writing prompt speech

370+ Speech Writing Topics For Students

Discover our guide with great speech writing topics for debate speeches, persuasive speeches, informative speeches, and much more. Get answers below.

Writing and delivering a speech can be nerve-wracking, especially for the first time. Explore our top speech writing topics for college and high school students and get answers to your frequently asked questions about how to choose a speech topic and overcome anxiety surrounding public speaking. For tips on how to write a speech , check out our guide!

How to Prepare For Public Speaking 

Persuasive speech topics, informative speech topics, speech topics on environment and nature , speech topics on science and health , speech topics about technology , motivational speech topic ideas, speech topics on friendship , speech topics on family , speech topics on sports , debate speech topic ideas , speech topics on politics , speech topics on social issues , business speech topics , personal speech topics , special occasion speech topics  , travel speech topics, speech topics on education , psychology speech topics , funny speech writing topics , what are the different types of persuasive speech , what are some effective and easy ways to fight a fear of public speaking.

College and high school students often find themselves giving a speech for the first time, which can be stressful if you’ve never done public speaking before. Students can prepare ahead of time in several different ways to help set the stage for success – here are just a few:   

• Learn the fundamentals of giving a good speech. This includes understanding the elements of a speech, such as the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should flow smoothly into the next and build upon the main point. Pay close attention to which words you choose and how your delivery comes across.
• Practice makes perfect. Try to find opportunities to speak in front of an audience in different situations, even if it’s just in front of family, friends, or in front of a mirror. It can also help to record yourself so you can listen back and identify areas that need improvement. The more practice you have, the more confident you’ll feel when it comes time to give your speech.
• Use relaxation techniques before giving your speech. You can start by taking some deep breaths and focusing on exhaling slowly. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body several times until your muscles begin to relax on their own naturally. You can also check out these quick writing topics .

• The dangers of social media. 
• How to improve American healthcare. 
• The problems with plastic bags. 
• How cell phones lessen the quality of life. 
• Why criminals need rights. 
• If students should be required to study art. 
• How the war on drugs harms communities of color.
• If schools should ban certain types of books. 
• If statues of slave owners should be removed from public property. 
• If more practical subjects should be taught in school instead of algebra. 
• If religion causes fighting and wars. 
• If outlawing drugs makes them more desirable. 
• If taking photographs of children in public should be illegal. 
• How making food a reward sets the stage for eating disorders. 
• If men should be granted paternity leave when they have or adopt a baby. 
• If routine circumcision should be banned in the United States. 
• How artificial intelligence stands to change the world. 
• How American prisons are a form of modern-day slavery. 
• Why the media needs more cultural and racial diversity. 
• If restaurants have an obligation to purchase produce from local farmers. 
• Global Warming & Climate Change 
• Renewable Energy Benefits 
• Problems In The American Education System 
• Harmful Ingredients In Fast Food
• Animal Testing, Zoos, And Other Forms of Animal Cruelty 
• The Difference Between Real Life And Reality Shows
• The Issue Of Indoor Pollution
• Unethical Fast Fashion Practices 
• The Benefits Of Journal Writing 
• The Dangers Of Texting And Driving 
• The Benefits Of Gender-Affirming Care For Trans People 
• The History Of Racism In America 
• The Dangers Of Hazing In College 
• How Natural Disasters Develop With Climate Change 
• How To Think Critically When Watching The News 
• Homelessness Statistics And Trends In America 
• The Use Of Color Psychology In Marketing  
• The Physical Effects Of Tattoo Ink 
• The Psychological Impacts Of Beauty Pageants  
• How Social Media Affects The Brain
• How best to protect endangered animals. 
• If having pet birds is ethical. 
• If vegetable gardens should replace grass lawns. 
• The impact of plastic disposables on the environment. 
• The most efficient type of renewable energy. 
• How increasing train travel can benefit both people and the environment.
• If zoos should be strictly regulated or banned. 
• The impact of fracking on the environment. 
• If animal testing should be outlawed. 
• If the government needs to allocate more resources to national wildlife preserves. 
• The deforestation crisis. 
• Air pollution and the impact of poor air quality on human health. 
• If people should be allowed to own certain types of exotic animals and keep them as pets. 
• How to reduce the presence of microplastics in the ocean. 
• How drilling for oil impacts water aquifers and sources of clean, fresh water in America. 
• If all grocery stores should stop using plastic bags. 
• If parents should be allowed to choose their child’s sex and physical characteristics 
• If vaccinations should be mandatory. 
• If private corporations have a responsibility to create sustainable products. 
• The impact of robots on the environment. 
• If cloning animals and humans is moral. 
• Whether physician-assisted suicide and compassionate euthanization should be legalized.
• If cigarette smoking should be outlawed. 
• If minors should be allowed to purchase birth control without parental permission. 
• If sugary drinks should be taxed to discourage overconsumption. 
• If America should have a single-payer healthcare system. 
• The importance of adequate mental health care for high school students. 
• Racial bias in the American healthcare system. 
• If women face higher rates of being denied adequate pain control by healthcare providers.
• If cannabis is harmful or helpful for certain medical conditions. 
• If fast food restaurants have a responsibility to offer more affordable healthy food options. 
• The role of relaxation in physical and mental health. 
• If organ donation should be mandatory. 
• How to address the obesity epidemic in America. 
• If doctors should be paid according to their patient outcomes. 
• How to reduce the cost of prescription medications for the average person. 
• The benefits of laughing on physical and mental health. 
• If breastfeeding should be more normalized in America. 
• Sources of indoor air pollution and its impact on physical health. 
• If food additives in America are unsafe. 
• How technology can improve daily life. 
• The consequences of biological warfare. 
• How the advancement of robotics will impact the human population. 
• If the internet is more dangerous than it is beneficial. 
• The role of social media and online bullying in teen suicide. 
• Practical applications for 3D printing. 
• The future of self-driving cars. 
• The differences and similarities between computers and the human brain. 
• If colonizing the moon is possible and beneficial or harmful to the human species. 
• How cell phones affect the human body. 
• If humans can be grown in an artificial womb. 
• If text messaging jargon is having a negative impact on human language. 
• How technology has changed over the years for the better or worse. 
• The impact of cryptocurrency on world economics. 
• Using virtual reality to augment mental health treatment. 
• The intersection of artificial intelligence and animatronics.
• The future applications of nanotechnology. 
• The applications of drones in global military efforts. 
•  If dependence on technology is a danger to humanity. 
• The impacts of Wi-Fi signals on human health. 

• Women’s Empowerment 
• The Me Too Movement 
• Overcoming Peer Pressure 
• The Value Of Community Service 
• Mental Health And Wellness 
• Productivity And Time Management 
• How To Own Up To Mistakes And Learn From Them 
• The Benefits Of Meditation 
• Money Management 
• Taking Time For Yourself 
• How To Become A Winner 
• How To Be A Better Role Model
• Turning Failures Into Successes 
• Handling Rejection Gracefully 
• How To Work Smarter Instead Of Harder 
• Why Time Is More Valuable Than Money 
• Setting Effective Goals 
• How To Break Bad Habits 
• How To Cope When Bad Things Happen 
• Thinking And Speaking Positively
• How mental health can affect friendships and other relationships.
• Tips for managing conflicts with friends. 
• How to communicate special needs effectively to friends. 
• The qualities of a good friend. 
• Signs of a toxic friendship and how to get out of one. 
• How people from different generations can be friends. 
• If sororities and fraternities promote friendships or cause problems. 
• How to help a friend who is experiencing thoughts of self-harm. 
• What loyalty and dependability mean in a friendship. 
• How to hold friends accountable for wrongdoing without destroying the friendship. 
• What can be done about bullying that occurs inside a friend group? 
• If friends have a responsibility to report dangerous behavior. 
• If men and women can be friends. 
• If it’s a good idea to develop a friendship with someone before dating them and why. 
• The benefits of keeping in touch with your childhood or high school friends. 
• If groups of single parents can become friends and raise their children together. 
• How friends can help each other succeed in life. 
• The challenges of maintaining friendships as a busy adult. 
• What gifts would you get your friends if money was no object? 
• How to avoid jealousy in a friendship. 
• Signs of toxic family dynamics and how to get out of harmful cycles. 
• The definition and impact of generational trauma. 
• Qualities of a strong and healthy family dynamic. 
• How parents can build a loving family and home life. 
• Communication tips for family members. 
• If families with young children should limit their screen time. 
• The benefits of going on family vacations. 
• The best ways to balance work and family commitments.
• The importance of staying in touch with family members who are far away. 
• How having a family can enrich someone’s life. 
• If you should be required to donate a lifesaving organ or blood to a family member. 
• If children should be required to take care of elderly parents. 
• If the Christian religion promotes misogyny within conservative families. 
• If the number of children a couple can have should be regulated by the government. 
• If parents should be held accountable for crimes committed by their children. 
• If couples should be required to take parenting classes before starting a family. 
• How spanking causes brain damage in young children. 
• Misconceptions new parents have about raising kids in modern society. 
• What it means to go “no contact” with a parent and why adult children choose to leave their families.
• What a “chosen family” is and how people develop familial relationships outside of their blood relatives. 
• What Is Good Sportsmanship?
• Professional Sports Salaries 
• How Sports Impact Human Psychology
• Sports And Mental Development 
• Benefits Of Childhood Sports 
• How Sports Teach Morals 
• Do International Sports Promote World Peace?
• Why Dance Is A Sport 
• Should School Sports Be Mandatory?
• What Competitive Sports Teach About Life 
• Sports and Performance Enhancing Drugs 
• Trans People In Sports 
• The Role Of Social Media In Sports 
• How Sports Build Social Skills
• How Losing At Sports Teaches Life Lessons 
• Are Professional Sports Too Commercialized Now? 
• Sports And Virtual Reality 
• The Future Of College Sports 
• What Players Want Sports Coaches To Know 
• Sports And Disabilities 
• Violent Video Games 
• The Death Penalty 
• Human Rights Issues 
• Obesity in America
• Mass Shootings In Public Places 
• Alcohol Has A Greater Negative Impact On Society Than Cannabis 
• The War Against Drugs 
• Cellphone Policies In Schools 
• Religious Indoctrination Is Child Abuse 
• Police & Qualified Immunity 
• Regulating Senior Drivers 
• Affirmative Action 
• Stem Cell Research 
• Peaceful Protests 
• Contraceptive Regulation 
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) 
• Arranged Marriages 
• Censorship 
• Animal Breeding 
• The Adoption Industry 
• If America is not a true democracy. 
• If corporations should be allowed to donate to political campaigns. 
• If celebrities should be able to run for public office. 
• If poverty should be a government priority. 
• The prevalence of political corruption in America. 
• If the voting age should be raised in America. 
• If the United States should fund wars between other countries. 
• If national voter ID laws would disenfranchise minority voters. 
• The definition and prevalence of domestic terrorism in America. 
• Why it’s important for young people to vote. 
• If far-right influencers promote dangerous ideals. 
• If the government should spend less money on the military and wars. 
• If Social Security benefits should be preserved for future generations. 
• If Americans should get to vote for who serves on the Supreme Court. 
• If Congress should have term limits. 
• If the Electoral College should be abolished. 
• How minorities are represented in Congress. 
• If private for-profit prisons should be banned or heavily regulated. 
• If the police should be required to operate their body cameras at all times. 
• If people imprisoned for marijuana offenses should be let out in states where cannabis is now legal. 
• Abortion 
• Free Education In America 
• Right To Marry 
• Racism And Poverty In America 
• Food Deserts And Malnutrition 
• Substance Abuse And Crime Rates 
• The Right To Housing 
• Wage Inequality 
• Crime Recidivism Reduction 
• Child Labor 
• Agricultural Integrity 
• Taxing Religious Institutions 
• Prostitution 
• Minimum Wage 
• Common Sense Gun Control Laws 
• Gender And Sexual Orientation Discrimination 
• Violence In Media 
• Paid Maternity And Paternity Leave In America 
• What skills do entrepreneurs need to be successful? 
• How to motivate and engage employees at work. 
• Top indicators of business success. 
• How to make money using your passion. 
• The importance of good financial planning for businesses. 
• How companies can create loyal customers for life. 
• Why businesses need to create a powerful brand image in today’s competitive market. 
• Tips for people who want to start their own business. 
• How to create a home office. 
• Why do some companies have high turnover rates? 
• If incentivized customer reviews are unethical. 
• If businesses should be held responsible for false advertising. 
• If businesses should be allowed to lobby people in Congress. 
• Ethical marketing practices for new businesses. 
• How to balance owning a business and starting a family. 
• Women entrepreneurs in America. 
• Do companies have a responsibility to help manage inflation?
• The disparity between CEO and employee pay. 
• If the existence of billionaires is ethical. 
• How businesses can cultivate positive company culture. 
• The scariest thing you ever did and how you overcame your fear. 
• A difficult decision you had to make and why you made the choice you did. 
• Your favorite teacher and what you learned from them. 
• Something you learned about yourself that improved your life. 
• A regret that you have and what you wish you would have done instead and why. 
• Something valuable you broke or lost and how it made you feel. 
• Someone you admire in your personal life and what they taught you. 
• Your ambitions and why you want to achieve them. 
• A family member you looked up to as a child and why. 
• The most exciting thing you’ve ever done and if you would do it again. 
• The type of job you want to hold in the future and why. 
• Specific expertise you hold and how it can provide value to your community. 
• Charities or social initiatives you support and why. 
• What your favorite motivational quote is and why. 
• Something that makes you unique and distinguishes you from other people. 
• The historical figure you most look up to and why. 
• A time you failed at something you tried but learned an important lesson from the experience. 
• A close call you had with something and how the situation might have turned out differently. 
• Somewhere you would visit in the world and why you would go there. 
• Something you learned watching television or listening to the radio that changed your life. 
• Graduation Speeches 
• Valedictorian Speeches
• Independence Day Speeches 
• Wedding Toasts
• Eulogies 
• Speeches For Beauty Pageants 
• Pep Rally Speeches 
• Award Acceptance Speeches 
• Introduction Speeches 
• Presentation Speeches 
• Farewell Speeches 
• Dedication Speeches 
• Commemorative Speeches 
• Retirement Speeches
• Welcome Speeches 
• Birthday Speeches 
• Tribute Speeches 
• Keynote Addresses 
• Anniversary Speeches 
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Speeches 
• If traveling to Hawaii is ethical. 
• If it’s dangerous for women to travel internationally alone. 
• How travel can be educational. 
• If vacations have a positive impact on emotional and psychological health. 
• How travel can help prevent burnout. 
• The dangers of drinking tap water when traveling to other countries. 
• If there should be more travel accommodations for plus-size people. 
• How viruses spread on cruise ships. 
• Top reasons people travel. 
• How to manage travel frustrations like missed flights and canceled reservations. 
• What to do if there’s an emergency while traveling. 
• Ethical tourism in poor countries. 
• How to get to know a country’s customs when traveling. 
• The impact of traveling on the economy. 
• How American tourism impacts politics. 
• The intersection between travel and religion. 
• How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the travel industry. 
• What travel means to you. 
• If young children should be allowed to travel to dangerous places. 
• How to navigate currency exchange issues when traveling. 
• How COVID-19 impacted public education in America. 
• The benefits of e-learning for children of different ages and education levels. 
• If corporal punishment should be allowed in schools with or without parental consent. 
• If sodas and energy drinks should be allowed in high schools. 
• The different types of learning styles and how these play a role in public education. 
• The impact of public school on child socialization. 
• If schools should abolish homework policies. 
• How elementary and middle schools should treat young trans students. 
• The role of the Internet in American education today. 
• How schools can provide more support to students with learning disabilities. 
• If special education in schools is actually beneficial to students who are struggling in class. 
• Comparing American schools to educational institutions in other countries. 
• If students should be taught sex education in schools and if so, to what degree? 
• If high school students should have access to condoms at school. 
• If college should be free. 
• Why teachers of all grade levels don’t make enough money in America. 
• If a student’s grades are an indicator of their intelligence. 
• If students should be required to learn etiquette at a certain age. 
• If public education institutions should implement school uniform policies. 
• If the pressures of school have a negative impact on kids who should be enjoying their childhood. 
• The definition of trauma and how it impacts young children. 
• How emotional abuse impacts psychological development in children. 
• How dissociative disorders work to protect the brain from the impact of severe trauma. 
• How reverse psychology works. 
• The greatest contribution to modern psychology in history. 
• How people with different personality disorders experience the world. 
• The psychological relationship between parents and their children. 
• The intersection between sleep and psychology. 
• The differences between psychology and psychiatry. 
• How psychologists benefit society and human development. 
• How child psychology differs from adult treatment modalities. 
• How psychological treatment has changed over the years. 
• If basic psychology should be a required high school or college course. 
• How violent movies and television impact human psychology.
• How short and long-term memories form. 
• The impact of bullying on child psychological development. 
• The psychological impact of childhood neglect. 
• If antidepressants are overprescribed.
• The comorbidity of trauma and personality disorders. 
• If birth order affects a child’s psychological development. 

Looking for more? You might also be interested in our list of the best report writing topics .

• How Trix cereal discriminates against rabbits by making their cereal for kids. 
• If plants have feelings and if vegans are committing acts of vegetable cruelty. 
• Why the grass might literally be greener on the other side of a fence. 
• How to be good at being lazy. 
• Why lying well can be considered a talent. 
• How being annoying can be considered an art. 
• How to fail at a job interview. 
• Tell a story about a joke that didn’t go over well. 
• Compare Instagram to real life. 
• If regifting is an ethical practice.
• Why clothing companies don’t put pockets in women’s clothes. 
• Why bad pickup lines work better than traditionally good pickup lines. 
• Why a cartoon character should be elected President. 
• A practical guide to surviving the zombie apocalypse. 
• If internet surfing counts as an aerobic workout. 
• Why kids shouldn’t have to clean their rooms. 
• The worst business slogans and why. 
• The correct way to offend someone. 
• How to cheat at the game of Life. 
• A list of the worst gifts ever. 

If you liked this post, you might also find these essays about being a student helpful.

The three main types of persuasive speeches are value-based, policy-based, and emotional-based. Value-based speeches argue a certain concept based on its merits, while a policy persuasive speech argues for a certain course of action. Emotional-based speeches seek to elicit a certain response from the audience by evoking an emotional reaction.

Some people find that focusing on their breathing helps to calm their nerves, while others find visualization exercises like picturing the audience in their underwear to be a helpful way to diffuse the tension. Others say that simply accepting that they will be nervous and embracing that feeling is the best way to get through it.  

Looking for more? Check out our round-up of the best inspirational books !

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

259 Interesting Speech Topics [Examples + Outlines]

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.

The most asked question I get almost every day from students is this:

What makes a topic interesting?

Well, the answer is simple. You have to like it yourself, the subject has to be appropriate to the rules of the assignment, to the audience and the setting of the meeting:

In this article:

How To Find An Interesting Topic

Best interesting speech topics, interesting persuasive speech topics, interesting informative speech topics, topics with outline.

1 – Look in magazines, journals, and newspapers for events.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Current or historical, that does not matter at this point, both are okay – and recent engaging and exciting facts, and perhaps valuable information that attracts the attention.

Articles about subjects that interests you and that are comfortable for you to talk about are good indications.

2 – Jot down any possible idea that comes up for interesting speech topics. I always draft a short list for myself of candidate issues if I am contracted for a public speaking engagement.

And then I skip the ones that are too difficult and too complex to prepare and master in 8 to 10 minutes time.

3 – Review some online books on the subject for more detailed current information about your topic. Or go to a library and ask for books and reference articles about your subject.

Without exception, all librarians I know will help you sorting out the speechwriter subject with their advice and recommendations. For example you choose for an alluring pleasure physical activity or farming and countryside topic.

Try to understand how the author has covered it. What’s his structure? What points, information or arguments are the strongest? What examples and illustrations has she or he used?

4 – Peerless reliable statistics and new discoveries can help writing and refining.

Look for controversies, rare and strange opinions. What do you think of it? What do you want your audience to think of it?

5 – Think about related engaging interpretive hints to talk about. When you view your rough list, try to find new points, different angles of view or just turn your thoughts upside down. Look at the special aspects that surprise the listeners.

>>>  For example try these 2 more detailed summary outlines with main points and subpoints. Use my sample structure to add or otherwise wipe steps and stages you do not need.

>>>  In addition to these patterns, you find more ideas for outlined main points in my Minute Section (in the navigation menu bar right on your left of this portal page). Or move straight to sixty plus lineups for speechwriters.

That can be very enlighting for enhancing public discernment. They also can  see , feel, or even  taste  and  smell  what you try to explain or demonstrate in a couple of minutes.

6 – Look for supporting and also for opposing opinions, plus interesting speech topics statements. Add visual aids where you want to emphasize or to give some prominence to an unimaginable point in your interesting topic idea.

7 – Watch news shows, history documentaries and debating programs – for example, the morning shows and the evening news. They are especially helpful for developing a rough list of wheedling brainstorms.

Interesting Speech Topic Examples

Don’t have time to read our full list of 200+ topic ideas? Here is our list of 10 interesting speech topics.

• Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder
• Children don’t play enough
• Animal testing is necessary
• Girls are too mean to each other
• Men should get paternity leave
• Tattoos are an addiction
• If I had a year to do what I want
• Butterflies: deadly creatures
• How to ruin a date in the first minute
• The meaning of dreams

Here is our list of top interesting persuasive speech topics.

• Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder.
• Hyper active kids don’t need medication.
• Books are always better than the movie.
• Pick up lines do work.
• Televise all court proceedings.
• Suspend referees that are found to show too much bias.
• There is no place for monarchs any more.
• It is false that no one is above the law.
• You tube needs to monitor comments.
• Online friends show more compassion.
• Cross cultural couples respect each other more.
• Graffiti must be recognised as art.
• You can loose weight without exercising.
• Children don’t play enough.
• Carpets are harmful and shouldn’t be in homes.
• Sex education doesn’t work.
• Ban smoking in all public places.
• Women cheat just as much as men.
• Prohibit destruction of rainforests.
• Global warming is a myth.
• Justice is never the same for all.
• Video games are not the blame of violence at school.
• Financial rewards is the only way employees stay loyal.
• The world isn’t only black and white.
• Give girls over 16 contraceptives without parents consent.
• Calories should be included in restaurant menus.
• Sugar tax won’t reduce obesity.
• Pregnancy as a result of rape should be terminated.
• All couples must live together before getting married.
• Animal testing is necessary.
• Children’s beauty pageants are wrong.
• There are not enough cameras in public spaces.
• Freedom of speech rights needs to be rewritten.
• Random DUI test should be done on parents picking up children after school.
• Atheists are more peaceful than religious people.
• Heterosexual men and women can be just friends.
• Adoptive parents need maternity leave too.
• Print advertisements don’t work.
• Click bate headlines are the cause of less followers.
• Don’t give children allowances.
• Stop checking in on social media.
• There would be more divorces if couples didn’t have children.
• Compensate organ donors.
• Celebrities are not role models.
• Do drug tests on welfare recipients.
• Stem cell research is murder.
• People should be considered adults at 21.
• Religion is the cause of war.
• Life was not easier a century ago.
• Men are better forgivers.
• Making substances illegal only makes people want them more.
• Parenting classes must be compulsory.
• Helicopter parents are damaging their children.
• Give working moms special privileges.
• Social media fame is a scam.
• Make paparazzi photographing children a criminal offence.
• Food should never be seen as a reward.
• 6 hours is not enough sleep for an adult.
• People can live without eating meat.
• Curfews do not keep teens out of trouble.
• Electronic textbooks don’t have the same impact as the printed version.
• This generation cannot fix anything.
• Boredom always leads to trouble.
• Girls are too mean to each other.
• Affirmative action isn’t right.
• School system is responsible for low test scores.
• Men should get paternity leave.
• Fast food needs to come with more warnings.
• Killing a murderer is immoral.
• Famous people must stay away from politics.
• Long distance relationships do work.
• Men are the stronger sex.
• Jobs shouldn’t be gender specific.
• Religion won’t die away.
• Women shouldn’t give birth after 40.
• Abortion is murder.
• Tattoos are an addiction.
• Drug addiction is a choice.
• Social media will run it’s course and die out.
• Caesarian sections are safer than normal births.
• There is a connection between science and religion.
• Never pay children for good grades.
• People in open marriages are not happy.
• The soul does exist.
• People’s salaries should reflect their performances.
• English will always be the business language of the world.
• Why you should always put yourself first.
• Earth has not been explored properly.
• Women are more intelligent than they give away.
• Alternatives to evolution exist.
• Prisons create criminals.
• Sick building syndromes exist.
• Strategic defense and ethics do not match.
• The War on Terror is based on a hidden agenda.
• Aging is a threat to pension funding.
• Airline safety restrictions won’t stop terrorists.
• Alcohol advertising stimulates underage alcohol use.
• All humans are spiritual in one way or another.
• Arts express the level of quality in different cultures.
• Atheists do care about Christmas.
• Australian aboriginal tattooing is art.
• Ban the filibuster from Congress.
• Body piercings can cause serious complications.
• Books are outdated.
• Censorship is a violation of freedom of speech.
• Charities must minimize the organizational and overhead costs.
• Child testimonies in abuse cases are not credible.
• Corporal punishment could be ethical, provided that it is proportional.
• Creative expression and creativity are not the same.
• Electronic baby timeshare does help to prevent teen pregnancy.
• English and Spanish should be the only languages in the world.
• Establishing democracy in Iraq is mission impossible.
• Fashion gurus have good reasons to promote skinny girls.
• Female genital mutilation is not unethical when done by cosmetic surgery doctors.
• Feminism will help improve the position of females in Africa.
• Fill in a country … should be condemned as human rights violator.
• Future generations have to keep their jobs until they drop.
• George Orwell was just right when he wrote his novel ‘1984’ … Big Brother is watching us all the time.
• Governments should not own news broadcasting corporations.
• Granting amnesty perpetuates immigration and makes border patrols fruitless.
• Harry Potter books are more popular among elderly persons.
• Hollywood movies have a bad influence on the world.
• Homelessness in rural areas is substantially undercounted compared to metropolitan and suburban areas.
• Hospitality is a valuable instrument to better foreign relationships.
• Houses affected by natural disasters should not be rebuilt.
• International satellite news broadcasting poses a threat to indigenous cultures.
• It is possible to be pro-life and pro-choice.
• It’s a myth that bottled water is better than tap water.
• Journalism codes are no longer respected by journalists.
• Limiting immigration is limiting opportunities.
• Link debt relief of developing countries to carbon emission reduction.
• Local aid to African communities is more effective than national aid.
• Mentally disabled people cannot be executed.
• Motivation courses only have one objective: to fund the instructor’s bank account.
• MP3 music belongs in the free public domain for educational institutions and the general public.
• News programs must be interesting rather than important.
• Open source software is better than Microsoft.
• Parental advisory labels hinder the freedom of speech of artists.
• People have the right to decide about their own life and death.
• Political correctness kills freedom of speech.
• Poverty can be cut by half in this century.
• Princess Diana’s death was not a tragic accident.
• Public insults should be considered as hate speech and should not be protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
• Right to work laws are useless.
• Robin Hood was a not a hero.
• Sex and sexuality are from different hemispheres.
• Telling lies is a justifiable instrument.
• The local council elections in Cuba are no elections at all.
• The right to privacy is not absolute.
• There is no secure protection of property rights in developing countries.
• There should be cultural content quotas in broadcasting.
• Tobacco and alcohol billboards litter the streets.
• United Nations will never truly exist in Europe.
• Vegetarians would not eat vegetables if they were born in rural Africa.
• We should have a king instead of a president.
• Weblogs are intellectual property and therefore must be legally protected.
• With the current economic situation, we will all be working until we are old and grey.
• Zero tolerance is a useful instrument to prevent violence.

Here is our list of top interesting informative speech topics.

• A comparison of the official definition of terrorism in different parts of the world.
• A week of monastery life.
• Abu Sayyaf links to global terror organizations.
• Architectural movements in the late nineteenth century.
• Armed conflicts in Africa.
• Artificial intelligence opportunities.
• Biochemical weapons explained.
• Bioethics versus human rights.
• Combatting modern slavery.
• Debunking weight loss myths.
• Development goals of the United Nations.
• Everything we can find in our Solar System.
• Five ways to give and donate to charity funds.
• Forms of public diplomacy.
• Fraud detection systems explained.
• How giant sea aquariums are constructed.
• How nepotisms started in the Middle Ages.
• How the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is structured.
• How the American Civil War began.
• How the application for immigration and naturalization works.
• How the CIA can track terrorists.
• How to apply Feng Shui to your bedroom.
• How to outlaw reactionary conservative groups and individuals.
• Is it possible to clone humans?
• Major incidents and consequences in the first decade of this millennium.
• Middle East roadmap for peace.
• Migration trends.
• Offshore installation accidents over the years.
• Racism and cultural diversity in mass media.
• Refugees and forced displacement.
• Result on foreign aid funding in the long term.
• Scientific explanations for the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle.
• State sponsored tyranny explained.
• The 9/11 Commission assignment and its main conclusions.
• The best consumer electronics innovations to date.
• The chain of cargo and freight services at international airports.
• The difference between soft and hard drugs.
• The effect of counter terrorism legislation on ordinary people.
• The European convention on human rights explained.
• The flying fortress called Air Force One.
• The four general goals of the Homeland Security Department.
• The functions of Samurai warriors in Ancient Japan.
• The future of fashion.
• The Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war.
• The governing system of rules during the Middle Ages.
• The history of Amtrak.
• The innovative and unique styling of Dodge trucks.
• The long term complications of sunburn.
• The philosophical doctrine of Nihilism.
• The pros and cons of pacifism.
• The relations between federal budget deficit, national debt and trade balance.
• The role of Emperor Akihito in Japan.
• The secrets of crop circles revealed.
• The short history of the second man on the Moon, Buzz Aldrin.
• The struggle to patent computer software.
• The war costs in Iraq and Afghanistan
• Two party system compared multiple party systems.
• What is acne and what are its causes.
• Why the NASA shuttle program was stopped.
• Why the Romans built huge aqueducts in France.
• Venezuela and the constitutional power crisis.
• A diamond exploration certification system will not prevent conflict-diamonds trade.
• Handwriting analysis and how it reveals aspects of your personality.
• Hindu Cinema: not just Bollywood movies.
• How many disasters always happen at Christmas time.
• How sleepwalkers perform the most unusual things while asleep.
• Different lifestyles of generations.
• Importance of sleeping
• What makes me happy
• My ideal trip to Asia
• What would it be like to live with a famous person?
• If I were a volcano
• If l could the queen
• Benefits of being a vegetarian
• How girls worldwide are treated differently
• History of Mainamati in Bangladesh
• Broccoli flavored Oreos
• The Importance of public speaking
• A world without boundaries
• Stars and shooting stars
• How I came to school for the first time
• Conspiracy theories
• The pros and cons of being dead
• Confusing grammar
• When my birthday was there
• Importance of languages
• How to study effectively
• If I walked backwards
• The power of a lie
• Power of words
• If I was invisible
• Why I smile
• Fear of the unknown
• Fashion trends I hate
• Why do we have toes?
• Why I want to be a lawyer (or whatever job u pick)
• How colours affect your mood

Need a topic for your speech about an interesting persuasion statement?

Here are some of the best speech ideas and two easy informative subjects you can alter into a firm convincing claim.

Need other attracting ideas?

Check the navbar on the left and you will find thousands of special hints and tips for your public presentation 🙂

1. Whistleblower Protection Is Not Effective

• Whistleblower laws don’t protect against reprisals, disciplinary measures and spin from superiors.
• Huge companies have enough money to buy legal advice for a long period, laws offer employees no financial shield.
• Legislation often doesn’t address the issue itself, the problem, the allegations often are not investigated.

Another topic for your speech on business could be on fair trade:

2. Is Fair Trade Really Fair?

• Protectionism and markets are often stronger than fair trade appointments.
• Buying products is subsidizing poor farmers and manufacturers in developing countries. It isn’t helping them to make them stronger.
• It is anti-competitive and it undermines the economy in Third World nations.

And what do you think of this explosive persuasive topic for your speech?

3. Nuclear Power Is Dangerous Stuff

• An accident could cause thousands of fatalities and for billions of dollars property damage.
• There is no proper technology to handle radioactive waste material.
• Health risks for people working in the plant and for those who are living nearby could not be foreseen in advance and certainly not at the long term.
• Costs of nuclear plant safety measurements are very high.

And now two informative suggestions for a topic for your speech. But you easily transform them into some of the best speech ideas for persuasion speeches:

4. Checklist Before Taking A New Job

• A bigger company means more interesting job and task opportunities.
• It makes it possible to extend your existing network of trusted contacts.
• Like to travel abroad? Is it a Yes or No?
• How about the probability that you will keep your job – in other words what about the job security? What are the hidden clues?
• Is there a chance you can make you professional dreams and personal goals come true?
• How about the pay? Get all salary information, and decide on how much you want to earn from the start.
• Are there other requirements? Some personal wishes you would like to fulfill?

5. The Advantages Of Working In The Night

• No disturbing by telephone.
• No traffic jam.
• Not being awakened by the alarm clock in early morning hours …

You can think about the disadvantages too … Approach this subject from different sides and you double your opportunities!

89 Medical Speech Topic Ideas [Persuasive, Informative, Nursing]

292 Sports Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

10 thoughts on “259 Interesting Speech Topics [Examples + Outlines]”

Are you in the Now?

Renewable energy pros and cons.

I want to learn the most detailed writing. Am a New student and i need to improve my own My subject is an informative one : Ivorians women teaching in Abidjan universites.

I need more topics to choose from for my oral presentation

Hello, I’d appreciate it if you’d stop perpetuating falseties about global warming and climate change. They are very much real, and putting them on a list like this only further pushes the myth that they are false. These topics are not up for debate.

Some of these are really creative.

#184 made me laugh. As someone who grew up with Harry Potter, perhaps students these days will consider me an older person ha.

Regards, Chris

thaaaank you very much this is help me a lot

Thanks for the ideas!

A lot of these “creative” topics are not only offensive but help push distructive rhetoric.

this helped me out so much.was just sitting there lost about what to speak at the academic decathlon.thanks

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

What’s covered:, how to pick an awesome persuasive speech topic, 112 engaging persuasive speech topics, tips for preparing your persuasive speech.

Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.

When it comes time to select a topic for your persuasive speech, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options to choose from—or your brain may be drawing a completely blank slate. If you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect topic, don’t worry. We’re here to help!

In this post, we’re sharing how to choose the perfect persuasive speech topic and tips to prepare for your speech. Plus, you’ll find 112 persuasive speech topics that you can take directly from us or use as creative inspiration for your own ideas!

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

It’s much easier to write, research, and deliver a speech about a cause you care about. Even if it’s challenging to find a topic that completely sparks your interest, try to choose a topic that aligns with your passions.

However, keep in mind that not everyone has the same interests as you. Try to choose a general topic to grab the attention of the majority of your audience, but one that’s specific enough to keep them engaged.

For example, suppose you’re giving a persuasive speech about book censorship. In that case, it’s probably too niche to talk about why “To Kill a Mockingbird” shouldn’t be censored (even if it’s your favorite book), and it’s too broad to talk about media censorship in general.

Steer Clear of Cliches

Have you already heard a persuasive speech topic presented dozens of times? If so, it’s probably not an excellent choice for your speech—even if it’s an issue you’re incredibly passionate about.

Although polarizing topics like abortion and climate control are important to discuss, they aren’t great persuasive speech topics. Most people have already formed an opinion on these topics, which will either cause them to tune out or have a negative impression of your speech.

Instead, choose topics that are fresh, unique, and new. If your audience has never heard your idea presented before, they will be more open to your argument and engaged in your speech.

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

For a persuasive speech to be engaging, there must be a clear side of opposition. To help determine the arguability of your topic, ask yourself: “If I presented my viewpoint on this topic to a group of peers, would someone disagree with me?” If the answer is yes, then you’ve chosen a great topic!

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for what it takes to choose a great persuasive speech topic, here are over one hundred options for you to choose from.

• Should high school athletes get tested for steroids?
• Should schools be required to have physical education courses?
• Should sports grades in school depend on things like athletic ability?
• What sport should be added to or removed from the Olympics?
• Should college athletes be able to make money off of their merchandise?
• Should sports teams be able to recruit young athletes without a college degree?
• Should we consider video gamers as professional athletes?
• Is cheerleading considered a sport?
• Should parents allow their kids to play contact sports?
• Should professional female athletes be paid the same as professional male athletes?
• Should college be free at the undergraduate level?
• Is the traditional college experience obsolete?
• Should you choose a major based on your interests or your potential salary?
• Should high school students have to meet a required number of service hours before graduating?
• Should teachers earn more or less based on how their students perform on standardized tests?
• Are private high schools more effective than public high schools?
• Should there be a minimum number of attendance days required to graduate?
• Are GPAs harmful or helpful?
• Should schools be required to teach about standardized testing?
• Should Greek Life be banned in the United States?
• Should schools offer science classes explicitly about mental health?
• Should students be able to bring their cell phones to school?
• Should all public restrooms be all-gender?
• Should undocumented immigrants have the same employment and education opportunities as citizens?
• Should everyone be paid a living wage regardless of their employment status?
• Should supremacist groups be able to hold public events?
• Should guns be allowed in public places?
• Should the national drinking age be lowered?
• Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
• Should the government raise or lower the retirement age?
• Should the government be able to control the population?
• Is the death penalty ethical?

Environment

• Should stores charge customers for plastic bags?
• Should breeding animals (dogs, cats, etc.) be illegal?
• Is it okay to have exotic animals as pets?
• Should people be fined for not recycling?
• Should compost bins become mandatory for restaurants?
• Should electric vehicles have their own transportation infrastructure?
• Would heavier fining policies reduce corporations’ emissions?
• Should hunting be encouraged or illegal?
• Should reusable diapers replace disposable diapers?

Science & Technology

• Is paper media more reliable than digital news sources?
• Should automated/self-driving cars be legalized?
• Should schools be required to provide laptops to all students?
• Should software companies be able to have pre-downloaded programs and applications on devices?
• Should drones be allowed in military warfare?
• Should scientists invest more or less money into cancer research?
• Should cloning be illegal?
• Should societies colonize other planets?
• Should there be legal oversight over the development of technology?

Social Media

• Should there be an age limit on social media?
• Should cyberbullying have the same repercussions as in-person bullying?
• Are online relationships as valuable as in-person relationships?
• Does “cancel culture” have a positive or negative impact on societies?
• Are social media platforms reliable information or news sources?
• Should social media be censored?
• Does social media create an unrealistic standard of beauty?
• Is regular social media usage damaging to real-life interactions?
• Is social media distorting democracy?
• How many branches of government should there be?
• Who is the best/worst president of all time?
• How long should judges serve in the U.S. Supreme Court?
• Should a more significant portion of the U.S. budget be contributed towards education?
• Should the government invest in rapid transcontinental transportation infrastructure?
• Should airport screening be more or less stringent?
• Should the electoral college be dismantled?
• Should the U.S. have open borders?
• Should the government spend more or less money on space exploration?
• Should students sing Christmas carols, say the pledge of allegiance, or perform other tangentially religious activities?
• Should nuns and priests become genderless roles?
• Should schools and other public buildings have prayer rooms?
• Should animal sacrifice be legal if it occurs in a religious context?
• Should countries be allowed to impose a national religion on their citizens?
• Should the church be separated from the state?
• Does freedom of religion positively or negatively affect societies?

Parenting & Family

• Is it better to have children at a younger or older age?
• Is it better for children to go to daycare or stay home with their parents?
• Does birth order affect personality?
• Should parents or the school system teach their kids about sex?
• Are family traditions important?
• Should parents smoke or drink around young children?
• Should “spanking” children be illegal?
• Should parents use swear words in front of their children?
• Should parents allow their children to play violent video games?

Entertainment

• Should all actors be paid the same regardless of gender or ethnicity?
• Should all award shows be based on popular vote?
• Who should be responsible for paying taxes on prize money, the game show staff or the contestants?
• Should movies and television shows have ethnicity and gender quotas?
• Should newspapers and magazines move to a completely online format?
• Should streaming services like Netflix and Hulu be free for students?
• Is the movie rating system still effective?
• Should celebrities have more privacy rights?

Arts & Humanities

• Are libraries becoming obsolete?
• Should all schools have mandatory art or music courses in their curriculum?
• Should offensive language be censored from classic literary works?
• Is it ethical for museums to keep indigenous artifacts?
• Should digital designs be considered an art form? 
• Should abstract art be considered an art form?
• Is music therapy effective?
• Should tattoos be regarded as “professional dress” for work?
• Should schools place greater emphasis on the arts programs?
• Should euthanasia be allowed in hospitals and other clinical settings?
• Should the government support and implement universal healthcare?
• Would obesity rates lower if the government intervened to make healthy foods more affordable?
• Should teenagers be given access to birth control pills without parental consent?
• Should food allergies be considered a disease?
• Should health insurance cover homeopathic medicine?
• Is using painkillers healthy?
• Should genetically modified foods be banned?
• Should there be a tax on unhealthy foods?
• Should tobacco products be banned from the country?
• Should the birth control pill be free for everyone?

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can  use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original persuasive speech ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Do Your Research

A great persuasive speech is supported with plenty of well-researched facts and evidence. So before you begin the writing process, research both sides of the topic you’re presenting in-depth to gain a well-rounded perspective of the topic.

Understand Your Audience

It’s critical to understand your audience to deliver a great persuasive speech. After all, you are trying to convince them that your viewpoint is correct. Before writing your speech, consider the facts and information that your audience may already know, and think about the beliefs and concerns they may have about your topic. Then, address these concerns in your speech, and be mindful to include fresh, new information.

Have Someone Read Your Speech

Once you have finished writing your speech, have someone read it to check for areas of strength and improvement. You can use CollegeVine’s free essay review tool to get feedback on your speech from a peer!

Practice Makes Perfect

After completing your final draft, the key to success is to practice. Present your speech out loud in front of a mirror, your family, friends, and basically, anyone who will listen. Not only will the feedback of others help you to make your speech better, but you’ll become more confident in your presentation skills and may even be able to commit your speech to memory.

Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to write a powerful, unique persuasive speech. With the perfect topic, plenty of practice, and a boost of self-confidence, we know you’ll impress your audience with a remarkable speech!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

60 Impromptu Speech Topics to Choose From For Your Next Speech

So, you’ve found yourself in a situation where you need to find impromptu speech topics and give a presentation on the spot. Don’t panic! 

Welcome to the world of impromptu speaking, where quick thinking, adaptability, and creativity take center stage.

So pause, take a deep breath, and remember that with the right impromptu speech topic, speaking to an audience will be a breeze (and over before you know it!).

Whether it’s a last-minute presentation at school, a spontaneous debate with friends, or a class competition, the ability to speak confidently at a moment’s notice is a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world. 

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of impromptu speech topics, so you can find the best topic for you to deliver. From informative to persuasive, entertaining to motivational, these impromptu speech topic ideas can help you jumpstart your creativity and deliver an impromptu speech that feels effortless. 

• What’s an impromptu speech?

Benefits of impromptu speaking

Must-have elements of an effective impromptu speech.

• Tips for choosing an impromptu speech topic
• Informative
• Entertaining

What’s an impromptu speech? 

But first, what exactly is impromptu speaking, you ask? Well, it’s the art of speaking off-the-cuff, without any prior preparation. 

Imagine this: You’re given a topic or question, and you have to respond on the spot, with virtually little to no time to prepare your speech. Sounds daunting, right? But don’t have fear at having to speak . Remember, impromptu speaking is a skill that can be honed and mastered over time. And it can get easier the more you do it!

One of the key characteristics of impromptu speaking is spontaneity. You don’t have the luxury of planning out every word or rehearsing your delivery. Instead, you have to trust in your ability to think on your feet and respond in real time.

Adaptability is another crucial aspect of impromptu speaking. You might be asked to speak on a wide range of impromptu speech topics, from current events to personal experiences. Being able to adapt your message to fit the context and audience is essential for effective impromptu speaking.

Now, let’s talk about the benefits of mastering impromptu speaking skills. First, it boosts your confidence. When you can confidently tackle any speaking situation that comes your way, you’ll feel more self-assured in your abilities.

Improving your impromptu speaking skills also enhances your overall communication abilities . You’ll become more adept at articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, even under pressure. Plus, you’ll learn to think quickly and respond thoughtfully in any situation – a valuable skill in both professional and personal settings.

Lastly, mastering impromptu speaking can sharpen your problem-solving skills. You’ll become better at analyzing situations, synthesizing information, and coming up with creative solutions quickly.

Impromptu speaking may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, it can become a valuable asset in your communication toolkit. 

Although you won’t have much time to prepare for an impromptu speech, you should be aware of the main factors to include in your speech, even if it’s as short as one minute. 

Here are some elements that make an impromptu speech effective:

• Speech Topic: The foundation of your speech will center on the topic you’re discussing. That’s why it’s critical for you to choose an effective impromptu speech topic (read on for a list of ideas!). 
• Clear Purpose: An effective speech begins with a clear understanding of the purpose or objective. Whether it’s to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire, knowing your purpose guides the content and structure of your speech.
• Engaging Opening: Grabbing the audience’s attention from the start is crucial. An engaging opening can include a compelling story, a thought-provoking question, a startling fact , or a relevant quote that piques curiosity and sets the tone for the rest of the speech.
• Strong Structure: A well-structured speech follows a logical progression, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section flows seamlessly into the next, making it easy for the audience to follow along and understand the main points.
• Effective Delivery: Delivery encompasses various aspects, including vocal delivery, body language, and stage presence. Speak clearly and confidently, vary your tone and pace to maintain interest, and use gestures and facial expressions to enhance your message. Maintain good posture and eye contact to connect with the audience.
• Memorable Conclusion: The conclusion of the speech should leave a lasting impression on the audience. Summarize the main points, reiterate the key message, and leave the audience with a call to action, a memorable quote, or a thought-provoking takeaway that resonates with them.
• Authenticity: Authenticity improves your credibility and connection with the audience. Be genuine, sincere, and true to yourself in your speech, and let your enthusiasm for the topic shine through.

By incorporating these elements into your impromptu speech, you can create a compelling and memorable presentation – no matter the topic or length!

Now, let’s explore some effective impromptu speech topics so you can get started!

Tips for choosing a speech topic

Choosing the right impromptu speech topic can make or break your presentation. But with the right approach, you can choose a topic that you’re comfortable with and can speak confidently about.

Here are some tips to help you choose an impromptu speech topic:

• Draw from Personal Experience: Consider topics that you’re knowledgeable about or have personal experience with, so you have ready-to-go experience or prior knowledge to pull into your speech material. This will make it easier to generate ideas and speak fluently on the topic without needing additional preparation or research.
• Consider Your Interests: Think about your hobbies, passions, and interests. Choosing a topic that you’re passionate about can make the speech more engaging and enjoyable for both you and your audience.
• Stay Current: Keep up with current events, trends, and topics of interest. Being aware of what’s happening in the world can provide you with a pool of relevant and timely impromptu speech topics to choose from.
• Consider the format: Think of how to effectively organize your speech content. Choose a topic that lends itself well to having an introduction, 2-3 key body points, and a closing statement. 
• Keep It Simple: Opt for topics that are straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid overly complex topics that may be difficult to explain or engage the audience with in a short impromptu speech.
• Consider the Audience: Take into account the interests, preferences, and demographics of your audience when selecting a topic. Choose a topic that’s relevant and meaningful to your audience to ensure their engagement and interest.
• Be Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your topic based on the specific requirements or constraints of the situation. Stay open to new ideas and be willing to adjust your topic as needed to fit the context and audience.

By following these tips, you can select an impromptu speech topic that you feel confident and comfortable speaking about, allowing you to deliver a spontaneous and engaging speech with ease.

List of Impromptu Speech Topics

When faced with the challenge of delivering an impromptu speech, you may find yourself searching for the perfect topic that will captivate your audience.

Imagine having a list of diverse and engaging topics at your disposal, ready to spark thoughtful conversations and showcase your speaking skills.

From exploring the power of gratitude to discussing sustainable living practices, each topic offers a unique opportunity to share your insights and leave a lasting impact on your listeners.

Check out the list of impromptu speech topics below, which are organized based on the type: informative, persuasive, entertaining, or motivating. 

When choosing a topic or category, always remember to keep your audience in mind!

Informative Speech Topics

An informative speech is a type of presentation that aims to educate the audience about a specific topic, idea, concept, or process .

The primary purpose of an informative speech is to provide the audience with new information, facts, or insights about the chosen subject matter.

Unlike persuasive speeches, which try to influence the audience’s beliefs or behaviors, informative speeches focus solely on presenting objective information in a clear, organized, and engaging manner.

Here are some informative impromptu speech topics to choose from:

• The life and legacy of a historical figure you admire.
• The process of climate change and its effects on the environment.
• The benefits of regular exercise for physical and mental health.
• The origins and cultural significance of a traditional holiday.
• The basics of personal finance and budgeting for young adults.
• The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.
• The history and evolution of your favorite hobby or pastime.
• The science behind renewable energy sources like solar power.
• The importance of proper nutrition and healthy eating habits.
• The role of technology in shaping the future of education.
• The benefits and drawbacks of remote work and telecommuting.
• The process of starting a small business and entrepreneurship.
• The impact of technology on various industries.
• The history and significance of a famous landmark or monument.
• The basics of a process you’re familiar with, such as providing first aid and/or being prepared for an emergency.

Persuasive Speech Topics

A persuasive speech is one in which the speaker attempts to convince the audience to adopt or support a particular viewpoint, belief, or course of action.

The primary purpose of a persuasive speech is to influence the audience’s attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors by presenting arguments, evidence, and appeals to logic, emotion, or ethics. 

Unlike informative speeches, which focus on presenting objective information, persuasive speeches aim to sway the audience’s opinions or inspire them to take action based on the speaker’s persuasive arguments.

Here are some persuasive impromptu speech topics to choose from:

• Should we implement stricter gun control laws?
• Should recycling be made mandatory in every household?
• Is adopting a plant-based diet beneficial for personal health and the environment?
• Should schools include comprehensive sex education in their curriculum?
• Should there be stricter penalties for texting while driving?
• Is voting in local elections as important as voting in national elections?
• Should countries make energy-saving a priority?
• Should everyone consider becoming an organ donor?
• Is raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma important?
• Is access to affordable healthcare a fundamental human right?
• Should there be stricter regulations on fast food advertising aimed at children?
• Should the minimum wage be raised to a living wage?
• Should students be allowed to use advanced technology like AI in school?
• Should schools have healthier lunch options?
• Should standardized testing be abolished in schools?

Entertaining Speech Topics

An entertaining speech is a type of presentation that aims to captivate, engage, and amuse the audience through humor, storytelling, anecdotes, or engaging content.

The primary purpose of an entertaining speech is to entertain and uplift the audience, providing them with moments of laughter, enjoyment, or inspiration.

Unlike informative or persuasive speeches, which focus on presenting information or persuading the audience to take action, entertaining speeches prioritize entertainment value and emotional engagement.

Here are some entertaining impromptu speech topics to choose from:

• The art of telling hilarious jokes and making people laugh.
• The adventures of your favorite fictional character.
• The joys and challenges of being a pet owner.
• The funniest moments from your childhood.
• The quirks and idiosyncrasies of your hometown.
• The most embarrassing moments you’ve experienced.
• The evolution of fashion throughout history.
• The secrets to mastering a magic trick.
• The best pranks to pull on a friend.
• The weirdest and wackiest sport.
• The dos and don’ts of surviving a family holiday gathering.
• The biggest lesson you’ve learned so far.
• The most interesting fashion trend right now.
• The funniest viral videos on the internet right now.
• The best comedy movies of all time and why they’re worth watching.

Motivating Speech Topics

A motivating speech is a type of presentation that aims to inspire, uplift, and empower the audience to take action, overcome obstacles, or achieve their goals.

The primary purpose of a motivating speech is to motivate and energize the audience, instilling them with a sense of purpose, determination, and enthusiasm.

Here are some motivating impromptu speech topics to choose from:

• The power of setting and achieving goals in life.
• Overcoming adversity and finding strength in difficult times.
• The importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.
• Finding your passion and pursuing it with determination.
• The benefits of a positive mindset and resilience in facing challenges.
• The impact of small acts of kindness on others and the world.
• Embracing change and seizing growth opportunities.
• The importance of self-care and prioritizing mental health.
• Cultivating gratitude and appreciating the blessings in your life.
• The value of perseverance and never giving up on your dreams.
• The role of mentors and role models in inspiring personal growth.
• The power of forgiveness and letting go of resentment.
• Overcoming self-doubt and building self-confidence.
• Finding purpose and meaning in your life’s journey.
• The ripple effect of positivity and spreading joy to others.

With these topics in mind, you’ll be able to confidently speak on a variety of subjects and engage your audience with thought-provoking discussions.

So the next time you find yourself in need of an impromptu speech topic, review these ideas and jumpstart your brainstorming.

Whether you’re discussing gratitude, overcoming adversity, or the future of work, there’s always something important to talk about!

And by keeping these topics handy, you’ll be ready to tackle your next impromptu speech.

Check out more great articles from the Thought-Leader Blog covering TEDx Talks, success mindsets, and everything else in between

How to Get a TED Talk

How to prepare a ted talk, how to market yourself effectively, how to become a keynote speaker, how to speak professionally.

Improve your practice.

Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.

45 Impromptu Speech Topics and Ideas

October 29, 2017 - Dom Barnard

Impromptu speeches are a great way to practice quick thinking and concise speaking – you usually have only a couple of minutes to  prepare a speech  lasting around five minutes. 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.

If you struggle with lack of confidence, practicing with these impromptu speech topics can be a great way to 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.

What is an impromptu speech?

For an impromptu speech, you’ll generally have 1-3 minutes of preparation for a speech lasting 5-8 minutes. Tougher speech events can reduce this preparation time down to 30 seconds and require you to plan your speech mentally, without any paper to write notes on.

Impromptu speeches are often given as part of university and college debates.  Oxford Union event  shown above.

These types of speeches are usually found in public speaking courses, speaking organisations such as Toastmasters and  debating competitions  (both professional and student based).

They are a great way of testing a range of communication skills, from organisation to clarity to creativity, and are becoming a popular way to practice general public speaking skills.

Practice Impromptu Speaking

Practice your impromptu speaking skills by talking about a series of random slides for 30 seconds each. Receive feedback on your performance. Learn More

Tips for picking an impromptu speech topic

Here are some quick tips and considerations for picking an impromptu speech.

• Pick a topic you are familiar with, have knowledge of and want to talk about. Personal experience on that topic is a bonus as you’ll be able to speak more naturally about it.
• Your organisational skills will be tested to come up with a powerful introduction and conclusion in your preparation to back up your argument.
• Pick a topic where the scope is limited (or you can easily limit it) as you’ll only have 5 minutes to discuss it.
• Your goal is to either inform or  persuade your audience  so choose a topic that suits these criteria

Impromptu speech topics

There are a huge amount of topic to choose from so we’ve compiled a short list of interesting topics below, some of which will hopefully inspire you or give you talking points you hadn’t previously considered.

• A non-biased news site is impossible
• The Romain Empire was the most important empire to have existed
• Keyboards will be replaced by speech-to-text technology in 10 years
• Performance enhancing drugs should be allowed in sport
• Colour affects the way people feel
• Poor health begins in the mind
• Team sports build strong individuals
• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
• Poverty is a state of mind
• What characteristics make an ideal villain?
• How would you describe an average person?
• In what situation is lying a good idea?
• Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
• Pets are for people who don’t have children
• Real learning doesn’t occur in a classroom
• It is better to be influential than rich
• Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?
• School uniforms removes individuality
• Children should not watch television
• Art is not important to the future of the human race
• Future conflicts will be confined to online hacking
• Social customs are a waste of time
• My biggest concern for the future is…
• Climate change is a natural occurrence
• What is the most important skill for starting a business
• Space exploration advances the human race
• Parents are the most influential factors in our lives
• Sports people salaries are justified by viewing figures
• Reading fiction is a waste of time
• Going to university / college is not necessary anymore
• Facebook makes society less happy
• Anyone can be a millionaire if they work hard enough
• No extra-terrestrial species have found us because…
• Translation technology will replace the need to learn a language
• Colonizing Mars is necessary to ensure human survival
• Presidential / Prime Ministers time in office should be lengthened
• Social circles and friends are the most important factors for happiness
• Real wealth is not measured in money or possessions
• The minimum wage should be doubled
• Should adults have the right to carry a concealed handgun?
• Is sexual orientation determined at birth?
• Junk food’s popularity relies on marketing
• Both snooker and darts are sports
• Being a vegetarian is healthier than eating meat
• Renting a house is better than buying

Use any of these topics for your next impromptu speech or just as personal practice to improve your communication skills.

50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• Homework Tips
• Learning Styles & Skills
• Study Methods
• Time Management
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

For the many people who break out in a sweat at the very idea of speaking in front of an audience , the prospect of speaking on an unknown topic with little to no preparation is likely terrifying. But you don't have to be afraid of impromptu speeches. As it turns out, the secret even to off-the-cuff speeches is preparation.

Impromptu Speech Tips

• Decide on your topic
• Come up with three supportive statements related to your topic
• Prepare a strong conclusion

Use this list of impromptu speech topics to practice making a quick speech outline in your head. For each of the topics below, just think of three main points you'd like to make. For example, if your speech topic is "Your least favorite chores," you could quickly come up with three statements:

• I don't know anybody who likes to fold laundry, so the first task on my list of unhappy chores is folding laundry.
• Taking out the trash is another chore that most people dread, and I'm no different.
• The worst chore in the entire household has to be cleaning the toilet.

If you go into your speech with these statements in your head, you can spend the rest of your time thinking up supporting statements as you speak. When you've identified your three main points, think of a great finishing statement. If you end with a great closer, you'll really impress your audience.

Start Practicing With This List

• My three favorite animals.
• What you would find in my closet. Make something up.
• What you'd find under my bed.
• The best letter of the alphabet.
• Why your mom/dad is special.
• A day that stands out.
• The best surprise ever.
• If I had a million dollars to give away.
• If cats/dogs ruled the world.
• A trip to remember.
• My favorite day of the year.
• If I could only eat three foods forever.
• If I could design a school.
• Why books are important.
• Three surprising facts about me .
• How to impress your parents.
• How to plan a party.
• A job I'd love to have.
• A day in my life.
• If I could have dinner with anyone.
• If I could travel through time.
• My favorite book.
• An important lesson I've learned.
• What I've learned from cartoons.
• The smartest cartoon character.
• Three things I'd change if I ruled the world.
• Why sports are important.
• The worst chores at home.
• Why I deserve an allowance.
• If I were in charge of school lunches.
• If I had invented school.
• The best theme park rides.
• Whom do you admire most?
• What is your favorite animal?
• How to achieve your dreams.
• Why you need a baby brother.
• How to annoy an older sister.
• How to save money.
• Three things that scare me.
• Great things about snow days.
• Things you can make out of snow.
• How to spend a rainy day.
• How to walk a dog.
• Great things about the ocean.
• Things I'll never eat.
• How to be a slacker.
• Why I like my town.
• The best parts of a parade.
• Interesting things you see in the sky.
• Things to remember when you're camping.
• An experience with a bully.
• How to Give an Impromptu Speech
• 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
• Controversial Speech Topics
• Mock Election Ideas For Students
• 5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
• How to Write a Graduation Speech as Valedictorian
• Questions to Ask a College Representative
• What Is a Blue Book?
• Benefits of Participating in High School Debate
• Tips to Write a Great Letter to the Editor
• Homework Guidelines for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
• How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
• Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue
• College School Supplies List
• The Difference Between Liberals and Conservatives
• Nonverbal Communication Activities

10 powerful ChatGPT prompts for Speech Writing

Speech writing can be a formidable task, requiring the delicate balance of rhetoric, clarity, and persuasion. Whether you’re crafting a keynote address or preparing a wedding toast, the eloquence of your words determines the impact of your speech. Powered by the expertise of a senior speechwriting expert, these ChatGPT prompts are designed to streamline your creative process and elevate the quality of your speech to new heights.

Below is a list of curated ChatGPT prompts to assist you in extracting profound insights, structure, and content for your speeches:

• “As a senior speechwriting expert, could you help me outline a speech on [Topic] that incorporates the latest research and resonates with an audience of [Audience Type]? The aim is to [Desired Outcome]. I’m particularly interested in a powerful opening that can grab attention immediately.”
• “With your extensive experience in speech writing, what innovative ways would you suggest to interweave storytelling and factual data when talking about [Complex Topic]? How would you suggest we make the information accessible to [Audience Type] without oversimplifying the message?”
• “I am tasked to write a motivational speech for [Event or Setting]. As someone with deep expertise, how should I frame the narrative to inspire action while addressing the common challenges and misconceptions about [Relevant Subject Matter]?”
• “Please provide a step-by-step guide to formulate a persuasive speech about [Issue] which has to strike a balance between emotion and logic. How would you, as an expert, recommend structuring the speech to ensure it is compelling for an audience with diverse views?”
• “In your comprehensive experience as a speechwriter, what are the critical components of a memorable valedictory speech for [Educational Institution], which must leave a lasting impression on both graduates and their families while reflecting on the experiences unique to [Year or Milestone]?”
• “Could you create an outline for a debate speech that opposes the motion ‘[Debate Topic]’? The outline should engage [Target Audience] and use robust data while remaining respectful and forward-thinking. Your expertise in argumentation structure would be immensely valued.”
• “What strategies would you recommend for writing a speech that needs to deliver a difficult message to [Audience Type] regarding [Sensitive Issue]? The goal is to be transparent, honest, yet hopeful. Please guide me through the nuances of tone and phrasing to use.”
• “Given your expertise, how can I develop a keynote speech that incorporates a futuristic vision of [Industry or Field]? The speech will launch [Event or Product], and it is crucial to instill a sense of excitement and anticipation in the [Audience Type].”
• “I need to draft a eulogy for a highly respected individual within [Community or Profession]. What elements are essential to highlight their legacy compassionately and meaningfully, ensuring that the speech resonates with the diverse group of attendees?”
• “From your expert point of view, what is the most effective approach to revising and refining a speech on [Topic] that has already been drafted? What should I look for in terms of language, rhythm, and pacing to maximize its impact on [Audience Type]?”

Utilize these prompts to tap into the depths of ChatGPT’s text generation capabilities for speechwriting, harnessing the power of AI to produce content that is both profound and engaging. Each prompt allows you to fill in specific parameters, tailoring the request to match the unique needs and nuances of your speech.

In conclusion, with these prompts at your disposal, you are poised to transform your ideas into eloquent and impactful speeches. Let the wisdom of a senior speechwriting expert guide your pen, and watch as your words move mountains and shape minds.

Share this:

101 Writing Prompts to Use in the Classroom

Jen Schneider Blog , Writing 1

As teachers, we know the importance of fostering a love of writing in our students. One way to do this is by using writing prompts in your classroom. Here are five ways you can use writing prompts to engage and inspire your middle school students:

Daily Writing Prompts

First, start each day with a quick writing prompt to get your students’ creative juices flowing. These exercises can be as short as 10 minutes and can cover a range of genres and themes. I loved using writing prompts as bell ringers in my ELA classroom.

Here are 25 daily writing prompts to get you started!

25 Daily Writing Prompts

• Write a short story about a character who discovers a secret room in their house.
• Describe your dream vacation in detail.
• Write a letter to your future self 10 years from now.
• Imagine you are a detective trying to solve a mystery. Write a scene where you gather clues and interview suspects.
• Write a poem about your favorite memory.
• Write a persuasive essay on why your school should implement a recycling program.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite place.
• Write a script for a comedy sketch.
• Imagine you are a superhero. Write a scene where you save the day.
• Write a letter to your favorite author, thanking them for their work.
• Write a story about a character who gets lost in a magical forest.
• Describe a day in the life of your pet.
• Write a letter to your best friend, sharing your hopes and dreams for the future.
• Write a short story about a character who learns a valuable lesson.
• Imagine you are a scientist conducting an experiment. Write a report on your findings.
• Write a poem about nature.
• Write a letter to your local government advocating for a cause you care about.
• Write a story about a character who has to overcome a challenge.
• Describe your dream job.
• Write a persuasive essay on why your school should start a garden.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite season.
• Write a script for a drama sketch.
• Imagine you are a time traveler. Write a scene where you visit a historical event.
• Write a letter to a celebrity, telling them how much you admire their work.
• Write a story about a character who finds a hidden treasure.

Even More Daily/Weekly Writing Prompts

Check out 52 additional creative writing prompts . (So I guess this post has 153!) Check it out in my store. You’ll even get an editable Canva template to add your own prompts.

Each creative writing prompts workbook comes with:

• 52 pages of prompts and lined writing space
• 12 blank lined pages
• Canva editable template link to add your own writing prompts
• Google Drive PDF link

I use these prompts with middle school students, but they are appropriate for advanced upper elementary students through high school. Adults will even enjoy these prompts!

Structured Writing Prompts

Another way to use writing prompts is as a starting point for more structured writing assignments, such as essays or research papers. Of course, this can help students get started and also encourage them to think critically about different perspectives and ideas. Structured writing prompts are prompts that provide specific guidelines or structure for the writing task.

10 Structured Writing Prompts

• Write a persuasive essay on the topic of your choice. Make sure to address the argument and counterargument using textual evidence.
• Write a letter to the editor about a current event or issue you feel strongly about. Use research and textual evidence to support your points.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about a place you have visited.
• Write a short story that includes the following elements: a character who is afraid of heights, a mysterious object, and a twist ending.
• Write a personal narrative about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
• Write a research paper on a topic of your choice, using at least five sources.
• Write a poem that follows a specific form, such as a sonnet or haiku.
• Write a character analysis of a character from a book or movie. In your analysis, discuss the character’s motivations, conflicts, and development throughout the story.
• Write a review of a product or service you have used. In your review, discuss the pros and cons of the product or service, and provide your overall rating.
• Write a speech on a topic of your choice. In your speech, include an introduction, three main points, and a conclusion. Use persuasive language and evidence to support your points.

Group Brainstorming

Encourage students to work in small groups to come up with their own writing prompts. This can be a great way to foster collaboration and creativity.

Writing Roulette

One writing prompt game I like to play with my students is writing roulette. I give each student five different colored sticky notes (or use this FREE Jamboard template ).

Each sticky note has a different topic:

• Yellow: character
• Blue: quotation
• Pink: setting
• Green: conflict
• Orange: theme

Have your students each generate one of the literary elements on each colored sticky note. Make sure they write only one idea per note. Mix up the sticky notes, then give the students five sticky notes (one on each topic) to generate their own story.

15 Writing Prompt Dares

My students love creating their own writing prompt dares. These are great for group brainstorming prompts, but if you want to give your students some writing prompts to get started, here are some dares for them to enjoy!

• Write a story using only dialogue.
• Write a story using only one letter of the alphabet.
• Write a story backwards.
• Write a story with every word starting with the same letter.
• Write a story with a character who can only say one word.
• Write a story using only emojis.
• Write a story that can be read both forwards and backwards.
• Write a story using only made-up words.
• Write a story with a character who can only communicate through dance.
• Write a story with a character who can only communicate through drawings.
• Write a story with a character who can only communicate through song lyrics.
• Write a story that’s a play on words.
• Write a story with a character who can only communicate through sign language.
• Write a story that’s a parody of a well-known story or movie.
• Write a story using only words that contain the letter “z”.

Journaling with Writing Prompts

Encourage your students to keep a journal and use writing prompts to inspire their daily entries. This can be a great way for students to reflect on their experiences and practice their writing skills.

Use these writing prompts to let your students reflect. Tell them not to worry about conventions (grammar or spelling). Journal writing is a way to share emotions. I always tell my students that I only have to share their writing if I am concerned about their safety or the safety of someone else.

• Describe your best friend and explain why they are special to you.
• Write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Imagine you could travel anywhere in the world. Where would you go and why?
• Write about a person who has inspired you and explain why.
• Describe a hobby or activity that you enjoy and explain why you like it.
• Write about a memorable event from your childhood.
• Describe a place that you have visited that made a lasting impression on you.
• Write about a goal that you have for yourself and explain how you plan to achieve it.
• Describe a person who has had a significant influence on your life and explain why.
• Write about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.

Get 31 more daily writing prompts for January . This is the perfect way to start off the new year, but you can use the prompts at anytime!

Writing as Assessment

Use writing prompts to assess student learning and progress. By assigning prompts that align with specific learning objectives or standards, you can get a sense of how well your students are understanding and applying the material.

Incorporating writing prompts into your middle school classroom can be a fun and effective way to engage your students and help them develop their writing skills. See the difference they can make in your students’ writing.

Here are 10 writing prompts for assessment. Feel free to use these in your classroom.

• Write a persuasive essay about the importance of recycling and reducing waste.
• Write a narrative about a time when you faced a challenge and had to overcome it.
• Write a descriptive essay about your favorite place.
• Write a compare and contrast essay about two different historical figures or events.
• Write an argumentative essay about whether students should be required to wear uniforms to school.
• Write a letter to your future self, describing your hopes and dreams for the future.
• Write a research paper about a current event or controversial topic.
• Write a poem about a natural disaster or environmental issue.
• Write a review of a book, movie, or television show.
• Write a script for a short play or skit.

These  101 writing prompts  are perfect to use in your classroom. Share some of your favorite prompts in the comments!

Check out one of my favorite feedback tools for student writing !

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tips for Genius Hour  - Creative Tech Teacher @

[…] creative writing (regardless of what grade level or school they are at). I also post contests and writing prompts in that […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

• The PROMPT Training Process
• Step 1: Introduction to PROMPT Workshop
• Step 2: PROMPT Technique Practicum Project
• Step 3: Bridging Workshop
• Step 4: PROMPT Certification Project
• PROMPT Outreach Program (POP)
• Online Courses
• Study Groups
• PROMPT Technique Project
• PROMPT Technique Refresher
• Training FAQs
• Host a Workshop
• Activities for Families
• Assessments
• Treatment Resources for SLPs
• Projects - Feedback on your Therapy
• Replacement Manuals
• What is PROMPT?
• How PROMPT Works
• PROMPT Evaluation and Treatment
• Find a PROMPT SLP or confirm training level
• Treatment Grants
• FlashCards with a Guide for Caregivers
• Family Testimonials
• Helpful Resources
• Research Library
• Current Projects
• Join Research Efforts
• Research Grants
• Online School

Remember Me

9/10/2024 Study Group Refresher- PROMPT Technique Four Levels Demonstration Perth (Floreat), Australia

9/13/2024 » 12/13/2024 US ENGLISH - Technique Practicum Project ADVANCE Group (US Eastern Time)

9/19/2024 » 9/21/2024 Introduction - Laval Metro Montmorency (Taught in French)

9/24/2024 PROMPT Certified Study Group - Zoom U.S. Eastern Time

9/25/2024 » 9/27/2024 Introdução à técnica PROMPT- Ensinado em zoom- Fuso Horário GMT-3(Portuguese)

9/26/2024 Study Group - PROMPT Finnish Technique Demonstration - Zoom

P.O. Box 4249

Santa Fe, NM, 87502-4249 USA

844-9PROMPT

[email protected]

Quick Links

• Create Profile
• Family FAQs
• Clinician FAQs
• What is PROMPT

• Literacy Based Therapy

• Speech Sounds

The Bookshelf

Resource library.

• Language , Data , Organization

Prompts and Cues: Little Words with a Big Impact

So quickly let’s review…

Prompt : Prompt is defined as: “Instructions, gestures, demonstrations, touches, and/or things that we do to increase the likelihood that children will make correct responses.” By Lynn McClannahan and Patricia Krantz of Princeton Child Development Institute. Prompts are designed to lead the student to the correct answer or response.

Cue: A cue is just a hint and does not lead the student to the correct answer. Now, many use these words interchangeably, but it is not a good idea when you are writing goals or reports. The main reason is clarity.  You may know that when you are writing a goal and say a student is allowed ‘2 prompts’ before the trial is marked incorrect, you are referring to prompting ( giving hint and support to get the correct answer ) as well as cueing ( giving extra hints but not directing to the correct response ), but someone else may not.  If your student moves and the new SLP is reading that they can only prompt them, it can mess with the data that will be collected and that isn’t good for anyone!

Then there is the side that no one likes to think about …the legal side! DUN DUN DUN!!! 

So, If your IEP and data are brought into court for some reason, they are going to look at how the data is collected which means analyzing the parameters for the goals, which includes prompts and cues.  If you aren’t taking data the way the goal states because you are using prompts and cues interchangeably then it could be a problem.

Now let’s look at some examples of each:

Prompt Examples: 

Gestural Prompt – The SLP models the action of placing a ball under a basket to show the concept of under.

Verbal Prompt – ” Pick up the ball and put it under the basket ”

Cue Examples

Gestural Cue – The SLP taps the ball/basket to indicate that the student needs to perform an action with the objects.

Verbal Cue ( Indirect ) – “Where should the ball go?”

Similar but different. I Think of them as siblings; they are in the same family but two different entities… and the last thing either wants to hear is why can’t you be more like your brother!  So, what can we do about this whole ‘ prompt and cue are the same thing ‘ because now we know they are different.  When writing your goals include that both can be used and what kind. Something like this, ” …with no more than 2 visual and/or verbal prompts/cues…”.  This allows for 2 prompts, 2 cues, or a combination to be used to help the student.

What do you use more, prompts or cues?

If you still aren’t sure about prompts and cues in your goal writing I would like you to check out this video tutorial I just did. Click HERE to watch the preview.

For information about the Prompting Hierarchy and a free reference card, check out this post !

Hierarchy of Cueing and Prompting

Clarification fo Cueing and Prompting Terms

You might like these products

Story Sidekick Bundle

Language Rubrics

The 'WH' Curriculum Bundle

Share this post.

Meet Maureen

Hey there! I’m Maureen Wilson, a school-base SLP who is data driven and caffeine powered. My passion is supporting other pediatric SLPs by teaching them how to harness the power of literacy and data to help their students achieve their goals…without sacrificing time they don’t have.

• Organization

Get the basics you need to administer and analyze Dynamic Assessments in a school setting.  Dynamic Assessments are great for:

• Assessing student’s language learning
• Assessing student’s with multi-lingual backgrounds
• Getting practical information to make confident decisions on eligibility and goals

Featured Products

Sentence Sidekick Bundle

Language rubrics: a progress monitoring and data tracking tool, you might also enjoy..., a little inspiration.

No Prep March and St. Patrick’s Day Speech Activities

Central Auditory Processing Disorder…Say What?

Activities for Older Students

6 responses.

Hello! Is there any way to get the hierarchy of cueing and prompting? When I click on it it doesn’t work. Thanks so much!

There is a free reference card in my TpT store 🙂

Hi! How would you explain the difference between prompting and cueing in the area of articulation?

Hi! When you say will…. With no more than 1 verbal prompt with 80% accuracy. Does that mean 1 prompt each question or they can get 2 wrong and they can get 1 prompt for the 10 questions? Thanks!

I always do trials of 10! Makes it easier to grade and more consistent for review/ assessing progress.

10 or multiples of 10.*

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

©2022 The Speech Bubble SLP. All Rights Reserved.

Designed by ashley hughes..

Busy Bee Speech

Buzzing about Speech & Language

Easy Ways to Use Prompts & Cues in Speech Therapy

November 3, 2020

A while back I was charged to do an in-service for the paraprofessionals at my school. I talked to them about using prompts and cues in speech therapy and in the classroom. Fortunately, the paras did great and were immediately able to start implementing some of the strategies we discussed!

All that to say, I hope that this blog post can do the same for you and be something you can refer back to over again. Let’s dive deep into how to use prompts and cues in our speech therapy sessions .

What is prompting anyway?

Prompting and cueing are strategies that help the student but still increases learning .  A lot of educators will just do this naturally.  We ask questions and try to help students come up with the answer or learn a task in any way we know how. But it helps to define what we are doing and be more purposeful with our interactions. 

So what’s the difference between prompting and cuing ? From my research prompting is said to be a little more invasive and leads the student to the correct answer more directly.  Cuing is more like a hint or clue that typically doesn’t give them the answer directly.  So prompting is a little more direct and cuing is said to be more indirect .  Today, I’m just going to use the term “prompting” as the broader term to refer any type of assistance with getting the right answer.

So if we are purposeful in the way we help students, prompting when necessary and fading the prompts as soon as we can , it can really help.  That’s why I wanted to teach the paras at my school about the different ways to prompt as well as the importance of fading it.

Why should we use prompts at all?

Vygotsky said, “What a child can do today with assistance, she’ll be able to do by herself tomorrow.”

We use prompts ourselves whether we realize it or not.  When we’re in Target, we look up at the aisle signs to help point us to what we’re looking for.  If we still can’t find the item, we ask someone who works there.  We may even need the worker to point the item out to us, if we need further assistance.  The next time we go into Target, we probably won’t need any prompts to find the item.  We’d go straight there and find it independently.

Prompts are really beneficial for our kiddos when learning a new skill.  However, if you want the student to become fully independent in that skill, you have to be able to decrease the prompts.  Fading prompts are almost as important as giving the prompts .  Things you can do to prevent dependency is to reward or reinforce with the prompts at first.  Then as they progress, only reward when they respond correctly without the prompts.  This could help the student learn the skills more quickly as well as deter them from depending on those prompts.

What are the different types of prompts?

OK, so let me preface this by saying that this is a huge topic and there are a lot of ways to support our kiddos.  I use the Prompting Hierarchy from The Autism Helper with my staff.  Though there are lots out there, especially related to ABA, this one seemed to lend itself best to a variety of disorders, not just autism.

Here are the different types of prompts, starting from the least invasive (or most independent level):

1. Visual prompts – support in the form of pictures or text, photos, or even videos 

This is a great way to give support in a way that’s natural or easy to fade . Examples can be anything from a sign on the door to a visual schedule.  In speech, I use this one like nobody’s business.  Visuals for everything. 

Sentence strips for expanding utterances and using correct grammar, pictures for WH questions, making inferences, pretty much any language skill.  It’s my go-to way that I level the support I give.  And it’s super easy to fade because you can just take away the visual.

2. Verbal prompt – spoken instructions or questions that provide the student with direction on completing the task

This one can look a lot of different ways and it’s probably the most commonly used.  I feel like there is even a mini hierarchy within verbal prompting . 

There’s a direct verbal prompt – which is when you plainly give them the correct response or answer. (What is this? -book) Sometimes I use this one when I’m trying to teach WH questions and the student is very echolalic. 

There’s also indirect prompts – which is just giving more of a subtle hint but not the exact answer.  This can look more like asking questions, using CLOZE (or fill in the blank), giving choices, and so on.  So for example, if we’re working on sequencing I could ask, “What did the boy do next?” Or if we’re looking at a picture and I want them to label, I could say “She’s putting on her ___.” And they would say shoes.  There are really lots of different ways that we verbally prompt students, and the possibilities for this one are as endless as language is .

3. Gesture prompt – when you gesture, point, nod or move to indicate the correct response as you’re giving the instruction.

You can even look at the student expectantly or look in the direction of the correct answer as a gesture.  Of course as SLPs, we will look at students expectantly a lot, especially with our minimally verbal friends, to give them a hint that we are waiting for them to respond. 

Another way I gesture is by pointing , especially when I’m teaching WH questions.  For example, if there’s a picture of a mouse driving a car, I might ask “who’s driving the car?” while pointing to the mouse over and over again.  Or gesturing can even be as simple as if it’s a student’s turn to participate, you might make eye contact and nod in his direction for them to take their turn.

4. Modeling – showing the student what they are supposed to do before they do it.

This is one that we use a TON as SLPs, right?  It’s when we just show them what to do .  So, if you tell a student to touch their nose, you would touch your nose.  Or maybe you are teaching the student a new skill, like a specific sequencing task.  They watch you do it first, then they would try it. 

In speech, we do this ALL THE TIME with articulation, right?  We model the correct productions of the sound errors .  We even pull out a mirror so that they can copy what our mouths are doing.  We use modeling and imitation as a strategy for expanding language utterances as well.

5. Partial physical prompt – going in and physically guiding the student through the response with a partial physical gesture, like a tap or a nudge.

In this one you are touching the child, but you’re giving them minimal physical guidance .  So if you want the student to touch a certain object, you might move their elbow in the direction of that object.  You aren’t completely hand over hand helping them.  It’s more subtle. 

I use this the most when teaching simple signs.  If I’m prompting the child to sign “more” and I’ve already modeled or I know the child knows the sign, I might tap under their hands to help them initiate the sign.

6. Full physical prompt – going in and physically guiding the student through the response with a full physical gesture.

This is the one where you are hand-over-hand helping the student .  It might be doing the hand motions to a song, getting the student to sign, or helping the student do an action.  You tell the student to clap his hands, and then you take his hands and make them clap. 

This prompt is the most invasive .  So you want to fade this one as soon as you can, because you don’t want them to be dependent on that.  They are not mastering the skill at all if you are completing the task for them.

How do we know which type of prompt to use?

There are a couple of different ways you can approach this when you’re teaching a student a new skill.  A lot of it will depend on the student as well as the skill you are trying to teach.  You and your team might have to make some judgment calls and use your knowledge of the student.  But I’ll give a few general rules of thumb that you can use.

1. Go from least invasive to most invasive

The first approach would be to use the least intrusive prompt first , which according to our hierarchy would be the visuals, and go down the hierarchy adding more prompts only if needed. 

So, if you go back to our Target example from earlier.  I couldn’t find my item by using the store signs.  So I asked a store clerk to help me, and he gave me directions to find it ( verbal prompt ).  If I still can’t find it, he could walk me over and point to the item on the shelf ( gesture ).  Hopefully, I don’t need him to model taking the item from the shelf, but I might need him to physically help me if it’s out of reach or something (ha). 

This is a good approach to use if you are trying to assess how much of the skill the child can do independently .  Another benefit to this one is that the student gets repeated time to respond to the requests and more practice time with the skill, since you are asking the same thing of them over and over.

2. Go from most invasive to least invasive

The second approach would be to do the opposite.  You start with the most invasive and work your way up to the least invasive .  Depending on the skill, you might start with the full physical prompt, then continually fade the prompts as they learn the skill.   

So, if you were teaching a student to sign “more,” you might hand over hand the sign when you are first teaching it.  Then you may tap their hands to remind them to sign.  Soon you might just model the sign when you expect them to use it and they will imitate you.  After that, maybe you just need to point to their hands or look at them expectantly.  Then you might say “ need more?” or “what do you want?” and they will make the sign on their own.   This approach is good to use when a student is first learning something new . 

You just want to make sure you are fading those prompts when you can .  Another benefit to this approach is – it is said that it results in fewer errors and quicker skill acquisition…probably as long as you are fading the prompts quickly. 

3. Delay prompting by decreasing the amount of time before you offer assistance

Basically, you want to wait a bit before going to the next level of prompting .  You might give a verbal prompt then wait 3 seconds before giving the gesture prompt.  Then you might wait 5 seconds between prompts.

4. Gradually decrease the intensity of the type of prompt you are giving

Maybe you are giving the partial physical prompt. You want to fade from the wrist – to the elbow – to the shoulder – then maybe stand behind – then back away entirely.  Or in the case of verbal prompts – you could start by giving direct prompt, then on the next target try cloze or indirect prompts.

5. Know how to reinforce appropriately to prevent prompt dependence

Like I mentioned before, you want to praise the child or give rewards that will help the student become more independent .  So if they are first learning then, sure, reward them for completing the task prompted.  But after you have backed away from that type of prompt, only reward the student (star chart or whatever) for the level of prompting that they are on currently.  That will motivate them to become more independent and try harder.  We don’t want them to depend on that assistance, ya know.

6. Evaluate the effectiveness of the prompts you are using

You want to use your observations and any data to make sure that the prompts being used are effective for that student.  It will also help you determine when you can fade the prompts.  Remember that each child and each new skill is different. 

Having specific data can help you make those important decisions.  You don’t want to only rely on your previous experiences.  It might be helpful to do trial runs with the levels of prompting and create a plan of action with your team .  Take note in your data or tally sheets on what prompts you used and how invasive they were.

A few helpful resources

For more information about scaffolding, you can check out this blog post I wrote a while back.

I’ve got several resources in my TPT store that are already scaffolded based on visual prompting – my most popular ones are for making inferences, sequencing, and overall baseline data for language.

Grab a few freebies from my resource library ! I’ve got a data sheet that includes a section for prompting. Plus, you can grab the prompting hierarchy visuals from this blog post!

I hope this helped! What questions do you have for me?

March 6, 2023 at 6:53 am

Thank you for this helpful resource. I particularly like how you break down the prompt hierarchy and provide a visual representation of it. Thank you!

March 8, 2023 at 4:44 pm

So glad it was helpful!!

September 25, 2023 at 2:45 pm

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest on Pinterest

Latest on Facebook

4 months ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

5 months ago

Latest on Instagram

busybeespeech

💬 school-based SLP 🦐Cajun girl ✝️ Jesus 💡Helping busy SLPs tackle fluency, paperwork, PreK & more through practical ideas & resources 👇Click for more

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

168 Writing Prompts to Spark Discussion and Reflection

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2021-22 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

By The Learning Network

Each day of the school year we publish a Student Opinion question : an invitation for students to share their own opinions and experiences in response to New York Times stories on the news of the day. Each of these prompts is introduced with an article, interactive feature or video produced by The Times.

The 168 questions we asked during the 2021-22 school year are available below and in this PDF . The prompts are organized into two sections: questions that lend themselves well to persuasive writing, and questions that encourage narrative writing. We have also published a short, visual post highlighting five of the most popular questions we asked this school year.

For ideas on how to use these Student Opinion prompts in your classroom, you might consult this comprehensive teacher’s guide , which includes practical strategies from a dozen educators.

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should There Be a Minimum Voting Age? 2. Should College Be Free? 3. Should Parents Give Children More Responsibility at Younger Ages? 4. How Much Should Speech Be Moderated on Social Media? 5. Does Prayer Have Any Place in Public Schools? 6. Is Teen Mental Health in a State of Crisis? 7. Should We Be More Optimistic About Efforts to Combat Climate Change? 8. If Two Songs Sound Alike, Is It Stealing? 9. What Should Be Done About the Gender Pay Gap in Sports? 10. Is Taking the SAT a Necessary Step in Preparing for Post-High School Life? 11. Should Libraries Get Rid of Late Fees? 12. Do You Think It Is Time to Get Rid of Daylight Saving Time? 13. Is It Bad Sportsmanship to Run Up the Score in Youth Sports? 14. Should We Eliminate Gifted and Talented Programs? 15. Should We Bring Back Animals From Extinction? 16. Should Greek Life on College Campuses Come to an End? 17. What Is Your Reaction to Efforts to Limit Teaching on Race in Schools? 18. Is It Ethical to Be a Football Fan? 19. Do You Support Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 20. When Should You Tip? 21. Should the U.S. Be Doing More to Prevent Child Poverty? 22. What Do You Wish Lawmakers Knew About How Anti-L.G.B.T.Q. Legislation Affects Teenagers? 23. Should Parents Weigh in on Their Kids’ Dating Lives? 24. Do You Think We Need to Change the Way Math Is Taught? 25. Are You Concerned About Violence in America? 26. Should There Be Limits on How Much Time Young People Spend Playing Video Games? 27. Should Phones Ever Be a Part of Family or Holiday Gatherings? 28. Should Students Be Allowed to Miss School for Mental Health Reasons? 29. Are You a Crypto Optimist or Skeptic? 30. Do You Think Pluto Should Be a Planet? 31. How Important Are College Rankings to You? 32. How Would You Describe the State of Our Union? 33. Are Zoos Immoral? 34. What Sports Deserve More Hype? 35. What Is Your Reaction to the State of Abortion Rights in 2021? 36. What Can History Teach Us About Resilience? 37. When Should School Mask Mandates Be Lifted? 38. ‘Love-Bombing.’ ‘Gaslighting.’ ‘Victim.’ Is ‘Trauma Talk’ Overused? 39. Does the N.F.L. Have a Race Problem? 40. What Work of Art Should Your Friends Fall in Love With? 41. What Do You Think About Efforts to Ban Books From School Libraries? 42. What Should Spotify Do About Joe Rogan? 43. How Excited Are You About the Metaverse? 44. Can Laziness Be a Good Thing? 45. What Do You Think of Pet Weddings? 46. What Are Your Thoughts About Hunting Animals? 47. Are You a Fan of ‘School Accounts’ on Social Media? 48. How Worried Should We Be About Our Democracy? 49. 9/11 Happened Before You Were Born. What Does It Mean to You? 50. What Is Your Choice for Word of the Year? 51. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse Trial? 52. Do Celebrities and Influencers Make You Want to Buy What They’re Selling? 53. Should Parents Ever Be Held Responsible for a School Shooting? 54. Should Websites Force Users to Prove How Old They Are? 55. Does Your Family Need to Cut Down On Screen Time? 56. How Useful Is It to Be Multilingual? 57. How Do You Feel About ‘Nepotism Babies’? 58. Does Class Rank Matter to You? 59. What Can Older Generations Learn From Gen Z? 60. Should Schools Require Students to Get the Coronavirus Vaccine? 61. When Talking About Identity, How Much Do Words Matter? 62. How Well Is Your School Handling Covid This Year? 63. How Should We Honor and Mourn Those We Have Lost to Covid? 64. What Are Your Texting Dos and Don’ts? 65. What Ideas Do You Have to Bring Your Community Closer Together?

Questions for Narrative and Personal Writing

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Writing Prompt ~ 8 Parts Of Speech

Writing Prompt: A useful thing for English learners to learn is the parts of speech. Learn the basic parts of speech . (Note: Your teacher or textbook may include “determiners” as another part of speech rather than classifying them as adjectives.) Then try to write one or two sentences using all eight parts of speech. Can you identify the part of speech for each word in your sentence? Practise this writing exercise regularly. It will help you when you are ready to learn more advanced grammar.

You may also like:

• A Traffic Jam That Lasted Ten Days
• Writing Prompt ~ Punctuation Practice
• Writing Prompt ~ Hear Vs. Listen

Oh! Myanmar people are facing a dangerous situation and they live in a difficult situation by increasing the prices of goods suddenly.

Thein Daw Gyi Pagoda is the most famous pagoda in Myeik, good sunest view on pagoda.

Yesterday, i was at hospital and doctor told me i am okay and i do not have anything about my concern.

Leave a comment

Email * (not published)