Good Speech Topics 1-10

The most frequent comment I hear from NEW Toastmasters is that it is difficult to find topics to use as the basis for their speech. At a Lady & the Champs Bootcamp in Las Vegas over a year ago, I heard Craig Valentine mention that it is a good idea to follow the rule "only ONE point for every ten minutes you speak." Craig, that means that speeches of the 5 - 7 minute standard, should only try to convey ONE clear and important message! Awesome advice for new and seasoned Toastmasters to follow. So, to help you decide on a topic - I am going to present my selections from a published site "664 Good Persuasive Speech Topics"

1. Textbooks should be FREE
   It doesn't matter on which side you stand, reducing the cost of a college education can be significantly impacted by giving students access to the latest textbook releases for FREE or at least a digital version.
2. Celebrities should be given more PRIVACY
   Do you feel that being hounded and kept under constant scrutiny is the price that well known folks pay for being famous?
3. The value of a College Degree
   As quick as the world in changing, is it even possible to adequately prepare young adults for the workplace in four arduous years, or is earning a college degree an important milestone and evidence that they are tenacious enough to finish what they start?
4. Do you believe illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for a driver’s license?
   Not enough controversy in your manual speech? Then this topic is likely to arouse even the most passive TI member. At least it is guaranteed to keeping them sitting on the edge of their seats.
5. Should all citizens of the USA complete one year of community service?
   It is common in most countries, even with a volunteer military, that community or military service is compulsory. In Italy, every male must serve anywhere from one to three years. If the service is deferred till after they have completed College/University, they are offered Officer commission.
6. Should good students receive cash for their good grades?
   This is called positive reinforcement. The issue for your speech could be whether teaching young people that money is more valuable than an acquired sense of accomplishment.
7. Do you believe that not wearing a seat-belt should be illegal?
   It's up to you to present the benefits and disadvantages or risks associated with the consequences, not just a ticket, of being an accident without your seat-belt buckled.
8. Should schools sell soft drinks and candies to students, in order to raise more money?
   Take one look around any school and I am sure that you will see the impact of unhealthy consumption of carbonated, artificially colored, sugar flavored water. Is the cost of obesity worth the money schools raise from making the soda/pop machine available to students?
9. Should every day begin with a silent prayer at school?
   Where do you stand on the issue of prayer in public schools? Maybe for you, as long as it is voluntary and NOT compulsory, it should be allowed. This is actually one of my favorite topics to hear presented. Imagine your influence from a 5-7 speech on this question.
10. Should female students be allowed to play on male students’ sports team?
    The law states that sports participation can not discriminate based on sex. That's the LAW (Title IX). We all know that reality isn't always in alignment with the Law. Imagine bringing this topic to the club and stirring up the waters. They may even consider your speech legendary and talk about it for decades to come.

In the context and security of the Toastmaster Meeting, surrounded by friends and supporters - you have the perfect opportunity to address tough issues, and you club members will even help you refine your delivery so that when you give the speech to a potentially hostile audience, you have a lethal focus and flawless delivery. This is the benefit of Toastmasters International.

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