plastics the only way to reduce waste?
7. Should students get paid to earn high grades?
8. Do influencers have to set a good example for their followers?
9. Should schools stop selling junk food in cafeterias?
10. Are self-driving cars safe?

Persuasive Speech Topics for Middle School

1. Should schools let students take mental health days when they're feeling overwhelmed?
2. Is it appropriate for schools to monitor what students are posting on social media?
3. Should makeup and skincare companies stop testing their products on animals?
4. Is space exploration worth billions of dollars?
5. Would cutting homework for middle school kids reduce their stress?
6. Are social media platforms doing enough to prevent online bullying?
7. Should schools add more murals and public art to make campuses feel more creative and inclusive?
8. Do middle school students need to learn about money management and budgeting in school?
9. Can playing video games actually help students learn better in school?
10. Should school cafeterias offer more plant-based food options?

Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

1. Should students in high school have to take a personal finance class prior to graduating?
2. Does mainstream media influence teens too much?
3. Would universal free healthcare actually make that big of a difference?
4. Do social networking websites need more laws to keep fake news from spreading?
5. Should there be a cap on how much political campaigns are able to raise?
6. Is facial recognition software handy, or is it a giant privacy invasion?
7. Should college athletes receive compensation for the effort they put into sports?
8. Do high school students need better mental health education to help them deal with stress?
9. Is the death penalty something that should be abolished altogether?
10. Would universal basic income improve people's lives, or would it lead to new problems?

Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

1. Should college be free, or would that create more problems than benefits?
2. Do political commercials actually help voters make informed choices, or are they just influencing opinions?
3. Should there be restrictions on how artificial intelligence is used in the workplace?
4. Is the criminal justice system biased against certain groups, and what changes should be made?
5. Should the government raise the minimum wage to help people afford basic living expenses?
6. Are social media platforms doing enough to prevent the spread of hate speech?
7. Should professional athletes be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs?
8. Is climate change the biggest threat to human health today?
9. Should young adults be required to serve in the military?
10. Do religious organizations have too much influence over political decisions?

Good Persuasive Speech Topics

The right persuasive speech topic is the difference between an engaged audience and one that's constantly checking their watch. This section will cover ideas from all kinds of areas, so keep reading and find something that gets people thinking.

1. Should social media platforms be held accountable for their role in teen mental health issues?
2. Is cultural appropriation always harmful, or can it be done in a respectful way?
3. Should transitioning to renewable energy be the world's top priority in fighting climate change?
4. Are current campaign finance laws making the political process unfair?
5. Should colleges and universities offer more mental health support for their athletes?
6. Is it time to rethink how the criminal justice system handles non-violent offenses?
7. Should artificial intelligence have ethical guidelines to protect human jobs?
8. Are we putting too much focus on standardized testing in education?
9. Should social media platforms enforce stricter rules against hate speech?
10. Is universal healthcare the best way to ensure mental health coverage for everyone?

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

1. Should college athletes receive salaries instead of just scholarships?
2. Is it fair for transgender athletes to compete in gendered sports categories?
3. Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed if all athletes have access to them?
4. Are professional sports leagues doing enough to support mental health issues in athletes?
5. Should there be stricter rules on how young athletes are recruited into professional sports?
6. Is the criminal justice system too lenient on athletes who commit serious offenses?
7. Should sports teams be required to follow sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact?
8. Is space exploration technology influencing the future of sports and athletic performance?
9. Should high school students be allowed to skip gym class if they play a sport outside of school?
10. Are sports betting apps making it too easy for young people to develop gambling addictions?

Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health

1. Should mental health courses be a required subject in every school?
2. Are social media websites worsening mental illnesses among teenagers?
3. Should companies have to provide mental health support for their workers?
4. Is mainstream media doing enough to stop the stigmatization of mental health?
5. Should schools hold mental health days for students?
6. Is political campaign spending turning a blind eye to the need for more funds for mental illness?
7. Should minimum wage employers offer workers free mental health treatment?
8. Are churches making every effort to support mental health in their communities?
9. Should research into mental health look harder into the influence of social media on young people?
10. Is climate change stress becoming an actual mental health epidemic?

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

1. Should social media platforms be required to fact-check political ads before they go live?
2. Are social media companies doing enough to protect users from online scams and fraud?
3. Should there be stricter rules to prevent mainstream media from spreading fake news on social platforms?
4. Is cancel culture on social media becoming a real threat to free speech?
5. Should social media influencers be held accountable for promoting harmful products to their followers?
6. Are social media platforms invading our privacy by using facial recognition technology?
7. Should schools teach students how to spot fake news on social media?
8. Is too much importance placed on social media likes and followers in today's world?
9. Should governments regulate how social media companies collect and sell user data?
10. Are social media platforms fueling unrealistic beauty standards and body image issues?

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

1. Should public speaking be a required skill for all students?
2. Does body language play a bigger role in public speaking than words?
3. Should schools focus more on teaching public speaking to improve students' confidence?
4. Can public speaking skills help people succeed in any career?
5. Should social media platforms encourage users to practice public speaking through live streaming?
6. Is the fear of public speaking something that can be completely overcome?
7. Should public speaking classes include training on how to handle fake news and misinformation?
8. Can public speaking help people become better at debating important issues?
9. Should government officials be required to pass a public speaking test before running for office?
10. Is public speaking more important today because of the rise of mainstream media and digital communication?

Political Persuasive Speech Topics

1. Should there be stricter limits on how much money can be used in political campaigns to prevent corruption?
2. Is universal basic income a practical solution to address economic inequality?
3. Should healthcare be free for all citizens, no matter their income?
4. Are current anti-discrimination laws enough to truly protect minority groups?
5. Should there be tougher rules for political ads to prevent the spread of fake news?
6. Is the mainstream media influencing political opinions more than actual policies or issues?
7. Should the criminal justice system focus more on rehabilitation instead of just punishment?
8. Are religious groups having too much influence on government decisions?
9. Would mandatory voting help strengthen democracy?
10. Is the two-party system holding back meaningful political progress?

Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics

1. Should we be paying more attention to how social media impacts self-esteem in mental health research?
2. Can money really buy happiness, or is emotional well-being way more complicated than that?
3. Would it help if schools taught practical skills like stress management to support students' mental health?
4. Does mainstream media play a role in spreading harmful stereotypes about mental health?
5. Should workplaces do more to support employees' mental health and help prevent burnout?
6. Do we put too much emphasis on IQ tests when trying to measure intelligence?
7. Should social media companies be responsible for reducing content that harms mental health?
8. Does body language sometimes reveal more about a person's true emotions than what they actually say?
9. Is anxiety about climate change turning into a real mental health crisis?
10. Should therapy be free and accessible to anyone who needs it?

Persuasive Speech Topic Ideas on Religion

1. Should religious institutions be subject to the same taxes as other organizations?
2. Can interfaith dialogue help reduce religious conflicts around the world?
3. Should schools include education about various religious beliefs in their history and social studies programs?
4. Are religious groups doing enough to support gender equality within their communities?
5. Should the government impose stricter rules on how religious institutions influence political decisions?
6. Is too much focus placed on religious traditions instead of respecting individual beliefs?
7. Should religious practices continue to be protected, even if they conflict with anti-discrimination laws?
8. Is mainstream media unfairly shaping public views of religious groups?
9. Should prayer and religious activities be allowed in public schools?
10. Should religious leaders take a stand on social and political issues?

Persuasive Speech Topics about Education

1. Should schools get rid of traditional letter grades and switch to a pass-or-fail system?
2. Is learning a foreign language in school still useful, or are translation apps enough?
3. Should students be able to take mental health days without needing a doctor's note?
4. Is college education actually preparing students for real-world careers?
5. Would teaching work-life balance in school help students avoid burnout later in life?
6. Do standardized tests really show how smart someone is?
7. Should students have more say in choosing the subjects they study?
8. Would mandatory military service after high school help young people develop discipline and skills?
9. Should schools teach practical skills like cooking and basic car maintenance instead of just academic subjects?
10. Is the high cost of higher education stopping students from chasing their dream careers?

Technology Persuasive Speech Topics

1. Should facial recognition technology be banned from public spaces to protect privacy?
2. Is artificial intelligence taking too many human jobs?
3. Should self-driving cars be allowed on the road with no human driver?
4. Is space exploration worth the billions of dollars spent on it?
5. Should there be strict regulations on how companies collect and use personal data?
6. Is renewable energy technology advancing fast enough to halt climate change?
7. Should digital learning tools replace traditional textbooks in schools?
8. Are performance-enhancing drugs as big of an issue in esports as in physical sports?
9. Should governments spend more on technology to improve the criminal justice system?
10. Is the use of artificial intelligence making humans less creative?

Persuasive Speech Ideas About AI

1. Should AI be given legal rights as humans?
2. Is artificial intelligence stealing our creativity instead of assisting it?
3. Should AI be trusted to determine if terminally ill patients live or die?
4. Can we really trust news generated by AI, or will it just give us more lies?
5. Will AI influencers and virtual celebrities ever be able to completely replace actual human beings?
6. Is artificial intelligence making it impossible to keep our privacy?
7. Should AI be allowed to create art by itself without the intervention of human beings?
8. Is AI able to personalize education, or will it replace the human connection that brings meaning to learning?
9. Should governments enforce tough laws controlling the use of AI in warfare?
10. Will artificial intelligence ever truly feel emotions, or is it science fiction?

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

1. Should we stop using animals for medical testing?
2. Are we putting wild animals in danger when we adopt them as pets?
3. Should zoos care more about saving endangered species than putting them on display?
4. Should the fur trade be banned once and for all?
5. Should animal circuses be shut down because of how they treat animals?
6. Do emotional support animals help individuals, or is the system being taken advantage of?
7. Should factory farms be eliminated and replaced with more humane ways of raising animals for food?
8. Is the prohibition on certain breeds of dogs the correct response to attacks?
9. Should animal abusers and neglectors be punished more severely?
10. Are marine parks educational, or are they actually just business ventures?

Creative Persuasive Speech Topics

Time to think outside the box. These creative persuasive speech topics will spark your imagination and challenge your audience's perspective.

1. Should time travel be banned if it ever becomes possible?
2. Is it ethical for scientists to create half-human, half-animal hybrids for research?
3. Should humans have the right to erase specific memories?
4. Can free vacations reduce stress and improve productivity?
5. Should schools and workplaces adopt a four-day week to boost efficiency and happiness?
6. Can banning mirrors in public places help people feel more confident?
7. Should everyone be required to take a survival course in case of a global disaster?
8. Can replacing traditional prisons with rehabilitation islands actually reduce crime?
9. Should governments offer a financial reward to people who never break the law?
10. Is teaching children multiple languages from birth the key to higher intelligence?

Unique Persuasive Speech Topics

Stand out from the crowd with these one-of-a-kind topics that bring fresh, thought-provoking angles to the table.

1. Should people be able to "pause" aging with medical advancements?
2. Is cloning extinct animals a good idea, or are we messing with nature too much?
3. Should personal data be treated as private property that people can sell or protect?
4. Can living in space actually become a reality for everyday people in the near future?
5. Should we have a universal cap on how long someone can stay in political office?
6. Is it ethical to use AI to recreate the voices of deceased celebrities?
7. Should there be a limit on how realistic video games and virtual reality can become?
8. Can a plant-based diet be the key to feeding the growing global population?
9. Should governments pay people to move out of overcrowded cities?
10. Is laughter really the best medicine, and should it be used more in therapy?

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

Grab attention right from the start. These topics are sure to captivate and keep your audience engaged.

1. Should people have to pass a basic parenting test before having children?
2. Is banning certain foods the right way to tackle global health issues?
3. Should movie theaters lower their prices to bring back audiences?
4. Is it time to make tipping in restaurants a thing of the past?
5. Should influencers be required to label photos that have been heavily edited?
6. Is working from home better for mental and physical well-being than office jobs?
7. Should theme parks limit visitor numbers to prevent overcrowding?
8. Can enforcing a universal bedtime improve public health and productivity?
9. Should ghost towns be preserved as historical sites or repurposed for new communities?
10. Is learning survival skills more important today than ever before?

Fun Persuasive Speech Topics

Who says persuasive speeches can’t be enjoyable? Check out these lighthearted topics that make convincing feel like a breeze.

1. Should pizza be considered a vegetable if it has enough toppings?
2. Is having a pet better than having a roommate?
3. Should schools have dedicated nap times for students?
4. Is binge-watching an entire TV series actually a productive way to relax?
5. Should every job allow people to wear pajamas to work once a week?
6. Is it time to declare ice cream an official breakfast food?
7. Should people be required to pass a "common sense" test before using the internet?
8. Are memes the modern world's most important form of communication?
9. Should theme parks have an "adults-only" day with no kids allowed?
10. Would life be better if we all had background music playing like in the movies?

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

Simplicity meets power. These straightforward topics let you focus on delivering your message clearly and effectively.

1. Should students have less homework to make learning more enjoyable?
2. Is listening to music while studying helpful or distracting?
3. Should schools have longer lunch breaks to give students time to relax?
4. Is reading books more entertaining than watching movies?
5. Should everyone learn basic cooking skills before graduating high school?
6. Is texting a better way to communicate than making phone calls?
7. Should families have a "no phone" rule during dinner?
8. Is celebrating small achievements just as important as big successes?
9. Should libraries offer video games and movies along with books?
10. Is taking short naps during the day the best way to boost energy?

Great Persuasive Speech Topics

Lastly, these topics offer a perfect foundation for crafting speeches that resonate with any audience.

1. Should schools start later in the morning so students can get enough sleep?
2. Is making friends and socializing just as important as academics in school?
3. Should every country provide a universal basic income to support all citizens?
4. Can owning a pet improve both mental and physical health?
5. Should video game addiction be recognized as a real medical condition?
6. Do we still need to learn handwriting in a world that's mostly digital?
7. Should parents set limits on how much time their kids spend on screens?
8. Is life better in a big city or a small town?
9. Would it be good for people to take a "digital detox" once a month?
10. Should schools teach more about different cultures and traditions?

What Are Good Persuasive Speech Topics?

We've all been trapped in a lecture so boring that watching paint dry starts sounding like an exciting alternative. The problem with such speeches is usually a weak topic. If you want people to listen instead of secretly scrolling on their phones, you need topics for persuasive speech that grab your audience's attention and keep it.

That's A Wrap!

Any effective persuasive speech starts with a topic that can get the people thinking (and talking!). It's so much easier to keep your audience hooked with an interesting idea that you're actually excited about. If you're still on the hunt for perfect persuasive speech ideas, here are five thought-provoking topics you can start with:

• Should AI have legal rights like humans do?
• Is banning fast fashion the key to saving the planet?
• Should schools replace traditional grades with skill-based assessments?
• Would a four-day workweek make people happier and more productive?
• Should governments offer financial rewards to people who never break the law?

Did you find a good persuasive speech topic that checks all the boxes, but you're still stuck thinking, 'Someone just write a speech for me already!' DoMyEssay can help, and not just with a speech! Our team of professional academic writers can take your ideas and turn them into well-structured assignments you can proudly turn in.