What Makes A Good Persuasive Speech Topic

Good persuasive speech topic - learn their secrets

Persuasive speech topics can be controversial, topical, fun or even downright weird but one thing they should all have in common is the ability to persuade.

Persuasion is not coercion and before you even start your speech you should be aware of the difference.. If you choose an issue that requires you to use coercion you may have to deal with future repercussions.

An easy way of knowing whether your chosen subject matter is suitable, is to apply Aristotle's theory.

According to Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, there are 3 ways to persuade. If your idea enables you to use each of the 3 methods, then you are unlikely to force your audience into changing their minds - ie coercion.

Knowing your audience's needs will also help you with your decision and the best way to know what your audience wants is to do some audience analysis (more details on this can be found in my speaker's handbook)

By combining the information about your audience and Aristotle's theory you can start formulating a persuasive plan. If you have been given permission to talk about any subject, then you should start looking for topics and ideas that will best fit your plan.

Another advantage is to stick to a subject matter that you feel passionate about. Doing this will give you the opportunity to talk from your heart. Audience's love presenters who convey their message with honesty and if you can build trust with your listeners you stand a much better chance of convincing them to your point of view.

Should you consider controversial speech topics? Certainly, they often make for some of the most interesting talks. However similar to the persuasion vs coercion issue, there is a small division between controversial and taboo speech topics. If you understand your audience you should easily be able to recognize the difference, however a simple rule is: if in doubt, leave it out.

A few more essential things you should know about choosing a good persuasive topic

• Can you find good quality material for it-facts, figures, examples.
• Are your sources credible and reliable?.
• Will you have alot of choice so you can pick and choose the most relevant facts
• Check and double check, is it a persuasive topic? Can you apply the 3 different methods of persuasion ?
• Are you really giving a persuasive speech? Sometimes speakers can become confused and just allow let the facts speak for themselves. Be careful, don't let this become an informative speech
• Is the subject matter refreshing and exciting, or is it tired and overused?
• Will you be able to present a good argument in the allocated time?
• Of course this is just the start. Once you have your good persuasive speech topic you need to know what to do next.