39 Choosing a Persuasive Topic

Controversial Topics Are Important and Risky

Some of the most interesting topics are controversial. They are controversial topics because people have deeply felt values and beliefs on different sides of those topics. For instance, before you choose nuclear energy as your topic, investigate the many voices speaking out both in favor and against increasing its use. Many people perceive nuclear energy as a clean, reliable, and much-needed source of energy. Others say that even the mining of uranium is harmful to the environment, that we lack satisfactory solutions for storing nuclear waste, and that nuclear power plants are vulnerable to errors and attacks. Another group might view the issue economically, believing that industry needs nuclear energy. Engineers might believe that if the national grid could be modernized, we would have enough energy and that we should strive to use and waste less energy until modernization is feasible. Some might feel deep concern about our reliance on foreign oil. Others might view nuclear energy as more tried-and-true than other alternatives. The topic is extremely controversial, and yet it is interesting and very important.

You shouldn’t avoid controversy altogether, but you should choose your topic carefully. Certain controversial topics will not work well with the situational context of a classroom presentation. For instance, consider abortion or gun control. Gun control has been hotly debated since the first piece of gun control regulation was passed in 1934. Abortion has been just as hotly debated since states began to make it illegal in the late 1800s. Furthermore, both of these topics are value related. If these issues have not been solved in the past 100 years, you are not going to change anyone’s mind in a 7 minute classroom presentation about either of these topics (among others). Thus, choosing these topics will set you up for failure before you even begin the speech-making process.

Choosing a Persuasive Speech Topic 

Now that we have explored some definitions of persuasion and advocacy, let us move on to choosing the topic that you will be presenting to your audience.  When picking a topic, you may consider choosing something that you are passionate about and/or something that you want to know more about.  Take a moment to consider topics that we would like to share with your audience.  Individuals have different experiences and perspectives on varying issues.  Sharing your perspective on a topic is what can make your presentation unique and exciting to the audience.

When looking for a topic, cause, or issue to discuss, consider asking yourself the following questions (also located in worksheets):

•         What is important to me?
•         What excites me?
•         What makes me happy?
•         What makes me angry?
•         Do I have a good idea that others might embrace?
•         Is there an issue that ‘speaks’ to me?
•         Can I make a change?
•         Have I experienced something inspiring or life-changing that I can share with others?

Here are some additional ideas to consider when choosing a topic:

• Choose a topic that is (relatively) new to you!  You may consider taking some time to explore a topic that you do not yet know about and/or one that you want to learn more about.  Perhaps you recently read, saw, or experienced something that you would like to research and share with your audience.  Maybe you began your process with not knowing which side you support on an issue, and you take some time to research both sides of an issue and determine which you support.  You can use this presentation as an opportunity to learn more about that topic and can then talk about this process in your presentation.  Using the research that you have gathered will help you as you explain to the audience why they should share your perspective on the item at hand.
• Choose a topic that you already know about and feel strongly that your audience should share your views on this topic.  For this type of presentation, you will be taking your knowledge and expanding it.  You can search for items that support your side and also take some time to review the data provided by those that support the opposite side of the issue.

Where to Find Ideas for Persuasive Topics

Your college library databases are a great place to start. The following video highlights two MCC databases that are particularly good for persuasive topics. Watch the video for instructions on accessing and using the databases.

Additional Considerations

While there are topics that will not work well within the context, there are many that will. How do you narrow down the possibilities?

• Consider your passions: What are you passionate about? You will enjoy researching and your delivery will naturally be more animated with a topic you care about.
• Consider your community: Which issues are pressing in your community? It will be easier to connect your topic with your audience if it is an issue that potentially could affect them.
• Consider your audience: After you perform your audience analysis, which topics may be of concern to your audience members? It will be easier to persuade them if the issue is relevant to them.
• Consider the context: Use the assignment description and situational analysis to narrow down ideas that will and won’t work for the assignment. Some topics will just naturally “fit” better. Set yourself up for success by using this information to help you make a decision.

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