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50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches

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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.
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130 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive Essay Topics: Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life. Learn the basics of this valuable skill, then use our big roundup of persuasive essay topics for practice.

Plus, fill out the form on this page to grab our free printable persuasive essay graphic organizers to pair with your lessons!

What is persuasive writing?

In a persuasive essay, the writer uses a combination of facts and emotion to sway a reader to adopt their own point of view or take a specific action. Here are the general steps to writing persuasively:

State your position: Clearly and succinctly, state your desired opinion or outcome up front. This could be the point of view you want the reader to adopt (“Pineapple has no place on a pizza.”) or the action you want them to take (“All adults should educate themselves and vote in every election.”).
Provide evidence and support: Use facts to support your point of view, citing sources whenever you can. Explain how those facts back up your position, using logic and reason.
Anticipate counterarguments: It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them.
Use emotional appeals: Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, but they incorporate more emotion rather than sticking to facts and logic. For instance, you might try to anger, scare, or create a sense of pride in your reader so they’ll be more likely to agree with you.
Make a call to action: Finish strong with the specific action you’d like the reader to take, whether it’s voting responsibly or never putting pineapple on a pizza again.

Help students understand what strong persuasive writing looks like by exploring well-known examples of persuasive essays, speeches, ads, and more . Then, use the topics here to give them practice writing persuasively on their own.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

Persuasive Essay Topics: Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
Should schools have dress codes?
All students should wear school uniforms.
If I could change one school rule, it would be …
Is year-round school a good idea?
Should we stop giving final exams?
Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

Which is better, private schools or public schools?
Should every student have to participate in athletics?
Should schools teach life skills like financial responsibility?
Does your school handle bullying well?
Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
What is the most important school subject?
Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

Persuasive Essay Topics: Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
What are the ideal starting and ending hours for a school day?
Should students get to grade their teachers?
Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
Is attending college worth the time and effort?

Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
Schools should reduce or eliminate standardized testing.
Is it OK to eat animals?
What animal makes the best pet?
Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
Why is it important to vote?
Wealthy people should pay a higher tax rate.
If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
Should all Americans be required to vote?
Is it better to be kind or truthful?
Which is better, giving or receiving?
Should free speech have any limitations?
Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

Which is more important, happiness or success?
Is democracy the best form of government?
Is social media helpful or harmful?
Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
Do you think the government should find a way to provide free universal health care for everyone?

Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
Is capital punishment ever ethical or justified?
Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
Immigration benefits the United States.
A border wall between Mexico and the United States is essential for reducing crime rates.
Should the United States have stronger gun regulations?
If I could make a new law, it would be …
Is Pluto a planet?
Should human cloning be legal?
Should vaccines be mandatory?
Do the benefits of nuclear power outweigh the risks?
Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

Should testing on animals be made illegal?
Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
Should all people have free internet access in their homes?
Is there intelligent life on other planets?
Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
Which is better, Macs or PCs?
Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
All people have a responsibility to help combat climate change.
Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
Are humans responsible for an increase in climate change?
Should all communities be legally required to recycle?
Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
Which is better, paper books or e-books?
Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
Are video games better than board games?
Sports teams should have to pay to build their own arenas or stadiums rather than relying on the community.
Movie theater tickets are too expensive.
Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

Youth sports have become too competitive.
Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
Are celebrities obligated to be positive role models for their fans?
Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
Video games need more inclusive and diverse characters.
Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fiction books?
Women’s sports deserve equal funding and coverage as men’s sports.
Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

Choose a book that's been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
Is hosting the Olympics a waste of a country’s money and resources?
College athletes should be allowed to accept a salary for playing.
Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
The best music genre is …
What is one book that everyone should read?
What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

What’s the best video game system?
Does playing video games make you smarter?
Should high school athletes be required to maintain a minimum GPA to continue playing?
Contact sports like boxing and football are too dangerous.
Does reality TV actually depict real life?
Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
Are awards like the Grammys and Oscars biased and in need of reform?
What’s the best holiday?
The very best food of all time is …
Which make better pets, dogs or cats?
Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

What’s the best season of the year?
Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
Is a taco a sandwich?
Does fruit count as dessert?
Everyone should eat dessert first.
Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
Are clowns scary or funny?
Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

The best pizza topping is …
What would be the best superpower to have?
Should everyone make their bed every day?
Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
Is Monday the worst day of the week?
Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

Get my free printable persuasive essay graphic organizers

Download our persuasive essay graphic organizer bundle to pair perfectly with your lesson and allow your students to plan their writing with helpful visuals. There are two worksheets, one with a simple layout for younger students and one with a detailed layout that’s best for older students. Both graphic organizers feature a road map theme that walks your students through all the steps, such as stating their claim, providing reasons and supporting facts, and restating the claim. These graphic organizers work for both persuasive and argumentative essays. Just press the button below to grab them!

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school ., you might also like.

101 Best Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

Get those creative juices flowing. Continue Reading

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Are you looking for persuasive speech topics to assign to your students? Don’t worry; we have you covered. Check out our list of 136 persuasive speech topics for students.

Testing products on animals: is it ethical or not?
Is it right to keep animals in zoos?
Should we use products made with animal fur?
Euthanizing stray animals: is it ethical?
Can a companion or service animal change someone’s life?
Is it rational to be scared of harmless yet frightening or unusual animals?
Keeping wild and exotic pets away from their natural habitat. Is it ethical?
Should we spay pets to control overpopulation?
Keeping exotic animals at home. Is it good for them?
Ten ways we can help animals live better
Personality disorders among teens. Are they easy to identify?
How our differences make us unique
Phobias of children, teens, and adults. What are the similarities and differences?
When is it right to give children medication for mental issues?
Suicide among teenagers. Is the media affecting it?
Studying psychology stresses students out
Peer pressure is the cause of a lot of delinquency during the teenage years
The importance of people skills
Are introverts better entrepreneurs?
How can a mentor affect your success as an entrepreneur?
Understanding your position in the market. How can it affect your current and future business plan?
Can social media affect your marketing plan?
Should you start a business based on your passions?
Starting a successful business with no money
The value of unique business ideas
Using feedback from unhappy customers to enhance your sales
The importance of delegation
Employers are asking for their employees’ social media accounts. Is it right or wrong?
Employers shouldn’t ask questions related to an employee’s personal life
Life as a teen addicted to technology
Teachers contribute more to society than a lot of other professions
Video games promote violence among children and teens
Are music videos appropriate for children and teens to watch?
Mental health and well-being should be one of the subjects studied in school
Kids under 16 years shouldn’t have their own social media accounts
Exam results shouldn’t be used to label students
Dealing with bullies. Is it suitable to punish them?
Are K-12 schools rigorous enough?
How to overcome shyness
Which sport should you play to stay fit and healthy?
How to write the best title for your speech?
How to overcome your fear of public speaking?
What is the best way to solve challenging Math problems?
A migraine is usually overlooked at school or in a workplace
Alternative medication: The truth and the myths
Infertility in couples is related to stress and unhealthy lifestyles
Mental health issues affect the whole society
The food industry causes obesity
Everyone should donate blood at least once a year
How to overcome back pain? Different treatment options
Using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth is essential for your dental health
Do cell phones affect our brains?
Non-smokers should be first on organ transplant lists
Is biohacking good for your health?
Diet beverages do not make you lose weight
How to keep your immune system strong
How to improve the way your body and brain function
Social media affects people’s self-image and self-esteem
Competitive sports teaches us a lot about life
Who is a hero? What are the qualities of a hero?
Learning from your mistakes
Spending time with your grandparents
Brilliant ways to make money in the 21st century
Living underwater: A reality or science fiction?
Texting while driving should be illegal
Using single-use plastic containers should be banned
School days should start later in the day
Immigration laws should be more lenient
Living with refugees from other countries
Students should be able to pick their schools
Parents should be able to pick their child’s schools
Should human beings control the weather?
Simple ways to overcome stress
People who spend their time playing video games are more prone to depression
Video games can enhance people’s brain functioning
Children who play video games have faster responses
How will gaming look ten years from now?
Virtual reality affects people’s perception
Living without computers is impossible
A video game can be the easiest way to teach kids
Watching people playing video games is as fun as watching sports in person
Will playing video games cause behavior problems?
The gaming industry is affecting every aspect of our lives
Video games are just as popular among adults
Playing video games with random people online makes you more sociable and outgoing
Using genetically modified foods is bad for our health
Using painkillers is not healthy
The technology revolution is changing life way too fast
Human beings should depend more on renewable energy
The power of crystal healing can improve our mental and physical health
How your diet can cause the onset of different health conditions
Using supplements should be controlled
Coming up with guidelines that control STEM cell research
How can science be used to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals?
High-school and middle-school students should be trained to do PowerPoint presentations
Improving students’ presentation skills
Should uniforms be obligatory in schools?
Should there be separate classrooms for boys and girls?
Students sent to boarding schools: A responsibility and a risk
The possible positive effect of spending a year as an exchange student
Cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in schools
Taking a year off school. Can it help you?
Hilarious games in the class can help shy students get along with others
Grades: Are they a fair way to evaluate academic performance?
More political and legal measures should be taken to protect the environment
Keeping an animal away from its home will affect the environmental balance
Businesses have a serious obligation towards protecting the environment
There should be a strict policy against polluting the ocean
Should there be government policies against the use of disposable diapers?
Recycling paper is going to save our planet
Are we taking the right measures to address global warming?
Can child abuse and traumas lead to future mental disorders?
Can family history make children more prone to stress and anxiety?
Should children and teens be worried more about their privacy or safety?
Can video games be used to educate children and teens?
Having an older/younger sibling. The perks and the challenges
Internet censorship for kids, is it a must?
The problem of governmental spending on biological weapons
Are we taking the right steps to eliminate cultural sensitivity?
Obesity in children is related to living a fast-paced life. What is the role of the parents
Getting and renewing a driving license: Is one test per lifetime enough?
Should smokers pay a health tax?
Is the government spending too much on the military sector?
Can writing a journal help you become a better person?
Reality shows affect people’s mental health
Song lyrics affect our lives in several ways
Should an artist comply with the rules set by society while working on a project?
Can action movies cause stress and anxiety?
Reading inspirational and humorous quotes improves your mood
Why reading an informational article in a list form is easier
Studying religion is motivational
How do we overcome conflicts and arguments between people who believe in different religions?
Should religion be allowed in schools?
Scriptures from the Bible can help people renew their belief
Current vs. ancient interpretations of the Bible: Which is more factual?
Children should be allowed to choose their religion