Skip to Main Content

SPC-1608 - Zimmerman

Choosing Your Topic

A persuasive speech seeks to change the audience's beliefs about a particular topic or issue. Choose a topic in which you feel comfortable being an advocate. Below are three methods to consider when choosing a topic:

  • Questions of Fact - a question about the truth or falsity of an assertion 
    • Goes beyond informing the audience, the speaker can make claims of prediction based on opinion and evaluation of facts 
  • Questions of Value - concerning the worth, rightness, morality, etc. of an idea or action
    • ​Goes beyond personal likes or dislikes, the speaker must justify claims using facts and standards
  • Questions of Policy - whether a specific course of action should or should not be taken
    • ​Goes beyond questions of fact or value to determine if and in what way something should or should not be done

RESOURCES FOR CHOOSING A TOPIC  

Researching Your Topic

Using outside research will add credibility to you and your speech as well as provide the audience with guidance on where to seek further, more in-depth information on the topic.