350+ Persuasive Speech Topics For Students 

Preparing a persuasive speech but need an inspiring topic? We have a list of over 350 top tier persuasive speech topics specifically curated for students who want to make an impact. 

Explore a range of thought-provoking subjects, from environmental issues to social justice, and learn how to craft compelling arguments that will engage your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned public speaker or just starting, we have valuable tips and topic suggestions to help you deliver a persuasive speech that leaves a lasting impression. 

How to Come Up With Persuasive Speech Topics and Develop a Winning Speech

Coming up with a solid persuasive speech topic or college admissions essay topic can be a struggle, even if you are a straight A student. Persuasive rhetoric is different from simply having a friendly debate with a friend. But don’t fret; we have you covered. Keep reading for our full list of good persuasive speech topics and how to create a successful argument. 

Brainstorm

Persuasive speech topics range from the minute to the monumental. There are several different routes you can take when deciding on a topic, but they all begin with brainstorming. Use our list as a jumping off point. Then, write down all the topics you might be interested in and how you might argue them. Once you have a shortlist, it will be much easier to choose a topic.

Keep Your Personality in Mind

When choosing persuasive speech topics, you should also consider your own personality and beliefs. Think about what drives you or what really gets under your skin. Even if your teacher is requiring you to argue the opposing side of a topic, your argument will be more compelling if you can give it a personal component.

Be Passionate

The point of a persuasive speech is to convince your audience to change their mind. So, you want to demonstrate genuine passion, backed up with solid research. Remember to address the three elements of argument: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotions), and logos (logic).

Provide Evidence

The best persuasive speeches are well-researched and documented. Find authoritative evidence that you can use to support your thesis and key points of focus. 

Consider Your Audience

Your persuasive speech will be more effective if you speak to your audience’s needs. Consider who you are talking to. What are their values and priorities? How familiar are they with the topic at hand? Tailor your argument to resonate with your audience. No matter what, strive for clear, concise language. If you focus on trying to impress your audience instead of trying to express your ideas to them, your points won’t be as clear, and you’ll be less persuasive overall.

Constructing a Persuasive Speech That Holds Attention

Here’s a step-by-step guide to craft a persuasive speech that is clear, compelling, and impactful:

1. Choose a Strong Topic. Start by selecting a topic you are passionate about and that resonates with your audience. 
2. Understand Your Audience. Research your audience’s interests, values, and beliefs. Knowing who you’re speaking to will help you tailor your message and arguments to their perspectives.
3. Conduct Thorough Research. Gather credible information and evidence to support your arguments. Use statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples to build a strong case for your position.
4. Outline Your Speech. Organize your thoughts and structure your speech with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Begin with a hook to grab your audience’s attention, follow with your main points and associated evidence, and end with a powerful conclusion that reinforces your message.
5. Develop Compelling Arguments. Present your arguments logically and coherently. Use a mix of emotional appeals and logical reasoning to persuade your audience. Address potential counterarguments and refute them convincingly.
6. Practice Your Delivery. Rehearse your speech multiple times to become familiar with your material and improve your delivery. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language to ensure you come across as confident and engaging.
7. Seek Feedback. Share your speech with friends, family, or mentors and ask for constructive feedback. Use their input to refine your content and delivery.

A Start: Good Persuasive Speech Topics 

Let’s get started with a few good topics for persuasive speeches and debates:

• Should undergraduate degrees be free? 
• Should there be a flat income tax rate? 
• Should hunting be illegal? 
• Should there be a minimum age to become president? 
• Should public schools be required to provide laptops or tablets for students? 
• Should social media be censored? 
• Should books be banned from public libraries?
• Should books be banned from school libraries? 
• Should schools have dress codes? 
• Should everyone be required to drive electric cars? 
• Should contraception be free? 
• Should there be universal healthcare? 
• Should marijuana be legalized? 
• Should parents or teachers teach students about sex?
• Should students be required to say the Pledge of Allegiance? 
• Should corporal punishment be allowed in schools?  
• Should high schools have open campus policies in terms of students being able to go off-campus for lunch? 
• Should colleges follow affirmative action quotas? 
• Should we have high-speed rail systems? 
• Should the government be able to seize land by reason of eminent domain? 
• Should people be required to use reef-friendly sunscreen? 
• Should parents be required to vaccinate their kids for them to attend public schools?
• Should pet owners be required to spay or neuter their pets?
• Should parents allow their children to have social media accounts? 
• Should parents post their children on social media?  
• Should the United States be a direct democracy? 
• Should everyone be vegan? 
• Should you have to have a valid form of identification to vote in the US elections? 
• Should the use of illicit drugs be decriminalized? 

Top Persuasive Speech Topics

Here are some of the most popular topics for persuasive speeches that are sure to engage and captivate your audience:

• Should college education be free for everyone?
• Is the death penalty an effective deterrent to crime?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student ability?
• Should animal testing be banned?
• Is climate change the greatest threat facing humanity today?
• Should marijuana be legalized for recreational use nationwide?
• Are single-gender classrooms more effective than co-ed classrooms?
• Should public schools require uniforms?
• Is online learning as effective as traditional in-person learning?
• Should healthcare be considered a basic human right?
• Is it ethical to use genetic engineering on humans?
• Should social media platforms regulate fake news?
• Is the gig economy beneficial for workers?
• Should schools start later in the morning for better student health?
• Are electric vehicles the future of transportation?
• Should governments enforce stricter gun control laws?
• Is space exploration worth the investment?
• Should sports betting be legalized?
• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
• Should plastic straws be banned to protect marine life?
• Are reality TV shows harmful to society?
• Should the government provide free childcare services?
• Is it important to have arts education in schools?
• Should public transportation be free for everyone?
• Are celebrities bad role models for young people?
• Should there be a universal basic income?
• Is it necessary to regulate AI development to prevent misuse?
• Should advertising targeting children be banned?
• Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?

Persuasive Speech Ideas About Society

Explore these compelling topics related to society and our way of life:

• Does social media enhance or hinder human connection?
• Should healthcare be considered a basic human right?
• How does the gig economy impact job security and worker rights?
• Is climate change the greatest threat to our society today?
• How does gender equality benefit the whole society?
• Should governments implement stricter regulations on fake news?
• Is cultural appropriation harmful or a form of cultural exchange?
• How do violent video games affect youth behavior?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• How has the rise of remote work changed the traditional work-life balance?
• Are anti-discrimination laws effective in promoting equality?
• How does the portrayal of beauty standards in media affect self-esteem?
• Should social media influencers be held accountable for promoting harmful products?
• Is our society becoming too reliant on technology?
• How can public transportation improve urban living?
• Does the portrayal of crime in the media influence real-world violence?
• Should we prioritize mental health education in schools?
• How does immigration impact the social and economic structure of a country?
• Are privacy laws keeping up with advancements in technology?
• Should there be limitations on freedom of speech to prevent hate speech?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Technological Advancements

Technology is ever-evolving and provides endless topics for discussion:

• Is technology making us more alone?
• Should there be limits on screen time for children?
• Is online privacy a right?
• Should schools use more technology in the classroom?
• Is it possible to live without technology in today’s world?
• Should social media platforms be regulated?
• Are self-driving cars safe?
• Is technology making our lives easier or more complicated?
• Should we be concerned about data security?
• Is it ethical to use facial recognition technology?
• Should there be universal internet access for everyone?
• Can wearable technology improve health outcomes?
• Is 5G technology safe for public health?
• Should we be worried about the digital divide?
• Is virtual reality the future of entertainment?
• Should tech companies be responsible for spreading misinformation?
• Can blockchain technology revolutionize finance?
• Should there be a tech detox day every week?
• Are smart homes really secure?
• Should we embrace or fear advancements in biotechnology?

Here’s a great example of a student speaker discussing the impact of social media:

Persuasive Speech Ideas About AI

Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic with many angles to explore:

• Will AI replace human jobs in the future?
• Should there be regulations on AI development and use?
• Can AI improve the quality of healthcare?
• Is AI a threat to human privacy?
• Should AI be used in law enforcement?
• Can AI help in solving climate change?
• Is it ethical to use AI for surveillance?
• Should AI be allowed to make decisions in critical fields like medicine?
• Can AI create art comparable to human artists?
• Is relying on AI making humans less intelligent?
• Should AI be used in education to personalize learning?
• Can AI predict and prevent crimes before they happen?
• Is it ethical to develop AI weapons for military use?
• Should AI have rights similar to human rights?
• Can AI help in managing and mitigating pandemics?
• Should AI be used in making judicial decisions?
• Is it ethical to use AI for genetic editing?
• Can AI contribute to achieving sustainable development goals?
• Should AI be involved in financial trading and investments?
• Is the development of superintelligent AI a risk to humanity?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Health and Wellness

Health-related topics are always relevant and important:

• Should the government provide free healthcare?
• Is vaccination crucial for public health?
• Should junk food advertising be banned?
• Is a plant-based diet healthier than a meat-based diet?
• Should schools teach comprehensive sex education?
• Is it important to have regular health check-ups?
• Should there be stricter laws on smoking?
• Are organic foods better for health?
• Should mental health days be allowed at work and school?
• Is the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports ethical?
• Should sugar be regulated like tobacco?
• Is it important to have a balanced diet over popular diets?
• Should telemedicine become a standard practice?
• Are fitness trackers effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle?
• Should fast food restaurants display calorie counts on menus?
• Is it ethical to require vaccinations for travel?
• Can meditation and mindfulness practices replace medication?
• Should we have more public health campaigns on mental health?
• Is it important to address the social determinants of health?
• Should gyms and fitness centers be more affordable?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Mental Health Awareness

Mental health is a crucial topic that deserves attention and discussion:

• Should mental health education be mandatory in schools?
• Is social media harmful to mental health?
• Should workplaces provide mental health support?
• Are mental health disorders still stigmatized in society?
• Should therapy be covered by health insurance?
• Is it important to take regular mental health breaks?
• Should there be more funding for mental health research?
• Are mental health issues on the rise in teens?
• Should schools have on-site mental health counselors?
• Is meditation effective in reducing stress?
• Should celebrities speak out about their mental health struggles?
• Can pets help improve mental health?
• Is it necessary to address mental health in the criminal justice system?
• Should mental health screenings be a part of regular health check-ups?
• Are mental health apps effective?
• Should there be mental health days in schools?
• Is it important to teach resilience to children?
• Should social media platforms take responsibility for mental health impacts?
• Is workplace stress management crucial for employee well-being?
• Can art therapy be an effective treatment for mental health issues?

Check out this student’s speech on mental health for inspiration:

Persuasive Speech Topics on Arts and Culture

These topics delve into the importance of arts and culture in society:

• Should arts education be mandatory in schools?
• Is graffiti a form of art or vandalism?
• Should government funding for the arts be increased?
• Is it important to preserve cultural heritage sites?
• Should museums be free to the public?
• Are reality TV shows harmful to culture?
• Should there be more representation of minorities in the media?
• Is cultural appropriation a serious issue?
• Can music therapy improve mental health?
• Should public libraries receive more funding?
• Is the commercialization of art detrimental to its value?
• Should we encourage more public art installations?
• Is it important to support local artists?
• Should cultural festivals be funded by the government?
• Can digital art be considered real art?
• Is there a need for more female representation in the arts?
• Should we integrate arts into STEM education (STEAM)?
• Are art and culture essential for a thriving society?
• Should artists have freedom of expression without censorship?
• Can the arts play a role in social justice movements?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Sports and Athletics

Sports topics can be exciting and engaging for many audiences:

• Should college athletes be paid?
• Is it necessary to ban dangerous sports?
• Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in professional sports?
• Is soccer better than American football?
• Should parents push their kids to participate in sports?
• Are eSports real sports?
• Should athletes be role models?
• Is it fair to have gender divisions in sports?
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Is it important to have sports in school curriculums?
• Should there be stricter penalties for doping in sports?
• Is professional sports too commercialized?
• Should sports facilities be accessible to everyone?
• Are youth sports too competitive?
• Should there be equal pay for male and female athletes?
• Is the use of technology in sports enhancing or diminishing the experience?
• Should fan behavior be regulated in sports events?
• Is the World Cup beneficial for the host country?
• Should high schools invest more in their athletic programs?
• Are contact sports too dangerous for children?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Politics

Here are some thought-provoking topics on politics that can spark lively discussions and debates:

• Should voting be mandatory for all citizens?
• Is the two-party system effective for democracy?
• Should political campaign financing be more regulated?
• Is it time for the Electoral College to be abolished?
• Should there be term limits for Congress members?
• Are social media platforms influencing political opinions too much?
• Should countries adopt universal basic income?
• Is proportional representation a better system than the current one?
• Should political ads be banned on social media?
• Are stricter gun control laws necessary for public safety?
• Should the government provide free higher education?
• Is it ethical to implement surveillance for national security?
• Should immigration policies be more lenient?
• Is political correctness harming free speech?
• Should politicians be required to have a background in law or public service?
• Are public protests effective in bringing about political change?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is nationalism beneficial or harmful to society?
• Should there be more women in political leadership roles?
• Are current lobbying practices corrupting politics?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Environmental Issues

Environmental issues are more relevant than ever and offer a wealth of topics:

• Should single-use plastics be banned globally?
• Is renewable energy the key to solving climate change?
• Should there be stricter laws on deforestation?
• Are electric cars the future of transportation?
• Should companies be held accountable for their carbon footprint?
• Is water conservation critical for the future?
• Should we invest more in protecting endangered species?
• Are GMOs harmful to the environment?
• Should governments subsidize green technologies?
• Is it possible to reverse the damage done to coral reefs?
• Should urban areas have more green spaces?
• Are zoos beneficial for animal conservation?
• Should the fashion industry adopt sustainable practices?
• Is it necessary to reduce meat consumption to save the planet?
• Should there be global regulations on plastic production?
• Is it important to support renewable energy sources?
• Should governments enforce stricter recycling laws?
• Are climate change deniers harming progress?
• Should we prioritize reforestation projects?
• Is it important to educate children about environmental issues?

Humorous & Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

Inject some humor into your speech with these funny and light-hearted topics:

• Should pineapple be on pizza?
• Is it better to be a cat person or a dog person?
• Should adults be allowed to trick-or-treat?
• Is it okay to wear socks with sandals?
• Should cereal be considered soup?
• Is it important to make your bed every day?
• Should toilet paper hang over or under?
• Is it necessary to have a gym membership to stay fit?
• Should we ban all forms of dancing in public?
• Are reality TV shows scripted?
• Is it okay to talk to your pets like they are people?
• Should you eat dessert before dinner?
• Is it better to have super strength or super intelligence?
• Should there be a limit on how many selfies you can take in a day?
• Are dad jokes the best kind of humor?
• Should you be able to wear pajamas in public?
• Is it better to always be slightly late or always slightly early?
• Should coffee be considered a food group?
• Is it okay to have breakfast for dinner?
• Are unicorns overrated?

Simple and Effective Persuasive Speech Topics

If you’re looking for simpler topics that are still impactful, these ideas are great starting points:

• Should students have less homework?
• Is breakfast the most important meal of the day?
• Should schools start later in the morning?
• Is it better to read books or watch movies?
• Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias?
• Are pets good for mental health?
• Should children have limited screen time each day?
• Is it important to learn a second language?
• Should recess be longer for elementary school students?
• Are video games beneficial for developing skills?
• Should uniforms be mandatory in schools?
• Is it better to study alone or in a group?
• Should schools have more field trips?
• Is handwriting still important in the digital age?
• Should everyone learn basic first aid?
• Is it important to have art classes in school?
• Should schools have more physical education classes?
• Are school lunches healthy enough?
• Should students have a say in school policies?
• Is it beneficial to have a part-time job while in school?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical questions are always thought-provoking and great for persuasive speeches:

• Should euthanasia be legalized?
• Is it ethical to use animals for testing?
• Should companies have a mandatory code of ethics?
• Is it ethical to genetically modify organisms?
• Should the sale of human organs be legalized?
• Is it moral to enforce mandatory vaccinations?
• Should surveillance cameras be installed in public places for security?
• Is it ethical to consume meat?
• Should businesses be allowed to advertise to children?
• Is it right to use drones in warfare?
• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Is it ethical to clone humans?
• Should we allow designer babies?
• Is it ethical to manipulate memories in therapy?
• Should companies be held accountable for environmental damage?
• Is it ethical to use big data for marketing?
• Should whistleblowers be protected?
• Is it right to censor hate speech?
• Should companies prioritize profit over social responsibility?
• Is it ethical to ban religious symbols in public institutions?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Happiness

Explore these engaging topics about the pursuit of happiness:

• Can money buy happiness?
• Is happiness a choice or a result of circumstances?
• Should schools teach courses on happiness and well-being?
• Does social media make us more or less happy?
• Is living a minimalist lifestyle the key to happiness?
• Can pursuing hobbies lead to greater happiness?
• Is happiness more important than success?
• Does giving to others increase personal happiness?
• Is physical exercise essential for happiness?
• Can spending time in nature improve happiness levels?
• Is happiness contagious?
• Does achieving work-life balance lead to true happiness?
• Are happy people more productive?
• Can mindfulness practices significantly boost happiness?
• Does owning pets contribute to a person’s happiness?
• Is happiness influenced more by genetics or environment?
• Does setting and achieving goals increase happiness?
• Is the pursuit of happiness selfish?
• Can traveling enhance a person’s happiness?
• Does happiness come from within or from external sources?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Work and Careers

These topics can help you explore the work world:

• Should companies implement a four-day workweek?
• Is remote work more productive than office work?
• Should the minimum wage be increased?
• Are flexible work hours beneficial for employees?
• Should employees have unlimited vacation days?
• Is job satisfaction more important than salary?
• Should companies invest more in employee training and development?
• Are open-plan offices effective or distracting?
• Should there be a cap on executive salaries?
• Is it necessary for companies to provide mental health support?
• Are internships exploitative or beneficial?
• Should there be more laws protecting gig economy workers?
• Is it better to work for a startup or an established company?
• Should companies allow employees to bring pets to work?
• Are performance reviews effective in improving employee productivity?
• Should there be a universal basic income for all workers?
• Is it important to have diversity in the workplace?
• Should companies offer student loan repayment assistance?
• Are team-building activities effective?
• Is lifelong learning essential for career advancement?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Religion

Delve into these topics that examine the role and impact of religion in society:

• Should religion be kept out of politics?
• Is religious freedom truly possible in a diverse society?
• Should religious symbols be allowed in public spaces?
• Is it ethical to teach religion in public schools?
• Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
• Is interfaith dialogue important for peace?
• Should there be restrictions on religious practices that harm others?
• Are science and religion compatible?
• Should children be allowed to choose their own religion?
• Is religion necessary for moral behavior?
• Should religious beliefs be respected even if they are discriminatory?
• Are atheism and agnosticism rising in modern society?
• Should religious texts be interpreted literally or metaphorically?
• Can religious beliefs coexist with modern human rights?
• Is secularism the best approach for a fair government?
• Should marriage be solely a religious institution?
• Are religious holidays still relevant in contemporary society?
• Should religious groups have a say in public policy?
• Is there a place for religion in the workplace?
• Should people be allowed to proselytize freely?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Animal Rights and Welfare

Discuss these engaging topics on the treatment and role of animals in our lives:

• Should animal testing be banned?
• Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?
• Should there be stricter laws against animal cruelty?
• Is it better to adopt pets from shelters rather than buy from breeders?
• Should hunting for sport be prohibited?
• Are vegan diets better for animal welfare?
• Should circuses be banned from using animals in performances?
• Is it ethical to wear fur and leather?
• Should animals be used in entertainment industries like movies and TV?
• Are factory farming practices inhumane?
• Should wildlife conservation efforts be increased?
• Is pet ownership beneficial for mental health?
• Should exotic animals be kept as pets?
• Are animal rights organizations effective?
• Should there be mandatory spaying and neutering for pets?
• Is it ethical to genetically modify animals?
• Should animals have legal rights?
• Are animal-assisted therapies effective?
• Should animal cloning be allowed?
• Is it important to protect animal habitats from human encroachment?

Writing Help from Empowerly 

If coming up with an argument for a persuasive speech topic is stressing you out, don’t worry; Empowerly is here to help. Empowerly provides expert guidance and resources to help you brainstorm, refine, and perfect your persuasive speech, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. With personalized support from experienced advisors, you can overcome any obstacles and create a compelling argument that resonates with your audience. 

And we don’t stop with writing! Empowerly is your number one resource for college admissions support. In addition to helping you craft stellar essays, we can also help you build a balanced school list, develop a strong application plan, and prepare for the SAT/ACT. Our college counselors are the best-rated in the country and have been proven to improve college admission rates by 11x. Book your FREE consultation today. 

Additional Resources:

Looking for inspiration for your college personal statement? Check out our guide Top 40 College Essay Ideas and Topics for valuable topic ideas.

Curious about how persuasive speaking skills can help your college application? Explore College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed to learn how these skills can give you an edge.