Persuasive Speech Essentials

A persuasive speech aims to inform, educate, and convince the audience on a topic or action.

You want to persuade the audience to adopt your viewpoint. The most effective persuasive speeches are both thought-provoking and clear.

When choosing a topic for your persuasive speech, select one that you already have some knowledge of and a strong opinion on. This familiarity will enable you to argue your topic effectively and defend your points. Furthermore, you should also be prepared to discuss the opposing viewpoint to strengthen your argument.

This article will explore the different types of persuasive speeches to help you choose the right one, along with essential tips for crafting a compelling speech and a list of persuasive speech topics to kickstart your writing process.

Different Types of Persuasive Speech

There are several organizational structures for persuasive speeches, including:

1. Causal: Explains what happens as a result of a cause.
2. Problem-solution: Presents a problem followed by a proposed solution.
3. Problem-cause-solution: Examines the cause of a problem before offering a solution.
4. Comparison/contrast: Compares two or more subjects, explaining why one is better than the others.

Each type of speech serves a distinct purpose and follows a unique structure. For instance, a causal speech might analyze the implications of environmental changes, while a comparative advantage speech could evaluate the pros and cons of renewable energy sources.

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Speech

Writing a persuasive speech can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can create a compelling argument. Here are 11 tips to help you succeed:

1. Choose the Right Topic

Selecting an engaging topic is crucial. Consider your audience’s interests and ensure your topic is suitable for them. For example, discussing oral hygiene with an audience of dentists would be more effective than arguing against its necessity.

Your passion for the topic can also spark curiosity and engagement among your audience. A familiar topic makes it easier to write and present your speech.

2. Write How You Talk

Your speech should sound natural and conversational. When crafting your speech, use straightforward language and concise sentences.

Practice reading your speech aloud to ensure it flows smoothly and feels comfortable when spoken.

3. Start Strong

Engage your audience right from the beginning. Clearly state your topic, explain its significance, and outline your goals for the speech.

Consider employing one of these techniques to capture attention:

• Grab their attention with a striking statement or visual.
• Connect to the audience by sharing relatable experiences or emotions.
• Show evidence of your expertise through research or personal experience.
• Share your goal to clarify what you hope the audience will take away.

4. Tell a Story

Narratives can be powerful tools in persuasive speeches. Incorporate a relevant story that illustrates the problem, cause, and solution related to your topic. Personal stories often resonate more than dry facts and statistics.

5. Structure Your Speech

A well-structured speech is essential for clarity and effectiveness. Organize your facts and arguments logically to guide your audience through your points.

A coherent structure will prevent confusion and maintain professionalism.

6. Be Concise

Conciseness is key to maintaining your audience’s attention. Avoid overwhelming them with excessive information; focus on the essential points.

Challenge yourself to eliminate unnecessary words while preserving the meaning of your sentences.

7. Research Your Topic

Thorough research is vital for credibility. It demonstrates that you have invested time in understanding the topic and enhances your argument’s persuasive power.

Ensure that your sources are relevant and trustworthy, including journals, official documents, and reputable online references.

8. Discuss Counter-Arguments

Addressing counter-arguments can bolster your credibility and show that you’ve considered different perspectives. Briefly discuss the opposing viewpoint and refute it calmly and respectfully.

Avoid using biased or aggressive language, as it may alienate your audience.

9. Authenticity

Choose a topic you genuinely believe in. Your passion and authenticity will resonate with your audience and make your argument more convincing. Share personal experiences that illustrate your commitment to the topic.

10. Write it Well

Take the time to craft a well-written speech. A compelling persuasive speech is engaging, thought-provoking, and precise. Be sure to acknowledge and address counterpoints objectively.

Reading exemplary persuasive speeches can provide inspiration and insight into effective writing techniques.

11. Have a Call to Action

Conclude your speech with a clear call to action. Encourage your audience to take specific steps or adopt a new perspective based on your presentation.

Position your call to action just before your closing statement to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

Selecting an engaging topic is a fundamental aspect of crafting a persuasive speech. Keep your audience’s interests in mind by asking yourself:

• Would my audience find this topic engaging?
• Is the topic appropriate for my audience?
• Would my audience benefit from discussing this topic?

Here are some thought-provoking persuasive speech topics to consider:

1. Is graffiti art?
2. Which is better, paper books or e-books?
3. Should interns be paid for their work?
4. Should the federal minimum wage be raised?
5. Should cursive still be taught in schools?
6. Should college athletes be compensated for their participation in sports?
7. Should schools teach all children how to swim?
8. Should high school students learn how to pay taxes?
9. Do robots help or harm humanity?
10. Should libraries have unlimited access to e-books?
11. Does technology isolate people?
12. Should students receive financial incentives for high GPAs?
13. Should students who bully others be expelled and marked permanently?
14. Are school uniforms beneficial for students?
15. Should schools require students to learn a foreign language?
16. Should “Black Friday” shopping be banned?
17. Should physical education classes impact a student’s GPA?
18. Are genetically modified foods harmful?
19. Should genetically modified foods be prohibited?
20. Should Pluto be classified as a planet?