Speakers can make almost every talk interesting if they structure it right, speak with authority and passion, and deliver it with flair. However, choosing unique speech topics offers new possibilities for speeches that stand out.
Speeches have the power to move, spark new curiosities, and impart valuable insights to the audience. However, even the most experienced public speakers can need help finding unique speech topics. This blog rounds up topic ideas you can use — or get inspiration from — for your next best speech.
What Topic Is Best For Speeches?
People can use public speaking as a platform to discuss a wide range of subjects and convey a message. The choices for speech topic ideas are so broad that there is no one-size-fits-all response to the question posed above. But generally speaking, you should select a topic that appeals to your audience and is connected to your unique qualities and abilities.
For instance, if you’re a social media specialist speaking to small business owners, you might want to discuss how they can utilize social media platforms to grow their companies.
Remember that when making a speech, the subject should be timely, engaging, and something you know and are passionate about. Also, note that speeches can either be compelling or educational. So, you must take your goals into account.
Converting clear and compelling viewpoints is important when discussing persuasive speech topics. To convince your audience, you must support your claim with reliable evidence and relevant anecdotes.
For example, suppose you’re stating that video games are harmful to children, and you’re convincing your audience to eliminate, or at least cut down, the time they or their kids spend on such games. In that case, you must cite studies and expert opinions that support it. You should also share a personal experience and incorporate emotional appeals to make the speech more effective.
On the other hand, touching on informative speech topics entails providing valuable and factual information to the audience. These topics range from history and current events to controversial, thought-provoking (e.g., climate change is humanity’s biggest problem today).
If you want your audience to be enlightened about a certain topic, then you must structure your speech in a logical and organized manner. It must have a good introduction, a detailed discussion of the main points (complete with supporting evidence), and a punchy conclusion.
What Topics Are Trendy These Days?
One of the best ways to search for interesting persuasive speech topics and informative ones is to keep up with what’s trending — especially in social media. Here are some trendy topics to consider.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its effects on modern society
- Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other digital assets
- The benefits and drawbacks of electric cars
- Assessing the costs and benefits of space exploration and travel
- Diversity, inclusion, and gender-related issues
- Healthcare innovations (e.g., vaccinations)
- The aging workforce within certain industries (e.g., agriculture)
- Eco-friendly and sustainable living practices
- Current and future implications of climate change
- Understanding Generation Z’s mindset, language, and behavior
What Are Some Classic Topics? What Are Some Unique Topics?
Want to discuss conventional topics? These are some of the most talked-about subjects you could offer a fresh perspective into:
- Fast food is a major culprit behind obesity
- The excessive usage of cell phones and its effect on mental health
- The importance of tertiary education
- Qualities of a good leader
- The significance of going out of your comfort zone
- Why entrepreneurship is not for everyone
- What makes someone a hero?
- Practical ways how to be financially successful
- How to pick up and master new hobbies
- Preparing for natural disasters
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual, here are unique speech ideas to consider:
- Interesting traditions of minorities around the world
- Research labs, zoos, and the truth about animal testing
- Feminism in modern literature and media
- The reality of reality shows
- Conspiracy theories (e.g., is the Bermuda Triangle real)
How Can A Speaker Find An Interesting Twist On A Frequently Done Topic?
Livening up conventional speech topics can be challenging. Consider spicing up your speech by presenting an unfamiliar angle on the subject. This will help you captivate your listeners and leave a lasting impression.
Additionally, integrating personal anecdotes can help give your speech a distinct personality and break away from the norm. Whether presenting new or less-discussed angles or sharing personal experiences, the idea is to add creativity and originality to your discussion.
You can even go the extra mile and try out new things. When you gain new experiences, venture into new horizons, and meet new people, you will have new memories and learnings to inject into your next speech.
Deciding on a speech also doesn’t have to be a one-person job. You can brainstorm with mentors and colleagues to get the creative flow going. Learning different perspectives will help you discover unique or underexplored interpretations.
Additionally, you must be updated with current events. Read up on what people are talking about online and be more attentive to the conversations around you. Having a keen ear and nose for new topics will let you realize that there’s really no shortage of speech topics.
What Are Some Unique Topics?
Opting for a unique speech topic is a time-tested way of engaging audience members better. To make a mark and spark conversations even after your speech, consider tackling the following topics:
- Things people often get wrong about introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts
- The challenge of using renewable energy in developing countries
- A near-death experience and how it changed your life
- Different ways technology is actually slowing down your productivity
- How to create viral social media videos for beginners
What Are Unique Speech Topics For:
Below are some more speech ideas if you want to be unique and memorable in your next speech.
A 5-Minute Speech
Even if you have a short time to discuss a topic, you can still make it impactful and rich in insights. For a 5-minute talk, consider the following topics.
- Are organizations like the United Nations successful in protecting human rights?
- Equality and inclusivity in sports events like the Olympics
- Why urban gardening is the future of agriculture
- Caffeine and how it affects our bodies
- The science behind falling in love
A High School Student?
If your audience is high school students or you are one, these are some topics to discuss.
- Should sex education be taught in high school?
- Peer pressure and its effects on one’s self-esteem
- Which is better: homeschooling, public schools, or private campuses
- Tips for overcoming procrastination
- Personal experience about the highs and lows of high school life
A College Student?
Looking for good persuasive speech topics for college students? Here are our suggestions.
- How do you know if your college degree suits you?
- Successful college athletes as role models
- Effective communication skills to help you grow your network
- How being single can help you navigate your own life better
- Hotly discussed topics (e.g., abortion, gun control, legalizing marijuana)
A Business Meeting
Here are some speech topics for a business meeting.
- Increasing the minimum wage and taking inflation into account
- The importance of sharpening speaking skills in the corporate world
- The role of automation in making business operations better
- Traditional marketing (e.g., print, direct mail marketing) should never be underestimated
- Ways to keep employees and customers loyal, happy, and satisfied