Speech And Debate

Informative Speech Topics

Last updated on: Dec 29, 2023

Informative Speech Topics - Interesting Ideas By Experts

By: Cordon J.

12 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Informative Speech Topics

Are you tired of scouring the internet for the perfect informative speech topic?

Struggling to find a subject that's both engaging and educational can be a real challenge. But what if we told you that finding your ideal topic just got a whole lot easier?

We've put together a comprehensive list of informative speech topics just for you! Our list covers a diverse range of ideas that will ensure your audience stays interested.

So, grab your pen and get ready to take notes on the most engaging and informative speech topics of all time!

Informative Speech Topics

On this Page

Informative Speech Overview 

An informative speech is a type of public speaking that aims to educate, inform, or explain a specific topic to an audience. 

It is written to educate the audience about a particular subject. The aim of this public speaking is to present the information in such a way that it allows the audience members to understand and remember it easily.

An informative speech is also a part of speech writing and you can learn everything about the kind of topics it has, here in this blog.

With this article, we hope to solve this problem as we have gathered many interesting informative speech ideas.

How to Find Good Topics for Informative Speech?

A good speech topic is essential to keep your audience engaged and to ensure they learn something useful. It also makes writing and delivering the speech a fun and exciting process for you.

Following are some effective pointers to help you choose an informative speech topic.

Whenever you construct something with the intent of sharing information, your primary focus should be the targeted audience.

To understand the audience along with considering their interests, keep in mind their age and knowledge level.

While considering the audience and their interests is an integral part. Still, it is equally important to write on something that you are passionate about since you are the one who has to spend their time researching and writing the speech.

It is important to consider what the recommended length of the speech is when selecting your topic. The word requirement is directly related to the amount of relevant material you have on your topic.

Informative Speech Topics for Students

Here is a list of informative speech topics for you to choose from. Use these topics as a starting point to take help from. You can mold them as you like or use them as it is.

Topic Generator

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Informative Speech Topics for University Students

  • Would our descendants be happy to see the world in this current state?
  • The impact of man on nature
  • It is possible to change your fate.
  • Is being an adult easy?
  • What are some safety measures for riding dirt bikes?
  • What psychological tactics are used in advertising and marketing?
  • Effects of incentives on employee motivation
  • How can we improve our communication skills?
  • What are some good conversation starters?
  • Is theory more useful than practical knowledge?

Informative Speech Topics for College Students

  • How to prepare yourself for an important interview, such as a job or college interview?
  • How can one improve his communication skills?
  • What is the difference between boundaries and limits?
  • The benefits of a college degree.
  • How to prevent college dropout?
  • How to pick a major in college?
  • How to control your temper in difficult situations?
  • How is a single life better than being in a relationship?
  • How to convince yourself to take the next big step in life?
  • When will remote areas become civilized?

Informative Speech Topics for High School

  • Is homeschooling a better option for students?
  • High school will be the best and worst times of your life.
  • It is possible to ace your way through high school.
  • All high school students should wear uniforms.
  • Boys procrastinate more than girls do.
  • How to set goals for yourself and achieve them?
  • What are the things that make life meaningful?
  • Physical work and slavery: the relationship between the two?
  • Parents need to try and understand their children better.
  • Is telepathy real?

Good Informative Speech Topics

  • The existence of the Bermuda Triangle
  • What are some of the fastest-growing careers?
  • Effective ways to study for a test.
  • How to train your dog?
  • Why do people get tattoos?
  • Vampires and Literature.
  • How can anyone direct a movie?
  • What are some photography basics?
  • Discuss how illegal items struggle in America.
  • What is foreign policy?

Creative Informative Speech Topics

  • How is empathy different from sympathy?
  • What is the best age to get married?
  • Does your brain fall in love with someone too, or is it the heart?
  • How can you spot toxic friends?
  • Do you agree with the phrase “God helps those who help themselves?”
  • How are boundaries different from limits?
  • What are the three basic goals everyone must have in their lives?
  • What is the best way to resolve conflicts?
  • Life goes downhill after high school.
  • Does technology help you become creative?

Are you in need of a motivational spark? Check out this link for more than 50 motivational speech topics !

Easy Informative Speech Topics

  • Is tolerance equivalent to love?
  • Domestic violence against men.
  • The truth about foster care in America.
  • Journalism is the key to fighting corruption.
  • Some of the most expensive paintings weren’t worth the cost.
  • Evolution of makeup.
  • The meaning of different words that changed over time?
  • How can we help refugees?
  • What is the purpose of the United Nations?
  • The English language joins the entire world.

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Sports Informative Speech Topics

  • Is rugby a dangerous sport?
  • Female athletes are allowed to play on male sports teams?
  • What’s more dangerous, netball or hockey?
  • What are the benefits of indulging in sports for all age groups?
  • Difference between American and Canadian football.
  • How does American Karate strengthen your wellbeing?
  • How do sports help with positive self-esteem in children?
  • Sports help improve our mental well-being.
  • Hunting shouldn’t be considered a sport?
  • Smoking of any kind should be banned in stadiums.

Entertaining Informative Speech Topics

  • Fathers are cooler than moms.
  • Parents should be kept off social media.
  • Why do school parties need to happen every week?
  • The worst way to skip class.
  • Why do some people find offensive jokes funny?
  • What do women really say when they mean “I don’t know?”
  • Kanye West for president.
  • How to fall out of love?
  • The strangest person I met on the subway.
  • Wine tastings.

Fun Informative Speech Topics

  • Everyone is a photographer these days.
  • Lying without getting caught is a talent.
  • Every good girl is attracted to a bad boy.
  • A mid-life crisis is an excuse used by people.
  • Elvis Presley is still alive.
  • Ellen DeGeneres should be made President.
  • Robots will make humankind lazier.
  • French is the sexiest accent.
  • Most rich people are miserable.
  • Men need to stop wearing skinny jeans.

Unique Informative Speech Topics

  • Ways to pay off student loans in 10 years
  • What are the benefits of pleading guilty?
  • Ways to get a good internship.
  • A guide to social media apps.
  • How to travel the world for cheap?
  • Colonizing Mars: pros and cons.
  • How to deal with a bullied child effectively?
  • Are video blogs new age diaries?
  • Good online jobs for students.
  • How can one develop a positive relationship in life?

Psychology Informative Speech Topics

  • Why do women lean towards romantic comedies and men enjoy action movies?
  • What will life be like in 250 years?
  • Why are women fascinated by roses?
  • Why wouldn't I want to be a billionaire?
  • Why movies based on true stories aren’t actually true.
  • Why do my younger siblings worship me?
  • How is learning computer language useful?
  • How does the computer understand us?
  • The truth about turning 30.
  • Legalization of assisted suicide.

Informative Speech Topics about Mental Health

Mental health has been a hot-button issue throughout the world for many years. Here is a list of informative speech topics related to mental health:

  • The link between mental illness and substance abuse
  • Understanding different types of anxiety disorders 
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: a solution for chronic stress 
  • Exploring the impact of social media on mental health 
  • How to manage symptoms of depression 
  • Recognizing the early warning signs of mental illness 
  • The effects of trauma on mental health 
  • The impact of the environment on mental well-being 
  • Exploring different types of support for people living with mental illness 
  • Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) and its treatment options.

Informative Speech Topics About Animals

  • Should animals be used to test beauty products?
  • Mice and rats affect us badly and must be killed.
  • Should dogs be outdoor pets?
  • It is unethical to keep birds in cages.
  • Should pets be microchipped?
  • Pets shouldn’t be a birthday present for kids.
  • Why should busy people not keep pets?
  • Dogs make better pets than cats.
  • Animal fighting games should be banned.
  • Animals don’t belong in zoos.

Controversial Informative Speech Topics

  • Why do countries still create nuclear weapons if they can destroy human lives?
  • Parents shouldn’t scold their children in front of other people.
  • Do ghosts really exist?
  • Why is cryptocurrency becoming more and more popular every day?
  • Police force corruption.
  • Who is at fault for teen suicides?
  • Should couples live together before marriage?
  • Gay couples are adopting kids.
  • Unemployment Insurance benefit.
  • Physician-Assisted suicide for terminally ill patients

Persuasive Informative Speech Topics

  • Rise and fall of the Mughal empire.
  • Why did the Titanic sink?
  • How can monkeys climb trees so easily?
  • Team sports without team-building skills are bound to fail.
  • How can college students land good internships?
  • Sports obsession is unhealthy.
  • The growing crime rates on college campuses
  • Why should horses be used for transportation?
  • Using animals for the circus should be stopped.

Looking for persuasive speech topics ? Visit this link and access 150+ inspiring topics.

Demonstrative Informative Speech Topics

  • How to keep your closet organized all the time.
  • What is the history of chocolate?
  • Why is eating pork dangerous for your health?
  • Some near-death experiences.
  • Why do people lie?
  • What benefits do you get from pleading guilty?
  • Having pets makes children responsible.
  • Sponsoring is highly important for sports events to take place.
  • Euthanasia for animals is unethical.
  • It is unhealthy to participate in competitive sports as a child.

Check out this link for 50+ great demonstration speech topics for your next speech!

Informative Speech Topics on Traveling

  • Five creative ways to ensure safety during travel
  • Describe the seven wonders of the world
  • How traveling broadens your horizon
  • Every school should take their students on a three days long trip.
  • How to find the most affordable holiday package?
  • More amusement parks should be designed around the world.
  • What are the ten most essentials for traveling?
  • Which is better, traveling by air or by road?
  • Most popular trekking trails
  • The rise of solo women travelers.

Informative Speech Topics About Life

  • How to be kind to everyone?
  • Ten life hacks that everyone should know.
  • How to pay off your loan quickly?
  • How to buy a new house?
  • A service animal can make your life easy.
  • How to make a marriage work?
  • Minimum wage law
  • All about your favorite dancer
  • How to be a good friend?

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General Informative Speech Topics

  • Cheerleading is an actual sport.
  • Dogs should be outdoor pets.
  • Stray dogs should be removed from the face of the world.
  • Why should sports be mandatory for college students?
  • Do athletes earn way too much?
  • Worst sports trade of all time
  • Rats are severely dangerous and must be eliminated.
  • What is the future of sports?
  • Is the Olympics still relevant?
  • Marine animals must not be kept in captivity.

Best Informative Speech Topics 2023

It's 2023, and the times are changing! Here's a compilation of some top informative speech topics that will captivate your audience.

  • The impact of automation and AI on jobs 
  • New advances in green technology 
  • Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices 
  • Social media's effects on mental health 
  • Gen Z and its impact on workplace culture 
  • Cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs 
  • The evolution of health and wellness 
  • Space exploration: what's ahead? 
  • Understanding climate change in the 21st century 
  • Cryptocurrency: A modern revolution? 

We hope that with the aid of these great public speaking informative speech topics, you could find a topic of your interest. Choose a topic and get started.

You have chosen your topic, but you’ve just now realized how time-consuming it is actually to construct the speech. A whole lot of research and effort goes into it.

Don't worry!

Our professional essay writing service is available to help students like you who either don’t have the time or skill to craft an engaging speech for their listeners. Our writers can craft a high-quality speech or essay or even research papers for all academic-level students.

Whether you need a simple high school essay or a complicated informational essay for college, we do it all.

In addition to our professional writers offering custom help, we also have an AI essay typer for you for instant essay writing assistance. Give it a try!

Cordon J.

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation

A powerful presentation covers a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. Use this master list to find your next great speech idea.

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You have been assigned a speech, presentation, or essay, but you have no clue what to talk about. A powerful presentation begins with a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. But you also need to discuss something you feel excited to research and discuss. 

This guide contains 333 informative speech topics for your next presentation, plus pro tips for delivering the best presentation possible.

What Is An Informative Speech?

Informative speeches aim to teach or instruct the audience about a topic. They include objective information and fact-based research but can incorporate a unique perspective, compelling storytelling , or a powerful take-home message. Unlike a celebratory wedding toast or an inaugural speech , informative speeches are written specifically to educate.

The six key types of informative speeches are: 

  • Definition speeches : This speech aims to explain a concept or theory. For example, a speech topic starting with “What is…?” is usually a definition-type informative speech. 
  • Explanatory speeches : These speeches explain how something works. For example, an explanatory speech could explain how your brain processes information or how an electric car works. 
  • Demonstrative speeches : These classic “how-to’s” show the audience how to perform a task and often include a visual presentation. For example, students could teach their classmates how to be more productive or cook a healthy meal.  
  • Comparative speeches : When a speaker compares or contrasts two alternative things, they help the audience understand the similarities or differences between two topics. For example, a comparative speech may weigh the pros and cons of private versus public schools. 
  • Descriptive speeches : This informative speech describes a person, place, or thing and explains why the subject is essential. For example, a student may teach their classmates about a historical figure, or an entrepreneur may give a descriptive speech about the specifics of their product idea.
  • Persuasive informative speeches : Although persuasive speeches are often categorized separately, some informative speeches can cross over into persuasion by using evidence to convince the audience why a particular method or perspective is better than its alternatives. For example, a salesperson may give a presentation to convince clients to buy their services, or a mental health advocate may give a speech to persuade people to do yoga more regularly. 

How To Pick An Informative Speech Topic: The Five W’s

Whether you want to give a top-notch school speech assignment or a groundbreaking TED Talk , the best informative speeches have one thing in common: they deliver a purposeful message with a captivating delivery. You must understand the basic who, what, when, where, and why to pick the perfect topic. 

  • Who: Before you start looking for topics, you should know who your audience is. A college speech class is a far different audience than a room of conference attendees. Consider what your audience is interested in, why they should care about your speech and their level of knowledge about the topic. If you talk about something too basic, they may be bored, but if you discuss something too technical, they may have difficulty understanding your speech. 
  • What: Consider your passions and existing knowledge about a subject. The “what” of your speech is the meat of the presentation. Imagine a three-circle Venn diagram. The three circles are labeled: “things I am interested in,” “things my audience cares about,” and “things I can research.” The center point where these three circles overlap is the sweet spot for your speech topic. 
  • When (Length): The length of your speech can drastically impact how in-depth you dive into the topic. A five-minute speech should cover a niche topic or a high-level concept. A thirty-minute to an hour-long presentation can teach about a more detailed topic. 
  • Where: If you’re giving a speech in a meeting room at an office, your performance will likely be very different from speaking on stage in a large auditorium. Consider where you will be speaking and what kind of technology (projector, large screen, whiteboard, etc.) you will have available. The geographic location of your speech can also determine your selection of a local or regional topic relevant to the community. 
  • Why: Most importantly, you should know the purpose of your speech. If your goal is to get a good grade, it may help you pay more attention to following the teacher’s rubric. If your goal is to convince the audience to make a lifestyle change or donate to an important cause, you should structure your speech with the core “why” in mind. 

The best speeches combine a simple message with charismatic delivery, an easily digestible structure, and something the audience can relate to. The essence of a great speech is that it arouses something in the audience, such as the motivation to take action or to see things in a new way.

List of Informative Speech Topics: 333 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

In an informative speech, it is essential to have plenty of evidence or data to support your claims. But even the most well-researched presentation can feel hollow without the passion for delivering it authentically. 

As you explore ideas for your speech, you should naturally gravitate toward intriguing and exciting topics. Giving a speech about something you think your teacher or colleagues will like (rather than what you’re truly interested in) could ultimately be inauthentic or boring. Take note of what makes your heart beat a little faster and follow that curiosity . 

Easy Informative Speech Topics

If you’re in a pinch, choose a speech topic that doesn’t require extensive explanations to get the point across. It may be a good idea to avoid anything controversial or technical. Instead, choose a straightforward demonstrative or descriptive topic with a wide range of online information.

  • How to improve your communication skills
  • The most memorable speeches in history
  • Why you should buy an electric car 
  • The most popular cars of the year
  • How to read body language  
  • Top habits of successful people
  • The most famous actors in history
  • The benefits of time in nature
  • Lesser known presidents
  • Most popular breeds of dogs
  • The worst natural disasters in the world 
  • How to eat healthier  
  • Harmful impacts of technology
  • How to survive without electricity 
  • The richest people in the world 
  • The top companies in the world
  • Child geniuses and prodigies
  • How does sugar influence the body?
  • The history of Disneyland
  • How to break bad habits
  • Top beauty products for younger skin
  • How to do your homework faster 
  • How to be more productive  
  • High school students should do these 5 things before graduating
  • Why high school students should take a gap year before college
  • The best healthy snacks 
  • Why you should go vegan
  • How to be more confident  
  • How to start a business
  • Fashion through the decades 

Pro Tip : Start your speech with an attention-grabbing hook that draws the audience in to listen. Try not to start by mentioning a technical difficulty (“Is this microphone working?”) or saying a lackluster nicety (“Thanks for having me.”).

Instead, try starting with:

  • A story: “I’m here for a reason. And It’s an interesting story….”
  • A big idea: “The single most important thing I want to share with you today is….”
  • A quirky one-liner or interesting fact: “You might have always thought….”

Here is a guide on How to Start a Speech: Best and Worst Speech Openers . 

You can also watch our video to learn the best (and worst) speech openers:

Informative Speech Topics for College

If public speaking isn’t scary enough, college speech classes can be brutal. You want to impress your professor without thoroughly embarrassing yourself in front of your peers. These topics are scholarly without being boring. 

  • How you can reduce your carbon footprint
  • Different forms of learning
  • The truth about microplastics and possible alternatives
  • How to ace a college test 
  • Why schools shouldn’t give homework 
  • America’s fastest-growing cities
  • The differences between female and male communication
  • The best marketing tactics
  • The importance of education for a country’s economy 
  • Ethical questions of artificial intelligence
  • Unique ways to stop global climate change
  • How to live to be 100
  • Benefits of E-learning
  • History of education in America
  • How to eradicate poverty
  • The real picture of foster care in America
  • How to decide on a college major
  • Pros and cons of the current education system
  • Economics of urban versus rural development
  • The history of agriculture 
  • How ancient Egyptians built the pyramids
  • How to prevent the top 5 leading causes of death in America
  • Understanding industrial hemp
  • Pros and cons of remote work
  • How college students can become millionaires by age 50 with monthly investing
  • How to start an organic garden
  • Private vs. public school
  • The importance of discipline
  • The most useful websites for college students
  • Where does public university funding come from

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Most people don’t realize that playful topics like video games and reality TV can still be informative. These less serious subjects have the potential to become great speeches that invoke laughter, excitement, or new perspectives. 

  • Can procrastination be good for you?
  • Myth or reality? We only use 10% of our brains
  • The funniest commercials of all time
  • Bizzare sports you didn’t know existed 
  • How snake venom attacks the body
  • What will humans look like in the future? 
  • Weirdest medical facts
  • The strangest phobias 
  • Secrets to a great relationship
  • The fastest cars in the world 
  • What causes hiccups
  • Evidence of life on Mars 
  • The world history of tattoos 
  • Why college students love fast food 
  • The evolution of video games 
  • How cryptocurrency can change finance 
  • Where do stereotypes come from?
  • The most bizarre conspiracy theories 
  • The most influential musicians of our time
  • Top craziest amusement park rides in the world
  • The most fun things to do when you’re bored
  • History of tattoo art
  • The seven wonders of the world
  • How to survive an annoying roommate
  • The truth about reality shows
  • How to create a bucket list
  • The secrets behind the best TV shows 
  • Weirdest foods taste surprisingly delicious
  • How to talk to people you don’t like 

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

The most viral TED Talks combine a compelling or unique idea with exceptional nonverbal delivery. These interesting topics are sure to get your audience thinking.

  • The neuroscience of attraction
  • Mind-blowing facts about volcanoes
  • The psychology of selling things 
  • Why you should turn your lawn into a garden
  • Proof that aliens are real/fake 
  • How to start a business for under $100
  • The history of America from a minority perspective 
  • How technology affects our brains
  • What would happen to the economy if everyone grew their own food?
  • The science and ethics of genetic modification 
  • How the electric car originated 
  • Elon Musk’s rise to success 
  • What is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)?
  • How deaf people talk with emotion 
  • Why smiles are contagious 

Informative Speech Topics About Science

From biology to chemistry to genetics, science encompasses many subjects. Where modern technology meets cutting-edge discoveries, these topics are for inquisitive researchers who want to dig into the data. 

  • How your brain works
  • History of space exploration
  • How solar panels work
  • The evolution of plants
  • Fascinating origins of plant medicines
  • How DNA evidence is used
  • How galaxies are formed 
  • How science is influenced by corporations 
  • Why dinosaurs really went extinct
  • The oldest fossils ever found 
  • How does the human brain work?
  • The effects of music on the brain  
  • The life of Albert Einstein
  • How earthquakes can be predicted
  • The craziest scientists in history
  • What is CRISPR?
  • Potential cures for cancer 
  • What is epigenetics?

Pro Tip : Google Scholar and PubMed are two excellent resources for peer-reviewed scientific literature. Accredited institutions conduct these studies and have undergone the rigor of the scientific method. They even include easy copy-and-paste citations if you need to turn in a bibliography with your speech.

Informative Speech Topics about Animals 

From cuddly pets to the alien-like mystery creatures of the deep ocean, animals are universally fascinating. 

  • How to train a dog
  • The most dangerous animals in the ocean
  • How elephants use plants to medicate themselves 
  • The science behind the fastest animals in the world
  • Can depression be treated with emotional support animals?
  • Comparing reptiles versus mammals
  • The strongest animal in the world
  • Top 10 strangest animals on Earth
  • Comparing human and primate brains
  • Animals that have their own languages
  • Ethical questions with animal testing
  • What causes animals to become extinct? 
  • How to adopt a cat
  • Pros and cons of the pet adoption system
  • Is it kind to keep a monkey as a pet?

Informative Speech Topics Sports

Fitness, sports medicine, and professional sports teams are just scraping the surface regarding this subject. You can talk about the inspiring life of your favorite player or game history. The speech topics are perfect for anyone who loves to sweat and cheer.

  • How sports teach kids discipline 
  • The importance of physical activity for stress relief
  • Why companies should promote workplace fitness programs  
  • Top-paying careers in sports 
  • How people with disabilities can still play sports
  • Football culture in the American south 
  • The importance of sports for children’s socialization
  • The role of sports and masculinity in young boys 
  • Gambling problems in sports
  • What makes a great sports coach? 
  • The best football players of all time 
  • How yoga can complement workouts
  • How to prevent sports injuries 
  • The best physical therapy for college athletes
  • The life of Michael Jordan
  • Game-changing athletes in history 
  • Lebron James’ secret to success  
  • How Jackie Robinson transformed baseball 
  • The best nutrition for athletes, based on science
  • Top vegan athletes in the world 
  • Why cheerleading is/isn’t a real sport
  • Controversial moments in the Olympics 
  • Modern controversies about transgender athletes 
  • The most extreme sports in the world
  • How hockey changed my life
  • Pros and cons of CrossFit
  • Why swimming is one of the healthiest workouts
  • How adult hobby sports can improve socialization
  • Daily exercise improves mental health 
  • The best at-home workouts
  • Top marketing strategies used by the Super Bowl
  • How the Olympics promotes international peace 
  • Should pro athletes have salary caps?
  • How college athletes go pro
  • Top female athletes in the world
  • Interesting sports from around the world
  • Why height is not the most important factor in basketball
  • Why soccer is the most popular international sport
  • Why women’s soccer gets less media coverage than men’s
  • The best solo sports for introverts 
  • How handicapped people can still play sports 
  • The most inspirational handicapped athletes 

Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Speech With Stage Presence

Did you know that public speaking is actually a skill? Many people struggle with stage anxiety because they feel they ‘missed the memo’ on public speaking or they are lacking because they do not have a natural stage presence. Not true!

Stage presence and public speaking are skills you need to be taught—very few people have them naturally. 

Watch our video to learn 7 steps to overcome stage fright and beat performance anxiety:

Here are all the aspects of public speaking you can master.

  • How to make a first impression with an audience
  • How to have stage presence
  • Powerful body language
  • How to speak with a commanding voice
  • What to do with your hands while speaking

For every speaking skill you add to your toolbox, the less speaking anxiety you will feel.

If you want help really diving into your presentation skills, be sure to sign-up for our course…

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Master Your People Skills

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  • Communicate with Confidence
  • Achieve Your Goals

Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support .

Cultural Informative Speech Topics

Learning about different cultures can drastically expand your viewpoint of the world. These speech ideas cover everything from language to ancient history to pop culture. 

  • How to learn about local culture while traveling
  • The importance of workplace culture
  • How to build a positive corporate culture 
  • How social media connects and promotes culture 
  • The oldest cultures in the world 
  • Modern versus traditional gender roles 
  • How women have transformed corporate leadership 
  • The dangers of hustle culture
  • How social media culture impacts self-esteem
  • How to learn from watching movies
  • The rise of podcasts and their role in modern culture 
  • The role of social media in business 
  • How immigrants maintain cultural traditions in their new countries
  • Ancient archeological artifacts you’ve never heard of
  • Native American spiritual traditions
  • Holy herbs and plants across global cultures
  • How to make an African tribal basket
  • The portrayal of black culture in the media
  • Culture of Scandinavia
  • Burial rituals in ancient Mesopotamia 
  • History and meaning of the Om symbol
  • The history of Buddhism
  • How to show respect in Japanese culture
  • The cultural history of African Americans 
  • Chinese traditional foods 
  • Top 10 foreign dishes you have to try before you die
  • The most important spiritual symbols in the world
  • Generational differences in Mexican culture
  • The symbolism of marigolds in Mexican traditions
  • What is Dia De Los Muertos?  

Want to radically improve your presentation skills? Watch our video for 10 presentation ideas:

Informative Speech Topics About History

They say, “history repeats itself.” Consider giving a unique or lesser-known perspective about historical events for a thought-provoking speech. Use museum artifacts and first-hand accounts to guide your points. 

  • The Civil Rights Movement
  • The oldest civilizations in the world
  • Nelson Mandela’s historical impact
  • The truth about colonization and Thanksgiving 
  • How the Industrial Revolution impacted the environment 
  • The real story of the Titanic 
  • The craziest criminals in history  
  • What caused the Great Depression? 
  • What schools get wrong about black history 
  • Religion during the age of the Aztecs
  • Archeological evidence of aliens
  • Ancient history of dogs and wolves 
  • What caused the Salem witch trials?
  • The American Revolution
  • The role of Christianity in slavery
  • Human rights violations throughout history
  • How life changed for Native Americans after colonization 
  • The role of urbanization on the changing American landscape
  • The cowboy era: myths and truths 
  • The American Constitution
  • The most influential people in world history
  • Forming of the United Nations
  • What caused World War I?
  • Financial panics and recessions throughout history
  • The Prohibition era 
  • What led to consumerism in society? 
  • The Vietnam War
  • The California Gold Rush
  • The true story of Pocahontas
  • Little-known facts about Mexican history

Informative Speech Topics About Music

Music is the soundtrack to our lives. Beyond mere entertainment, its impact dives into the roots of culture, identity, and brain function. Here are some exciting ways to incorporate your love of music into an informative speech. 

  • How music can help mental health 
  • Why you should learn an instrument
  • How listening to music improves your productivity
  • Genres of music 
  • Links between classical music and IQ
  • Why do people bond over music 
  • Rarest instruments in the world
  • The easiest instruments to play
  • Best country musicians of all time
  • How hip hop music has shaped culture in America
  • Evolution of rap and hip hop 
  • The origins of rock n’ roll in southern blues music
  • The history of opera
  • The best electronic dance music
  • The impact of reggae music
  • How punk rock got its start 
  • How folk music shaped Appalachia 
  • Country music hall of fame
  • Must-see musical landmarks around the world
  • Importance of gospel music
  • The ethics of sampling other artist’s music
  • How music shapes subculture 
  • Has social media made record companies obsolete?
  • The importance of musical education in public schools
  • Music as a form of protest
  • How sad music helps you overcome heartbreaks
  • Why music shapes generations
  • How dancing can change your mindset
  • From the phonograph to iPhone: History of music machines

Health Informative Speech Topics

The ever-changing landscape of health offers a wealth of resources. Leave an impact on your audience by inspiring them to improve their eating habits or approach healthy living in a new way. Be sure to find the right sources for these speeches to make sure you are citing correct health science.

  • How to extend your lifespan 
  • Links between diet and mental illnesses 
  • How to cook healthy food on a budget 
  • Why a daily walk outside can transform your health
  • History of herbal medicine 
  • Let food be thy medicine: From Hippocrates to modern day food pyramid
  • Why you should do yoga for 15 minutes a day
  • Benefits and drawbacks of a vegetarian diet
  • The healthiest fruits in the world 
  • What is really in processed food?
  • Is weight lifting or cardio better for burning fat?
  • How agriculture affects our health
  • The gut microbiome
  • The dangers of pesticides in our food system
  • How soil health impacts human health 
  • Who controls the food system? 
  • The science behind keto diets
  • The dangers of low-fat diets
  • Top 5 best foods for brain function
  • The daily habits of the healthiest people in the world
  • Differences in definitions of health
  • European versus American food ingredients 
  • The role of fats in brain function 
  • How to fix a headache
  • The benefits of magnesium
  • The best supplements, according to science 
  • The main signs of a stroke
  • The chronic disease epidemic in America 
  • How to lose weight the healthy way
  • Why you should avoid eating seed oils
  • Why you should stop eating gluten 
  • How to prevent arthritis
  • The real causes of diabetes
  • Is meat actually bad for you? Pros and cons
  • How to stop the mental health epidemic 
  • How dental health impacts your digestion
  • Amazing benefits of black seed oil
  • The Harvard Longevity Project: Why happy people live longer
  • Ancient health remedies from around the world
  • Why you should eat fermented foods
  • Causes of cancer and how to prevent it
  • Why people should donate their organs
  • Effects of radiation
  • The healthiest cultures in the world 
  • Why obesity is a modern problem
  • How to have stronger bones
  • Healthcare access for minorities
  • Why fast food restaurants are addictive
  • Pros and cons of salt
  • How to overcome stress
  • The dangers of e-cigarettes
  • People need to drink more water
  • The insurance and healthcare system in America
  • How friendships improve your health
  • Why couples should exercise together
  • Benefits of dark chocolate
  • Dangerous food additives you’ve never heard of
  • Easy ways to improve your nutrition
  • How to reverse hair loss
  • Secrets to have healthy hair
  • Benefits and drawbacks of stem cell research 
  • Why you should stop drinking soda
  • How to reduce asthma attacks
  • Health benefits of ginger
  • Why you should drink tea

Key Takeaways: Find Inspiration for a Speech

Any informative topic can be used to craft a speech, but a showstopping presentation requires thinking outside the box and approaching your speech from a unique point of view. Before you settle on a topic for your next speech, be sure that your speech idea is:

  • Authentically interesting : Discussing something that doesn’t spark your interest is no use. Choose a topic or idea that you actually care about for an authentic and passionate delivery. 
  • Relevant to your audience : If you don’t know your audience, you might as well be speaking to a wall. Professional presenters understand the general knowledge level of their audience and what information will be valuable or interesting to them. 
  • Easy to research : Obscure topics can be alluring and challenging to research. Choose a topic that has plenty of information available in books or online. Be sure to use reputable sources and cite them when necessary.
  • The proper length : The depth and detail of your speech ultimately depend on the length of time you have to talk. Pick a subject that you can thoroughly describe in the allotted time frame.  

Once you narrow down a few of your favorite topic ideas, start brainstorming how you want your speech to impact the audience. Use these 10 Presentation Ideas That Will Radically Improve Your Presentation Skills , such as:

  • Why you should save the best for first and last
  • How to design epic presentation slides
  • Why you shouldn’t over-rehearse
  • How to own the stage 

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50+ Informative Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience

informative-speech-topics

We’ve all been there, staring at a blank page or empty presentation slide, trying to think of a good, informative speech topic that will engage our audience and stop them from staring numbly at their phones. Presentations and speeches can be a difficult task to tackle, especially if you lack a solid idea to get the ball rolling. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’ll dive into 50+ fresh and creative ideas for informative speech topics to help you capture your audience’s attention and give them something to engage with. Keep reading and you won’t be stuck with a dull speech topic ever again!

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

When it comes to selecting an interesting informative speech topic , there is no shortage of ideas. Choosing a topic that is engaging for both your audience and yourself can make the difference between giving a successful speech or not. There are many topics that have the potential to captivate listeners from politics to health, to relationships, and even to entertainment . The most important thing when deciding on a topic is to pick one that resonates with the interests of your audience, as well as being informative. Interesting topics should be specific enough for the speaker to cover in depth. For example, discussing the history of the American constitution would be too broad for a single speech, whereas discussing the second amendment could provide enough information for a full speech. It is also important to consider controversial topics as these can often be very interesting and engaging for listeners. When debating either side of an argument, it is important to do research and be aware of both sides of the issue. This will ensure that you are properly informed before taking part in any online debates or conversations surrounding the issue at hand. Whether you decide to discuss issues relating to current events or those that focus on more personal interest topics, there is no lack of inspiring ideas out there to create an effective informative speech. No matter what you decide, your goal should be to create an informative, engaging atmosphere that encourages others to learn from and appreciate your message.

What are some good topics for an informative speech?

1. The History of Space Exploration: Discuss the timeline from the first satellite in space to present day space exploration missions and their significance. 2. Advances in Artificial Intelligence: Examine how knowledge processing tools such as machine learning and neural networks have changed society. 3. Plastic Pollution: Outline the types of plastic pollution, explain their effects on ocean life, and provide solutions for reducing plastic waste. 4. Eating Disorders: Explain types of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, their psychological impacts, and methods of treatment. 5. Alternative Energy Sources: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power), future potential developments, and environmental issues associated with traditional methods of generating electricity. 6. Cancer Research: Explore modern cancer detection techniques, how genetics play a role in cancer development, and advances in research leading to new treatments or cures. 7. Food Waste Reduction: Describe current levels of food waste, its environmental costs, innovative strategies being employed to reduce waste production, and practical steps individuals can take to conserve resources. 8. Online Privacy: Investigate data security threats posed by technology companies or other entities and discuss strategies for protecting personal information online. 9. Climate Change: Review current scientific evidence demonstrating the accelerating rate of global climate change, discuss possible societal implications if warming trends continue unabated, and present potential solutions that would limit global temperature increases going forward.

10. The benefits and challenges of sustainable living 11. The history and significance of the world’s ancient wonders 12. The psychology of decision making and how to improve it 13. The evolution and impact of social media on our society 14. The importance of mental health and strategies for self-care 15. The benefits and potential risks of artificial intelligence 16. The role of technology in modern education 17. The history and significance of the Olympic games 18. The science behind climate change and solutions for a sustainable future 19. The benefits and drawbacks of globalization on culture and economy. 20. The art and science of lucid dreaming and how it can be used for personal growth and problem-solving.

Popular Informative Speech Topics

When it comes to giving an informative speech, the most important thing is to pick a topic that will capture your audience’s attention. Some of the more popular topics people are interested in include those related to current events, history, media and technology, health and nutrition, psychology and education. For example, a debate surrounding current events might focus on issues such as immigration policy or global warming. When speaking about historical topics, consider discussing famous leaders or pivotal moments throughout history. If you’re looking for trending topics that are related to media, you may want to cover topics like censorship or virtual reality . When picking out health-related topics, consider exploring areas like medical cannabis or the impact of stress on our bodies. As for psychology and education, you may consider diving deeper into the role of learning styles in education or analyze the effects of bullying on adolescents. No matter what type of informative speech topic you choose to present on, be sure to do thorough research beforehand so that you can present a well-rounded argument. This will help ensure that your audience is engaged throughout your entire presentation and leave feeling informed.

Examples of Popular Informative Speech Topics

21. The history and evolution of the internet and its impact on society 22. The causes and effects of global warming and climate change 23. The importance of a healthy lifestyle and fitness 24. The benefits and drawbacks of social media on communication and relationships 25. The impact of technology on modern business and entrepreneurship 26. The history and impact of the civil rights movement in the United States 27. The effects and potential solutions to the opioid epidemic in America 28. The importance of mental health and strategies for managing stress and anxiety 29. The science behind vaccinations and their importance in public health 30. The history and cultural significance of different types of music, such as jazz, rock, and hip-hop.

Here are 10 more:

31. The benefits and potential drawbacks of renewable energy sources 32. The impact of globalization on international trade and commerce 33. The science behind space exploration and the potential for human colonization of other planets 34. The history and significance of different forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, and photography 35. The effects of social inequality and strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion 36. The history and cultural significance of different types of food, such as sushi, pizza, and tacos 37. The importance of financial literacy and strategies for managing personal finances 38. The impact of technology on the entertainment industry, such as movies, television, and video games 39. The history and significance of different world religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism 40. The impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work and the economy.

Reasons to Give an Informative Speech

Informative speeches are often challenging and rewarding to give, as they not only require that the speaker become knowledgable about the topic at hand, but also that they also have the ability to persuade and engage with their audience. Informative speeches are essential elements in both education and industry, helping to promote engagement with a structured presentation and specialized topic or topics. On the one hand, giving an informative speech is beneficial for both the speaker and the audience being addressed. It gives the speaker an opportunity to sharpen their public speaking skills through research and careful preparation of the information being shared. Similarly, the audience members gain knowledge into a specialty field or area of interest, learning more about what they already knew or studying something completely new. Exploring abstract concepts while uncovering hidden facts can also be an invigorating experience for both parties involved in a discussion on an informative topic. However, some may argue that giving an informative speech is burdensome for the speaker for various reasons. Researching for a subject matter can prove difficult when there is limited access to factual information available online or offline. Additionally, informatic speakers must take into account the attention span of their audiences which often means having to parse down large amounts of data quickly or risk having a struggling audience lost in information overload. Despite potential obstacles associated with preparing and delivering an informative speech, opportunities abound when it comes to discovering new conversations and stimulating dialogue among participants. As such, it’s important for speakers to capitalize on these chances by researching thoroughly and honing in on key cornerstones of each topic that bring out its beauty and complexity. With this in mind, we will now move on to exploring best practices for researching an informing speech in the next section.

10 More Unique Informative Speech Topics: 41. The science and psychology of addiction and recovery 42. The history and cultural significance of tattoos in different societies 43. The benefits and challenges of homeschooling versus traditional education 44. The history and significance of different forms of dance, such as ballet, salsa, and hip hop 45. The impact of mindfulness and meditation on mental health and well-being 46. The role of music therapy in improving physical and emotional health 47. The science behind sleep and the importance of a good night’s rest 48. The history and cultural significance of different types of martial arts, such as karate, judo, and kung fu 49. The benefits and drawbacks of remote work and how it’s changing the way we work 50. The science behind alternative medicine and its effectiveness in treating different health conditions.

How to Research for an Informative Speech

When researching for an informative speech, it is important to equip yourself with accurate and trusted sources in order to effectively convey trustworthy information to your audience. It’s important to seek out authoritative sources who possess the most up-to-date details and facts about the chosen topic in order to give an informed and enlightening talk. Resources such as journals, books, websites are all valid places. For example, researching scientific topics may require more reliable resources such as scholarly articles or medical journals instead of online blog posts. It is also recommended that speakers research both sides of an argument if possible before forming their opinion and presenting it on a matter. That way you are well versed in understanding points beyond your own perspective and can provide insight into those perspectives as well. After compiling sufficient data, the next step is organizing them into a coherent message that can be easily digested by your audience. This includes preparing visual aids such as PowerPoint slides or props to both help audiences retain information better but also make the presentation more engaging than solely speaking alone. Questions throughout the presentation can also prompt your audience to become interactive while giving yourself a chance to gauge how well they understand the material presented. Now that you are armed with data from credible sources along with potential organizational tools, you are now ready for the final step which is presenting an informative speech.

How to Present an Informative Speech

When delivering an informative speech, it’s important to provide the audience with an engaging and interactive experience. To do this, speakers should focus on effective structure , clear speaking, and relevant content. Structuring an Informative Speech: Beginning with a strong introduction is essential for getting the attention of the audience. A powerful opening can be done with a joke, story, or quote. It’s also important to end the introduction with a “hook” that entices the audience to want to continue listening. The body of the speech should contain facts, evidence, and statistics to back up the content. Finally, conclude with a memorable statement that reinforces the main idea and encourages thought in the audience. Delivering an Informative Speech: When giving an informative speech, confidence is key. Strive to appear self-assured so that you can persuade your audience into listening. It’s also important to keep a steady pace while addressing the points rather than racing through them quickly – doing so will ensure that the listeners fully comprehend all of your information. Also make sure to clearly articulate each word and pause when necessary in order for certain points to set in before continuing on with other details. Utilizing Relevant Content: When selecting material for your informative speech be sure to pick topics that are not too mundane or complicated…you don’t want this presentation turn into a snooze-fest session! Keep your message lighthearted but still intriguing by offering anecdotes and examples of how this issue has been brought up in life experiences or news stories outside of its primary context. Although using humor is great for captivating an audience make sure you avoid offending anyone since this will not reflect positively on your talk. Lastly, strive to select a subject area that can prompt interesting conversations between you and your attendees. In conclusion, when crafting and delivering an informative speech remember that organization and confident delivery are two key components to getting across your message effectively. Supporting facts and data should also be included within your talk as well as relevant material related to the topic at hand which will allow listeners easily connect with what you are saying and receive value from it.

Creative Ideas to Grab the Audience’s Attention

When giving an informative speech, it is important to grab the audience’s attention right away. This can be done through creative and unique ideas that make the speech more interesting. To start, it is important to create a powerful opening by calling out common myths or misconceptions in the industry that are relevant to your topic. Focusing on one compelling fact can also help introduce the subject and get the listener engaged with your talk. Additionally, you can use personal stories or anecdotes that relate to the topic being discussed in order to draw your audience in and give them further context. Humor is also a great way to engage with an audience. Using jokes or funny stories can lighten any tense conversations and keep listeners engaged throughout the duration of the speech. By making your narrative relatable, instead of focusing on complex ideas, it will help break down difficult concepts and make people relate more closely to your experience and thoughts pertaining to the topic. A simple idea such as this could develop into an interactive experience for all in attendance. Furthermore, using visuals aids like graphics, images and videos can help tell a story for harder-to-grasp topics . This helps break up long passages of text and creates lasting impressions among viewers so they remember the points being put forth more easily. Providing visual representations from different angles of a specific concept makes abstract matters easier to comprehend since they are able to retain those visuals better than long sentences of words alone. These creative ideas should be used strategically so as not to move too far away from the main focus of an informative speech; however, they can be effective tools in engaging an audience when used correctly.

Responses to Common Questions with Explanations

How can i make an informative speech interesting.

Making an informative speech interesting starts with thoroughly researching the topic and understanding what areas of the topic will be most engaging for your audience. Take time to practice delivering the content, paying attention to how you present and pace your speech – vary the speed and style for different points in your presentation. Use humor and storytelling to liven up your delivery and make it more relatable. Incorporate visuals , as well as sound effects or music, to emphasize key points of your speech. Lastly, if you show enthusiasm when you speak and are truly passionate about what you’re presenting, that energy and emotion will be picked up on by your audience and will likely make them more engaged with your speech.

What are the best strategies for research for an informative speech?

The best strategies for research for an informative speech are to start by gathering as much reliable and accurate information as possible. It is essential to have sufficient evidence and facts to back up your claims. Therefore, begin by reading the latest reports on the topic available in books , journals, and articles. Additionally, consider conducting interviews with experts or people who can provide insight into the topic. When you’re researching, make sure you take notes accurately and quickly and that your material is properly organized for easy reference when writing your speech. Also, ensure all sources are up-to-date, credible, and unbiased. To ensure accuracy, cross-check the facts from other sources such as articles from reputable news outlets or interviews with knowledgeable professionals. Finally, anticipate counterarguments and understand different points of view that may exist about the topic. This will ensure you are able to effectively address potential debates during your presentation.

How can I effectively structure an informative speech?

When structuring an informative speech, it is important to keep in mind the goal of providing detailed and accurate information. This begins by understanding your audience and then narrowing the focus of your speech. Here are some key tips to help you effectively structure your informative speech: 1. Create an outline – Start by writing down a few main points you want to get across in your speech. Be sure you know what information each point covers and how it supports your overall message. 2. Make an introduction – Introduce yourself and the topic of your speech, as well as any relevant background information that the audience needs to understand the topic better. 3. Present facts and evidence – Use facts and evidence to support the points you make in your speech. Be sure to cite any sources used for accuracy. 4. Speak clearly – Speak at a steady pace and with a clear, strong voice so that everyone can hear you and understand what you are saying. 5. Reiterate main points – Remind the audience of the main points at least once during the speech, so that they remember them when they think back on what they have heard later on. 6. End with a summary – Summarize the main points of your speech quickly before signing off, again so that everyone remembers them before they leave the room..

Are there any tips for selecting an informative speech topic?

Yes, there are many tips for selecting an informative speech topic. First, pick something that interests you. When the topic is something that you find fascinating or enjoyable to research, it will make it easier to stay motivated while preparing your speech . Second, think of a topic that is broad enough to explore in detail but narrow enough to cover in the allotted time. If your topic is too vague or too specific, you may have difficulty finding information and sticking within the given time limit. Third, aim for a current topic so your speech remains relevant and engaging to your audience. But be sure not to go over topics that are too technical or complex—remember to keep your language accessible. Finally, do some research into any existing material available on the subject so you can avoid repeating information that has already been covered. This will also give you an opportunity to look at the different ways the subject has already been explored and form your own unique angle for presentation.

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126 Good Informative Speech Topics – 2024

June 23, 2024

What is an informative speech? You may be asking this question if you find yourself needing to give one for a class or extracurricular. Unlike a persuasive speech , which is designed to convince an audience of something, or a debate , which can be polemic by nature, an informative speech is meant to educate its listeners on a topic, elucidate an unclear idea, or simply help an audience delve more deeply into a subject. In other words, while informative speeches can persuade or argue, they don’t have to. In this article, we’ll highlight a few tips on how to choose good informative speech topics, and then provide a list of 126 informative speech ideas to get you brainstorming for your next big speech!

How to Choose Informative Speech Topics

Your choice of informative speech topic will depend greatly upon the task at hand: is this speech for a class? A passion project ? A campus rally? A professional development conference? Recruiting for a particular major, club, or community service organization? A high school speech competition? Once you know the purpose and parameters of your speech, it will be easier to select an informative speech topic that is an appropriate subject and size. Additionally, it’s important to consider your audience, expertise, scope, research, and tone before you delve into your writing.

Knowing your target audience is key to creating reciprocity, or the necessary give and take between speaker and listener that creates communication and understanding. Speakers who know their audiences are better able to shape their speeches to be well-received. [i] Imagine, for example, you’re giving an informative speech on “Jane Austen’s narrators.” You must ask yourself: are you giving your speech to a panel of scholars, to educated adult non-experts, or to grade school-aged children? If your audience will be comprised of literature professors, your speech should provide fairly advanced and in-depth knowledge and should be filled with the latest developments in professional literary criticism. If your audience is made up of grade school-aged children, you’ll want to start with the basics, like who was Jane Austen? And what, exactly, is a narrator?

As you give your informative speech, you’ll want to think about not only your audience’s level of expertise in your speech topic, but also your own (and it’s okay if you’re a novice in the subject!). [ii] An informative speech often includes or takes into consideration a synthesis of preexisting scholarship in a field or information around a topic. While you don’t need to apprise your audience of an entire body of research before you begin delivering your speech, you do want to have a working knowledge of the preexisting conversation around your informative speech topic. [iii] This will inform the level of research you’ll need to perform before you begin writing your speech.

In terms of selecting research sources, it’s good to remember the three P’s: peer-reviewed , published , and prestigious . A peer-reviewed source is one that has been evaluated by a group of experts in the field of the writer. It has undergone the most stringent editing and fact-checking and, when first published, is the most up-to-date information in a field. A published source is one that has also usually undergone some editing before publication – though you’ll want to be wary of self-published sources and online publications (these usually don’t receive the same kind of scrutiny as printed texts).

Finally, it’s certainly okay to use online sources, but you want to make sure they are coming from a prestigious or at least well-known source like a national newspaper or even an established commercial website. A good tip for assessing a source’s quality is to check: does this source cite any outside resources in a works cited or in footnotes?

You want to be sure that you are able to cover a topic thoroughly, given the time and resources allotted. For example, if you have five minutes to give an informative speech to your psychology 101 classmates, you could choose a general topic like, “Why was Sigmund Freud important to psychology?” If you have an hour to give an informative speech at a professional psychology conference, you might provide a detailed account of Sigmund Freud’s most important contributions to a particular branch of modern psychology and explain its current significance to the field, including recent developments in research and clinical practice.

Finally, something crucial to consider is the emotional register of your speech. Is the subject matter something serious like an illness or climate change? Or is it a politically charged topic like immigration or gun control? Is it light, like “how to make pizza dough” or “the invention of the roller coaster?” Or is it merely intriguing or educating like, “personality typing and psychology,” “owning a poodle,” or “Ben Franklin’s top five aphorisms?” Gauging the emotional involvement of your audience will help you choose an appropriate informative speech topic for the project at hand and will ultimately let you craft a more effective speech.

The 126 informative speech ideas below run the gamut from broad to very specific and can all serve as starting points as you brainstorm what you’d like to give a speech on. Good luck!

Health & Medicine Informative Speech Topics

1) Ideas on curbing the spread of future global pandemics.

2) What is the endocrine system?

3) What is a physician’s assistant?

4) The importance of blood donation.

5) Disparities in healthcare between different demographic groups.

6) How did Marie Curie contribute to the medical field?

7) What is the role of nurses in primary care settings?

8) What subspecialties are there in women’s health?

9) What recent developments have been made in knee replacement surgery techniques?

Good Informative Speech Topics/Informative Speech Ideas (Continued)

10) What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

11) Telehealth and patient outcomes in recent years.

12) How to MRI machines work?

13) Comparing healthcare systems in different countries.

14) The five most important cancer research innovations in the past five years.

15) What is a plague?

16) How does social media affect mental health?

17) What is the World Health Organization?

18) What are the differences between a midwife and an obstetrician?

STEM Informative Speech Topics

19) What are some important differences between commercial and government-sponsored space flight programs?

20) How do rollercoasters work?

21) The relationship between AI and defense.

22) How are robots used in surgeries?

23) How do you solve a quadratic equation?

24) Why are information systems an important part of modern marketing?

25) What recent innovations have been made in the field of machine learning algorithms?

26) How has cloud computing changed in the past five years?

27) What is the role of engineers in mining and extraction?

28) What is a black hole?

29) What is internal combustion?

30) How self-driving cars work.

31) What are some differences between aeronautical and aerospace engineers?

32) What is Euclidian geometry?

33) How is probability be used in sport management?

34) Why are we running out of helium?

35) What is the relationship between cybersecurity and national politics?

36) The most important uses of 3D printing?

Arts & Humanities Informative Speech Topics

37) What are the most likely interpretations of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be?” speech ?

38) What was the Dadaism movement?

39) Why is the Mona Lisa so popular?

40) The differences between highbrow, lowbrow, and commercial cultural production.

41) What are the major tenets of postmodernism?

42) The influences of Alfred Hitchcock on modern cinema.

43) What is the difference between “performance” and “performativity?”

44) What are the differences between an early novel and a romance?

45) Recent developments in literature and ecocriticism.

46) What is the debate on the Elgin Marbles?

47) In what ways was fashion an important element of the Belle Epoch era?

48) The top five most influential texts in speculative fiction.

49) What is pop art?

50) Who was Andy Warhol?

51) What is The Iliad ?

52) Postcolonial studies as an academic field.

53) The history of the Louvre museum.

54) Jane Austen’s narrators and free indirect discourse.

Psychology and Sociology Informative Speech Topics

55) What is the Enneagram and how is it used in therapeutic settings?

56) How did Pierre Bourdieu define “fields?”

57) What is the Panopticon?

58) What is intersectionality?

59) The role of psychologists in school settings.

60) How is behavior psychology related to consumerism and marketing?

61) What is gentrification?

62) The role of the pharmaceutical industry in psychiatric treatment.

63) Who was Sigmund Freud and why is he important?

64) What is the difference between clinical and research psychology?

65) What is the relationship between social media and mental health?

66) What is neuropsychology?

67) What is an ethnographic study?

68) How did Habermas define the public sphere?

69) What is multiple personality disorder?

70) What is are the “gaze” and the “mirror stage,” according to Lacan?

71) Describe the prisoner’s dilemma.

72) What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Nature and Environment Informative Speech Topics

73) What are some pros and cons of wind farming?

74) Why are microbiomes important for health?

75) What is an axolotl?

76) Death Valley: the hottest place on Earth

77) What threats do spotted lanternflies pose?

78) What are the most significant climate change “points of no return?”

79) Water conservation strategies in the American West.

80) What is biodiversity?

81) How do dolphins communicate?

82) Why was Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring significant for the environmentalist movement?

83) How was the Santorini caldera created?

84) What are plate tectonics?

85) How and why tornadoes happen.

86) What is the El Niño phenomenon and why is it important?

87) Fungus and blue spruce disease in Northeast Ohio.

88) What measures are being taken to curb deforestation in the Amazon?

89) How is the Galapagos ecosystem preserved today?

90) Floridian ecosystems and the Red Tide.

Business, Marketing, Finance and Economy

91) The role of sports merchandising in U.S. women’s Olympic events.

92) Subprime mortgages and the housing market crash of 2008.

93) What are the eight best steps you can take to better your personal finances?

94) Which social media platforms are most lucrative for marketing to each current online generation?

95) What is inflation?

96) What is the relationship between politics and the unemployment rate?

97) What is market saturation?

98) How do we measure the GDP of emergent nations?

99) What developments to we expect to see in the industry competition between EVs and regular automobiles?

100) What is an index fund? What is a mutual fund?

101) Bond holdings late in retirement.

102) The role of social justice in branding.

103) How does search engine optimization work for marketing?

104) Is the influencer economy a bubble?

105) Describe the differences between a CFA and a CPA.

106) What developments have we seen in start-up economies in the past five years?

107) What is embezzlement?

108) What is the history of human resource departments?

History and Travel

109) The religious persuasions of each of Henry VIII’s wives .

110) How the aqueduct system worked in ancient Rome

111) What are the tallest buildings in the world?

112) What was the Black Death?

113) The Watergate Scandal.

114) In what ways was the printing press an important invention?

115) What is the Chernobyl site like today?

116) What was the relationship between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla?

117) Why was the Great Wall of China built?

118) Who were medieval anchorites?

119) The political significance of whistle-stop train tours.

120) What was the significance of the Second Boer War?

121) The Tennis Court Oath .

122) What are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

123) Witch hunting in 1600s New England.

124) What was the Space Race?

125) Why are the bodies of Pompeiians preserved?

126) What is Machu Picchu?

Good Informative Speech Topics – Works Cited

[i] Lloyd-Hughes, Sarah. How to Be Brilliant at Public Speaking: Any Audience, Any Situation . Pearson Educated Limited, Edinburgh 2011.

[ii] Downs, Douglas and Elizabeth Wardle. “What Can a Novice Contribute? Undergraduate Researchers in First-Year Composition,” Undergraduate Research in English Studies (2010) pp. 173-90).

[iii] Graff, Gerard, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 2006.

Informative Speech Ideas – Additional Reading

  • 149 Capstone Project Ideas and Examples
  • 100 Best Political Science Research Topics
  • 64 Social Issues Topics 
  • High School Success

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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July 27, 2024

100+ Ideas for informative speech topics 

Easy, fun, and educational ideas and inspiration for your next informative speech. Check out these starter topics and example presentations

informative topics speech and debate

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An informative speech topic should engage and educate your listeners. Likewise, you should have fun delivering and discussing the subject.

However, choosing a subject that resonates with your audience and aligns with your interests at the same time is tough. To give you some inspiration, we’ve compiled 100= ideas for informative speech topics. The first 100 are categorized by difficulty, while the last 10 are more on the entertaining side (though with plenty of educational value).

To make things even easier, we’ve given you hints on how to structure your speech and presentation for each of the topics below, along with a topic selection guide and advice for making an effective presentation.  

25 Ideas for easy informative speech topics

informative topics speech and debate

These ideas are for simple yet educational and thought-provoking topics you can use for speeches in middle school, or high school, or to practice public speaking at your Toastmasters club. These topics don’t demand exhaustive research, but you’ll want to spruce your slides up with exciting visuals and keep the speaking points short to engage your audience. 

1. How electric cars work 

Electric cars are in higher demand and more accessible than ever before, but how they work remains a mystery to many — especially to your middle or high school peers. Load your slide deck with images of these cars’ key components. Explain how they work using short bullets, then compare and contrast their operation with that of their gas-fueled counterparts.  

2. Most popular sports around the world 

Most of us view baseball as a distinctly American pastime, but did you know that it’s the most popular sport in Japan, Taiwan, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic? There are plenty of such surprises in the world of sports, so this topic is bound to excite and inform in a school setting. Organize the deck by sport for a short, impactful presentation, and pack each slide with relevant statistics. 

3. Tips for healthy eating 

Inspire your audience to pursue a better diet with basic, practical advice on healthy foods and meal plans. You’ll have to do a bit of research, and the nutrition guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are a credible — source of information. Beyond focusing on the nutritious value of different foods, be sure to include sample recipes and meal plans anyone can follow. And don’t forget to enliven the presentation with colorful images! 

4. Healthiest desserts you can make 

Show your viewers some healthy alternatives to the sugar-laden and ultra-processed treats that occupy most supermarket shelves. Dig up some recipes (lots are available online) and ensure that each slide has an appetizing image of the treat along with ingredients and truncated preparation steps. Be ready to explain why each of your chosen desserts is healthy — for example, is it made without sugar, with wholewheat flour, or using a notably nutritious ingredient? 

5. How to improve your sleep 

Advice on improving the length and quality of sleep is a helpful topic for almost any audience — sleep is a vital part of healthy living, and most of us don’t get enough of it. Dedicate each of your slides to a specific habit that enhances sleep hygiene and use images that show the behavior in action. Share some statistics on how each habit impacts sleep quality. 

6. Mac vs PC comparison: what’s the best computer? 

Mac and PC users often clash over which computer and operating system is best, so use your speech to present factual arguments for and against each contender. Slides with screenshots showing the best and worst features of each machine will serve as an effective visual aid. To engage your audience further, build a discussion section into your presentation and let your viewers present and debate their opinions. 

7. iOS vs Android: which smartphone operating system is best?

Comparing two of the world’s most prominent mobile operating systems is bound to stir some debate among your viewers — each likely has one of these devices in their pocket and is probably ready to opine on its superiority. Your job is to educate your audience on the capabilities and known shortfalls of each system so that they can make an informed opinion. Leave some room for discussion as you conclude the presentation to keep your audience absorbed until the end.  

8. Basics of personal finance 

Learning (or brushing up on) healthy financial habits is a useful exercise for anyone, including you — the presenter. The subject matter may be a bit dry for younger viewers, so equip your slide deck with visual content that’s relevant and captivating. Instead of using piggy bank stock images, find YouTube videos of people sharing their experience with a specific money habit. A quick Q&A session at the end of your speech will also give younger viewers ask you questions about concepts they didn’t grasp. 

9. Worldwide weather patterns and their causes 

An informative speech about the earth’s weather patterns and their causes will fascinate viewers of all ages. After all, weather is a topic that permeates our daily lives, but few of us understand the forces that shape it. Focus your speech on meteorological trends that change with seasons and explain what drives them. Maps that show changing weather conditions are effective visuals to use in your speech. 

10. Types of weather phenomena 

Hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and atmospheric rivers are weather phenomena worth learning about as their pace and intensity quickens due to climate change. An informative speech on these meteorological events should discuss their characteristics, causes, any relevant statistics, and resilience tips for the populations they affect. 

11. The greatest natural disasters of all time 

Humans have an innate interest in catastrophes, so an educational speech on the world’s greatest natural disasters is bound to captivate your audience. However, to make your presentation informative, don’t rely on the shock value of disaster photographs alone. Focus on facts — causes, characteristics, casualties, and resilience measures being taken to mitigate the impact of natural calamities in the future. 

12. How to prepare a 72-hour survival kit 

Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes can displace entire cities at a moment’s notice, so knowing how to pack a survival kit is an essential life skill — and an excellent speech topic. Base your presentation on FEMA’s guidelines for gathering an emergency preparedness kit. Go beyond listing items and teach your audience how to use them through images and instructional videos embedded in your slides. 

13. First aid skills everyone should know

First aid saves lives, so basic first responder techniques are an excellent educational speech topic for any audience. At the very minimum, let your speech cover the fundamentals of CPR, choking aid, and wound care, but feel free to expand the topicality if you’re experienced in the subject matter. Instructional videos are the most handy visual aid since they show the steps for performing various life-saving procedures.  

14. How to live off the grid

Living off the grid is a fun and informative speech topic that centers on a popular ongoing trend. Teach your audience how to live off the land with slides that explain how to meet basic necessities like food, shelter, water, and heat without relying on modern facilities. Images and videos (or even interviews) of successful off-grid dwellers will serve as effective visual aids.  

15. Basics of home gardening

Teach the aspiring gardeners in your audience the basic skills of growing plants at home. An informative speech on the fundamentals of home gardening should discuss vital elements such as lighting, irrigation, humidity, ambient air temperatures, and ways of preventing and controlling plant diseases. If you spell out specific gardening techniques, demonstrate them to your viewers by embedding relevant instructional videos in your slides.  

16. Best plants to decorate your home 

Show your viewers the ideal plants for incorporating into a home’s decor. This should be a largely visual presentation, with slides depicting different plant species and their integration into a home’s interior design. Getting these visuals right may take some time, effort, and even Photoshop skills if available stock images don’t show the right plant in the right setting. Prepare good notes to explain why you’ve chosen these plants.  

17. Wonders of architecture: world’s most unusual buildings

The world’s most unusual buildings make for an educational and visually intriguing speech topic. While your audience will marvel at the images depicting these peaks of human achievement, be sure your slide content conveys the most essential relevant facts. These include the building architect, date of completion, and materials used in construction. 

18. What is a smart city?

Educate your audience on the “smart city” concept by explaining the various systems that work in unison to gather, analyze, and utilize data in an urban environment. Since this functionality differs between municipalities, focus your speech on one smart city example (such as Singapore or Amsterdam), and explain each of its intelligent features slide-by-slide.    

19. World’s longest bridges 

Your speech on the world’s longest bridges should educate viewers about vital facts, such as the bridges’ geographic location, span, support system, purpose, and construction timeframes. You can also add interesting bits of history about each bridge to make the subject matter more exciting. For a more impactful presentation, find high-quality images of each bridge and leave the longest span for the last slide. 

20. 10 best gap year trips

Help viewers make an informed decision about their gap year destinations with slides that highlight vital information about each location. Here are some facts to include in each destination slide: best attractions, places to stay, estimated daily spending, local currency and languages, ideal time to visit, and any hazards to be aware of. 

21. How to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling 

Inform your audience of the best tips for staying green while on the go. These may include choosing rail over flights for short trips, switching off electronics in the hotel room, or avoiding frequent room cleanings on long hotel stays. Dedicate a slide to each of these strategies and explain how and why they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions with relevant statistics.

22. World’s best universities for engineering

Guide prospective engineering students through their best university options around the world with a presentation that features each school’s most vital information. Dedicate each slide to a specific school and list available programs, average tuition fees, most common employers of the graduates, and basic info about the location. To avoid boring viewers with the same dry facts, include each school’s most unique and intriguing feature in the slide deck. 

23. Best countries to study abroad  

Create an informative presentation that ranks the world’s best countries for international students. Each slide should feature one of the nations and list information such as the top local universities and programs, cost of living, student visa requirements, and crucially — the reason this nation made your list. 

24. How to make your resume stand out 

Show an audience of job seekers tips and tricks for standing out amidst a sea of other applicants’ resumes. Each of your slides should feature a specific tip with a screenshot of an example in the resume (don’t bother with generic stock images). Ideally, find a video featuring an interview with an HR professional who discusses these resume-crafting strategies and why they work. 

25. How to use body language in an interview 

A speech exploring the use of body language during job interviews should inform viewers via images and (if possible) videos of the do’s and don'ts. Video clips with a body language expert discussing and demonstrating different postures will add credibility to your presentation and keep the audience immersed in the material. 

25 Ideas for intermediate informative speech topics

informative topics speech and debate

The 25 speech topics below are a bit more involved but not quite scholarly, so they’re suitable for high school students in their senior year and their peers in college. You’ll need to research each of the topics thoroughly to convey as much information as possible to educate the viewers and promote critical thought. That said, note that the more data you stuffed into your slide decks, the higher your chances of boring your viewers and losing their attention. So, keep the content info-rich but succinct, and rely heavily on captivating images and videos to tell your story. 

26. How screen time affects children and teens 

Present the relationship between screen time and childrens’ well-being through slides featuring recent study findings. Base your presentation on more than a single study, and reinforce the evidence with videos showing interviews of child psychologists, parents, and children discussing their experience. Since the subject matter is a bit controversial, keep your presentation objective and informative — your viewers can draw their own conclusions.  

27. Why are adults in love with superheroes?

Explore our fascination with superheroes and discuss theories that explain its causes. Start by highlighting the theme’s prevalence in Western culture, then move on to the innate human attitudes that shape it — escapism, optimism, hope, and others. Use credible scientific sources to back up your presentation and give the audience a chance to share their thoughts as you conclude. 

28. A look at the four key parenting styles 

Walk your viewers through the four distinct parenting techniques — authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful. You’ll need several slides for each parenting type; use them to address the style’s methods and characteristics, prevalence in modern society, advantages, and disadvantages. Find a video of a child psychologist weighing each style’s effectiveness. 

29. What is pop psychology and why are we obsessed with it? 

Discuss the popularization of psychology in modern culture and overview the primary ideologies. Start with a timeline showing the rise of pop psychology, and dedicate slides to specific theories and notable individuals. Crucially, present theories that attempt to explain this cultural phenomenon. 

30. What are “blue zones”? 

Take your audience on a tour of the world’s blue zones — regions known for the longevity of their populations. Overview each region, give its life expectancy statistics, prevalence of chronic illnesses, and lifestyle factors thought to promote longer lifespans. Pay particular attention to factors like diet, exercise, socialization patterns, and work-life balance. If possible, include videos with interviews of blue zone residents and their perspective on longevity. 

31. A look at the centenarian diet 

Overview the known, identified dietary patterns among blue zone inhabitants. These may vary by region, but all have certain commonalities in terms of the most prevalent food and nutrient groups. Include a dish or recipe that embodies each dietary pattern you discuss in your presentation. Crucially, explain why scholars believe these eating habits contribute to longevity and good health. 

32. Diet trends across generations

Discuss how diet trends have changed between generations. The simplest way to organize your speech is by generation — start with the Lost Generation and work your way to Alpha. Overview each cohort’s typical regimen and favorite dishes, and try to rationalize the contributing factors behind each culinary shift. To get your viewers thinking critically, leave time for an interactive session at the end of your speech and discuss whether the dietary changes are beneficial for health and the environment. 

33. Why cuisine is a cultural shaping force

Explain how cultural values and ideals are embodied in recipes and culinary traditions. Organize your speech by cuisines, with each slide showing either prominent dishes that reflect aspects of the nation’s culture, or customs surrounding food preparation and service. 

34. How alcohol consumption has changed over time

This speech should highlight the shifts in alcohol consumption across all of the world’s regions. You may not be able to find enough data (or have sufficient time) to discuss drinking statistics from every nation on earth, but show the most prominent examples of changing attitudes — i.e. which nations and regions drink more, and which have curbed their consumption over time. Accompany each finding with factors that may have driven changes in alcohol use. 

35. Factors contributing to the mental health crisis

Present the findings of academic studies on possible triggers behind the ongoing mental health crisis. Use statistics to compare the effects of different factors, and back up your statements with authoritative quotes from clinical psychiatrists. Given the significance and thorniness of the subject matter, keep your speech professional and respectful, and stay objective while presenting. 

36. How social media affects our mental health

Use your speech to educate the audience on the observed mental health effects of social media and their mechanisms. Include positive and negative impacts in your presentation. For each one (for example, loss of sleep quality), include research-based evidence and hypotheses as to why the effect takes place. To keep your viewers’ attention, intersperse video clips of interviews with psychiatrists involved in this research or their test subjects. 

37. What is an LLM? 

Inform the audience about Large Language Models (LLM) by explaining the processes that enable their functionality. Dedicate several slides to addressing common questions about LLMs. For example:

  • Can LLMs reason? 
  • Are LLMs conscious beings? 
  • Can LLMs evolve into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? 

38. What are the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence?

Discuss the various ethical dilemmas that emerge as artificial intelligence gains a foothold in our daily lives. These may include inherent bias, workforce disruption, and AI-powered lethal decision-making in warfare. This speech should stimulate critical thought as much as it informs, so discuss each dilemma you present with your audience.   

39. What is blockchain technology?

Educate your viewers on the basics of blockchain technology. Use relevant visuals and give concrete examples of how each aspect of this technology works. For example, you can show how a Bitcoin transaction happens, with each slide illustrating one of its phases. Be sure to discuss all blockchain applications (not just cryptocurrency), and review its pros and cons. 

40. Can cryptocurrencies replace traditional finance?

Cryptocurrencies’ ability to replace traditional finance are up for debate, so use your speech to inform the audience of the arguments for and against such an event. To start, explain how crypto differs from conventional currencies, list its benefits and shortfalls, and describe government efforts to control its proliferation. Then, dive into credible evidence that backs crypto as the currency of the future, and proof of the contrary. At the end of the presentation, let your viewers opine on the subject matter. 

41. What is the future of transportation?

Explore transportation technologies that are currently being designed, developed, or have recently entered service. Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, new supersonic jets, the hyperloop, or even innovative micromobility vehicles are all intriguing examples. Apart from listing these transportation modes’ capabilities, explain the driving forces behind their invention. What problem are these new technologies striving to solve?  

42. What is causing climate change and how to combat it

Educate viewers on the scientifically accepted climate change triggers and walk through viable strategies for slowing the pace of global warming. As you analyze the causes, use statistics to show which human activities are most harmful. Likewise, include models to illustrate all the potential progression paths of global warming relative to the mitigation strategies we deploy. Touch on new climate strategies, such as geoengineering, and discuss their pros and cons.   

43. These cities will sink by 2050 if we don’t reduce carbon emissions

List cities that are expected to sink below the sea level by 2050 if the world does not reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Tie these predictions to specific emission targets, temperature benchmarks, and sea level changes. Explain whether each of the doomed cities has a chance of either staying above water by natural or artificial means. Likewise, note any preparations to move government infrastructure and populations out of affected cities (as is the case with Jakarta). Finally, touch on the obstacles in the way of these cities’ survival. These may include positive feedback loops accelerating sea level rise, ineffective climate policies, and denialist propaganda.    

44. How to identify propaganda 

Propaganda techniques vary widely, so start by discussing the characteristics common to all propaganda forms: the agenda, the target audience, and the manipulated message. Show concrete samples of these “red flags” in the media (just be careful to stay clear of political battle lines!) Then, use the rest of your slides to analyze different propaganda techniques and their real-life manifestations.  

45. How populism has shaped politics over time 

Educate your viewers on the effect populism has had on politics and governments throughout history. Start by defining the concept, explain its methods and characteristics, and pinpoint its historical origins. Then, walk your audience through historical populist movements and their consequences. Unless you plan to stoke a heated debate with your speech, stay objective and use examples from both sides of the political divide.  

46. How the electoral college works in the United States

Discuss the processes behind the US electoral college within the broader framework of a presidential election. To properly illustrate the institution’s function, explain what happens from the moment the nation casts its ballots to the confirmation of the US president in the Senate. Finally, give examples of US presidents who won elections despite losing the plurality of the popular vote — and the role the electoral college played in these events. 

47. A look at modern monarchies

Inform the audience about the role monarchies continue to play in today’s world. List the reigning monarchs, discuss their powers within government, then touch on their networth and popularity among subjects. To promote critical thinking among your viewers, leave some time to debate monarchies’ relevance and utility in the modern world. 

48. Exploring systems of government 

Teach your viewers about various systems of government that operate in modern nations. Use countries as specific examples of the different government systems. Explain how these governments are formed or elected, how they pass and execute laws, and historical factors that led to their creation. Crucially, list each system’s pros and cons. 

49. The state of democracy around the world 

Use your speech to summarize the state of democratic power across different regions. Use maps and statistics to list nations where democratic norms are seeing improvement, and those slipping into totalitarianism. Address the contributing factors behind shifts in the quality of democracy. 

50. Bloodiest conflicts throughout history 

Present a compilation of the world’s bloodiest conflicts. Include both domestic and international confrontations, and rank them by the number of casualties. Discuss the root causes of each conflict you present, and aggravating factors (such as weapons of mass destruction use, famines, or oppressive political regimes). As you conclude, ask your audience to brainstorm ways to avoid such conflicts in the future. 

25 Ideas for complex informative speech topics 

informative topics speech and debate

The following 25 suggestions are for informative speech topics geared at a university-level audience. These topics delve into sophisticated theories and technologies at the forefront of scientific research. Your viewers may know the subject well, especially if they are your peers. However, do your best to break up the monotony of fact-rich, scholarly content with suitable graphics, videos, and discussion sessions. 

51. Gene therapy: definition, applications, and future development  

Explain how gene therapy works and give a brief overview of its history. Discuss the various delivery methods for gene therapy along with their suitability and pros and cons. Use available statistics to shine a light on the effectiveness of this treatment for different diseases, and touch on the therapy’s ongoing research and development.  

52. What is CRISPR gene editing? 

Define the CRISPR initialism (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), and describe the mechanism behind this gene editing technique. Use effective visuals to illustrate the processes and help your viewers grasp the subject matter. Crucially, list practical examples of CRISPR applications and address the controversy surrounding this method.  

53. How RNA vaccines work 

Show your viewers the workings of RNA vaccines with slides that graphically depict each step, from vaccine formulation to the host’s immune response. Examine RNA vaccines’ suitability for protecting against various diseases, touch on their development history, and compare their effectiveness against other common vaccine types.   

54. Current and future role of AI in healthcare 

Create an informative presentation showing AI’s current applications in healthcare, new AI-based technologies under development, and AI’s long-term future potential in the field. Your slides should describe how AI algorithms enhance various tasks (for example, diagnostic imaging), with statistics that show their efficacy. As you contemplate AI’s future potential in healthcare, ask your viewers to weigh in with their opinions. 

55. How nanotechnology continues to advance and change our world 

Describe the origins and history of nanotechnology, along with current uses, ongoing research, and possible implications. Your slide deck should have graphic representations of how nanotechnology powers various processes and consumer items, and the tools used in its production. Leave some time in your speech to debate the potential of nanotechnology and address concerns. 

56. How does the James Webb Telescope work? 

Your speech should illustrate how each of the James Webb Space Telescope components work in unison to capture images of faraway celestial bodies and transmit them to earth. Dedicate a slide to each of the elements, then show some of the telescope’s latest available images. Compare Webb’s mechanism and output to Hubble's. 

57. What is the future of space exploration?

The future of space exploration is a conjectural topic, so your speech should give your audience all the necessary information to make an educated guess. Start off by analyzing past space missions, the reasons behind them, the technology used, and the limitations they faced. Then, consider the same factors in the context of the future. What will motivate humans to continue space exploration? What technology will be available, and what constraints will we continue to face? Allow some time for debate before you conclude the speech. 

58. Can we make Mars inhabitable? 

Our ability to inhabit Mars is a speculative topic, so approach it with these facts: 

  • How suitable is Mars’s surface for habitation
  • Technology needed to make Mars inhabitable 
  • Current technical constraints and potential for their resolution
  • Implications for humans on Mars-bound missions 

After presenting the facts above, describe current plans for human Mars missions. Explain their current status, what they plan to accomplish, and what obstacles they currently face. Finally, get viewers to opine on the viability of Mars inhabitation. 

59. Future of supersonic commercial air travel 

Overview the current commercial supersonic projects (Boom and Quesst), and contrast them against the Concorde and Tu-144. List the challenges these original supersonic airliners faced, and explain why they ceased operating. Discuss whether Boom and Quesst will be able to overcome these same obstacles and make supersonic air travel possible again. 

60. How much of a threat is technological singularity? 

Discuss the concept of technological singularity and overview contending theories on its potential, mechanisms, and timelines. Crucially, explain why some scholars believe that singularity is inevitable. Finally, address the possible implications of singularity and the threats humanity might face as a result. 

61. Exploring the causes of political polarization

Guide your audience through the innate causes and triggers behind polarization in politics. Explain why some degree of polarization may be inherent in al democratic systems, especially where parties have widely differing ideologies. Then, talk about specific events that exacerbate polarization, such as gerrymandering or social media algorithms. Conclude with a debate on the subject matter, but steer the conversation clear of political flashpoints.  

62. How gerrymandering amplifies political polarization 

Gerrymandering is a redistricting technique that redraws borders in favor of a political party and ratchets up polarization among the voters. To illustrate the process, present instances where redistricting is believed to have fomented political divide. Stay objective and find examples from both sides of the political divide to avoid causing tension among your audience.  

63. What is dark matter? 

You may not be able to define dark matter, but you can overview the current, widely accepted hypotheses about its composition and place in the observable universe. Explain what we do know about dark matter (such as its interaction or lack thereof with light, the electromagnetic field, and gravity), present evidence of its existence, and list constraints that keep us from learning more about this mysterious phenomenon. 

64. How does the Placebo effect work?

Explain the neurophysiological process in the brain that helps the patient to feel better without actually treating the underlying cause of the symptoms. Discuss the various applications of placebos in medical practice and research. Supplement your speech with graphics that show the neural processes behind the effect and make it easier for your audience to grasp.

65. How intelligent are animals? 

Educate your viewers on the cognitive abilities of different animals. Consider ranking the animals in your presentation by intellect, with the most intelligent species appearing last (this will help your speech build momentum). For each animal, explain how its intelligence was assessed, whether it manifests in observable behavior, and how it helps the species excel in its environment. Videos of these behaviors could make your speech more intriguing. 

66. Plant and animal species on the brink of extinction 

Walk your viewers through a list of fauna and flora species that are either critically endangered or already extinct in the wild. For each species, detail the present populations, habitat, and crucially, the factors pushing it to extinction. Also, list conservation efforts underway to protect any of the threatened species and discuss their efficacy. 

67. Are there habitable earth-like exoplanets? 

Use your speech to present the exoplanets currently thought to have habitable, earth-like conditions. Explain how and when each planet was discovered, where it’s located in the Universe, how far it is from earth, and why scientists believe it may be inhabitable. List factors that determine whether a planet may be a host for lifeforms. 

68. The search for extraterrestrial life 

Outline the past and present efforts to find life beyond our planet. Talk about the different methods that have been used to look for extraterrestrial life and explain their outcomes. Likewise, list UFO sightings and purported alien encounters and discuss whether they are credible evidence of life on other planets. Finally, inform your audience about developing technologies that will enable us to find signs of life deep in the universe in the future.

69. How our microbiome connects the gut to the brain 

Explain the gut-to-brain connection that exists thanks to our microbiome. Use explanatory visuals to show the different types of beneficial and harmful bacteria that exist in the gut, and how these microbes influence our physical and mental well-being. Be sure to clearly illustrate the neurological processes through which the microbiome connects to and affects the human brain. 

70. Exploring the current climate change models and predictions 

Educate your viewers about the scientifically accepted climate change predictions and the models on which they’re based. Outline predictions for the next 50-100 years, with models showing how outcomes differ relative to the average temperature increase. Include consequences such as changing coastlines, population displacement, extinction and endangerment of plant and animal species, and effects on the economy.  

71. Superbugs: the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria 

Discuss the emergence of bacteria that can resist antibiotics and the root causes of their evolution. Cite specific medical cases where antibiotics were unable to treat previously treatable conditions. Explain what hazards such pathogens pose to humanity, and what (if any) measures are being taken to contain their spread and development. 

72. How to mitigate the effects of the next pandemic

Each pandemic humanity has lived through taught us invaluable lessons about disease prevention and control. Share these lessons in a speech that features key strategies for reducing the human and economic toll of inevitable future pandemics. Discuss how differences in virility and transmissibility affect the tactics used to contain their spread. Finally, tell your audience which pandemics are most and least likely to occur, and how prepared we are to handle them.  

73. What is quantum cryptography?

Explain the concept of quantum cryptography, its origins, and the reasons for its inception. Cover the processes through which cryptographic activities occur in the quantum state, how they differ from non-quantum ciphering, and what advantages they offer. Spell out distinct examples of quantum cryptographic applications, and potential for further development of these technologies. Since the topic requires at least intermediate knowledge of quantum mechanics, clearly cover the relevant fundamental concepts of this field and leave some time for a Q&A session in case your viewers have questions. 

74. What is the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)?

Inform your viewers about the fundamentals of Modern Monetary Theory and how they play out in practice. Explain MMT’s five key tenets, and illustrate each of these with a real-life example. Compare MMT against Keynesian economic principles and list its benefits and shortfalls.   

75. Inflation, recession, and stagflation

Describe each of the three economic states, their causes, and their inter-relationship. Outline the factors that trigger each state and the policies designed to rectify them. Give real-life examples of inflation, recession, and stagflation, and the effects they’ve had on people’s everyday lives. 

25 Debate-worthy informative speech topic ideas 

informative topics speech and debate

The 25 topic ideas below have no place at the dinner table. However, their controversial subject matter demands debate and thoughtful action and they’re quite suitable for a mature, adult audience. 

Since these topics are meant to inspire discussion, your job is to supply relevant facts and stay objective while you present. Credible statistics presented with clear, impactful visuals are most effective. With hard facts laid out clearly in front of them, your audience has the best chance of thinking critically, being willing to see multiple perspectives, and engaging in constructive dialogue.

76. Is gentle parenting effective? 

Present evidence confirming and disputing the efficacy of gentle parenting (also known as “passive parenting.”) Find relevant statistics or expert opinions from child psychologists, educators, and parenting coaches to reinforce your speech. Finally, let your audience — the parents in particular — opine on the matter.  

77. Are video games an acceptable pastime for children? 

Showcase statistics on the effects of video games on children’s cognitive abilities, school performance, behavior, and personality. Rely solely on expert evidence — study results, clinical research, and opinions of child psychologists. Then, conclude your speech by inviting audience members to speak their minds. 

78. Individualism vs collectivism: which social system works best?

Describe the characteristics of individualism and collectivism, and offer examples of societies where one of the systems is considerably more prevalent. Compare these societies across metrics such as education levels, GDP, life satisfaction, human rights, and the state of democracy. Likewise, explore societies that balance individual and collective needs. After this analysis, allow your viewers to express their views on the topic.  

79. What are acceptable limits on free speech? 

Guide your audience through the various laws that protect and restrict free speech in the US and abroad. Find examples of positive and negative outcomes of such laws. Finally, ask your viewers what “freedom of speech” means to them, and how much of it they’re willing to sacrifice for the common good. 

80. What is net neutrality and how does it affect us? 

Explain what net neutrality means and cite specific laws that strive to make the internet “neutral.” Present examples of such laws in action, and ask the audience to consider their benefits and shortfalls.  

81. Is the world warming naturally or due to human activity? 

Start by describing the causes of ice ages and interglacial periods in the past and the feedback loops that exacerbated these climatic shifts. Next, present scientific evidence that pinpoints current shifts in the earth’s climate that wouldn’t have taken place without human activities. Examine how and why current climate change differs from glacial and interglacial cycles of the past. 

82. Pros and cons of AI use in an educational setting

List the various capabilities that AI products like ChatGPT afford students, and analyze their pros and cons from an educator’s perspective. For example, you may conclude that AI-generated essays impede academic progress, while AI-enhanced slide presentations let students focus their brainpower on the slide content by automating tedious tasks like slide design and formatting. 

83. Is AI disruptive or a force for the good?  

Outline the human activities AI has automated already, and those it will potentially take on in the future. Consider whether this automation will disrupt or enhance the quality of our lives. Examine factors that may contribute to either of the outcomes — for example, effective regulatory policies or powerful AI technology falling into the wrong hands. Give your viewers time to share their thoughts on the matter before you conclude. 

84. Does AI dehumanize us?

Share examples of AI art and compare it to pieces produced by humans. Let your audience compare samples of human-written text with AI-generated content that now permeates the web. Inform your viewers of any art activities AI can now perform. Then, ask them whether these creative tasks — formerly firmly in the human domain — can still elicit the same emotional response from us even if they’re automated. There are no right or wrong answers, and the debate you inspire with your speech will be as informative as the facts you’ve presented in your slides.  

85. What are deepfakes and how do we handle them?

Define deepfakes, explain how they’re made, and list their uses. Include videos with first-hand examples of people affected by deepfakes, and discuss what strategies should be in place to protect us from their harm. 

86. How to solve the addiction and mental health crises 

There are many proposals to address ongoing addiction and mental health crises, and you can summarize them in your speech. Describe each action plan in detail and include potential benefits and drawbacks. Show real-life examples of these strategies in action if you find them, along with reported outcomes. With the facts before them, your audience should be able to debate the efficacy of each proposed solution.   

87. Advantages and disadvantages of harm reduction 

Review the positive and negative effects of harm reduction policies on the addiction crisis, and try to establish whether the pros outweigh the cons. Ask your audience whether saving the life of a drug user is worth the possible proliferation of drugs within the community and the subsequent new addictions. These are tough moral questions, so moderate the debate to keep the discussion from getting heated. 

88. Arguments for and against the death penalty 

Educate your audience on the key arguments for and against the death penalty. For example, consider its efficacy as a deterrent and use crime statistics to back up your assertions. Likewise, discuss the punishment’s irreversibility and thus the chances of innocent people being executed. Get your viewers to opine on whether or not governments have the moral authority to kill their citizens. 

89. Thought experiments in ethics and morality

Engage your viewers with a series of ethical thought experiments. Consider using experiments such as the Heinz dilemma, survival lottery, the trolley problem, or any others that challenge participants to make tough moral decisions. 

90. Gun violence in the US: causes and potential solutions 

Present the latest gun violence statistics across the US and consider their causes and possible solutions. Discuss any preventative strategies that are currently in place and analyze their efficacy. Compare statistics across other developed nations, then ask your viewers to opine on what makes the US such a hotbed of gun crime. 

91. Is there a way to be an ethical billionaire? 

Using simple math, show your viewers how much one has to earn — and for how long — to make a billion dollars. Include real-life examples of billionaires and describe their journeys. Consider the special privileges they may have had that helped them attain their wealth and compare their efforts to those of the many employees that help them amass fortunes. At the same time, outline each of these folks’ charitable contributions, annual tax payments, and the number of jobs they create. At the end of your presentation, hold a debate to establish whether it’s possible to be an ethical billionaire.  

92. Pros and cons of genetic engineering 

Inform your viewers of the current genetic engineering practices, their applications, benefits, and shortfalls. Discuss any ethical implications of genetic engineering, and how these can be resolved. 

93. Risks and benefits of nuclear power 

Educate your viewers on the known risks and benefits of nuclear power. Explain nuclear plants’ capacity to produce clean energy with no greenhouse gas emissions, and compare their outputs against those of renewable generation methods, such as solar farms. At the same time, discuss the risk of accidents and their consequences for health and environment. Do some high-level calculations to establish how the world’s electricity needs can be met without nuclear power as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. 

94. Drawing the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation 

Define “cultural appropriation” and explain how it differs from appreciating other cultures. Give specific examples of both practices to illustrate the distinction for your viewers. Ask your audience if they’ve ever unwittingly participated in cultural appropriation, and if they see the practice as offensive or innocent.  

95. Does “cancel culture” work? 

Cancel culture is a form of boycott meant to promote social justice and give a voice to the vulnerable. Whether it always works as intended is up for debate. So, focus your presentation on real-life examples of cancel culture at work, and try to establish (together with your audience) whether justice was served in each case. 

96. Is armed intervention ever justified? 

Analyze the reasons behind the world's many conflicts and reconcile them with the outcomes. For example, how does US involvement in WWII compare to the war in Vietnam? In which of these cases was the use of force on foreign soil justified, and can the same ethical formula apply to future conflicts? 

97. How social media algorithms distort our perception of reality 

Use examples to demonstrate how social media algorithms create “filter bubbles” — feedback loops that expose us to more of the same content in which we’ve shown interest. Explain how these filter bubbles have the potential to misinform viewers, sway them emotionally, and even radicalize them. Together with your viewers, discuss possible strategies for containing this phenomenon and mitigating its effects.

98. Assisted suicide laws across the world 

Prepare an analysis of euthanasia laws worldwide. Explain how these laws differ in each nation, and what the outcomes have been so far. Be sure to delineate between active and passive euthanasia and current laws. Likewise, discuss the controversies surrounding assisted death. For example, Canada plans to expand eligibility to the mentally ill, while other nations let minors access the option even without a terminal disease. 

99. How do we measure happiness? 

The World Happiness Report measures happiness by polling populations using metrics such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, and personal freedoms, among others. Meanwhile, the nation of Bhutan has a Gross National Happiness Index, which quantifies happiness on a broader spectrum that includes 33 indicators. Present these tools to your audience and discuss their efficacy. Finally, let your viewers pitch their own criteria for measuring happiness levels. 

100. Different visions for the future of humanity 

The future of humanity is a highly conjectural topic. The best you can do during your speech is inform the audience of the critical factors currently shaping our civilization’s path (think climate change, weapons of mass destruction, and the rise of AI), then ask for opinions. Let your viewers speak and share their vision for our future. 

10 Fun informative speech topic ideas

informative topics speech and debate

The next 10 topics are light and fun but educational nonetheless. If you do your research and deliver the findings in an engaging presentation, your viewers will walk away entertained and know more about the world. (Whether this new knowledge is useful is up for debate).

101. How cults indoctrinate and control their members 

Outline the methods cults typically use to recruit, indoctrinate, and control their members. Explain which people are most likely to respond to a cult’s messaging, and why. Give examples of notable cults and the techniques they used to recruit and brainwash adherents. 

102. Most bizarre and disturbing conspiracy theories 

Compile the world’s most prominent conspiracy theories for an intriguing and informative speech. From Paul Is Dead to Lizard People, conspiracy theories show how fringe ideas gain mainstream acceptance. They may be entertaining, but remind your audience not to dismiss these theories as trivial — these phenomena often have very real consequences, like legitimization of violence and endangerment of public safety. 

103. Why some people believe in conspiracy theories 

Explore why some people are more susceptible to beliefs in conspiracy theories. Walk your audience through contributing factors, such as mistrust of authority, social isolation, major life changes, and others. If possible, include video clips of interviews with former and current conspiracists in which they explain their path down the rabbit hole. 

104. Are UFOs real?  

Overview the world’s most notable UFO and alien encounter reports, with witness accounts and images (if possible). For each encounter, supply the official explanation and debate it with your viewers. Be sure to cover the most recent US government revelations on secret military tests that may have been mistaken for UFOs. 

105. Most mind-boggling mysteries that are still unsolved

Fascinate the audience with a list of the strangest and most unsettling mysteries that remain unsolved to this day. If you can, equip each of your slides with relevant images and clips of interviews of parties involved. Provide currently accepted interpretations of the events, and invite your viewers to opine.   

106. Secret government experiments revealed 

Compile a list of the most intriguing government experiments that have been revealed to the public. Describe the purpose of each experiment, the process, and the outcome. Any official interviews or declassified documents will help you bolster the credibility of your speech.

107. Strangest laws in each US state 

There’s no shortage of bizarre state laws, so pick the most outlandish one from each state. Explain what each piece of legislation tried to accomplish at the time of its passage, and tell your viewers whether it still gets enforced. 

108. Most ridiculous sports in the world 

Walk your audience through the world’s most absurd organized sports. From ferret legging to extreme ironing, there is no lack of ridiculous activities for humans with too much time on their hands. Overview each of your chosen sports’ origins, basic rules, and popularity across the world. 

109. How different cultures celebrate life’s milestones 

Explain how major life events like births, deaths and weddings are celebrated around the world. Discuss each tradition’s particulars, symbology, cultural roots, and significance to the people who observe it. Get your viewers to share their respective cultures’ customs as you conclude the speech.  

110. Breakfasts around the world: How different cultures start their day

Take your viewers on a culinary journey through different nations’ favorite breakfast meals. Present the origins, unique flavors, and key ingredients of each dish. Then, ask your audience to share their cultures’ quintessential breakfast items. 

How to choose a speech topic

Your speech topic should be relevant, educational, and thought-provoking, yet easily comprehensible by the viewers. To this end, use the five steps below to find the most suitable subject matter for your speech. 

  • Consider the purpose.  
  • Understand the audience.
  • Factor in your knowledge and interest.  
  • Adapt to the setting. 
  • Account for the availability of visuals.  

1. Consider the purpose  

Establish the objective of your presentation and choose the speech type accordingly. There are five common speech types, all of which convey different kinds of information: 

  • Definitional: Explains the meaning of the topic’s subject. Topic example: “What is net neutrality and how does it affect us?”
  • Descriptive: Depicts in detail the subject of the topic. Topic example: “Breakfasts around the world: How different cultures start their day.”
  • Explanatory: Overviews the functions behind a specific process. Topic example: “How our microbiome connects the gut to the brain.” 
  • Demonstrative: Lists steps to perform a task. Topic example: “How to mitigate the effects of the next pandemic.”
  • Comparative: Compares and contrasts two items, with a thorough analysis of the similarities and differences. Topic example: “Individualism vs collectivism: which social system works best?”

2. Understand the audience 

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred speech type, consider how different topics within this category will resonate with your audience. Think about the viewers’ knowledge level, and choose subject matter that is challenging but graspable at the same time. Likewise, gauge their interest in your potential topics — the last thing you want is a crowd that’s dozing off as you speak. 

3. Factor in your knowledge and interest

Choose a topic that interests you — at least to some degree. Otherwise, your speech may turn out lifeless and you’ll struggle to deliver the information in a captivating way. You viewers will respond by tuning you out. 

4. Adapt to the setting 

Make sure you can present your chosen speech topic in your setting. For example, subject matter that’s best conveyed with lots of images or audio requires the facilities to run a slideshow. If the speech venue doesn’t have a screen, projector, and speakers, stick with topics where your words and your interactions with the audience can do all the work.  

5. Account for the availability of visuals.

Some subjects are best taught through visuals. If your preferred topic falls under this category, make sure that you can source relevant images and videos — don’t fill your slides with generic stock images. 

How to prepare your informative speech presentation

Now that you’ve chosen your speech topic, it’s time to prepare the presentation that will accompany you on the stage as you speak. By following the following five steps, you’ll make a presentation that effectively guides both you and your viewers through the key points of your speech. 

  • Research thoroughly 
  • Adhere to the 6 C’s of informative speaking 
  • Find a suitable platform for creating your presentation 
  • Ask for a peer review 

1. Research thoroughly 

Your task is to compose a speech that informs, so to start, research your topic until you know it like the back of your hand. Use credible sources, not just random blogs you find on Google (Google Scholar is an excellent choice). As you study the subject matter, note all the pertinent data, and create an outline that presents information in smooth, contextual flow. 

2. Adhere to the 6 C’s of informative speaking 

The 6 C’s of informative speaking help you deliver (and your audience absorb) the message effectively. A speech that adheres to the 6 C’s is:

  • Clear: Use clear phrasing that everyone understands. 
  • Colorful: Enliven your speech with color to keep the viewers’ attention. 
  • Concrete: Eliminate ambiguities and deliver concrete information that leaves no room for misinterpretation. 
  • Correct: If you present something as a fact, make sure you’ve triple-checked its accuracy. Leave no room for factually incorrect information in your presentation. 
  • Concise: Keep the written content in your slides and your speaking notes as short as possible. 
  • Courteous: Remain respectful and courteous throughout your speech, especially if the topic is controversial.  

3. Find a suitable platform for creating your presentation

Find a presentation maker to help you tackle your slides quickly and without excessive manual effort. For example, Plus AI does all the heavy lifting and lets you generate professional presentations from a prompt , then helps you edit and format the slides quickly. With these tedious tasks out of the way, you can focus your efforts on the content of the speech. 

4. Ask for a peer review

Get your fellow student or coworker to review your presentation and give you their notes. You can even rehearse the speech with them to get some feedback on the delivery. Such a rehearsal should help you refine your speech (and slides) before the big day. 

Preparing for a speech can be daunting but finding the right topic makes the experience much more enjoyable. Hopefully this list serves as a good source of inspiration. If you'd like more unique presentation ideas , check our our list of persuasive speech ideas or try out our Pecha Kucha and  PowerPoint Karaoke slide decks to get you into the right mindset to make a great presentation.

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630 Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

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  • Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
  • Icon Page 5194 words
  • Icon Clock 23 min read

Informative speech topics cover diverse subjects meant to educate the audience by providing relevant data and unique insights. They can range from scientific themes to historical subjects. Topics can also encompass health matters, discussing breakthroughs in mental health therapy, or decoding the complexity of modern nutrition. Technology is another rich area, highlighting advancements in artificial intelligence or space exploration. Cultural and social topics, like the global influence of pop culture or the impact of social media, offer engaging perspectives. All speech topics should captivate, inform, and stir curiosity, ultimately enabling listeners to gain a greater understanding of the world.

Good Informative Speech Topics

  • Revolutionizing Medicine With 3D Printing
  • Understanding the Mechanism Behind Dreams
  • Mysteries of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
  • The Powerful Impact of Blockchain Technology
  • Climbing the Ladder: The Evolution of Video Games
  • Unearthing the Hidden Treasures of the Ocean
  • Delving Into the Science of Happiness
  • Biodiversity Loss: Implications for Our Planet
  • Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
  • Grasping the Complexities of Artificial Intelligence
  • Impactful Women in History and Their Contributions
  • Journey into the Mind: Unraveling Mental Health
  • Effects of Climate Change on Polar Ice Caps
  • Advancements in the Field of Nanotechnology
  • Dismantling the Myths Around Vaccines
  • Food Security Challenges in the 21st Century
  • Fascinating Mysteries of the Universe Yet to be Solved
  • The Intricate Relationship Between Diet and Health
  • Encountering the Wonders of Bioluminescence
  • Unmasking the Reality of Cybersecurity Threats
  • The Legacy of Ancient Greek Philosophy
  • Bridging the Gap: Understanding Cultural Diversity
  • Pioneers in Space: The Achievements of NASA
  • Influential Social Movements of the 20th Century

Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

Easy Informative Speech Topics

  • Decoding the Language of Body Expression
  • The Role of Microplastics in Environmental Pollution
  • Music’s Influence on Cognitive Development
  • Understanding Animal Behavior and Intelligence
  • Revealing the Magic of Magnetic Levitation
  • The Global Impact of Cryptocurrencies
  • Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy: A Comparative Analysis
  • The History and Evolution of Comic Books
  • Unfolding the Story of Human Evolution
  • Tracing the Roots of Yoga: From Ancient Times to Modern Practice
  • Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Remarkable Ability to Change
  • Tackling the Consequences of Deforestation
  • Discovering the Depth of Marine Biodiversity
  • Harnessing the Power of Wind Energy
  • The Fight Against Cancer: Modern Treatment Methods
  • Life on Mars: What Science Tells Us
  • Navigating the Complexities of Global Immigration
  • The Evolution and Impact of Social Media
  • Drones and Their Multifaceted Applications
  • Digging Into the History of Archaeology
  • Learning from Past Pandemics: Lessons and Precautions
  • The Sublime World of Quantum Physics
  • The Intertwined History of Mathematics and Astronomy
  • Revealing the True Impact of Fast Fashion
  • Analyzing the Causes of Youth Unemployment
  • The Influence of Classical Literature on Modern Society

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

  • Understanding Genetic Engineering and Its Potential
  • Delving Into the World of Performance Arts
  • The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Investigating the Effects of Noise Pollution
  • The Art and Science of Winemaking
  • The Fascinating Journey of Language Evolution
  • Advances in Electric Vehicle Technology: A Step Toward Sustainable Future
  • Exploring the Depths of the Mariana Trench
  • Immortality through Science: The Promise of Biogerontology
  • Dissecting the Socioeconomic Impact of Sports
  • Myths and Truths About Human Memory
  • The Role of Robotics in Modern Healthcare
  • The Science and Art of Coffee Brewing
  • Interplay of Climate Change and Global Food Production
  • The Stunning Architectural Wonders of Ancient Rome
  • Magic of Algorithms: The Backbone of Modern Computing
  • The Impact of Colonization on Modern Societies
  • Harnessing Solar Energy: Advances and Challenges
  • Understanding the Complex World of Tax Laws
  • Coral Reefs: Underwater Ecosystems at Risk
  • Gravitational Waves: Probing the Universe’s Violent Events
  • The Influence of AI on the Job Market
  • The Intricate Art of Origami and Its Mathematical Connections
  • The Marvel of Bioluminescent Organisms in the Deep Sea
  • Modern Architecture: Blending Aesthetics and Sustainability

Informative Speech Topics for Fun

  • Unraveling the Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
  • Evolution of Video Games: A Walk Through History
  • Decoding the Art of Brewing the Perfect Coffee
  • The Fascinating Science Behind Dreams
  • The Adventurous Journey of Space Exploration
  • Impressive Architectural Wonders of the Ancient World
  • The Secret World of Animal Communication
  • Unlocking the Powers of Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Exploring the Underwater Kingdom: Marine Life and Its Wonders
  • Demystifying the Intriguing World of Magic Tricks
  • A Glimpse into the Mysterious Lives of Spies
  • Chocolates and Happiness: A Delicious Connection
  • Journey Through the Genres of Music: An Auditory Delight
  • The Enthralling Evolution of Animation in the Film Industry
  • Unearthing the Secrets of the Egyptian Pyramids
  • Robots and Their Influence on Future Society
  • The Thrilling World of Extreme Sports: Not for the Faint-Hearted
  • The Peculiarities and Beauty of Bioluminescent Creatures
  • The Influence of Comic Books on Popular Culture
  • Discover the Intriguing Origins of Internet Memes
  • The Art and Science Behind Making Perfect Sushi
  • Dive Into the History of the World’s Most Famous Landmarks

Informative Speech Topics for High School

  • Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Society
  • Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
  • The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Exploring Sustainable Options
  • Effective Study Techniques for College Students
  • Exploring the Benefits of Yoga and Meditation
  • Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Personal Information Online
  • The Role of Women in Leadership Positions
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting Food Security
  • The Influence of Music on Mood and Emotions
  • Exploring Different Cultural Perspectives on Marriage
  • The Health Benefits of Regular Exercise and Fitness
  • The Future of Space Exploration and Colonization
  • Strategies for Stress Management in School Life
  • The Evolution and Impact of Social Networking Sites
  • Understanding and Addressing Food Waste in Society
  • Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Healthcare Innovations
  • The Psychology of Persuasion: Understanding Influential Techniques
  • Exploring Alternative Medicine and Its Efficacy
  • The Role of Robotics in Manufacturing Industries
  • Sustainable Tourism: Preserving Natural Resources and Cultures
  • The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Informative Speech Topics for College Students

  • Renewable Energy Sources: Harnessing the Power of the Sun, Wind, and Water
  • Genetic Engineering: Advancements in Agriculture and Medicine
  • Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Technology
  • Climate Change: Understanding the Impact on Our Planet
  • Space Exploration: Journeying Into the Unknown
  • Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Help
  • Sustainable Living: Eco-Friendly Practices for a Better Future
  • The Importance of Voting: Exercising Your Civic Duty
  • Human Rights: Advocating for Equality and Justice
  • The Influence of Social Media: Impacts on Communication and Society
  • Healthy Eating Habits: Nourishing Your Body and Mind
  • Renewable Energy: Transitioning to a Greener World
  • Effects of Bullying: Building a Safe and Inclusive Community
  • Robotics and Automation: Transforming Industries and the Workforce
  • Animal Conservation: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations
  • Mental Resilience: Strategies for Coping With Life’s Challenges
  • The History and Impact of the Internet: Connecting the World
  • Financial Literacy: Managing Money and Building a Secure Future
  • Climate Action: Individual and Collective Efforts for a Sustainable Planet
  • The Significance of Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences
  • Drug Abuse Prevention: Educating for a Drug-Free Society
  • Gender Equality: Promoting Fairness and Empowerment

Informative Speech Topics for University

  • Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Digital Assets in the Modern Era
  • Renewable Energy: Harnessing Sustainable Power Sources
  • Genetic Engineering: Advancements and Ethical Considerations
  • Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Industries and Human Lives
  • Climate Change: Understanding the Impact and Solutions
  • Space Exploration: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe
  • The Human Brain: Unlocking Its Potential and Limitations
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World While Protecting the Environment
  • Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing Industries and Enhancing Security
  • Virtual Reality: Expanding Possibilities in Entertainment and Beyond
  • Mental Health Awareness: Breaking Stigma and Promoting Well-Being
  • Autonomous Vehicles: Transforming Transportation and Road Safety
  • The Power of Social Media: Impact on Communication and Society
  • Globalization: Effects on Economics, Culture, and Politics
  • Robotics: Advancements and Applications in Various Industries
  • The Importance of Financial Literacy in the Modern World
  • Sustainable Fashion: Balancing Style and Environmental Responsibility
  • Biotechnology: Innovations and Contributions to Health and Agriculture
  • Green Building: Designing Sustainable Structures for a Greener Future
  • The History and Impact of Feminism on Society
  • Ocean Conservation: Preserving Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity
  • The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and Job Market Trends
  • Food Security: Addressing Hunger and Nutrition Challenges
  • The Psychology of Motivation: Understanding Drivers of Human Behavior

Presentation Informative Speech Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Modern Industries
  • Climate Change: The Global Challenge We Must Address
  • Renewable Energy: Powering a Sustainable Future
  • Space Exploration: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe
  • Cybersecurity: Protecting Data in the Digital Age
  • Blockchain Technology: Transforming Business and Finance
  • Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma
  • Genetic Engineering: Advancements in Biotechnology
  • The Importance of Early Childhood Education
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World Responsibly
  • The Future of Work: Automation and Job Market Trends
  • Alternative Medicine: Holistic Approaches to Health
  • Ocean Conservation: Preserving Marine Ecosystems
  • Robotics: Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity
  • The Art of Public Speaking: Effective Communication Skills
  • Urbanization: Challenges and Opportunities in Cities
  • The Power of Storytelling: Connecting People and Ideas
  • Financial Literacy: Building a Strong Foundation
  • The Science Behind Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Exploring Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences
  • The Evolution of Transportation: From Horse Carriages to Electric Vehicles
  • The Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior

Informative Speech Topics for Public Speaking

  • The Power of Positive Thinking in Achieving Personal Success
  • Understanding the Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
  • Analyzing the Impact of Social Media Influencers on Youth Culture
  • Exploring the Science of Happiness and Well-Being
  • Investigating the History and Significance of Human Rights Movements
  • Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe: Black Holes and Dark Matter
  • Examining the Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife and Biodiversity
  • Discovering the Benefits of Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques
  • Evaluating the Role of Education in Empowering Individuals and Communities
  • Unraveling the Secrets of Effective Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
  • Investigating the Evolution and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
  • Analyzing the Psychological Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness
  • Exploring the Benefits of Meditation and Yoga for Mental and Physical Health
  • Understanding the Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Personal and Professional Life
  • Delving into the History and Influence of Ancient Civilizations
  • Examining the Implications of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture and Food Production
  • Investigating the Role of Mass Media in Shaping Political Discourse
  • Discovering the Health Benefits of Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
  • Unveiling the History and Cultural Significance of Traditional Festivals
  • Exploring the Impact of Technology on Work-Life Balance

Informative Speech Topics on Important Days & Events

  • World Environment Day: Preserving Our Planet’s Future
  • International Women’s Day: Celebrating Achievements and Empowering Women
  • World AIDS Day: Promoting Awareness and Support for Those Affected
  • World Mental Health Day: Breaking the Stigma and Promoting Well-Being
  • International Day of Peace: Building a Harmonious Global Society
  • World Water Day: Ensuring Access to Clean Water for All
  • International Day of Education: Empowering Individuals Through Learning
  • World Cancer Day: Spreading Awareness and Supporting Research
  • World Refugee Day: Understanding the Plight and Supporting Refugees
  • International Day of Forests: Preserving and Restoring Our Woodlands
  • World Humanitarian Day: Recognizing and Honoring Humanitarian Work
  • International Day of Happiness: Promoting Well-Being and Joy
  • World Food Day: Addressing Hunger and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
  • World Diabetes Day: Raising Awareness and Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles
  • World Wildlife Day: Protecting Biodiversity and Endangered Species
  • World Hepatitis Day: Promoting Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis
  • International Day of Families: Celebrating the Importance of Family Bonds
  • World Autism Awareness Day: Increasing Understanding and Acceptance
  • International Day of Older Persons: Honoring the Contributions and Challenges of Seniors
  • World Blood Donor Day: Encouraging Life-Saving Blood Donations
  • International Day of Democracy: Nurturing Democratic Values and Participation
  • World Tuberculosis Day: Combating Tuberculosis and Promoting Treatment

Science & Technology Informative Speech Topics

  • Augmented Reality Technology: Advantages and Challenges
  • Genetic Editing: The Potential for Disease Cures
  • Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: The Science Behind
  • Machine Learning in Personalized Medicine
  • Evolution of Smartphones and Mobile Technology
  • Energy Storage and Batteries: Future Innovations
  • Virtual Assistants and Natural Language Processing: The Science Behind
  • Gene Therapy: Benefits and Risks
  • Quantum Cryptography: Ensuring Data Security
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces: Advancements in Communication and Control
  • Innovations in Sustainable Energy: Harnessing Renewable Resources
  • The Role of Robotics in Healthcare and Medicine
  • Ethics of Gene Editing and Genetic Manipulation
  • Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing: Unleashing Computing Power
  • The Evolution of Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets
  • Biometrics in Modern Society: Balancing Convenience and Privacy
  • Cloud Computing: Transforming Business Operations
  • The Science of Nanomaterials and Their Applications
  • Advancements in Virtual Reality Gaming and Entertainment
  • The Power of Data Analytics in Business Decision Making

Informative Speech Topics About Animals

  • The Evolution of Primates: A Journey Through Time
  • Endangered Species Conservation Efforts: Making a Difference
  • Incredible Adaptations: How Do Animals Survive in Extreme Environments?
  • The Mysterious World of Marine Life: Exploring the Depths
  • Animal Intelligence: Unveiling the Secrets of the Animal Mind
  • The Role of Bees in Pollination: Nature’s Unsung Heroes
  • Wildlife Trafficking: Combating Illegal Trade and Protecting Species
  • The Importance of Conservation: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy: The Healing Power of Animals
  • Animal Camouflage: Nature’s Master Disguises
  • The Plight of Sea Turtles: Challenges and Conservation Efforts
  • Animal Migration: A Phenomenon of Epic Proportions
  • The Fascinating World of Insects: Diversity and Adaptations
  • Animal Agriculture: Balancing Food Production and Animal Welfare
  • Endangered Big Cats: Protecting Lions, Tigers, and Leopards
  • The Incredible Journey of Monarch Butterflies: Migration and Conservation
  • Animal Communication: Unlocking the Language of the Wild
  • The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: A World Heritage Site Under Threat
  • The Surprising Social Lives of Elephants: Complex Family Structures
  • The Intricate Web of Coral Reefs: Sustaining Marine Ecosystems

Informative Speech Topics for Sports

  • The Evolution of Basketball: From Naismith to the NBA
  • The Impact of Sports on Promoting Gender Equality
  • Sports Nutrition: Fueling Your Performance
  • Exploring the Science of Sports Injuries and Recovery
  • The History and Cultural Significance of Soccer
  • Mental Toughness in Sports: Strategies for Success
  • The Importance of Teamwork in Competitive Sports
  • Exploring the Psychology of Sports Fandom
  • The Role of Technology in Enhancing Sports Performance
  • Sports and Social Media: A Powerful Partnership
  • The Economics of Professional Sports: Money and Beyond
  • The Olympic Games: A Symbol of Unity and Excellence
  • Sports and Youth Development: Building Character and Skills
  • The Health Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
  • Sports Diplomacy: Building Bridges Through Athletics
  • The Rise of E-Sports: A New Frontier in Competitive Gaming
  • The History and Traditions of American Football
  • Exploring the Psychology of Winning and Losing in Sports
  • The Evolution of Sports Broadcasting: From Radio to Live Streaming
  • Sports and Ethical Dilemmas: Fair Play and Sportsmanship
  • The Rise of Extreme Sports: Pushing the Limits of Human Potential

Health Informative Speech Topics

  • The Role of Nutrition in Promoting Heart Health
  • Preventing Chronic Diseases Through Healthy Lifestyle Choices
  • Exploring Alternative Medicine: Benefits and Risks
  • Understanding the Effects of Stress on the Immune System
  • Managing and Preventing Obesity in Modern Society
  • Promoting Mental Wellness: Strategies for Stress Reduction
  • The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Aging Adults
  • Improving Digestive Health through Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
  • Unveiling the Truth About Popular Diets and Weight Loss Programs
  • Exploring the Dangers of Sedentary Lifestyles
  • Effects of Smoking on Respiratory Health
  • Understanding and Managing Food Allergies and Intolerances
  • Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support
  • The Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups and Screenings
  • Promoting Healthy Habits for Children and Adolescents
  • Understanding the Connection between Gut Health and the Immune System
  • The Impact of Technology on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorders
  • Exploring the Link between Nutrition and Brain Function
  • The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Mental Health
  • Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Informative Speech Topics for Literature & History

  • The Impact of Shakespeare’s Tragedies on Modern Theater
  • The Influence of Charles Dickens on Social Reform
  • The Symbolism of Colors in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
  • Analyzing the Historical Accuracy of the Arthurian Legends
  • The Evolution of the Hero’s Journey in Literature
  • Examining the Themes of War in Ernest Hemingway’s Novels
  • The Significance of the Harlem Renaissance in African American Literature
  • The Origins and Legacy of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
  • Unraveling the Secrets of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”
  • Exploring the Mythology and Folklore of Native American Tribes
  • The Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy on Western Literature
  • Analyzing the Historical Context of Jane Austen’s Novels
  • The Power of Satire in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
  • Investigating the Historical Events Behind William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
  • The Evolution of Gothic Literature From Horace Walpole to Edgar Allan Poe
  • Understanding the Political Allegories in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”
  • Examining the Historical Significance of the Renaissance Period
  • The Influence of Greek Tragedies on Modern Drama
  • The Symbolism of Nature in William Wordsworth’s Romantic Poetry
  • The Cultural Impact of Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote”
  • Analyzing the Historical Accuracy of Shakespeare’s Historical Plays
  • The Role of Religion in Colonial American Literature

Music Informative Speech Topics

  • The Impact of Classical Music on Brain Development
  • Exploring the Influence of Hip-Hop Culture on Contemporary Society
  • The Rise of Electronic Dance Music and its Global Phenomenon
  • Unveiling the Power of Music Therapy for Mental Health
  • How Music Shapes Cultural Identity: A Comparative Study
  • Examining the Life and Legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • The Role of Music in Historical Movements: Protest Songs and Social Change
  • The Science Behind Musical Instruments: Acoustics and Engineering
  • Decoding the Secrets of Film Scores: Enhancing Emotion in Cinema
  • The Cultural Significance of Indigenous Music Traditions
  • The Art of Musical Improvisation: Techniques and Styles
  • Exploring the World of Opera: From Aria to Libretto
  • The Revolutionary Sound of Rock and Roll: Icons and Innovations
  • The Healing Power of Rhythm: Drumming and Percussion Therapy
  • Impacts of Music Streaming Services on the Music Industry
  • The Intersection of Music and Fashion: Styles and Subcultures
  • Examining the Legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven: Genius and Innovation
  • The Psychology of Music: How Does Sound Affect Human Emotion and Behavior?
  • The Power of Lyrics: Poetry and Storytelling in Songwriting
  • Uncovering the Origins of Blues Music: African Roots and American Heritage
  • Music and Memory: Exploring the Relationship Between Sound and Recall

Environment Informative Speech Topics

  • Advancements in Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Protecting Endangered Species: Conservation Efforts and Success Stories
  • The Role of Wetlands in Ecosystem Health
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Methods for Preserving Soil Quality
  • Ocean Acidification: Threats to Marine Life
  • The Importance of Recycling: Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact
  • Climate Change and Its Effects on Global Weather Patterns
  • Water Scarcity: Challenges and Solutions for a Thirsty Planet
  • Urbanization and Its Impact on Natural Habitats
  • Sustainable Fishing Practices: Balancing Human Needs and Marine Ecosystems
  • Ecotourism: Promoting Conservation and Local Economies
  • Natural Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies
  • The Significance of National Parks: Preserving Natural Beauty
  • Restoring Degraded Landscapes: Reforestation and Ecological Rehabilitation
  • The Benefits of Green Spaces in Urban Environments
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Exploring Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power
  • The Effects of Pesticides on Wildlife and Ecosystems
  • Sustainable Transportation: Promoting Alternatives to Reduce Carbon Footprint
  • The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Stewardship
  • Coral Reef Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity Hotspots

Informative Speech Topics on Education

  • Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in the Classroom
  • Implementing Technology in Education: Trends and Benefits
  • Promoting Inclusive Education for Students With Disabilities
  • Addressing the Achievement Gap in Education
  • Effective Strategies for Classroom Management
  • Understanding Different Learning Styles and Tailoring Instruction
  • The Role of Arts Education in Developing Well-Rounded Individuals
  • Advantages of Bilingual Education in a Globalized World
  • Fostering Creativity and Innovation in Education
  • Exploring Project-Based Learning: Engaging Students in Real-World Applications
  • Teaching Financial Literacy: Preparing Students for Economic Independence
  • Benefits of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning
  • Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Schools
  • Assessing the Impact of Standardized Curriculum on Education Quality
  • The Role of School Counseling in Supporting Students’ Mental Health
  • Examining the Effects of Homework on Student Achievement
  • The Power of Teacher-Student Relationships in Academic Success
  • Promoting Gender Equality in Education: Breaking Stereotypes and Barriers
  • The Importance of Multicultural Education in a Diverse Society
  • Examining the Benefits and Challenges of Online Education

Informative Speech Topics About Society & Sociology

  • The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Society
  • Exploring the Effects of Income Inequality on Social Mobility
  • Analyzing the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
  • Understanding the Rise of Online Activism in Modern Society
  • Examining the Causes and Consequences of Bullying in Schools
  • The Evolution of Family Structures and Its Impact on Society
  • Unraveling the Psychological Effects of Loneliness in the Digital Age
  • Investigating the Relationship between Education and Social Equality
  • The Power of Language: Exploring the Impact of Rhetoric on Society
  • Analyzing the Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to Crime Rates
  • The Significance of Cultural Diversity in Building Stronger Communities
  • Exploring the Effects of Social Class on Access to Healthcare
  • Understanding the Impact of Mass Incarceration on Communities
  • Examining the Relationship Between Religion and Society
  • Analyzing the Factors Contributing to Political Polarization
  • The Impact of Technology on Socialization and Human Interaction
  • Unveiling the Dynamics of Power and Authority in Societies
  • Investigating the Roots and Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination
  • The Role of Social Movements in Promoting Social Change
  • Analyzing the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
  • Understanding the Psychology of Social Conformity in Groups
  • Effects of Urbanization on Social Structures and Quality of Life

Business & Finance Informative Speech Topics

  • Global Economic Trends: Opportunities and Challenges
  • Sustainable Business Practices: Enhancing Profitability and Environmental Responsibility
  • The Rise of E-Commerce: Transforming the Retail Industry
  • Effective Strategies for Personal Financial Management
  • Entrepreneurship: Navigating Risks and Achieving Success
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: Examining the Impacts on Companies and the Economy
  • Financial Literacy: Empowering Individuals for a Secure Future
  • The Gig Economy: Adapting to the Changing Nature of Work
  • The Importance of Business Ethics in Today’s Corporate World
  • The Role of Central Banks in Managing Monetary Policy
  • Green Investments: Promoting Environmental and Financial Returns
  • Innovation and Disruption: Key Drivers of Business Growth
  • Understanding the Stock Market: Basics and Investment Strategies
  • The Future of Banking: Digital Transformation and Fintech Innovations
  • Corporate Governance: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
  • The Impact of Global Trade Policies on Businesses and Economies
  • Financial Planning for Retirement: Building a Secure Future
  • Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
  • Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Driving Change in Business
  • The Economics of Climate Change: Addressing Environmental Challenges Through Business Initiatives

Informative Speech Topics on Banking & Economics

  • The Role of Central Banks in Economic Stability
  • Investment Strategies for Wealth Accumulation
  • The Evolution of Online Banking and Its Benefits
  • Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Economic Recessions
  • Understanding the Stock Market: Key Concepts and Terminology
  • Exploring the Effects of Global Trade on Local Economies
  • The Importance of Financial Literacy in Personal Finance
  • The Influence of Government Policies on Economic Growth
  • Exploring Cryptocurrencies: Advantages and Risks
  • Analyzing the Impact of Interest Rates on Borrowing and Saving
  • The Economic Effects of Taxation Policies
  • Exploring the Concept of Supply and Demand in Economics
  • The Rise of Fintech: Disruption and Innovation in Banking
  • Understanding the Role of Credit Rating Agencies in Financial Markets
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Unemployment and Economic Growth
  • The Impact of Economic Inequality on Society
  • Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Stock Market Crashes
  • Exploring the Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
  • The Influence of Economic Factors on Consumer Behavior
  • Analyzing the Role of Banks in Financing Small Businesses

Family Informative Speech Topics

  • Importance of Communication Within the Family
  • Benefits of Shared Family Meals
  • Roles of Parenting Styles in Child Development
  • Significance of Family Traditions and Rituals
  • Impacts of Technology on Family Dynamics
  • Strategies for Resolving Family Conflicts
  • Effects of Divorce on Children’s Well-Being
  • Exploring the Concept of Unconditional Love in Families
  • Understanding Sibling Relationships and Their Influence
  • Promoting Emotional Intelligence Within the Family
  • Exploring Multigenerational Family Dynamics
  • Nurturing a Healthy and Supportive Family Environment
  • Challenges and Rewards of Blended Families
  • Exploring Cultural Diversity within Families
  • Impacts of Social Media on Family Relationships
  • Exploring the Benefits of Family Therapy
  • Balancing Work and Family Life
  • Importance of Family Bonding Activities
  • Strategies for Building Strong Family Connections
  • Exploring the Role of Extended Family in Childrearing
  • Understanding the Effects of Substance Abuse on Family Units

Informative Speech Topics on Politics

  • The Importance of Media in Political Communication
  • Gender Equality in Politics: Breaking Barriers and Shifting Paradigms
  • The Art of Diplomacy: Negotiating Peace in Conflict Zones
  • The Impact of Globalization on Political Structures
  • Political Corruption: Unveiling the Dark Side of Governance
  • Environmental Policies: Balancing Economic Growth and Sustainability
  • Populism in Politics: Understanding Its Rise and Implications
  • Human Rights: Striving for Equality and Justice in Political Systems
  • The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Shaping Political Agendas
  • Political Leadership: Characteristics and Challenges in a Changing World
  • The Importance of Education in Fostering Political Engagement
  • Immigration Policies: Balancing National Security and Humanitarianism
  • Technological Advancements: Transforming Political Landscapes
  • The Role of Lobbying in Influencing Political Decision-Making
  • Political Ideologies: From Conservatism to Liberalism and Beyond
  • Nationalism and Patriotism: Navigating the Boundaries in Politics
  • Political Violence: Understanding Its Causes and Consequences
  • The Role of Religion in Politics: Examining the Intersection
  • Freedom of Speech: Protecting Democracy’s Fundamental Right

Informative Speech Topics for History & Culture

  • The Renaissance Era: Artistic Revival and Cultural Transformation
  • Industrial Revolution: Societal and Economic Evolution
  • Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia
  • American Revolution: Birth of a Nation’s Independence
  • Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Resurgence and African-American Contributions
  • World War II: Global Conflict and Its Lasting Impacts
  • Maya Civilization: Achievements, Culture, and Ancient Mysteries
  • French Revolution: From Monarchy to Republic
  • Civil Rights Movement: Striving for Equality and Social Justice
  • Ancient China: Dynasties, Inventions, and Cultural Heritage
  • Age of Exploration: Discovery, Trade, and New Horizons
  • Aztec Empire: Society, Religion, and Military Power
  • Russian Revolution: Overthrowing the Tsar and Soviet Union’s Formation
  • Roaring Twenties: Jazz Age, Cultural Shifts, and Prohibition
  • Civil War: Divided Nation, Abolition of Slavery, and Reconstruction
  • Vikings: Exploration, Conquests, and Norse Culture
  • Cultural Revolution in China: Mao’s Socio-Political Movement
  • Inca Empire: Engineering Feats, Social Organization, and Andean Civilization
  • Holocaust: Genocide, Nazi Regime, and Lessons From History
  • Age of Enlightenment: Intellectual Awakening and Philosophical Ideas

Law Informative Speech Topics

  • Analyzing the Effects of Mandatory Sentencing Laws
  • Exploring the Complexities of Intellectual Property Rights
  • Implications of Privacy Laws in the Age of Technology
  • Evaluating the Role of International Law in Global Governance
  • Unveiling the Truth Behind Wrongful Convictions
  • Understanding the Dynamics of Family Law and Child Custody
  • Investigating the Impact of Hate Crime Legislation
  • The Influence of Media on Public Perception of Legal Issues
  • Delving Into the Controversies of Capital Punishment
  • Analyzing the Impacts of Immigration Laws on Society
  • Possible Challenges and Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Exploring the Legal Framework of Environmental Protection
  • Unraveling the Intricacies of Corporate Law and Ethics
  • The Rights and Limitations of Free Speech in the Digital Era
  • Examining the Intersection of Technology and Privacy Laws
  • The Consequences of Drug Policy on Public Health
  • Analyzing the Role of Criminal Profiling in Investigations
  • Understanding the Implications of Gun Control Laws
  • The Rights and Protections of Workers in Employment Law
  • The Challenges of Intellectual Property Theft in the Digital Age

Short Informative Speech Topics

  • Climate Change and Its Impact on Biodiversity
  • Sustainable Fashion: Reducing the Environmental Footprint
  • Exploring the Importance of Financial Literacy
  • Renewable Energy Sources and Their Advantages
  • Understanding the Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
  • Delving into the World of Virtual Reality
  • The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Transportation
  • The Science Behind Vaccinations and Their Importance
  • Examining the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life
  • The Evolution and Advancements in Video Games
  • Harnessing the Power of Solar Energy for Sustainability
  • Emphasizing the Significance of Early Childhood Education
  • The Growing Trend of Remote Work and Its Implications
  • The Influence of Technology on Modern Communication Channels
  • Analyzing the Effects of Globalization on Culture and Society
  • Promoting Mental Health Awareness and its Importance
  • Embracing Sustainable Tourism for a Greener Future
  • Enhancing Education with the Integration of Artificial Intelligence
  • The Role of Nonprofits in Addressing Social Issues
  • Exploring the Future of Robotics and Automation
  • History and Significance of Human Rights
  • The Role of Technology in Enhancing Education
  • Exploring the Wonders of the Deep Sea
  • Benefits of Meditation for Stress Reduction

1-3 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

  • Exploring the Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle
  • Understanding the Intricacies of Quantum Physics
  • Debunking Myths About the Human Brain
  • Unveiling the Truth about Genetically Modified Organisms
  • Dissecting the Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife
  • Analyzing the Causes and Effects of Cyberbullying
  • Discovering the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
  • Encountering the Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources
  • Navigating the History of the Silk Road
  • Appreciating the Beauty of the Fibonacci Sequence in Nature
  • Grasping the Concept of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
  • Probing the Influence of Social Media on Youth
  • Observing the Evolution of Feminism Through History
  • Pursuing the Concept of Dark Matter in Cosmology
  • Revealing the Truth about Animal Testing in Cosmetics Industry
  • Contemplating the Impact of Meditation on Mental Health
  • Recognizing the Role of Microplastics in Ocean Pollution
  • Investigating the Science Behind Aeroponics and Hydroponics
  • Unraveling the Power of Vaccination in Disease Prevention
  • Delving into the Mysteries of Black Holes
  • Comprehending the Functioning of Autonomous Vehicles
  • Admiring the Wonders of Bio-Luminescence in Deep Sea Creatures

4-6 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

  • Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Health
  • The Influence of Social Media on Society’s Perception of Beauty
  • Financial Literacy and its Importance for Young Adults
  • The History and Advancement of Electric Vehicles
  • Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning
  • The Significance of Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future
  • Women’s Empowerment in Business Leadership
  • Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity
  • Understanding Climate Change and Global Warming
  • The Power of Storytelling in Effective Communication
  • Exploring Virtual Reality and Its Various Applications
  • The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Decision-Making
  • Early Childhood Education and its Impact on Cognitive Development
  • The Role of Technology in Transforming Education
  • Effects of Social Media on Mental Well-Being
  • The Value of Volunteerism for Building Stronger Communities
  • Overcoming Addiction: The Path to Recovery and Healing
  • Science Behind Human Nutrition and Its Impact on Health
  • Emotional Intelligence: A Key to Personal and Professional Success
  • Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources for a Sustainable Future
  • The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Music
  • Mass Media and Its Influence on Shaping Public Opinion
  • Early Detection and Prevention of Chronic Diseases

7-10 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

  • Renewable Energy Sources: A Sustainable Future
  • Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Modern Industries
  • Benefits of Exercise for Overall Well-Being
  • Exploring the Evolution of Technology in Education
  • Understanding Space Exploration and Its Wonders
  • The Significance of Cultural Diversity in a Globalized World
  • Exploring the History and Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
  • Understanding Climate Change and its Consequences
  • Women in Leadership Positions: Their Role and Significance
  • The Power of Effective Communication in Relationships
  • Exploring the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
  • The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping
  • Exploring the World of Virtual Reality
  • The Significance of Financial Literacy in Personal Finance
  • Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity in the Digital Age
  • Exploring the History and Significance of Human Rights Movements
  • The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies
  • Education’s Roles in Empowering Individuals and Societies
  • Understanding the Science Behind Climate Change
  • Exploring the Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
  • The Evolution of Transportation Technology

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Informative Speech

Informative Speech Topics

Last updated on: Jul 11, 2024

Informative Speech Topics for All Academic Levels

By: Nova A.

14 min read

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

informative speech topics

Informative speeches can be difficult to come up with, especially when you're stuck in a rut and don't know where to start. 

You want your speech to be interesting and engaging, but the pressure of coming up with something unique and original is overwhelming. 

It's hard enough trying to find good topics for your research paper, let alone an informative speech! 

For that, SharkPapers.com has got you covered!  

This blog will provide you with an array of Informative speech topics that are sure to wow your audience. 

We have everything from current events, to science, technology and more! You're sure to find something suitable for any age group or topic. 

So, let's get started.

informative speech topics

On this Page

Good Informative Speech Topics for Students

Looking for some good informative topics that help you write a fabulous speech?

Below are the lists of awesome informative speech topics for students that are arranged according to academic levels.

Informative Speech Topics for High School Students

  • The antipode is placed on earth
  • What is an Amphibious Vehicle
  • Describe its advantages and disadvantages
  • Describe the life cycle of ocean animals
  • How to improve the functionality of your car?
  • Facebook is a great example of an experiment gone wrong and viral
  • Multilingual people are smarter than those who speak a single language
  • Healthy diet and exercise? Discuss their importance in our life
  • The first-ever billionaire
  • Increase in poverty around the globe
  • Is it true that penguins have much longer legs than what is visible?

Informative Speech Topics for College Students

  • The best car of the year
  • When will we have flying cars?
  • How to make your car run faster?
  • Personal car monthly cost is more than public transport expenses
  • How to avoid misunderstandings in a relationship?
  • What does it take to have a healthy and happy relationship?
  • Can gun control policies help control and minimize terrorist incidents at schools?
  • Discuss and explain the idea of global basic income and how can it be achieved?
  • How do siblings help each other with house chores?
  • What role does an elder sister play in her younger sibling’s life?

Informative Speech Topics for University Students

  • Why is religion a sensitive topic to discuss?
  • Nobody should tell a lie in any situation
  • Hunting is not ethical
  • Smoking in public is against ethics
  • How to maintain a healthy relationship?
  • Secrets of a good relationship
  • How can you train your dog for the backyard?
  • Why are monkeys so skilled at climbing trees?
  • What is the best age to get married?
  • Should biracial adoption be allowed? What are its social and domestic effects and consequences?

Best Informative Speech Topics

Writing an informative speech is a daunting task that can be made easier by choosing the best topic.

Here is a list of informative speech topics arranged according to different themes and tasks.

Informative Speech Topics About Education

  • Theory or practical - what is the right way to measure success?
  • Discuss the difference between the reproduction system of mammals and non-mammals
  • What role do parents play in the college admission process?
  • What is the Great Depression? How can we prevent the next Great Depression from happening?
  • Newspapers and social media are no longer reliable and true. Support your answer with solid proof
  • The evolution of Buddhism
  • What are the different religions in the world?
  • God helps those who help themselves
  • The importance of higher education for professional growth
  • What are the benefits of E-learning?

Psychology Informative Speech Topics

  • How to manage a long-distance relationship?
  • The key to a successful marriage
  • The psychology behind insomnia
  • Why should we greet people with a smile?
  • How to deal with emotionally sensitive people?
  • Sympathy and empathy. Discuss the difference
  • How to deal with depression?
  • Adults have more issues than kids. Discuss
  • Why has the divorce ratio increased in the past few years?
  • How to deal with a communication disorder?

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Business Informative Speech Topics

  • Ten effective ways to expand your business
  • Leadership skills are important to run a business
  • The role of HR in a company
  • Discuss some marketing tactics
  • Can you start a business without huge capital? Give useful examples to highlight your point
  • Social media is a great platform to flourish in businesses
  • Five ways to start a small business
  • How to motivate your employees to improve productivity?
  • Top 10 reasons why some businesses fail to establish
  • Why is a business plan essential for success?

Easy Informative Speech Topics

Are you stumped on the informative speech topic ideas?

We have got your back.

Use this list of easy, informative speech topics as a starting point to choose a topic for an informative speech.

Sports Informative Speech Topics

  • College athletes should be paid equally to professional athletes
  • The benefits of outdoor games for all ages
  • Why is the trend of outdoor games getting obsolete?
  • Most famous sportsperson of the 21st century
  • Why should every student play games in school?
  • Ten most dangerous sports
  • History of hockey
  • Gender discrimination in sports
  • Hunting is not a game - defend or reject the claim
  • Online gaming vs. outdoor gaming

Medical Informative Speech Topics

  • Medicines from nature
  • Herbs as medicine
  • Poor eating habits cause eating disorders
  • The relationship between obesity and bad eating
  • Different types of mental disorders
  • What are the five main signs of a heart attack?
  • The importance of organ donation
  • The effects of fast food on people’s health
  • Controversial ideas of whooping cough vaccine
  • Pros and cons of painkillers

Social Media Informative Speech Topics

  • What impact social media has on our lives?
  • Pros and cons of using social media in college
  • The influence of social media on teenager’s minds
  • Why are social networking applications so addictive?
  • The danger of putting a lot of information on social media sites
  • Parents should be kept off social media
  • A simple guide to social media apps
  • Teachers and students should not connect on social media
  • Tik Tok stars and social media influencers - the celebrity status among Generation Z
  • Social networking - a good distraction from studies

Short Informative Speech Topics

Designing your speech by considering the time limit causes trouble for many students. However, if you have a good topic in hand, this task can become easier for you.

To help you get started, here is a list of topics that you can use to write a short speech or essay.

5-minute Informative Speech Topics

  • The psychology behind cults
  • Importance of artificial intelligence
  • What is cybercrime?
  • Cloud Computing and storage
  • The best TV sitcom
  • Software vs. hardware
  • Benefits of the internet
  • No-carb diet
  • Animal hunting
  • Global warming

Cool Informative Speech Topics

  • The importance of friendship in a parent-child relationship
  • Social media and its impact on tourism
  • Social media is an escape from stress
  • Child geniuses and prodigies
  • Culture and nationalism
  • The concept of cultural shock
  • Evidence of life on Mars
  • Theatre of the absurd
  • Health effects of caffeine
  • Good online jobs

Simple Informative Speech Topics

  • Happy families are healthy families
  • My father: an influential personality
  • People who can speak more than two languages are more intelligent than people who speak only 1 or 2 languages
  • The origin of cliches
  • Sign language: The language of deaf people
  • The importance of family
  • Cybersecurity concerns for students
  • The benefits of 3D printing
  • The danger of refined sugar
  • How money controls your mind?

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

Below we have compiled a catalog of fascinating informational topics to help you with controversial or persuasive speech topics.

Cultural Informative Speech Topics

  • Should some ancient sports be revived to preserve culture?
  • Board games should be encouraged in schools and colleges to influence the kids’ mental growth
  • Well-equipped and managed sports complexes should be a necessity for every educational institute
  • What are the reasons behind the ever-increasing paparazzi invasion culture? How can it be controlled?
  • The joint family system is better than a nuclear family system
  • How do traditions affect the norms of a religion?
  • What are the different cultures around the globe?
  • The culture of eLibrary
  • Ten unique cultures around the world
  • Burial practices in ancient cultures

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Persuasive and Informative Speech Topics

  • What should the state do to control and punish cyberbullies?
  • Gun control and Regulation Laws: Helpful or Useless
  • Adult education in colleges is important. Discuss the claim
  • Is teaching commuter programming necessary in schools?
  • Hardcover vs. eBooks: Which is better?
  • Traveling essentials
  • Why is there a replacement for titanic?
  • Human rights
  • Ten ways to practice cybersecurity
  • Successful women in the business world

Scientific Informative Speech Topics

  • How does our brain function?
  • Animals should not be used for drug testing
  • How can we create geniuses?
  • How can we protect the future of rainforests?
  • Newton’s contribution to the science world
  • The most influential scientist of all times
  • How do search engines work?
  • How do new technologies change our lives?
  • Why should whales not be hunted for food?
  • The future of AI watches

Unique Informative Speech Topics

Half the battle of writing and delivering the speech is selecting the right topic. Choosing a persuasive topic keeps your audience entertained and interested and makes your work enjoyable.

Choose the topic from the list given below and start writing your speech.

Public Speaking Informative Speech Topics

  • People should communicate to resolve conflicts
  • How divorce affect a kid’s life?
  • Social networks have made communication easier
  • How to talk to deaf people?
  • How to improve public speaking skills?
  • Why is communication important for good relationships?
  • Both parents are important for a child's mental health
  • Why do grandparents love their grandkids more than they love their kids?
  • What effect does parent ignorance have on a child's mental health?
  • The benefits of satellite radio

Informative Speech Topics Related to Food and Drinks

  • How to grow food at home?
  • The harmful effects of artificial drinks on health
  • Why should we avoid junk food?
  • Healthy eating means a healthy life
  • How to make pizza at home?
  • How to lose fat with a healthy diet?
  • How to make a cocktail?
  • The best beverages of the year
  • Can we make pizza without cheese? How to bake a cake without an oven?

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Following is the list of funny informative speech topics:

  • The love life of Jennifer Aniston
  • Coca-Cola uses aggressive marketing strategies for promotion. Discuss the statement
  • What measures should be taken to tackle natural disasters?
  • Who was Aristotle? Discuss his contribution to philosophy and maths
  • It is believed that Leonardo da Vinci was a vegetarian. Investigate the claim and support your argument with solid proof
  • Video games are the number one reason behind the rising violence
  • What role does the English language play in connecting the world?
  • Is it important to teach kids different languages at school?
  • How will IoT and AI change the way we work?
  • Discuss the amazing stage performance of Christina Aguilera

Popular Informative Speech Topics

There are different types of speech that students come across throughout their academic life. Here we have compiled a list of popular and interesting informative speech topics to help you start your speech.

Controversial Informative Speech Topics

  • Why does Islam know as the religion of terrorists?
  • Adopted kids should have the option to look for their biological parents
  • Parents should not interfere with their adult kids' life. Reject the claim with facts
  • Social media causes people to isolate themselves from society
  • Cell Phone usage is bad for kids' mental health
  • A computer works better than the human brain
  • Workplace dating should not be allowed
  • Immigrants should not be allowed to enter united states
  • College grades are inflating certificates
  • Do ghosts exist?

Visual Aid Informative Speech Topics

  • Which countries have the most corruption?
  • Are we too dependent on machines?
  • Relate social media and suicidal tendencies
  • Social media for advertisement
  • The history of motorcycle
  • Virtual reality to boost effective teaching
  • The best sales tactics
  • Fashion trends in the United States
  • The future of electric cars
  • How to potty train a cat?

Entertaining Informative Speech Topics

  • The entertainment industry is a key player behind the increased number of college dropouts
  • The Beatles band is the most influential band of all time. Discuss the reasons behind it
  • Who are some of the most famous and influential female Hollywood stars of all time?
  • What is it like to be the youngest child?
  • Describe the best NBA basketball player ever to exist.
  • How to buy a horse?
  • Why did the Titanic sink?
  • How to perform a magic trick?
  • Collaboration between robots and human
  • Do’s and don’ts of being a clown

 Informative Speech Topics - 2024 Ideas

An informative speech on an up-to-date topic would be more interesting than the one on traditional and repetitive topics.

Following is a list of interesting date topic categories for your informative speech:

Informative Speech Topics About Mental Health

Following is the list of mental health informative speech topics:

  • Long term impacts of traumas.
  • Impacts of identity crisis on human psychology.
  • Psychological impacts of conflicting parent-child relationships.
  • Impacts of mental attitude in life of a person.
  • Psychological impacts of ideas on an individual's life.
  • Impacts of emotional health on human life.
  • Identifying and treating different phobias in kids.
  • Characteristics of human imagination.
  • Impacts of of Emotional Burnout Syndrome in Adults.
  • Psychological impacts of altruism.

Informative Speech Topics about Animals

  • How to teach your children to take care of animals?
  • Chaining animals is cruel and inhuman.
  • Pets should get vaccinated regularly.
  • Animal fights are not funny.
  • Children’s affection towards pets should be encouraged.
  • Pets help to improve a person’s social life.
  • Do animals belong to the circus?
  • Keeping an exotic animal is fair.
  • Should animals be tattooed?
  • Animal abuse should be penalized.

Informative Speech Topics Sports

  • Naming sports teams on ethnicities.
  • Sports can be a great uniting force.
  • Sportsman spirit can instill a lot of good things in an individual’s personality.
  • Sportsmen should always be appreciated for their efforts.
  • Fans should be the real supporters.
  • Swimming should be considered a basic life skill.
  • Contribution of sports in developing teamwork skills.
  • Competitive sports help us to polish our skills.
  • A good player always learn.
  • Sports are more than physical fitness.

How to Choose an Informative Speech Topic?

Choosing a good informative speech topic is important if you want to deliver a powerful and impressive speech. Therefore, it is advised that students select a topic that they are familiar with and confident in talking about.

Choosing unfamiliar topics never helps and often doesn’t know what to do about them and how to manage them. As a result, they end up ruining their speech. A good informative speech idea is narrowed but still has a wide scope for explanation.

An informative speech can also be persuasive so you can also look for good persuasive speech topics for your informative speech.

An informative speech is delivered to inform the audience about a certain topic using relevant information and facts. It is an interesting way of sharing knowledge and shedding light on new and improved information. Here are a few tips that you can follow to choose the best topic for your informative speech.

  • Identify your targeted audience and know their interest
  • Follow the needs and interests of the audience
  • Consider your passion, interest, and area of expertise
  • Consider the time limit and length requirement
  • Choose something that fulfills the interest of both you and your audience
  • Get your facts right   

Now that you have a long list of amazing ideas, you can easily choose the best informative speech topics. However, if you have any difficulty choosing the topic for writing the speech, you can always ask for help.

SharkPapers.com is a professional essay writing service that helps students all over the world. You can hire one of our expert writers to deal with your speech writing task. Place your order now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 types of informative speeches.

4 types of informative speeches are: 

  • Definition 
  • Explanatory 
  • Descriptive 
  • Demonstrative. 

Nova A.

Literature, Marketing

Nova Allison is a skilled Digital Content Strategist with eight years of experience in crafting scientific and technical content. What makes Nova’s online content plans stand out is her perfect mix of engaging and informative writing styles. Her years of writing experience have polished her skills in writing accurate technical content.

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  • Writing Tips

25 Topics for an Informative Speech

25 Topics for an Informative Speech

  • 3-minute read
  • 20th November 2023

Have you been asked to give an informative speech, or do you simply want to practice your public speaking skills ? If the answer to either question is yes, then the first thing you need to do is choose a topic for your speech. But with so many potential topics, how can you pick just one? In this post, we’ve narrowed down 25 topics for an informative speech to help you find the one that works best for you.

Choosing a Topic

Informative speeches aim to educate the audience on a particular subject or industry. Unlike persuasive speeches , informative ones are not meant to convince the listener to believe or act a certain way; they are meant to be purely descriptive and explanatory.

The best topics for informative speeches are engaging, interesting, valuable, and relevant to the target audience . Choose a topic about which you have a comprehensive understanding or one you intend to research substantially. After all, it’s easy to deliver an engaging presentation and educate your audience when you’re extremely knowledgeable about the topic! Next, let’s take a look at 25 interesting topics for an informative speech, organized by subject.

Science and Technology

●  The impact of artificial intelligence on society

●  Recent advancements in space exploration

●  Recent breakthroughs in medical research

●  The science behind climate change and its effects

●  The evolution of social media

●  What is 3D printing?

Health and Wellness

●  The effect of regular exercise on overall health

●  How sleep impacts brain functioning

●  Understanding stress and stress management techniques

●  How does sugar impact the body?

●  Key figures in the Civil Rights movement

●  Significant women in history

●  Sculpture of the Renaissance

●  A history of fashion in the Victorian era

●  An exploration of the Olympics from their beginning

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●  The history and impact of open-access education

●  An exploration of virtual learning over the past 25 years

●  How high schools differ around the world

●  A look back at education in 19th-century America and the way it compares to current methods

●  The history of homework

The Environment and Sustainability

●  How to reduce your carbon footprint

●  What is zero-waste living?

●  The significance of global water conservation

●  The impact of air pollution on public health

●  The impact of oil spills on the environment

Tips for Giving an Informative Speech

If you’re giving an informative speech, remember to:

●  Do your research! Gather information from credible, authoritative sources when composing your speech. Avoid sources that discuss strictly the opinion of the author and look for solid, factual evidence to support your topic.

●  Consider your audience. Do they have at least a baseline knowledge of the topic? The answer to this question will help determine how deep you should go in your explanations and what kind of language to use.

●  Organize your ideas . Before you begin writing, create a comprehensive outline that includes the introduction, main ideas, and conclusion.

●  Use anecdotes or examples to make your content more engaging and relevant to your audience.

●  Anticipate potential questions and jot down notes you can easily refer to.

Here’s one last essential speech writing tip: to ensure a smooth delivery and enhance your writing, have your speech professionally proofread and edited. Our editors can make sure your informative speech effectively conveys your message and engages your audience. Send in your free sample today to get started.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

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Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

controversial speech topics

Do you think social media platforms should censor politicians? No matter how important you feel this issue is relative to other issues of the day, you’re likely to have an opinion one way or the other. Why? Because it’s a controversial matter, and it immediately pushes some buttons in our brains.

What makes issues like this so engaging?

Controversial topics have two features that almost instantly grab people’s attention. On one side, they are both simple and familiar, and so are understandable without any effort. On the other side, they touch on sensitive matters that society as a whole has not yet come to terms with. This makes them tickle our inherent desire for closure. We want to make up our minds once and for all!

So if you’re looking for such a topic for your essay, speech, or debate, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve compiled a list of hundreds of controversial issues organized by subject matter (You can visit our page on how to write a persuasive controversial essay if you want to improve your base skills). Whether you’re trying to come up with a topic for your science, psychology, history class – or nearly any other topic! – you’re sure to find an issue below that will keep your audience engaged, and even stir up some discussion.

In this article:

Political Debate Topics

Controversial criminal justice topics, controversial religious topics, controversial topics for teens, controversial science topics, controversial sports topics, controversial food topics, controversial nutrition topics, controversial animal topics, controversial topics in psychology, controversial relationship topics, controversial medical topics, controversial topics in nursing, controversial topics in biology, music controversial topics, controversial art topics, controversial history topics, funny controversial topics, what are the pros and cons of controversial topics.

As mentioned earlier, picking a controversial topic almost guarantees that you’ll command your audience’s attention. But such issues have downsides too. We go over the advantages and disadvantages of hot-button issues to help you make the right choice for your essay, speech, or debate.

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  • Immediately engaging – Your readers or listeners are unlikely to doze off.
  • Easy to find information on – You won’t have to look far to find credible information on controversial issues.
  • Likely to keep you absorbed while researching – What’s interesting for your audience will probably keep boredom at bay for you too.
  • Too sensitive for some people – These issues often have a strong emotional charge and may even be taboo for some, causing awkward situations.
  • Hard to review all points – A huge debate has probably been raging on such topics, so it’s not so easy to cover all your bases and appear knowledgeable on the issue at hand.
  • Hard to wrap up – These matters are controversial for a reason. It may be hard to come to a satisfactory conclusion, whether you’re presenting or debating.

Interesting Controversial Topics by Field

Below, we’ve compiled a catalog of fascinating controversial topics by field. Keep in mind that many of these spill over from one category to another, so there is some overlap. Is climate change a political or scientific issue? There’s a controversial question for you!

Controversy is where politics are born. There’s usually some point of disagreement about any matter related to public affairs – that’s why a politician’s main job is to debate and come to an agreement (ideally) on how to handle these issues. Or, as political scientist Harold Lasswell put it succinctly, politics is, “Who gets what, when, how.”

So political issues are controversial by definition. We’ve worked hard to provide you with the longest, most comprehensive list you’ll find anywhere, and any of these topics may be instantly captivating.

  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Should there be a minimum wage?
  • Should the government intervene in the free market?
  • Should the US government intervene in foreign affairs?
  • Should there be term limits for US senators?
  • Should the Electoral College be abolished in the US?
  • Are there exceptions to the freedom of speech?
  • Should hate speech be banned?
  • Should the government ensure the protection of privacy?
  • Is the gender pay gap real?
  • Does institutional racism exist in the US?
  • Is affirmative action helping or hurting?
  • Is immigration helping or hurting the US?
  • Should all illicit drugs be legalized?
  • Should prostitution be legalized?
  • Should abortion be banned?
  • Should there be stricter gun control laws?
  • Should automatic weapons be banned?
  • Should military service be mandatory?
  • Should water be a commodity or a human right?
  • Should the government forgive all student debt?

Is justice being served? Few things get under people’s skin as much as perceived injustices. We are more or less programmed to seek fairness both for ourselves and for others. That’s why, similar to political topics, criminal justice issues are naturally engaging.

Appropriate punishment is salient now especially in the US after years of debates and protests related to the killings of minorities like George Floyd, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice. More recently, the storming of the US Capitol, the role the President’s words had in inciting the perpetrators, and how liable they are when following their President’s words, are also hot-button issues. It’s hard to go wrong with a criminal justice topic.

  • Is the death penalty ethical?
  • Should people be jailed for drug-related offenses?
  • Should police officers be charged for inappropriate use of force?
  • Why are minorities disproportionately represented in the US prison population?
  • Why does the US have the largest prison population in the world?
  • Should mentally unstable people be charged with crimes?
  • Should underage repeat offenders be tried as adults?
  • Should there be more than 12 jurors in a jury?
  • Should felons be allowed to vote?

Religion is a sensitive issue everywhere. Since it often concerns people’s innermost beliefs and principles, it’s not difficult to capture your audience’s attention with a religious topic. But beware that it’s also very easy to offend someone if you’re not careful.

Take religious freedom, for example – a concept interpreted in very different ways by different people. When in 2012 a Christian baker in Colorado refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, was he exercising his religious freedom or discriminating against LGBTQ people?

  • Is atheism a religion?
  • Does religion do more harm than good?
  • Should creationism be taught in schools?
  • Should there be religious education in schools?
  • Should religious symbols be banned from schools?
  • Should schools’ curriculums consider religious points of view?
  • Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
  • Should religious institutions pay taxes?
  • Are most religions inherently sexist?
  • Is Buddhism more peaceful than other religions?

The teenage years are a transition period between childhood and adulthood, which causes a natural struggle between treating teens as children or adults. Can we hold teenagers accountable for crimes they committed? Or should their parents be responsible? Issues like this make a lively debate inevitable.

  • Should we lower the voting age to 16?
  • Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
  • At what age should teens be allowed to date?
  • At what age is it appropriate for teens to have sex?
  • Should sex education be mandatory in school?
  • Should teenage pregnancies be terminated?
  • Should teens have access to birth control?
  • Is cyberbullying as bad as real-life bullying?
  • Is peer pressure good or bad?
  • Does social media cause an increase in teenage suicide?
  • Are beauty pageants harmful to teenagers’ self-esteem?
  • Should teens be allowed to keep secrets from parents?
  • Should energy drinks be banned for teenagers?
  • Should mobile devices be banned at school?
  • Is the school grading system effective?
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory?
  • Should teens be allowed to get tattoos?
  • Should vaping be prohibited for teens?

Are you looking for more controversial topics for teens? Check out our other article where you can find 170+ controversial debate topics for teens , as well as the dos and don’ts when debating controversial topics.

Science has a very specific way of addressing controversies – by looking at evidence. When scientists disagree on something, they have to back their views with data and logical arguments. But scientific questions are often taken outside the realm of the experts and turn into social, political, or economic issues.

That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the concept of false equivalence – a fallacy in which a flawed or misleading argument is presented as equivalent to a sound and logical one. For instance, scientists have shown that the preponderance of evidence points to the reality of climate change. Media outlets and some politicians, however, sometimes present the issue as not settled. No matter whether climate change is real or not, saying that a politician’s opinion is as valid as a scientist’s – when we’re talking about that scientist’s field – is a false equivalence. Issues like that are bound to create a heated (pun intended) debate.

  • Can scientists ever be objective?
  • Should corporations fund research?
  • Should science be optional in school?
  • Why are women underrepresented in science?
  • Is STEM education more valuable than training in humanities?
  • Should cryptocurrencies be regulated?
  • Should net neutrality be restored?
  • Should robots have rights?
  • Is AI a menace to humans?
  • Is AI the next stage in evolution?
  • Is technology helping or destroying Earth?
  • Can renewable sources of energy replace fossil fuels?
  • Is climate change a threat to humanity?
  • Is cell phone radiation dangerous?
  • Is climate change reversible?
  • Should all cars be electric?
  • Is nuclear energy safe?
  • Does alien life exist?
  • Could alien life have found Earth?
  • Should humans try to colonize Mars?

Professional sports hold a lot of potential to create controversy. Hardly a week goes by without some major sports issue making the news. Whether it’s deflated footballs, kneeling during the anthem, or equal pay for male and female athletes, sports topics usually carry an emotional charge as most people have a strong opinion one way or the other .

  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • Are professional athletes paid too much?
  • Are professional athletes good role models?
  • Should college athletes be paid beyond scholarships?
  • Should college athletes be tested for drugs?
  • Is dance a real sport?
  • Is video gaming a real sport?
  • Is bodybuilding a real sport?
  • Is cheerleading a real sport?
  • Should mixed martial arts be banned?
  • Should women compete against men in sports?
  • Should female athletes be paid the same as male athletes?
  • Should transgender athletes who used to be male compete in women’s sports?
  • Do the Olympics do more harm than good for the cities hosting them?
  • Are professional sports too damaging to athletes’ health?
  • Is American football too dangerous for athletes?
  • Should athletes who kneel for the anthem be sanctioned?

Sharing a meal with others unites us, but our opinions on food often divide us. Why is one part of the world starving, while another struggles with obesity? Is famine a result of a shortage or a distribution problem? Questions about food are important for humanity, which makes them compelling topics for discussion.

  • Are genetically modified foods dangerous?
  • Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
  • Is organic food better than regular food?
  • Is fast food responsible for obesity?
  • Is food waste unavoidable?
  • Is organic farming sustainable?
  • Is factory farming unsustainable?
  • Is grass-fed beef better than corn-fed beef?
  • Is palm oil production causing deforestation?
  • Can biotech foods save us from hunger?
  • Should butter be stored in the fridge?

Nutrition is one of the most controversial scientific fields – dietary guidelines seem to be changing by the day. Is it OK to eat more than two eggs a day? Are carbs more unhealthy than fats? Issues like that are notoriously hard to resolve as even a carefully designed scientific study struggles to untangle the many factors that go into human health.

  • Should we have nutrition classes in schools?
  • Can a vegan diet help the environment?
  • Is it healthier to be vegetarian?
  • Is an all-meat diet healthy?
  • Is dieting ever effective?
  • Does fasting help or harm the body?
  • Are gluten-free diets overhyped?
  • Should we ban trans fat?
  • Is sugar addictive?
  • Are artificial sweeteners unhealthy?

Bring up the practice of eating dog meat in some countries to a dog lover, and you’ll more than likely evoke a very strong reaction. But how is it different from eating other social and intelligent mammals, such as pigs? There are many unresolved animal issues that can make for a captivating paper or presentation.

  • Should animals have the same rights as humans?
  • Should animals be considered individuals?
  • Do animals have emotions?
  • Do animals have consciousness?
  • Is animal testing ethical?
  • Should the fur industry be restricted?
  • Are zoos helping or hurting animals?
  • Should there be animals in circuses?
  • Should we try to reverse extinction?
  • Are humans destroying animal habitats?
  • Is selective dog breeding unethical?
  • Should bullfighting be banned?
  • Should whaling be banned?

Many argue that psychology as a science is still in its infancy. There’s no consensus on a lot of the big questions related to people’s minds. Is there even a way to know what’s happening inside someone else’s head besides our own? A behaviorist would insist there isn’t.

  • Is psychology a real science?
  • Is depression a real disease?
  • Are antidepressants effective?
  • Is ADHD a real mental disorder?
  • Is drug abuse a mental health issue?
  • Is mental illness equivalent to physical illness?
  • Should psychologists be allowed to prescribe drugs?
  • Is prejudice against different people inherent?
  • Is it ethical to “treat” homosexuality?
  • Are social media sites addictive?
  • Is social media connecting us or making us more isolated?
  • Is pornography harmful to the psyche?
  • Do video games cause violence?
  • Is intelligence inherited?

Being in a romantic relationship involves constantly negotiating and renegotiating issues ranging from the most mundane to the most profound. On top of that, most adults are or have been part of a couple, making this a relatable and attention-grabbing subject.

  • Is monogamy natural?
  • Does divorce harm children?
  • Should dating between co-workers be allowed?
  • Should people date people much older than themselves?
  • Is romantic love a prerequisite to marital satisfaction?
  • Should arguments in a couple be avoided or encouraged?
  • Should men and women have different functions in a relationship?
  • Is it OK to keep secrets from your partner?
  • Are long-distance relationships worth it?
  • Is sex before marriage wrong?
  • Is online dating good or bad?
  • Are homosexual relationships natural?
  • Should same-sex marriage be banned?
  • Should LGBTQ people be allowed to adopt children?

Health is arguably the most important thing for a person. So it’s no surprise that we take issues related to health and medicine very seriously. Is there any point in prolonging a dying patient’s pain through life support? Questions like this are hard to give a definitive answer to, making them potent discussion topics.

  • Are vaccines safe?
  • Is Covid-19 manmade?
  • Should immunization be mandatory?
  • Should euthanasia be allowed?
  • Is alternative medicine any good?
  • Should healthcare be free?
  • Is obesity a disease?
  • Is circumcision healthy?
  • Is stem cell research ethical?
  • How harshly should medical malpractice be punished?
  • Should Big Pharma be banned from charging too much for life-saving drugs?
  • Should prescription drug manufacturers be held responsible for the opioid crisis?
  • Should cannabis be prescribed as medicine?
  • Should surrogate pregnancy be allowed?
  • Should we use gene-editing in humans?
  • Should the sale of human organs be allowed?
  • Should genetic screening of embryos be legal?

If nurses are essential workers, why do they get paid so little? To get to the bottom of this, we need to go beyond the nursing profession and take a hard look at society as a whole. Besides, just like doctors, nurses face ethical dilemmas in their work every day, which creates a lot of room for debate.

  • Are nurses compensated fairly?
  • Should nurses’ shifts be shortened?
  • Should nurses be allowed to prescribe drugs?
  • Is the nursing profession better suited for women?
  • Should nurses use artificial hydration and nutrition?
  • Should nurses treat non-compliant patients?

Biology deals with nothing less than life itself! And what’s a more fascinating question than the origin of life? Although we seem to be far from deciphering this mystery, there are many other issues that both scientists and laypeople have good reason to debate.

  • Is evolution up for debate?
  • Did life emerge out of inorganic matter?
  • Is there a viable alternative to the theory of evolution?
  • How significant are the physiological differences between men and women?
  • Is behavior determined by our genes or by our upbringing?
  • Are there more than two genders?

If you’re a classical music lover, you’ll very likely scoff at the assertion that rock ‘n’ roll is the best musical genre. But who’s to say? Maybe someone will argue that there are objective measures of the quality of music. As with any issue that’s close to many people’s hearts, music can be an excellent topic for discussion.

  • Is music getting worse over time?
  • Is the pursuit of profit ruining music?
  • Do music streaming services such as Spotify help or harm musical artists?
  • Are violent or explicit lyrics harmful to society?
  • Are rock stars a bad influence on children?
  • Are The Beatles overrated?

Do you think Banksy will go down in history as one of the great artists, or do you see his works as cheap stunts? Either way, you’ll probably agree that art has changed almost beyond recognition since the time of Rembrandt. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is just one topic worth exploring.

  • Is the value of art subjective?
  • Should explicit art be censored?
  • Who decides what constitutes art?
  • Should an art piece always carry a message?
  • Is contemporary art as good as classical art?
  • Should any topic be out of bounds for art?

Hardly anyone would disagree that we should learn from history to avoid making the same mistake twice. But what exactly are history’s lessons is up for debate, and so make for great discussion topics.

  • Are the two World Wars responsible for the relative state of peace since?
  • Should the US pay reparations to African Americans because of slavery?
  • Should Confederate statues in the US be taken down?
  • Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?
  • Was the French Revolution inevitable?
  • Is history always written by the victors?
  • Is history bound to be repeated?

Are cats better pets than dogs? Does pineapple belong on a pizza? These are the kind of age-old debates we look into in our Funny Controversial Topics page.

Top 5 Extraordinary Motivational Speakers

130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

7 thoughts on “205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate”

Which is better, Chicago pizza or New York pizza?

Hey Nicole, just to answer your question personally I think Chicago pizza is too thick and I would choose New York pizza any day.

In my opinion Chicago pizza is clearly superior, and its thickness is one of its best attributes.

In my opinion New York pizza is clearly superior, and its thinness is one of its best attributes.

I second Chicago pizza lover’s statement, I think that Chicagos pizzas are much better!

In my very Italian opinion, true real pizza is Made in Italy only – the best. Cheers x 🙂

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350+ Informative Speech Topics for Students

Updated 24 Jul 2024

The first step in the stairs of confidence and success is an invention. Start with building what you already know and use it as an inspiration. Informative speech topics are everywhere around you. It is possible to prepare a spec literally on everything that surrounds you.

Discover which thoughts visit your mind more often. Even if it is only food and sleep, you can prepare a marvellous and important for many students speech on how nutrition influences sleep. Be creative and discover what you passionate about are. Have a killer paper due? Pay professional essay writers to do it for you.

A list of informative speech topics for college might give you an idea of a diversity of topics.

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What is an informative speech and example?

An informative speech is meant to provide information (often complex, detailed) on an object, living being, personality, phenomenon, event, industry, current knowledge in a field, etc. An example could include educating the audience on how to recognize fake news online or on major conspiracy theories circulating on the Internet. 

Writing an informative speech has never been easier with these AI detectors recommended by teachers , that can help you write with confidence and ensure your content’s academic integrity. If you're looking for further clarification and want to see an informative essay example , you can find various samples online to better understand the structure and content of such speeches.

What are the 4 types of informative speeches?

Informative speech topics usually fall into one of the following four highly-recognizable categories:

  • definition speeches – they normally focus on explaining a concept or theory
  • explanatory speeches – these normally explain a state of a field, technology, etc. providing evidence, statistics, etc.
  • descriptive speeches –  these aim at creating a detailed mental image of a described subject, phenomenon, historical event, situation, etc.
  • demonstrative speeches – these speeches teach the audience how to perform an action/ process

What are good  informative speech topics for college?

There is no universal formula for choosing the best topic, but to increase the chances, try to pick a topic that is narrow enough to address an issue comprehensively. Also match your topic to audience’s interests – consider their needs and concerns and make it really relevant for them.

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How do you choose an informative speech topic?

When choosing a speech topic, besides considering your interests, you have to decide whether your speech should focus on objects, processes, events, or concepts. As for the approaches you undertake, you could do some brainstorming, examine speech essays , or review pre-assembled lists of topics or course material to find inspiration (you could use the latter to derive related topics ).

Informative speech topics about Technology and Science

The most up-to-date and exciting informative essay topics are here. Check it out!

  • The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence and Its Future Implications
  • Exploring the Potential of CRISPR in Genetic Engineering
  • The Role of Quantum Computing in Shaping the Future of Technology
  • Understanding Blockchain Technology and Its Applications Beyond Cryptocurrency
  • The Science Behind Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact
  • The Advancements in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
  • The Impact of 5G Technology on Communication and Data Exchange
  • Space Exploration: Current Missions and Future Prospects
  • The Role of Robotics in Healthcare and Industry
  • Nanotechnology: Principles and Applications in Modern Science
  • The Future of Autonomous Vehicles and Smart Transportation
  • Cybersecurity Challenges in the Digital Age
  • The Science of Climate Change and Its Global Effects
  • Biotechnology in Agriculture: Innovations and Controversies
  • The Development and Future of the Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Understanding the Human Genome Project and Its Discoveries
  • The Physics of Black Holes and What They Tell Us About the Universe
  • The Rise of Smart Cities and Sustainable Urban Development
  • Exploring the Deep Sea: Technologies and Discoveries
  • The Ethical Implications of AI and Machine Learning

Informative speech topics about Environment

Profitable and good informative speech essay topics for making the Earth a better place are in the following list of topics. If you are concerned about our planet, about the pollutions, rational usage of energy, lack of clean water on the planet, and other important topics, you can represent an explanation of how you understand the problem and why is it so important today.

  • The Causes and Effects of Global Warming
  • Understanding the Importance of Biodiversity and Ecosystems
  • The Impact of Deforestation on Climate and Wildlife
  • Ocean Acidification: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Types, Benefits, and Challenges
  • The Science of Recycling: Processes and Benefits
  • Air Pollution: Sources, Health Impacts, and Control Measures
  • The Role of Wetlands in Environmental Protection
  • Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Their Benefits
  • The Consequences of Melting Polar Ice Caps
  • Urban Sprawl and Its Environmental Impact
  • Water Scarcity: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
  • The Effects of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life
  • Climate Change and Its Impact on Global Weather Patterns
  • The Importance of Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species
  • Eco-Friendly Technologies and Green Innovations
  • The Role of Individual Action in Combating Climate Change
  • Understanding Carbon Footprints and How to Reduce Them
  • The Impact of Agricultural Practices on the Environment
  • Green Architecture: Principles and Examples

Informative speech ideas on Education

Preparing an informative and interesting speech on education may become a struggling task. However, if to think creative, and  it might become an involving inspirational speech not only for students but also for tutors.

  • The Evolution of Educational Systems Around the World
  • The Impact of Technology in Modern Education
  • Understanding Different Learning Styles and Their Importance in Education
  • The Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning
  • The Role of Extracurricular Activities in Student Development
  • The History and Significance of Montessori Education
  • The Importance of Early Childhood Education on Long-Term Development
  • The Effects of Standardized Testing on Students and Education Systems
  • The Role of Education in Fostering Global Citizenship
  • Comparative Education: Different Schooling Systems Across Countries
  • The Impact of Teacher-Student Relationships on Learning Outcomes
  • The Role of Physical Education in Schools
  • The Challenges and Rewards of Special Education
  • The Importance of Arts Education in Cognitive and Emotional Development
  • Understanding the Finnish Education System and Its Success
  • The Role of Parental Involvement in Children's Academic Success
  • The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Opportunities
  • The Benefits of Bilingual Education
  • The Rise of Homeschooling: Reasons and Outcomes
  • The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Continuing Education

​Informative speech topics for College

  • The History and Future of Cryptocurrencies
  • Understanding Mental Health: Myths and Realities
  • The Science of Sleep: Why It Matters for College Students
  • The Evolution of Social Media and Its Impact on Society
  • Climate Change: Understanding the Science and the Urgency
  • Artificial Intelligence: How It Works and Its Future Implications
  • The Importance of Financial Literacy for College Students
  • The Psychology Behind Procrastination and How to Overcome It
  • The Role of Nutrition in Enhancing Academic Performance
  • The Ethics and Future of Genetic Engineering
  • The Impact of Globalization on Modern Economies
  • The Rise of E-Sports and Its Cultural Significance
  • Understanding Blockchain Technology and Its Applications
  • The History and Cultural Impact of Hip Hop
  • The Science of Addiction: From Substance Abuse to Behavioral Addictions
  • The Role of Renewable Energy in Combating Climate Change
  • The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment and Society
  • The Psychology of Social Networks: Connections and Consequences
  • The Future of Space Exploration and Its Potential Benefits
  • The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education

Informative speech topics for University

  • The Role of Quantum Computing in Future Technological Advancements
  • Understanding the Global Impact of Climate Change Policies
  • The Ethics and Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Society
  • The Evolution of Feminism and Its Impact on Modern Society
  • Blockchain Technology: Beyond Cryptocurrency
  • The Psychological Effects of Social Media on Young Adults
  • The Future of Work: AI, Automation, and the Human Role
  • The Science of Memory and Effective Learning Strategies
  • The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
  • Renewable Energy Sources and the Path to Sustainability
  • The Role of Microbiomes in Human Health
  • The History and Future of the European Union
  • Understanding the Gig Economy and Its Economic Implications
  • The Intersection of Technology and Privacy in the Digital Age
  • The Science Behind Effective Public Health Campaigns
  • The Rise of Virtual Reality and Its Potential Uses
  • The Importance of Ethical Leadership in Modern Organizations
  • The Impact of Urbanization on Environment and Society
  • The Role of NGOs in Global Humanitarian Efforts
  • The Psychology of Motivation and Success

​Informative speech topics on Sports and Health

Essay on sports and health can appear not only entertaining but also informative and life-changing for some students if to pick a correct topic.

  • The Importance of Physical Activity for Mental Health
  • The Evolution of Dietary Recommendations for Athletes
  • The Psychology Behind Team Sports and Individual Performance
  • The Impact of Technology on Modern Training Methods
  • Understanding Sports Injuries and Prevention Strategies
  • The Role of Yoga in Physical and Mental Wellbeing
  • The Science of Hydration and Athletic Performance
  • The Benefits and Risks of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
  • Mental Health in Professional Sports: Challenges and Support Systems
  • The History and Health Benefits of Traditional Martial Arts
  • The Role of Sports in Youth Development and Education
  • The Effects of Sleep on Athletic Performance and Recovery
  • Nutritional Supplements in Sports: Benefits and Risks
  • The Growing Trend of Esports: Health Implications and Opportunities
  • The Importance of Rehabilitation in Sports Medicine
  • The Impact of Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports
  • The Role of Mindfulness and Meditation in Athlete Performance
  • The Relationship Between Exercise and Immune System Function
  • The Influence of Gender and Age in Sports Performance
  • The Ethics of Gene Doping in Sports

​Informative speech topics on Psychology and Communication

  • The Psychology of First Impressions and Their Lasting Impact
  • Nonverbal Communication: The Power Beyond Words
  • The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Effective Communication
  • The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Understanding Body Language and Its Significance in Communication
  • The Psychological Effects of Online Dating
  • The Science of Persuasion and Its Everyday Applications
  • The Influence of Group Dynamics on Decision Making
  • The Role of Active Listening in Effective Communication
  • The Psychology Behind Conflict Resolution Strategies
  • Cognitive Biases and How They Affect Our Perceptions and Decisions
  • The Impact of Cultural Differences on Communication Styles
  • The Psychology of Advertising and Consumer Behavior
  • The Effects of Stress on Communication and Relationships
  • The Role of Communication in Mental Health Therapy
  • The Impact of Technology on Family Communication Dynamics
  • The Psychology of Color in Marketing and Branding
  • The Influence of Language on Thought and Behavior
  • The Role of Communication in Leadership and Management
  • The Psychological Impact of Social Isolation and Loneliness

Public speaking ​informative speech topics

  • The History and Evolution of Public Speaking
  • The Art of Persuasion: Techniques and Strategies
  • The Role of Storytelling in Effective Communication
  • The Psychology of Audience Engagement
  • The Impact of Cultural Differences on Public Speaking
  • The Use of Rhetorical Devices in Speeches
  • The Importance of Body Language and Vocal Variety in Speech Delivery
  • Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking: Tips and Techniques
  • The Role of Visual Aids in Enhancing Presentations
  • The Ethics of Public Speaking and Persuasion
  • The Influence of Technology on Modern Public Speaking
  • Famous Speeches in History and Their Impact
  • The Process of Crafting an Effective Speech
  • The Importance of Timing and Pacing in Speech Delivery
  • Analyzing the Speech Writing Techniques of Renowned Leaders
  • The Role of Humor in Public Speaking
  • The Impact of Social Media on Public Discourse
  • Public Speaking in the Digital Age: Webinars and Virtual Presentations
  • The Power of Persuasive Speaking in Social Movements
  • The Future of Public Speaking: Trends and Predictions

Save your time with free essay samples on Speak

​informative speech topics on society.

Good topics for speech on sociological questions can lead to positive results and self-education.

  • The Impact of Social Media on Modern Social Interactions
  • Understanding Homelessness: Causes, Challenges, and Solutions
  • The Evolution of Gender Roles in Society
  • The Effects of Globalization on Local Cultures
  • The Role of Education in Shaping Society
  • The Influence of Popular Culture on Youth
  • The Social Implications of Income Inequality
  • The History and Future of Social Movements
  • The Impact of Immigration on Society
  • The Role of Technology in Changing Social Dynamics
  • The Psychology of Consumerism and Its Effects on Society
  • The Importance of Civic Engagement and Political Participation
  • The Effects of Urbanization on Communities and the Environment
  • The Role of Art and Music in Society
  • The Impact of Climate Change on Societal Structures
  • The Changing Landscape of Work and Employment
  • The Social Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Issues
  • The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion
  • The Impact of Aging Populations on Societies
  • The Ethics and Social Implications of Genetic Engineering

Controversial topics for ​informative speeches

  • The Ethics of Genetic Cloning
  • The Debate Over Gun Control Laws in Different Countries
  • The Controversy Surrounding Capital Punishment
  • The Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy
  • The Legality and Ethics of Euthanasia
  • The Impact of Surveillance Technology on Privacy
  • The Ongoing Debate on Abortion Rights
  • The Effectiveness of the Death Penalty in Deterring Crime
  • The Debate Over Mandatory Vaccinations
  • The Ethics of Animal Testing in Scientific Research
  • The Controversy of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Agriculture
  • The Debate on the Legalization of Cannabis
  • The Role of Affirmative Action in Education and Employment
  • The Impact of Free Speech vs. Hate Speech
  • The Ethics and Implications of Artificial Intelligence
  • Climate Change: Realities and Skepticism
  • The Debate Over School Choice and Charter Schools
  • The Controversy Surrounding Stem Cell Research
  • The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies and Cultures
  • The Debate on Universal Basic Income

Informative speech topics on Economy and Finance

Understanding of main financial principles, history of the currency, safety issues is crucial today. The best way to learn it is to find topics for informative speech topics that are interesting to you and research the question.

  • Understanding the Global Financial Crisis of 2008: Causes and Consequences
  • The Basics of Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and Beyond
  • The Impact of Trade Wars on Global Economy
  • The Role of Central Banks in Managing Economies
  • The Rise of Sustainable and Ethical Investing
  • Understanding Stock Markets: How They Work and Their Importance
  • The Economics of Climate Change and Its Financial Implications
  • The Gig Economy: Pros, Cons, and Future Trends
  • The Principles of Behavioral Economics
  • The Impact of Automation and AI on Job Markets
  • The Role of Microfinance in Poverty Alleviation
  • Understanding National Debt and Its Implications for the Future
  • The Evolution of Global Trade and Its Impact on Economies
  • Inflation: Causes, Effects, and Control Measures
  • The Future of Banking: Fintech and Digital Currencies
  • The Economics of Healthcare
  • The Gender Pay Gap: Causes and Solutions
  • The Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development
  • Understanding Economic Indicators and Their Significance
  • The Impact of Economic Sanctions on Nations and Global Relations
Read also: Commemorative Speech Topics for College Students

Informative speech ideas on Family

Youth spend years to accomplish higher education or professional preparations to gain a well-paid and satisfying job, but many of them spend no time preparing for family life and learning how do relationships between relatives work.

  • The Evolution of Family Structures Through History
  • The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development
  • The Role of Family in Adolescent Mental Health
  • Understanding the Dynamics of Blended Families
  • The Challenges and Rewards of Single Parenting
  • The Influence of Cultural Backgrounds on Family Traditions
  • The Effects of Technology on Family Communication and Relationships
  • The Importance of Work-Life Balance for Family Well-being
  • The Role of Grandparents in Modern Family Structures
  • The Impact of Migration on Family Units
  • The Psychological Effects of Birth Order on Personality
  • The Changing Role of Fathers in the 21st Century
  • The Impact of Economic Stress on Family Life
  • The Role of Family Therapy in Resolving Conflicts
  • Understanding Adoption: Processes and Family Dynamics
  • The Effects of Divorce on Children and Coping Mechanisms
  • The Importance of Family Meals in Building Relationships
  • The Challenges of Raising a Child with Special Needs
  • The Role of Families in Supporting Elderly Relatives
  • The Impact of Substance Abuse on Family Dynamics

Informative speech topics on Politics and Culture

A great way to discover politics and culture is to represent your short talk to one of the following topics and discuss it in a group. Write a final paper with a few conclusions including a visual representation of the concepts if needed. Visualization is the best way to memorize needed information.

  • The Influence of Political Leaders on Cultural Shifts
  • The Role of Populism in Modern Politics
  • Understanding Nationalism and Its Impact on Culture
  • The Effects of Political Correctness on Free Speech
  • The Influence of Social Movements on Political Change
  • The Politics of Identity: Race, Gender, and Culture
  • The Impact of Immigration Policies on Cultural Diversity
  • The Role of Art and Literature in Political Activism
  • The Effect of Political Satire on Public Opinion
  • Cultural Diplomacy: Politics and International Relations
  • The Ethics of Cultural Appropriation in Politics
  • The Influence of Religion on Political Beliefs and Practices
  • The Role of Music and Entertainment in Political Campaigns
  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse
  • Understanding Political Extremism and Its Cultural Roots
  • The Politics of Cultural Preservation
  • The Intersection of Climate Change and Political Ideology
  • The Role of Indigenous Rights in Politics and Culture
  • The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultural Traditions
  • The Influence of Political Leaders on Cultural Diplomacy

Fun informative speech topics

  • The Science of Chocolate: From Bean to Bar
  • The History of Board Games and Their Cultural Significance
  • The Art of Making Perfect Pizza
  • The World of Competitive Eating: Records and Techniques
  • The Psychology of Laughter: Why We Find Things Funny
  • The Marvel Cinematic Universe: A Journey Through the Films
  • The Art and Science of Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee
  • The Magic of Illusion: Secrets Behind Famous Magic Tricks
  • The Evolution of Dance Styles: From Swing to Hip-Hop
  • The History of Comic Books and Their Impact on Pop Culture
  • The World of Extreme Sports: Thrills and Risks
  • The History of Video Games: From Pong to Virtual Reality
  • The Fascinating Lives of Bees and Their Importance to Ecosystems
  • The Origins and Traditions of Halloween Around the World
  • The Art of Origami: History and Modern Creations
  • The Wonders of Underwater Life: Coral Reefs and Marine Animals
  • The World of Superfoods: Nutritional Benefits and Uses
  • The Intriguing World of Unsolved Mysteries and Conspiracies
  • The Evolution of Fashion Trends: From Flappers to Streetwear
  • The Science Behind Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

Informative speech themes on Justice and Law

The following list of speech topics represents a wide range of problems in the country and in the world. If you have no idea what does a topic say, google it and research it. Maybe you will find the answers in your research and will find what to share with your class.

  • The History and Evolution of Criminal Justice Systems
  • Understanding the Principles of Criminal Law
  • The Role of Juries in the Legal System
  • The Ethics of Capital Punishment
  • The Impact of Technology on Modern Law Enforcement
  • The Psychology of Jury Selection
  • The Rights of the Accused: Miranda Warning and Due Process
  • The Role of Forensic Science in Solving Crimes
  • Understanding International Human Rights Laws
  • The Ethics of Surveillance in the Digital Age
  • The Evolution of Cybercrime and Its Legal Challenges
  • The Role of Civil Rights Movements in Shaping Legal Change
  • The Impact of Drug Laws on Society and Justice
  • The Ethics of Legalizing Prostitution
  • The Rights of Juvenile Offenders in the Justice System
  • The Challenges of Immigration Laws and Policies
  • The Role of Restorative Justice in Criminal Rehabilitation
  • Understanding Environmental Laws and Their Enforcement
  • The Legalization and Regulation of Marijuana
  • The Ethics of Privacy in the Age of Big Data

Informative speech topics on Business

Make your informative speech topics relevant to the audience. It can be inspirational when applied in practice. Advise best inspirational literature, movies, other speeches, and etc.

  • The Essentials of Starting a Successful Small Business
  • The Impact of Digital Marketing on Modern Business Strategies
  • The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Business
  • The Evolution of E-Commerce: Trends and Future Prospects
  • Understanding the Principles of Effective Business Leadership
  • The Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work for Businesses
  • The Role of Data Analytics in Business Decision-Making
  • The Importance of Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • The Ethics of Corporate Governance and Accountability
  • The Role of Innovation in Sustaining Business Competitiveness
  • The Impact of Globalization on Small and Large Businesses
  • The Economics of Supply Chain Management
  • The Ethics and Implications of Outsourcing
  • Understanding Business Negotiation Strategies
  • The Rise of Sustainable and Green Business Practices
  • The Psychology of Consumer Behavior and Marketing
  • The Importance of Financial Planning for Business Success
  • The Challenges and Opportunities of Family Businesses
  • The Role of Business Networking in Professional Growth

Short informative speech topics

  • The Benefits of Regular Exercise
  • The Importance of Handwashing for Health
  • The History of the Internet
  • Tips for Effective Time Management
  • The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment
  • How to Create a Strong Password
  • The Basics of Climate Change
  • The Significance of Recycling
  • The Role of Bees in Pollination
  • The Benefits of Deep Breathing for Stress Relief
  • The Dangers of Texting and Driving
  • The Origins of Pizza
  • The Advantages of Reading Regularly
  • The Importance of Sunscreen
  • Tips for Reducing Food Waste at Home
  • The Health Benefits of Drinking Water
  • How to Perform CPR
  • The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Oceans
  • The History of the Olympic Games
  • The Basics of First Aid

Literature and History informative speech topics

A list of informative speech ideas doesn’t end here. The last but not least, unique and popular ideas on history and literature deserve your attention and attention of your audience. Keep in mind, speaking with the public on a particular historical event they might not remember or a book they might never read is not the best idea. Choose simple and popular topics and dive deeper into research, share ideas and concepts, not facts.

  • The Influence of Historical Events on Classic Literature
  • Exploring Historical Fiction: How Authors Bring the Past to Life
  • The Role of Literature in Shaping Historical Narratives
  • The Impact of World War I on Modernist Literature
  • Famous Literary Figures of the Renaissance Era
  • The Connection Between the Harlem Renaissance and African American Literature
  • The Historical Context of Shakespeare's Plays
  • The Influence of Ancient Mythology on Contemporary Literature
  • The Role of Literature in the Civil Rights Movement
  • The Historical Background of Gothic Literature
  • The Impact of World War II on Post-War Literature
  • Exploring Historical Biographies in Literature
  • The Evolution of the Mystery Genre in Literature
  • The Historical Settings of Jane Austen's Novels
  • The Influence of Colonialism on Postcolonial Literature
  • The Role of Literature in Documenting Historical Injustices
  • The Historical and Literary Significance of the Beat Generation
  • The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Victorian Literature
  • The Connection Between Ancient History and Epic Poetry
  • The Historical Themes in Dystopian Literature
Read also: 200 Persuasive Speech Topics With Bonus Tips 

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How to choose a suitable informative speech topic?

Choosing the topic for a speech may become confusing, so you can contact our writing service for help. There are so many topics to speak about and such a short period to prepare your speech. There are a few issues you might experience while choosing a topic:

  • Lack of interest. A speech may seem interesting in the beginning, but after writing a few essays, it appears that there is nothing to talk about anymore. Make sure that a chosen topic is modern and three is enough interesting information to represent to your audience
  • Too many facts. There is no need to retell the content of a novel, a historical event, the content of an experiment or other. Make sure there are concepts and ideas in your speech. A presentation should leave a positive aftertaste and cause a vivid discussion.
  • Losing a point. It may happen that you start your speech with family issues and end up talking about politics and justice. To avoid this make sure your paper doesn’t fit any other category but the chosen one. If it looks like your family topic transformed into politic one, rephrase the heading and make it politic from the beginning.
  • The audience can lose interest. Make sure you represent your speech with simple words and understandable concepts. One of the best practices is imagining that you are trying to explain your point to your granny. It will help you to cover a wide audience.
  • The speech is boring. It doesn’t depend on a topic but on the way you represent it. Add some funny things to your speech. Check TED talks as an example. Every speck has a joke or something funny. Entertain the public and educate it.
Read also: Special Occasion Speech Ideas

Choosing an informative speech topics is nearly half of a task. With the correct concept, you already have a plan in your head and can easily prepare your speech for an hour. Sometimes choosing a topic may take a few days. Take your time and make sure you have enough information and ideas to share. If you experience troubles in preparing a speech, there is a team of professional speech writers who can help you with a task. You can buy a speech or proofreading of your completed speech. There are professionals who can help you to make it better or make everything for you in a few hours. If there is an online helper, why not to use it?

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Informative Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples

What is an informative speech.

An informative speech uses descriptions, demonstrations, and strong detail to explain a person, place, or subject. An informative speech makes a complex topic easier to understand and focuses on delivering information, rather than providing a persuasive argument.

Types of informative speeches

The most common types of informative speeches are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration.

Types of informative speeches

A definition speech explains a concept, theory, or philosophy about which the audience knows little. The purpose of the speech is to inform the audience so they understand the main aspects of the subject matter.

An explanatory speech presents information on the state of a given topic. The purpose is to provide a specific viewpoint on the chosen subject. Speakers typically incorporate a visual of data and/or statistics.

The speaker of a descriptive speech provides audiences with a detailed and vivid description of an activity, person, place, or object using elaborate imagery to make the subject matter memorable.

A demonstrative speech explains how to perform a particular task or carry out a process. These speeches often demonstrate the following:

How to do something

How to make something

How to fix something

How something works

Demonstrative speeches

How to write an informative speech

Regardless of the type, every informative speech should include an introduction, a hook, background information, a thesis, the main points, and a conclusion.

Introduction

An attention grabber or hook draws in the audience and sets the tone for the speech. The technique the speaker uses should reflect the subject matter in some way (i.e., if the topic is serious in nature, do not open with a joke). Therefore, when choosing an attention grabber, consider the following:

What’s the topic of the speech?

What’s the occasion?

Who’s the audience?

What’s the purpose of the speech?

Attention grabbers/hooks

Common Attention Grabbers (Hooks)

Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way (e.g., a poll question where they can simply raise their hands) or ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic in a certain way yet requires no response.

Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.

Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, which is typically done using data or statistics. The statement should surprise the audience in some way.

Provide a brief anecdote that relates to the topic in some way.

Present a “what if” scenario that connects to the subject matter of the speech.

Identify the importance of the speech’s topic.

Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.

Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.

The thesis statement shares the central purpose of the speech.

Demonstrate

Include background information and a thesis statement

Preview the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose. Typically, informational speeches will have an average of three main ideas.

Body paragraphs

Apply the following to each main idea (body) :

Identify the main idea ( NOTE: The main points of a demonstration speech would be the individual steps.)

Provide evidence to support the main idea

Explain how the evidence supports the main idea/central purpose

Transition to the next main idea

Body of an informative speech

Review or restate the thesis and the main points presented throughout the speech.

Much like the attention grabber, the closing statement should interest the audience. Some of the more common techniques include a challenge, a rhetorical question, or restating relevant information:

Provide the audience with a challenge or call to action to apply the presented information to real life.

Detail the benefit of the information.

Close with an anecdote or brief story that illustrates the main points.

Leave the audience with a rhetorical question to ponder after the speech has concluded.

Detail the relevance of the presented information.

Informative speech conclusion

Before speech writing, brainstorm a list of informative speech topic ideas. The right topic depends on the type of speech, but good topics can range from video games to disabilities and electric cars to healthcare and mental health.

Informative speech topics

Some common informative essay topics for each type of informational speech include the following:

Informative speech topics
What is the electoral college? Holidays in different cultures/different countries Best concert Bake a cake
What is a natural disaster? Cybersecurity concerns Childhood experience Build a model (airplane, car, etc.)
What is the “glass ceiling?” Effect of the arts Day to remember Build a website
What is globalization? How the stock market works Dream job Apply for a credit card
What is happiness? Impact of global warming/climate change Embarrassing moment Change a tire
What is humor? Important lessons from sports Favorite place Learn an instrument
What is imagination? Influence of social media and cyberbullying First day of school Play a sport
What is love? Social networks/media and self-image Future plans Register to vote
What is philosophy? Evolution of artificial intelligence Happiest memory Train a pet
What was the Great Depression? Impact of fast food on obesity Perfect vacation Write a resume

Informative speech examples

The following list identifies famous informational speeches:

“Duties of American Citizenship” by Theodore Roosevelt

“Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas MacArthur

“Strength and Dignity” by Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation

“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry

“The Decision to Go to the Moon” by John F. Kennedy

“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill

Description

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Pearl Harbor Address” by Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“Luckiest Man” by Lou Gehrig

Demonstration

The Way to Cook with Julia Child

This Old House with Bob Vila

Bill Nye the Science Guy with Bill Nye

informative topics speech and debate

Planning and Presenting an Informative Speech

In this guide, you can learn about the purposes and types of informative speeches, about writing and delivering informative speeches, and about the parts of informative speeches.

Purposes of Informative Speaking

Informative speaking offers you an opportunity to practice your researching, writing, organizing, and speaking skills. You will learn how to discover and present information clearly. If you take the time to thoroughly research and understand your topic, to create a clearly organized speech, and to practice an enthusiastic, dynamic style of delivery, you can be an effective "teacher" during your informative speech. Finally, you will get a chance to practice a type of speaking you will undoubtedly use later in your professional career.

The purpose of the informative speech is to provide interesting, useful, and unique information to your audience. By dedicating yourself to the goals of providing information and appealing to your audience, you can take a positive step toward succeeding in your efforts as an informative speaker.

Major Types of Informative Speeches

In this guide, we focus on informative speeches about:

These categories provide an effective method of organizing and evaluating informative speeches. Although they are not absolute, these categories provide a useful starting point for work on your speech.

In general, you will use four major types of informative speeches. While you can classify informative speeches many ways, the speech you deliver will fit into one of four major categories.

Speeches about Objects

Speeches about objects focus on things existing in the world. Objects include, among other things, people, places, animals, or products.

Because you are speaking under time constraints, you cannot discuss any topic in its entirety. Instead, limit your speech to a focused discussion of some aspect of your topic.

Some example topics for speeches about objects include: the Central Intelligence Agency, tombstones, surgical lasers, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the pituitary gland, and lemmings.

To focus these topics, you could give a speech about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and efforts to conceal how he suffered from polio while he was in office. Or, a speech about tombstones could focus on the creation and original designs of grave markers.

Speeches about Processes

Speeches about processes focus on patterns of action. One type of speech about processes, the demonstration speech, teaches people "how-to" perform a process. More frequently, however, you will use process speeches to explain a process in broader terms. This way, the audience is more likely to understand the importance or the context of the process.

A speech about how milk is pasteurized would not teach the audience how to milk cows. Rather, this speech could help audience members understand the process by making explicit connections between patterns of action (the pasteurization process) and outcomes (a safe milk supply).

Other examples of speeches about processes include: how the Internet works (not "how to work the Internet"), how to construct a good informative speech, and how to research the job market. As with any speech, be sure to limit your discussion to information you can explain clearly and completely within time constraints.

Speeches about Events

Speeches about events focus on things that happened, are happening, or will happen. When speaking about an event, remember to relate the topic to your audience. A speech chronicling history is informative, but you should adapt the information to your audience and provide them with some way to use the information. As always, limit your focus to those aspects of an event that can be adequately discussed within the time limitations of your assignment.

Examples of speeches about events include: the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, Groundhog's Day, the Battle of the Bulge, the World Series, and the 2000 Presidential Elections.

Speeches about Concepts

Speeches about concepts focus on beliefs, ideas, and theories. While speeches about objects, processes, and events are fairly concrete, speeches about concepts are more abstract. Take care to be clear and understandable when creating and presenting a speech about a concept. When selecting a concept, remember you are crafting an informative speech. Often, speeches about concepts take on a persuasive tone. Focus your efforts toward providing unbiased information and refrain from making arguments. Because concepts can be vague and involved, limit your speech to aspects that can be readily explained and understood within the time limits.

Some examples of topics for concept speeches include: democracy, Taoism, principles of feminism, the philosophy of non-violent protest, and the Big Bang theory.

Strategies for Selecting a Topic

In many cases, circumstances will dictate the topic of your speech. However, if the topic has not been assigned or if you are having difficulty figuring out how to frame your topic as an informative speech,the following may be useful.

Begin by thinking of your interests. If you have always loved art, contemplate possible topics dealing with famous artists, art works, or different types of art. If you are employed, think of aspects of your job or aspects of your employer's business that would be interesting to talk about. While you cannot substitute personal experience for detailed research, your own experience can supplement your research and add vitality to your presentation. Choose one of the items below to learn more about selecting a topic.

Learn More about an Unfamiliar Topic

You may benefit more by selecting an unfamiliar topic that interests you. You can challenge yourself by choosing a topic you'd like to learn about and to help others understand it. If the Buddhist religion has always been an interesting and mysterious topic to you, research the topic and create a speech that offers an understandable introduction to the religion. Remember to adapt Buddhism to your audience and tell them why you think this information is useful to them. By taking this approach, you can learn something new and learn how to synthesize new information for your audience.

Think about Previous Classes

You might find a topic by thinking of classes you have taken. Think back to concepts covered in those classes and consider whether they would serve as unique, interesting, and enlightening topics for the informative speech. In astronomy, you learned about red giants. In history, you learned about Napoleon. In political science, you learned about The Federalist Papers. Past classes serve as rich resources for informative speech topics. If you make this choice, use your class notes and textbook as a starting point. To fully develop the content, you will need to do extensive research and perhaps even a few interviews.

Talk to Others

Topic selection does not have to be an individual effort. Spend time talking about potential topics with classmates or friends. This method can be extremely effective because other people can stimulate further ideas when you get stuck. When you use this method, always keep the basic requirements and the audience in mind. Just because you and your friend think home-brew is a great topic does not mean it will enthrall your audience or impress your instructor. While you talk with your classmates or friends, jot notes about potential topics and create a master list when you exhaust the possibilities. From this list, choose a topic with intellectual merit, originality, and potential to entertain while informing.

Framing a Thesis Statement

Once you settle on a topic, you need to frame a thesis statement. Framing a thesis statement allows you to narrow your topic, and in turns allows you to focus your research in this specific area, saving you time and trouble in the process.

Selecting a topic and focusing it into a thesis statement can be a difficult process. Fortunately, a number of useful strategies are available to you.

Thesis Statement Purpose

The thesis statement is crucial for clearly communicating your topic and purpose to the audience. Be sure to make the statement clear, concise, and easy to remember. Deliver it to the audience and use verbal and nonverbal illustrations to make it stand out.

Strategies For Framing a Thesis Statement

Focus on a specific aspect of your topic and phrase the thesis statement in one clear, concise, complete sentence, focusing on the audience. This sentence sets a goal for the speech. For example, in a speech about art, the thesis statement might be: "The purpose of this speech is to inform my audience about the early works of Vincent van Gogh." This statement establishes that the speech will inform the audience about the early works of one great artist. The thesis statement is worded conversationally and included in the delivery of the speech.

Thesis Statement and Audience

The thesis appears in the introduction of the speech so that the audience immediately realizes the speaker's topic and goal. Whatever the topic may be, you should attempt to create a clear, focused thesis statement that stands out and could be repeated by every member of your audience. It is important to refer to the audience in the thesis statement; when you look back at the thesis for direction, or when the audience hears the thesis, it should be clear that the most important goal of your speech is to inform the audience about your topic. While the focus and pressure will be on you as a speaker, you should always remember that the audience is the reason for presenting a public speech.

Avoid being too trivial or basic for the average audience member. At the same time, avoid being too technical for the average audience member. Be sure to use specific, concrete terms that clearly establish the focus of your speech.

Thesis Statement and Delivery

When creating the thesis statement, be sure to use a full sentence and frame that sentence as a statement, not as a question. The full sentence, "The purpose of this speech is to inform my audience about the early works of Vincent van Gogh," provides clear direction for the speech, whereas the fragment "van Gogh" says very little about the purpose of the speech. Similarly, the question "Who was Vincent van Gogh?" does not adequately indicate the direction the speech will take or what the speaker hopes to accomplish.

If you limit your thesis statement to one distinct aspect of the larger topic, you are more likely to be understood and to meet the time constraints.

Researching Your Topic

As you begin to work on your informative speech, you will find that you need to gather additional information. Your instructor will most likely require that you locate relevant materials in the library and cite those materials in your speech. In this section, we discuss the process of researching your topic and thesis.

Conducting research for a major informative speech can be a daunting task. In this section, we discuss a number of strategies and techniques that you can use to gather and organize source materials for your speech.

Gathering Materials

Gathering materials can be a daunting task. You may want to do some research before you choose a topic. Once you have a topic, you have many options for finding information. You can conduct interviews, write or call for information from a clearinghouse or public relations office, and consult books, magazines, journals, newspapers, television and radio programs, and government documents. The library will probably be your primary source of information. You can use many of the libraries databases or talk to a reference librarian to learn how to conduct efficient research.

Taking Notes

While doing your research, you may want to carry notecards. When you come across a useful passage, copy the source and the information onto the notecard or copy and paste the information. You should maintain a working bibliography as you research so you always know which sources you have consulted and so the process of writing citations into the speech and creating the bibliography will be easier. You'll need to determine what information-recording strategies work best for you. Talk to other students, instructors, and librarians to get tips on conducting efficient research. Spend time refining your system and you will soon be able to focus on the information instead of the record-keeping tasks.

Citing Sources Within Your Speech

Consult with your instructor to determine how much research/source information should be included in your speech. Realize that a source citation within your speech is defined as a reference to or quotation from material you have gathered during your research and an acknowledgement of the source. For example, within your speech you might say: "As John W. Bobbitt said in the December 22, 1993, edition of the Denver Post , 'Ouch!'" In this case, you have included a direct quotation and provided the source of the quotation. If you do not quote someone, you might say: "After the first week of the 1995 baseball season, attendance was down 13.5% from 1994. This statistic appeared in the May 7, 1995, edition of the Denver Post ." Whatever the case, whenever you use someone else's ideas, thoughts, or words, you must provide a source citation to give proper credit to the creator of the information. Failure to cite sources can be interpreted as plagiarism which is a serious offense. Upon review of the specific case, plagiarism can result in failure of the assignment, the course, or even dismissal from the University. Take care to cite your sources and give credit where it is due.

Creating Your Bibliography

As with all aspects of your speech, be sure to check with your instructor to get specific details about the assignment.

Generally, the bibliography includes only those sources you cited during the speech. Don't pad the bibliography with every source you read, saw on the shelf, or heard of from friends. When you create the bibliography, you should simply go through your complete sentence outline and list each source you cite. This is also a good way to check if you have included enough reference material within the speech. You will need to alphabetize the bibiography by authors last name and include the following information: author's name, article title, publication title, volume, date, page number(s). You may need to include additional information; you need to talk with your instructor to confirm the required bibliographical format.

Some Cautions

When doing research, use caution in choosing your sources. You need to determine which sources are more credible than others and attempt to use a wide variety of materials. The broader the scope of your research, the more impressive and believable your information. You should draw from different sources (e.g., a variety of magazines-- Time, Newsweek, US News & World Report, National Review, Mother Jones ) as well as different types of sources (i.e., use interviews, newspapers, periodicals, and books instead of just newspapers). The greater your variety, the more apparent your hard work and effort will be. Solid research skills result in increased credibility and effectiveness for the speaker.

Structuring an Informative Speech

Typically, informative speeches have three parts:

Introduction

In this section, we discuss the three parts of an informative speech, calling attention to specific elements that can enhance the effectiveness of your speech. As a speaker, you will want to create a clear structure for your speech. In this section, you will find discussions of the major parts of the informative speech.

The introduction sets the tone of the entire speech. The introduction should be brief and to-the-point as it accomplishes these several important tasks. Typically, there are six main components of an effective introduction:

Attention Getters

Thesis statement, audience adaptation, credibility statement, transition to the body.

As in any social situation, your audience makes strong assumptions about you during the first eight or ten seconds of your speech. For this reason, you need to start solidly and launch the topic clearly. Focus your efforts on completing these tasks and moving on to the real information (the body) of the speech. Typically, there are six main components of an effective introduction. These tasks do not have to be handled in this order, but this layout often yields the best results.

The attention-getter is designed to intrigue the audience members and to motivate them to listen attentively for the next several minutes. There are infinite possibilities for attention-getting devices. Some of the more common devices include using a story, a rhetorical question, or a quotation. While any of these devices can be effective, it is important for you to spend time strategizing, creating, and practicing the attention-getter.

Most importantly, an attention-getter should create curiosity in the minds of your listeners and convince them that the speech will be interesting and useful. The wording of your attention-getter should be refined and practiced. Be sure to consider the mood/tone of your speech; determine the appropriateness of humor, emotion, aggressiveness, etc. Not only should the words get the audiences attention, but your delivery should be smooth and confident to let the audience know that you are a skilled speaker who is prepared for this speech.

The crowd was wild. The music was booming. The sun was shining. The cash registers were ringing.

This story-like re-creation of the scene at a Farm Aid concert serves to engage the audience and causes them to think about the situation you are describing. Touching stories or stories that make audience members feel involved with the topic serve as good attention-getters. You should tell a story with feeling and deliver it directly to the audience instead of reading it off your notecards.

Example Text : One dark summer night in 1849, a young woman in her 20's left Bucktown, Maryland, and followed the North Star. What was her name? Harriet Tubman. She went back some 19 times to rescue her fellow slaves. And as James Blockson relates in a 1984 issue of National Geographic , by the end of her career, she had a $40,000.00 price on her head. This was quite a compliment from her enemies (Blockson 22).

Rhetorical Question

Rhetorical questions are questions designed to arouse curiosity without requiring an answer. Either the answer will be obvious, or if it isn't apparent, the question will arouse curiosity until the presentation provides the answer.

An example of a rhetorical question to gain the audiences attention for a speech about fly-fishing is, "Have you ever stood in a freezing river at 5 o'clock in the morning by choice?"

Example Text: Have you ever heard of a railroad with no tracks, with secret stations, and whose conductors were considered criminals?

A quotation from a famous person or from an expert on your topic can gain the attention of the audience. The use of a quotation immediately launches you into the speech and focuses the audience on your topic area. If it is from a well-known source, cite the author first. If the source is obscure, begin with the quote itself.

Example Text : "No day dawns for the slave, nor is it looked for. It is all night--night forever . . . ." (Pause) This quote was taken from Jermain Loguen, a fugitive who was the son of his Tennessee master and a slave woman.

Unusual Statement

Making a statement that is unusual to the ears of your listeners is another possibility for gaining their attention.

Example Text : "Follow the drinking gourd. That's what I said, friend, follow the drinking gourd." This phrase was used by slaves as a coded message to mean the Big Dipper, which revealed the North Star, and pointed toward freedom.

You might chose to use tasteful humor which relates to the topic as an effective way to attract the audience both to you and the subject at hand.

Example Text : "I'm feeling boxed in." [PAUSE] I'm not sure, but these may have been Henry "Box" Brown's very words after being placed on his head inside a box which measured 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 1\2 feet for what seemed to him like "an hour and a half." He was shipped by Adams Express to freedom in Philadelphia (Brown 60,92; Still 10).

Shocking Statistic

Another possibility to consider is the use of a factual statistic intended to grab your listener's attention. As you research the topic you've picked, keep your eyes open for statistics that will have impact.

Example Text : Today, John Elway's talents are worth millions, but in 1840 the price of a human life, a slave, was worth $1,000.00.

Example Text : Today I'd like to tell you about the Underground Railroad.

In your introduction, you need to adapt your speech to your audience. To keep audience members interested, tell them why your topic is important to them. To accomplish this task, you need to undertake audience analysis prior to creating the speech. Figure out who your audience members are, what things are important to them, what their biases may be, and what types of subjects/issues appeal to them. In the context of this class, some of your audience analysis is provided for you--most of your listeners are college students, so it is likely that they place some value on education, most of them are probably not bathing in money, and they live in Colorado. Consider these traits when you determine how to adapt to your audience.

As you research and write your speech, take note of references to issues that should be important to your audience. Include statements about aspects of your speech that you think will be of special interest to the audience in the introduction. By accomplishing this task, you give your listeners specific things with which they can identify. Audience adaptation will be included throughout the speech, but an effective introduction requires meaningful adaptation of the topic to the audience.

You need to find ways to get the members of your audience involved early in the speech. The following are some possible options to connect your speech to your audience:

Reference to the Occasion

Consider how the occasion itself might present an opportunity to heighten audience receptivity. Remind your listeners of an important date just passed or coming soon.

Example Text : This January will mark the 130th anniversary of a "giant interracial rally" organized by William Still which helped to end streetcar segregation in the city of Philadelphia (Katz i).

Reference to the Previous Speaker

Another possibility is to refer to a previous speaker to capitalize on the good will which already has been established or to build on the information presented.

Example Text : As Alice pointed out last week in her speech on the Olympic games of the ancient world, history can provide us with fascinating lessons.

The credibility statement establishes your qualifications as a speaker. You should come up with reasons why you are someone to listen to on this topic. Why do you have special knowledge or understanding of this topic? What can the audience learn from you that they couldn't learn from someone else? Credibility statements can refer to your extensive research on a topic, your life-long interest in an issue, your personal experience with a thing, or your desire to better the lives of your listeners by sifting through the topic and providing the crucial information.

Remember that Aristotle said that credibility, or ethos, consists of good sense, goodwill, and good moral character. Create the feeling that you possess these qualities by creatively stating that you are well-educated about the topic (good sense), that you want to help each member of the audience (goodwill), and that you are a decent person who can be trusted (good moral character). Once you establish your credibility, the audience is more likely to listen to you as something of an expert and to consider what you say to be the truth. It is often effective to include further references to your credibility throughout the speech by subtly referring to the traits mentioned above.

Show your listeners that you are qualified to speak by making a specific reference to a helpful resource. This is one way to demonstrate competence.

Example Text : In doing research for this topic, I came across an account written by one of these heroes that has deepened my understanding of the institution of slavery. Frederick Douglass', My Bondage and My Freedom, is the account of a man whose master's kindness made his slavery only more unbearable.

Your listeners want to believe that you have their best interests in mind. In the case of an informative speech, it is enough to assure them that this will be an interesting speech and that you, yourself, are enthusiastic about the topic.

Example Text : I hope you'll enjoy hearing about the heroism of the Underground Railroad as much as I have enjoyed preparing for this speech.

Preview the Main Points

The preview informs the audience about the speech's main points. You should preview every main body point and identify each as a separate piece of the body. The purpose of this preview is to let the audience members prepare themselves for the flow of the speech; therefore, you should word the preview clearly and concisely. Attempt to use parallel structure for each part of the preview and avoid delving into the main point; simply tell the audience what the main point will be about in general.

Use the preview to briefly establish your structure and then move on. Let the audience get a taste of how you will divide the topic and fulfill the thesis and then move on. This important tool will reinforce the information in the minds of your listeners. Here are two examples of a preview:

Simply identify the main points of the speech. Cover them in the same order that they will appear in the body of the presentation.

For example, the preview for a speech about kites organized topically might take this form: "First, I will inform you about the invention of the kite. Then, I will explain the evolution of the kite. Third, I will introduce you to the different types of kites. Finally, I will inform you about various uses for kites." Notice that this preview avoids digressions (e.g., listing the various uses for kites); you will take care of the deeper information within the body of the speech.

Example Text : I'll tell you about motivations and means of escape employed by fugitive slaves.

Chronological

For example, the preview for a speech about the Pony Express organized chronologically might take this form: "I'll talk about the Pony Express in three parts. First, its origins, second, its heyday, and third, how it came to an end." Notice that this preview avoids digressions (e.g., listing the reasons why the Pony Express came to an end); you will cover the deeper information within the body of the speech.

Example Text : I'll talk about it in three parts. First, its origins, second, its heyday, and third, how it came to an end.

After you accomplish the first five components of the introduction, you should make a clean transition to the body of the speech. Use this transition to signal a change and prepare the audience to begin processing specific topical information. You should round out the introduction, reinforce the excitement and interest that you created in the audience during the introduction, and slide into the first main body point.

Strategic organization helps increase the clarity and effectiveness of your speech. Four key issues are discussed in this section:

Organizational Patterns

Connective devices, references to outside research.

The body contains the bulk of information in your speech and needs to be clearly organized. Without clear organization, the audience will probably forget your information, main points, perhaps even your thesis. Some simple strategies will help you create a clear, memorable speech. Below are the four key issues used in organizing a speech.

Once you settle on a topic, you should decide which aspects of that topic are of greatest importance for your speech. These aspects become your main points. While there is no rule about how many main points should appear in the body of the speech, most students go with three main points. You must have at least two main points; aside from that rule, you should select your main points based on the importance of the information and the time limitations. Be sure to include whatever information is necessary for the audience to understand your topic. Also, be sure to synthesize the information so it fits into the assigned time frame. As you choose your main points, try to give each point equal attention within the speech. If you pick three main points, each point should take up roughly one-third of the body section of your speech.

There are four basic patterns of organization for an informative speech.

  • Chronological order
  • Spatial order
  • Causal order
  • Topical order

There are four basic patterns of organization for an informative speech. You can choose any of these patterns based on which pattern serves the needs of your speech.

Chronological Order

A speech organized chronologically has main points oriented toward time. For example, a speech about the Farm Aid benefit concert could have main points organized chronologically. The first main point focuses on the creation of the event; the second main point focuses on the planning stages; the third point focuses on the actual performance/concert; and the fourth point focuses on donations and assistance that resulted from the entire process. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that could be followed on a calendar or a clock.

Spatial Order

A speech organized spatially has main points oriented toward space or a directional pattern. The Farm Aid speech's body could be organized in spatial order. The first main point discusses the New York branch of the organization; the second main point discusses the Midwest branch; the third main point discusses the California branch of Farm Aid. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that could be traced on a map.

Causal Order

A speech organized causally has main points oriented toward cause and effect. The main points of a Farm Aid speech organized causally could look like this: the first main point informs about problems on farms and the need for monetary assistance; the second main point discusses the creation and implementation of the Farm Aid program. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that alerts the audience to a problem or circumstance and then tells the audience what action resulted from the original circumstance.

Topical Order

A speech organized topically has main points organized more randomly by sub-topics. The Farm Aid speech could be organized topically: the first main point discusses Farm Aid administrators; the second main point discusses performers; the third main point discusses sponsors; the fourth main point discusses audiences. In this format, you discuss main points in a more random order that labels specific aspects of the topic and addresses them in separate categories. Most speeches that are not organized chronologically, spatially, or causally are organized topically.

Within the body of your speech, you need clear internal structure. Connectives are devices used to create a clear flow between ideas and points within the body of your speech--they serve to tie the speech together. There are four main types of connective devices:

Transitions

Internal previews, internal summaries.

Within the body of your speech, you need clear internal structure. Think of connectives as hooks and ladders for the audience to use when moving from point-to-point within the body of your speech. These devices help re-focus the minds of audience members and remind them of which main point your information is supporting. The four main types of connective devices are:

Transitions are brief statements that tell the audience to shift gears between ideas. Transitions serve as the glue that holds the speech together and allow the audience to predict where the next portion of the speech will go. For example, once you have previewed your main points and you want to move from the introduction to the body of the Farm Aid speech, you might say: "To gain an adequate understanding of the intricacies of this philanthropic group, we need to look at some specific information about Farm Aid. We'll begin by looking at the administrative branch of this massive fund-raising organization."

Internal previews are used to preview the parts of a main point. Internal previews are more focused than, but serve the same purpose as, the preview you will use in the introduction of the speech. For example, you might create an internal preview for the complex main point dealing with Farm Aid performers: "In examining the Farm Aid performers, we must acknowledge the presence of entertainers from different genres of music--country and western, rhythm and blues, rock, and pop." The internal preview provides specific information for the audience if a main point is complex or potentially confusing.

Internal summaries are the reverse of internal previews. Internal summaries restate specific parts of a main point. To internally summarize the main point dealing with Farm Aid performers, you might say: "You now know what types of people perform at the Farm Aid benefit concerts. The entertainers come from a wide range of musical genres--country and western, rhythm and blues, rock, and pop." When using both internal previews and internal summaries, be sure to stylize the language in each so you do not become redundant.

Signposts are brief statements that remind the audience where you are within the speech. If you have a long point, you may want to remind the audience of what main point you are on: "Continuing my discussion of Farm Aid performers . . . "

When organizing the body of your speech, you will integrate several references to your research. The purpose of the informative speech is to allow you and the audience to learn something new about a topic. Additionally, source citations add credibility to your ideas. If you know a lot about rock climbing and you cite several sources who confirm your knowledge, the audience is likely to see you as a credible speaker who provides ample support for ideas.

Without these references, your speech is more like a story or a chance for you to say a few things you know. To complete this assignment satisfactorily, you must use source citations. Consult your textbook and instructor for specific information on how much supporting material you should use and about the appropriate style for source citations.

While the conclusion should be brief and tight, it has a few specific tasks to accomplish:

Re-assert/Reinforce the Thesis

Review the main points, close effectively.

Take a deep breath! If you made it to the conclusion, you are on the brink of finishing. Below are the tasks you should complete in your conclusion:

When making the transition to the conclusion, attempt to make clear distinctions (verbally and nonverbally) that you are now wrapping up the information and providing final comments about the topic. Refer back to the thesis from the introduction with wording that calls the original thesis into memory. Assert that you have accomplished the goals of your thesis statement and create the feeling that audience members who actively considered your information are now equipped with an understanding of your topic. Reinforce whatever mood/tone you chose for the speech and attempt to create a big picture of the speech.

Within the conclusion, re-state the main points of the speech. Since you have used parallel wording for your main points in the introduction and body, don't break that consistency in the conclusion. Frame the review so the audience will be reminded of the preview and the developed discussion of each main point. After the review, you may want to create a statement about why those main points fulfilled the goals of the speech.

Finish strongly. When you close your speech, craft statements that reinforce the message and leave the audience with a clear feeling about what was accomplished with your speech. You might finalize the adaptation by discussing the benefits of listening to the speech and explaining what you think audience members can do with the information.

Remember to maintain an informative tone for this speech. You should not persuade about beliefs or positions; rather, you should persuade the audience that the speech was worthwhile and useful. For greatest effect, create a closing line or paragraph that is artistic and effective. Much like the attention-getter, the closing line needs to be refined and practiced. Your close should stick with the audience and leave them interested in your topic. Take time to work on writing the close well and attempt to memorize it so you can directly address the audience and leave them thinking of you as a well-prepared, confident speaker.

Outlining an Informative Speech

Two types of outlines can help you prepare to deliver your speech. The complete sentence outline provides a useful means of checking the organization and content of your speech. The speaking outline is an essential aid for delivering your speech. In this section, we discuss both types of outlines.

Two types of outlines can help you prepare to deliver your speech. The complete sentence outline provides a useful means of checking the organization and content of your speech. The speaking outline is an essential aid for delivering your speech.

The Complete Sentence Outline

A complete sentence outline may not be required for your presentation. The following information is useful, however, in helping you prepare your speech.

The complete sentence outline helps you organize your material and thoughts and it serves as an excellent copy for editing the speech. The complete sentence outline is just what it sounds like: an outline format including every complete sentence (not fragments or keywords) that will be delivered during your speech.

Writing the Outline

You should create headings for the introduction, body, and conclusion and clearly signal shifts between these main speech parts on the outline. Use standard outline format. For instance, you can use Roman numerals, letters, and numbers to label the parts of the outline. Organize the information so the major headings contain general information and the sub-headings become more specific as they descend. Think of the outline as a funnel: you should make broad, general claims at the top of each part of the outline and then tighten the information until you have exhausted the point. Do this with each section of the outline. Be sure to consult with your instructor about specific aspects of the outline and refer to your course book for further information and examples.

Using the Outline

If you use this outline as it is designed to be used, you will benefit from it. You should start the outline well before your speech day and give yourself plenty of time to revise it. Attempt to have the final, clean copies ready two or three days ahead of time, so you can spend a day or two before your speech working on delivery. Prepare the outline as if it were a final term paper.

The Speaking Outline

Depending upon the assignment and the instructor, you may use a speaking outline during your presentation. The following information will be helpful in preparing your speech through the use of a speaking outline.

This outline should be on notecards and should be a bare bones outline taken from the complete sentence outline. Think of the speaking outline as train tracks to guide you through the speech.

Many speakers find it helpful to highlight certain words/passages or to use different colors for different parts of the speech. You will probably want to write out long or cumbersome quotations along with your source citation. Many times, the hardest passages to learn are those you did not write but were spoken by someone else. Avoid the temptation to over-do the speaking outline; many speakers write too much on the cards and their grades suffer because they read from the cards.

The best strategy for becoming comfortable with a speaking outline is preparation. You should prepare well ahead of time and spend time working with the notecards and memorizing key sections of your speech (the introduction and conclusion, in particular). Try to become comfortable with the extemporaneous style of speaking. You should be able to look at a few keywords on your outline and deliver eloquent sentences because you are so familiar with your material. You should spend approximately 80% of your speech making eye-contact with your audience.

Delivering an Informative Speech

For many speakers, delivery is the most intimidating aspect of public speaking. Although there is no known cure for nervousness, you can make yourself much more comfortable by following a few basic delivery guidelines. In this section, we discuss those guidelines.

The Five-Step Method for Improving Delivery

  • Read aloud your full-sentence outline. Listen to what you are saying and adjust your language to achieve a good, clear, simple sentence structure.
  • Practice the speech repeatedly from the speaking outline. Become comfortable with your keywords to the point that what you say takes the form of an easy, natural conversation.
  • Practice the speech aloud...rehearse it until you are confident you have mastered the ideas you want to present. Do not be concerned about "getting it just right." Once you know the content, you will find the way that is most comfortable for you.
  • Practice in front of a mirror, tape record your practice, and/or present your speech to a friend. You are looking for feedback on rate of delivery, volume, pitch, non-verbal cues (gestures, card-usage, etc.), and eye-contact.
  • Do a dress rehearsal of the speech under conditions as close as possible to those of the actual speech. Practice the speech a day or two before in a classroom. Be sure to incorporate as many elements as possible in the dress rehearsal...especially visual aids.

It should be clear that coping with anxiety over delivering a speech requires significant advanced preparation. The speech needs to be completed several days beforehand so that you can effectively employ this five-step plan.

Anderson, Thad, & Ron Tajchman. (1994). Informative Speaking. Writing@CSU . Colorado State University. https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=52

informative topics speech and debate

25+ Impromptu Speech Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

  • The Speaker Lab
  • August 2, 2024

Table of Contents

Impromptu speeches can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re put on the spot with little to no preparation. But fear not! With the right mindset and a collection of go-to impromptu speech ideas , you’ll be ready to tackle any speaking challenge that comes your way. That’s what we’re here for—to share inspiring themes that are perfect for firing up your imagination and turning your next speech into something unforgettable. In addition, we’ll share practical tips for choosing the perfect topic and structuring your speech for maximum impact. Get ready to level up your public speaking game and become a master of impromptu speaking!

What Is an Impromptu Speech?

An impromptu speech is a speech that’s given without much preparation time. Since you have only a few minutes to prepare your speech, impromptu speeches are short and simple. Typically, an impromptu speaker will receive a speech topic, do some quick thinking, and almost immediately begin speaking on the subject coherently and easily.

This genre of speech is a great way of testing the speakers’ public speaking , creativity, and communication skills. And, most importantly, they pose a fun challenge.

Benefits of Impromptu Speaking

Practicing impromptu speaking can help you build confidence for all types of speeches and conversations. Whether you’re talking to someone at a business networking event or speaking at a wedding , being able to think on your feet and speak eloquently is a valuable skill.

Impromptu speeches also give you the opportunity to practice organizing your thoughts quickly and delivering a clear message under pressure. This can translate to better performance in job interviews, meetings, and other high-stakes situations.

Key Elements of an Impromptu Speech

Even in this shorter form of speech, you still need to have a structure to what you are saying to ensure your message is understood by everyone. A good impromptu speech should have:

  • A clear introduction that grabs the audience’s attention and states your main point
  • 2-3 supporting points or examples to back up your main idea
  • A conclusion that summarizes your key points and leaves a lasting impression

Remember, the key is to speak naturally and let your personality shine through, even if you’re feeling nervous. The more you practice speaking impromptu, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Impromptu Speech Topics

Before choosing a topic for an impromptu speech, it’s important to consider your audience as well as the message you want to share. Let’s explore some of these considerations together.

Consider Your Audience

When selecting an impromptu speech topic, always keep your audience in mind. What are their interests, backgrounds, and expectations? Choosing a topic that resonates with your audience will help you connect with them and make your speech more engaging.

Choose a Familiar Topic

If possible, pick a topic you are already knowledgeable about. This will make it easier to come up with supporting points and examples on the spot. Personal experience on the topic is a bonus, as you’ll be able to speak more naturally about it.

Select a Topic You’re Passionate About

When you’re passionate about a topic, it shows in your delivery. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and draw the audience in. In addition, it’s much easier to speak off the cuff about something you genuinely care about.

Avoid Controversial Subjects

Unless you’re specifically asked to speak about a controversial issue, it’s generally best to avoid topics that are likely to polarize your audience. Stick to safer subjects that won’t alienate or offend anyone in the room.

Remember, the topics you choose don’t have to be groundbreaking or complex. Sometimes the simplest ideas can lead to the most interesting and engaging impromptu speeches. The most important thing is to select something you feel comfortable speaking about with minimal preparation.

Engaging Impromptu Speech Topics

There are a huge number of impromptu speech topics to choose from. To make things easier for you, we have compiled a starter list of topics just for you to consider. Any topic below will make a good subject for an excellent impromptu speech.

The topics cover a broad cross section of subject matter. Use them for table topics at your Toastmaster’s Club, with your public speaking class as practice, or by yourself. Many are deliberately provocative to stimulate a response from both you, the speaker and, your audience. Others are open-ended or neutral to allow whatever occurs in your mind to fit the topic. You could use those ones to tell a true story, whether it’s a personal experience or unique insight. Others are specific, and some topics are light-hearted to allow you to insert some humor into your speech.

Some of the impromptu speaking topics include:

  • What is your favorite book and how did it impact you?
  • How would you describe an average person?
  • What is your favorite meal and why?
  • What is your favorite animal and why?
  • What is your biggest concern for the future?
  • Are social customs a waste of time?
  • Is climate change a natural occurrence?
  • Does poor health begin in the mind?
  • Can anyone be a millionaire if they work hard enough?
  • Does a food’s popularity rely on marketing?

Besides these, there are so many more great impromptu speech topics. The key is finding one that sparks your interest and gets your creative juices flowing, even with only a minute or two to prepare. So go ahead, pick a topic and start practicing your impromptu speaking skills today.

Impromptu Speech Topics for Students

If you’re a student looking to sharpen your public speaking skills, impromptu speeches are a great place to start. Not only do these off-the-cuff talks force you to think on your feet, but they also help you practice communicating clearly under pressure. That said, coming up with impromptu speech topics on the spot can be daunting.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of engaging impromptu speech ideas tailored to students from elementary school to college. With a little practice and preparation, you’ll be acing those impromptu speeches in no time.

Elementary School

For younger students, focus on fun, relatable topics that encourage storytelling and creativity. Think along the lines of “If I could have any superpower…” or “My favorite family vacation was….” The key is to choose subjects that spark their imagination and get them excited to share.

Remember, at this age it’s all about building confidence and getting comfortable with public speaking. Keep the speech structure simple and the time limit short—aim for 1-2 minutes tops.

Middle School

As students enter middle school, you can start introducing more complex impromptu speech topics that encourage critical thinking and opinion-sharing. “Should students wear uniforms?” or “Is technology making us smarter?” are great options to get those young minds engaged.

This is also a good time to start incorporating basic speech elements like an introduction, body, and conclusion. Aim for speeches around 2-3 minutes in length, with a bit more preparation time beforehand.

High School

High school is where impromptu speaking skills can really start to shine. Students at this level can tackle meatier subjects like current events, social issues, and personal philosophies. “Should the voting age be lowered?” or “Does social media do more harm than good?” are sure to spark some lively discussions.

Encourage students to use more advanced speech structures and rhetorical devices in their impromptu talks. Speeches should be around 4-5 minutes, with a focus on clear arguments and smooth delivery.

College and University

At the college level, impromptu speaking becomes a true art form. Students should be able to tackle complex, nuanced topics with ease and deliver polished, persuasive speeches at the drop of a hat. For example, “Should college athletes be paid?” and “Is capitalism sustainable?” are just two questions that demonstrate the kind of thought-provoking subjects they might encounter.

College-level impromptu speeches often have strict time limits (around 5 minutes) and little to no preparation time, so students need to be able to think fast and speak eloquently under pressure. Participating in speech events and competitions can be a great way to hone these skills.

Persuasive Impromptu Speech Topics

If you want to kick your impromptu speaking skills up a notch, try tackling a persuasive topic. These speeches are all about convincing your audience to see things from your perspective. But you’ll need to think fast and make a compelling argument in just a few minutes.

Some hot-button persuasive topics you might encounter include “Should the minimum wage be raised?”, “Is social media a net positive or negative?”, and “Are violent video games contributing to youth violence?” These subjects are sure to get your audience engaged and spark some lively debate.

When crafting your persuasive impromptu speech, focus on building a clear, logical argument with plenty of evidence to back it up. Use rhetorical devices like emotional appeals and counterarguments to strengthen your case. Additionally, don’t be afraid to inject some personality and passion into your delivery.

Other thought-provoking persuasive topics to consider: “Is space exploration worth the cost?”, “Should meat consumption be reduced for environmental reasons?”, and “Do team sports build strong individuals?” The key is to choose a subject you’re knowledgeable and passionate about, so you can speak with confidence and conviction.

Funny Impromptu Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience

Impromptu speaking doesn’t always have to be serious business. In some instances, a little humor is just what the doctor ordered. Injecting some levity into your speech can help put your audience at ease and make your message more memorable. In addition, it’s a great way to show off your quick wit and creativity.

Some funny impromptu speech topics to try out: “Why the human race should never watch reality television,” “How to survive a zombie apocalypse using only items from your backpack,” or “The secret life of your favorite cartoon character.” These silly subjects are sure to get some laughs and keep your audience engaged.

When delivering a humorous impromptu speech, timing and delivery are everything. Use exaggeration, irony, and unexpected twists to keep your audience on their toes. And don’t be afraid to poke a little fun at yourself. After all, self-deprecating humor can be a great way to connect with your listeners.

Just remember, even funny speeches should have a point. Use humor to highlight your main message or argument, not distract from it. And always keep your audience in mind because what might be hilarious to one group could fall flat with another.

Other amusing impromptu speech ideas include “Why snooker should be an Olympic sport,” “The pros and cons of having a talking pet,” and “How to win a mock trial using only your charm and wit.” With a little creativity and a lot of confidence, you’ll have your audience in stitches in no time.

Creative and Informative Impromptu Speech Topics

If you’d rather not go the persuasive or humorous route, don’t sweat it. As luck would have it, there are plenty of other speech topics you can use for your impromptu. Below, we’ve compiled a variety of creative and interesting impromptu speech ideas. Let’s take a look.

Creative Impromptu Speech Ideas

These types of quirky, thought-provoking topics can lead to fascinating impromptu speeches. Creative impromptu speech ideas include:

  • Is it better to be a jack of all trades or a master of one?
  • Do we rely too heavily on technology in our daily lives?
  • Should public transportation be free for everyone?
  • Is social media making us less social in real life?
  • Are humans inherently good or evil?

The key is to select a topic that you find genuinely interesting and that you can speak about with passion and conviction. When you’re excited about your impromptu speech topic, that enthusiasm will shine through and captivate your audience.

Informative Impromptu Speech Ideas

In addition to creative topics, informative impromptu speech ideas can also be highly engaging. You could discuss the history of a fascinating invention, explain how a complex machine works, or share surprising facts about a well-known historical figure.

Some informative impromptu speech topics to consider:

  • The science behind why we dream
  • How recycling actually works (and why it’s important)
  • The history and cultural significance of tattoos
  • Surprising ways animals communicate with each other
  • The psychology of why we procrastinate

When tackling an informative impromptu speech, focus on conveying your message in a clear, concise way. Use relatable examples and analogies to help your audience grasp complex concepts. And don’t be afraid to inject some humor and personality into your delivery.

Whether you opt for a creative or informative impromptu speech topic, the most important thing is to choose something that resonates with you. When you speak about a subject you’re truly passionate about, your words will flow more naturally and your message will be more impactful.

So don’t be afraid to think outside the box and select an impromptu speech topic that excites and inspires you. With a little creativity and enthusiasm, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a memorable, engaging impromptu speech.

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FAQs on Impromptu Speech Ideas

What is a good impromptu speech.

A solid impromptu speech feels natural, engages the audience, and clearly conveys its message in a concise manner.

What is a random topic for impromptu speech?

“If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?” fits the bill.

What are examples of impromptu speeches?

Talks on “The role of social media in our lives” or “How to stay motivated during tough times” serve as prime examples.

Which topic is best for 1 minute speech?

“The importance of staying hydrated” nails it by being specific yet universally relevant. It’s easy to discuss briefly too.

Jumping into an impromptu speech really lets you flex those quick-wit muscles, along with showing off how creative and comfortable you are speaking on the fly. Keeping a mixed bag of spontaneous speech ideas ready means you’re always set to impress, no matter the speaking task thrown your way.

A great spontaneous talk starts by selecting a theme that means something important to both you and your audience. Whether you opt for a thought-provoking question, a relatable experience, or a lighthearted anecdote, make sure your topic allows you to speak from the heart and connect with your listeners.

So go ahead, embrace the thrill of impromptu speaking, and let your unique voice shine through. With these speech ideas and practical tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a master of the impromptu speech. Your audience awaits, ready to be inspired by your words and captivated by your presence.

  • Last Updated: July 26, 2024

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Tim Walz couch joke explained; what he said about JD Vance

informative topics speech and debate

Minnesota governor and Democratic VP pick Tim Walz waded into internet meme territory Tuesday with a snappy one-liner about JD Vance.

During the Harris-Walz rally in Philadelphia , Walz delivered a couch-related zinger to Republican VP nominee Vance .

Here's what Tim Walz said about JD Vance and the much-discussed couch .

Tim Walz tells JD Vance to 'get off the couch' and agree to debate

During his speech at the Harris-Walz rally at Temple University in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Walz set up the zinger by telling the crowd that JD Vance doesn't represent the midwesterners Walz grew up with.

"JD studied at Yale, had his career funded by Silicon Valley millionaires, and then wrote a bestseller trashing that community," Walz said. "C'mon; that's not what middle America is."

Then came the zinger.

"And I gotta tell ya; I can't wait to debate this guy," Walz continued, before pausing for dramatic effect. "That's if he's willing to get off the couch and show up.

"See what I did there?"

The joke appeared to be off-script, given the facial reaction of running mate Vice President Kamala Harris, which sent the partisan crowd at the Liacouras Center into a frenzy.

@meidastouch Gov. Tim Walz obliterates JD Vance: I can't wait to debate the guy — that is if he's willing to get off the couch and show up. #timwalz #jdvance #couch #meidastouch ♬ original sound - MeidasTouch

JD Vance couch joke explained

Tim Walz' jab at JD Vance has many levels, and grew out of the false allegations that JD Vance had sex with his couch .

That many respected news outlets ran with it as fact only fueled the joke, which lead to the creation of several JD Vance couch sex-related memes and spawned dozens of related social media accounts.

JD Vance couch story

Social media then amplified the JD Vance couch sex rumor even further by tying it to Vance's book, " Hillbilly Elegy ," a best-selling memoir written by Vance in 2016 and made into a film in 2020 .

Many JD couch-meme creators have identified themselves and seem to enjoy that these memes generated so much traction that well-known publications had to issue corrections and retract stories that stated it as fact that JD Vance had intercourse with his couch.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Trump and Harris to debate on ABC; Trump says he wants two more

  • Medium Text

Donald Trump during a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, August 8, 2024.  via Reuters TV

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Reporting by Jeff Mason in Detroit and Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut; Additional reporting by Nora Eckert, Trevor Hunnicutt, Jarrett Renshaw, James Oliphant, Alexandra Ulmer and Doina Chiacu; Writing by Joseph Ax; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Jonathan Oatis, Alistair Bell and Leslie Adler

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informative topics speech and debate

Thomson Reuters

Jeff Mason is a White House Correspondent for Reuters. He has covered the presidencies of Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden and the presidential campaigns of Biden, Trump, Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain. He served as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association in 2016-2017, leading the press corps in advocating for press freedom in the early days of the Trump administration. His and the WHCA's work was recognized with Deutsche Welle's "Freedom of Speech Award." Jeff has asked pointed questions of domestic and foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. He is a winner of the WHCA's “Excellence in Presidential News Coverage Under Deadline Pressure" award and co-winner of the Association for Business Journalists' "Breaking News" award. Jeff began his career in Frankfurt, Germany as a business reporter before being posted to Brussels, Belgium, where he covered the European Union. Jeff appears regularly on television and radio and teaches political journalism at Georgetown University. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and a former Fulbright scholar.

Harris steps off of Air Force Two upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland

Venezuela's top court says opposition failed to submit proof in election dispute

Venezuela's supreme court on Saturday said that it had not received evidence from the opposition coalition in the disputed July 28 presidential elections and warned that its decision in determining the winner would be final.

People attend a protest against Rio Tinto's lithium mining project, in Belgrade

National Speech & Debate Association

Competition Events

informative topics speech and debate

Competition Events Guide

Speech  involves a presentation by one or two students that is judged against a similar type of presentation by others in a round of competition. There are two general categories of speech events, public address events and interpretive events.  Public address events  feature a speech written by the student, either in advance or with limited prep, that can answer a question, share a belief, persuade an audience, or educate the listener on a variety of topics.  Interpretation events center upon a student selecting and performing published material and appeal to many who enjoy acting and theatre. 

Debate involves an individual or a team of students working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution or topic is, as a general principle, more valid. Students in debate come to thoroughly understand both sides of an issue, having researched each extensively, and learn to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side.

To learn more about each event, click on the event name.

Interp events.

  • Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
  • Duo Interpretation (DUO)
  • Humorous Interpretation (HI)
  • Poetry (POE)
  • Program Oral Interpretation (POI)
  • Prose (PRO)
  • Storytelling (STO)

Public Address Events

  • Commentary (EXC)
  • Declamation (DEC)
  • Expository (EXP)
  • Impromptu (IMP)
  • Informative Speaking (INF)
  • International Extemporaneous Speaking (IX)
  • Mixed Extemporaneous Speaking (MX)
  • Original Oratory (OO)
  • Original Spoken Word Poetry (SW)
  • Pro Con Challenge (PCC)
  • United States Extemporaneous Speaking (USX)

Debate Events

  • Big Questions (BQ)
  • Congressional Debate (House & Senate) (CON)
  • Extemporaneous Debate (XDB)
  • Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD)
  • Policy Debate (CX)
  • Public Forum Debate (PF)
  • World Schools Debate (WS)

Students are presented with prompts related to societal, political, historic or popular culture and, in 20 minutes, prepare a five-minute speech responding to the prompt. Students may consult articles and evidence they gather prior to the contest. At the National Tournament, students may use internet during preparation. Some other tournaments may not. The speech is delivered from memory and no notes are allowed.

About Declamation

About Dramatic Interpretation

About Duo Interpretation

About Expository

About Humorous Interpretation

About Impromptu

Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline and deliver a speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be light-hearted or serious. It can be based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes, current events, celebrities, organizations, and more.

An adapted version of Impromptu, Prepared Prompt Speaking, has been used at online tournaments. In Prepared Prompt, students will be given a list of topics prior to the tournament, select one prompt from the official list, prepare a speech, and submit it through the recording process.

Impromptu is a public speaking event that tests a student’s ability to analyze a prompt, process their thoughts, organize the points of the speech, and deliver them in a clear, coherent manner. Students’ logic is extremely important. They must be able to take an abstract idea, such as a fortune from a fortune cookie, and put together a speech that has a thesis and supporting information.

About Informative Speaking

Informative is a speech written by the student with the intent to inform the audience on a topic of significance. Students in informative may use a visual aid. Informative gives students the unique opportunity to showcase their personality while educating the audience. An Informative is not simply an essay about the topic—it is a well researched and organized presentation with evidence, logic, and sometimes humor to convey a message. Topics are varied and interesting. Whether it be a new technological advance the audience is unaware of or a new take on a concept that everyone is familiar with, Informative is the students opportunity to teach the audience. Types of topics and structure vary greatly.

About International Extemp

International Extemporaneous Speaking, typically called International Extemp, is a speech on current International events with limited preparation time. A student’s understanding of important political, economic, and cultural issues is assessed along with critical thinking and analytical skills. Students report to a draw room (often referred to as Extemp prep) where all of the Extempers gather at tables, set out their files, and await their turn to draw topics. Students may access research brought with them to the tournament during the 30-minute preparation period. Some tournaments, including the NSDA National Tournament, will permit students to use the internet to research during preparation time. When prep time is up, the student reports to the competition room to deliver a 7 minute speech. Students have a lot to do in 30 minutes—they must select a question, review research, outline arguments with supporting materials, and practice at least part of the speech before time expires. Many tournaments prohibit the consultation of notes during the speech in which case speech structure and evidence need to be memorized during prep time as well.

Mixed Extemp

Mixed Extemp combines international and domestic issues (as opposed to two separate events like high school). Mixed Extemp is an event at the NSDA Middle School National Tournament. Students are presented with a choice of three questions related to national and international current events. The student has 30 minutes to prepare a seven-minute speech answering the selected question. Students may consult articles and evidence to help with their preparation. The internet may be used during preparation time at the NSDA Middle School National Tournament, though local events may not allow use of internet.

About Original Oratory

About Original Spoken Word Poetry

Students write and perform original poetry to express ideas, experience, or emotion through the creative arrangement of words according to their sound, their rhythm, their meaning.

The maximum time limit is 5 minutes with a 30-second grace period. The delivery must be memorized, and no book or script may be used. No more than 150 words of the original poetry may be direct quotation from any other speech or writing. A successful performer will craft a piece that elicits critical thought, reflection, or emotion. As opposed to traditional Poetry, Spoken Word Poetry is created to be performed aloud and may feature rhythmic flow, vivid imagery, word play, gestures, lyrical elements, and repetition. Use the Getting Started with Original Spoken Word Poetry guide as a helpful tool to explore ways to express thoughts and experiences through poetry.

About Poetry

Poetry is characterized by writing that conveys ideas, experiences, and emotions through language and expression. Often Poetry is very creative in terms of vocabulary and composition. While Poetry may tell a story or develop a character, more often Poetry’s focus on language and form are designed to elicit critical thought, reflection, or emotion. Students may choose what the National Speech & Debate Association refers to as traditional Poetry, which often has a formal meter or rhyme scheme, or nontraditional Poetry, which often has a rhythmic flow but lacks formal rhyme or meter. Poetry is different than Original Spoken Word Poetry in that students in Poetry will perform works written by others. In Poetry, students may chose to perform one long poem or create a program of poetry from one source or multiple sources.

Pro Con Challenge

Students select the National Tournament topic for CX, LD, or PF or a piece of legislation in the Congressional Debate Docket and write a 3-5 minute affirmative speech and a 3-5 minute negative speech on that topic. This event allows students to explore debate topics in a new and exciting way while showing off their writing, research, and delivery skills.

About Progam Oral Interpretation

About Prose

About Storytelling

Storytelling consists of sharing a story with an audience, performed as if the audience were a group of young children. Some tournaments have themes that the story selection must fit in; the National Tournament does not have a theme, and any story selection is acceptable. The story must not exceed five minutes. Students may use a full range of movement to express themselves and may incorporate a chair in a variety of different ways, though the chair may not be used as a prop during the performance. Students may be seated but most commonly performers use a full range of stage space available to them. As there are so many different types of stories that can be performed, it is important to observe rounds to see what other students and teams are using. The Association has final rounds of Storytelling from both the high school and middle school level to review. Local and regional tournaments may vary in the selection of stories performed.

About United States Extemp

About Big Questions Debate

Time limits.

Speech Time Limit Purpose
Affirmative Constructive 5 minutes Present case
Negative Constructive 5 minutes Present case
Question Segment 3 minutes Alternate asking and answering questions
Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Negative Rebuttal 4 minutes Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Question Segment 3 minutes Alternate asking and answering questions
Affirmative Consolidation 3 minutes Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round
Negative Consolidation 3 minutes Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round
Affirmative Rationale 3 minutes Explain reasons that you win the round
Negative Rationale 3 minutes Explain reasons that you win the round

*Each team is entitled to three minutes of prep time during the round.

About Congressional Debate

About Extemporaneous Debate

Speech Time Limit Purpose
Proposition Constructive 2 minutes The debater in favor of the resolution presents his or her case/position in support of the topic.
Cross Examination of Proposition 1 minute The opposition debater asks the proposition questions.
Opposition Constructive 2 minutes The debater against the resolution or the proposition’s case presents his or her case/position.
Cross Examination of Opposition 1 minute The proposition debater asks the opposition questions.
Mandatory Prep Time 1 minute Both debaters have one minute to prepare their rebuttals.
Proposition Rebuttal 2 minutes The proposition debater refutes the main idea of the opposition and supports their main ideas.
Opposition Rebuttal 2 minutes The opposition debater refutes the main idea of the proposition and supports their main ideas.
Mandatory Prep Time 1 minute Both debaters have one minute to prepare their rebuttals.
Proposition Rebuttal 2 minutes In this final speech the proposition crystallizes the round for the judge and tries to establish sufficient reason for a vote in favor of the resolution.
Opposition Rebuttal 2 minutes In this final speech the opposition crystallizes the round for the judge and tries to establish sufficient reason for a vote against the proposition’s case and/or the resolution.

About Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Lincoln-Douglas Debate typically appeals to individuals who like to debate, but prefer a one-on-one format as opposed to a team or group setting. Additionally, individuals who enjoy LD like exploring questions of how society ought to be. Many people refer to LD Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. Students prepare cases and then engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge that they are the better debater in the round.

Speech Time Limit Purpose
Affirmative Constructive 6 minutes Present the affirmative case
Negative Cross-Examination 3 minutes Negative asks questions of the affirmative
Negative Constructive 7 minutes Present the negative case and refute the affirmative case
Affirmative Cross-Examination 3 minutes Affirmative asks questions of the negative
First Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes Refute the negative case and rebuild the affirmative case
Negative Rebuttal 6 minutes Refute the affirmative case, rebuild the negative case, and offer reasons that negative should win the round, commonly referred to as voting issues.
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes Address negative voting issues and offer reasons for why the affirmative should win.

About Policy Debate

Speech Abbreviation Time Limit
1st Affirmative Constructive 1AC 8 minutes
Negative Cross-Examination of Affirmative 3 minutes
1st Negative Constructive 1NC 8 minutes
Affirmative Cross-Examination of Negative 3 minutes
2nd Affirmative Constructive 2AC 8 minutes
Negative Cross-Examination of Affirmative 3 minutes
2nd Negative Constructive 2NC 8 minutes
Affirmative Cross-Examination of Negative 3 minutes
1st Negative Rebuttal 1NR 5 minutes
1st Affirmative Rebuttal 1AR 5 minutes
2nd Negative Rebuttal 2NR 5 minutes
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal 2AR 5 minutes
Prep Time (each team) 8 minutes

About Public Forum Debate

Speech Time Limit Purpose
Team A Speaker 1 – Constructive 4 minutes Present the team’s case
Team B Speaker 1 – Constructive 4 minutes Present the team’s case
Crossfire 3 minutes Speaker 1 from Team A & B alternate asking and answering questions
Team A Speaker 2 – Rebuttal 4 minutes Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Team B Speaker 2 – Rebuttal 4 minutes Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Crossfire 3 minutes Speaker 2 from Team A & B alternate asking and answering questions
Team A Speaker 1 – Summary 3 minutes Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round
Team B Speaker 1 – Summary 3 minutes Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round
Grand Crossfire 3 minutes All four debaters involved in a crossfire at once
Team A Speaker 2 – Final Focus 2 minutes Explain reasons that you win the round
Team B Speaker 2 – Final Focus 2 minutes Explain reasons that you win the round

About World Schools Debate

Speech Time Limit
Proposition Team Speaker 1 8 minutes
Opposition Team Speaker 1 8 minutes
Proposition Team Speaker 2 8 minutes
Opposition Team Speaker 2 8 minutes
Proposition Team Speaker 3 8 minutes
Opposition Team Speaker 3 8 minutes
Opposition Rebuttal 4 minutes
Proposition Rebuttal 4 minutes

IMAGES

  1. 🌈 Fun interesting informative speech topics. 40 Interesting Informative

    informative topics speech and debate

  2. 43 Informative Speech Outline Templates & Examples

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  3. 230 Informative Speech Topics and Ideas to Consider

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  4. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

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  5. 210+ Good Informative Speech Topics

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  6. Informative Speech Topics with Example 2023

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COMMENTS

  1. 150+ Interesting Informative Speech Topics for 2024

    Are you looking for inspiration for your next speech? In this article, we have combined a list of creative informative speech topics recommended by experts.

  2. 333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation

    This guide contains 333 informative speech topics for your next presentation, plus pro tips for delivering the best presentation possible.

  3. 50+ Informative Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience

    Need an informative speech topic? Check out these 50+ ideas for inspiration on a variety of subjects. Perfect for students and public speakers alike!

  4. 126 Good Informative Speech Topics

    Informative Speech Topics - we present 126 good informative speech topic ideas that will help you select an engaging subject.

  5. 509 Informative Speech Ideas and Topics

    Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class. This page has hundreds of topics for informative speeches and essays, and we are continually updating our list.

  6. 100+ Ideas for informative speech topics

    An informative speech topic should engage and educate your listeners. Likewise, you should have fun delivering and discussing the subject. However, choosing a subject that resonates with your audience and aligns with your interests at the same time is tough. To give you some inspiration, we've compiled 100= ideas for informative speech topics.

  7. PDF INFORMATIVE SPEAKING: Creating a Solid Foundation

    INFORMATIVE SPEAKING: Creating a Solid Foundation This guide offers tips for making effective choices in Informative Speaking. This guide will focus on the foundational aspects of effective Informative Speaking, to demonstrate what elements make an Informative successful. As of this writing, Informative is still in its first year as a competitive event at the National Speech & Debate ...

  8. 630 Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

    630 informative speech topics include subjects for good discourses, covering science, history, technology, and other social issues.

  9. Informative Speech Topics and Ideas: The Ultimate Guide

    Are you going to deliver an Informative Speech? This articles includes 100 informative speech topics and tips for writing and delivering informative speech.

  10. Informative Speaking

    Download the Informative Speaking - Creating a Solid Foundation handout. Use this resource to help students understand how to create a solid structure for an Informative Speaking speech.

  11. How To Judge Informative Speaking

    Learn the basics of judging informative speaking, a speech event that showcases students' research and creativity on various topics.

  12. 200+ Interesting Informative Speech Topics for 2024

    An informative speech can also be persuasive so you can also look for good persuasive speech topics for your informative speech. An informative speech is delivered to inform the audience about a certain topic using relevant information and facts. It is an interesting way of sharing knowledge and shedding light on new and improved information.

  13. 25 Topics for an Informative Speech

    Here, find 25 interesting topics for an informative speech, organized by category.

  14. 220+ Informative Speech Topics: Fresh Ideas for a Winning Speech

    Educating your audience with informative speech topics you feel passionate about is the primary goal. Browse this list and let your enthusiasm shine through.

  15. Informative Speech Preparation & Outline, with Examples

    What is an informative speech and how to prepare for its delivery the right way? First, construct the template and look through our examples to get you all set.

  16. 205 Controversial Topics for Essays, Speeches, and Debates

    Looking for a controversial topic for your class? Check out our list of interesting controversial topics in fields such as sports, science, politics, and more.

  17. 350+ Informative Speech Topics & Prompt Ideas in 2024

    Informative speech topics usually fall into one of the following four highly-recognizable categories: definition speeches - they normally focus on explaining a concept or theory. explanatory speeches - these normally explain a state of a field, technology, etc. providing evidence, statistics, etc.

  18. Informative Speeches

    An informative speech uses descriptions, demonstrations, and strong detail to explain a person, place, or subject. An informative speech makes a complex topic easier to understand and focuses on delivering information, rather than providing a persuasive argument.

  19. Guide: Planning and Presenting an Informative Speech

    Planning and Presenting an Informative Speech In this guide, you can learn about the purposes and types of informative speeches, about writing and delivering informative speeches, and about the parts of informative speeches.

  20. Topics

    The National Speech & Debate Association sets monthly and bi-monthly topics for a variety of debate events. Find current topics, voting links, resources, and more!

  21. 25+ Impromptu Speech Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

    Discover 101 engaging impromptu speech ideas to boost your public speaking skills. Get tips for choosing the best topics and delivering captivating speeches.

  22. Tim Walz lands JD Vance couch jab during Kamala Harris campaign rally

    Tim Walz tells JD Vance to 'get off the couch' and agree to debate. During his speech at the Harris-Walz rally at Temple University in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Walz set up the zinger by telling ...

  23. PDF What to Expect Competing in Informative Speaking

    What to Expect Competing in Informative Speaking In Informative Speaking, students author and deliver a ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors create the speech to educate the audience on a particular topic. All topics must be informative in nature; the goal is to educate, not to advocate.

  24. Trump and Harris to debate on ABC; Trump says he wants two more

    The Sept. 10 debate on ABC was to be the second of two agreed upon between Biden and Trump, following their June 27 debate on CNN. ... Trump hopped from topic to topic and said Harris and Walz are ...

  25. Resources

    The National Speech & Debate Association is proud to continue the National Educator of the Year award. This award is given at two levels—the state level and the national level. Each State Educator of the Year will be considered for the national-level Educator of the Year award.

  26. Competition Events

    Public address events feature a speech written by the student, either in advance or with limited prep, that can answer a question, share a belief, persuade an audience, or educate the listener on a variety of topics.