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Selecting an interesting topic can be the most important and most difficult step. If you don't find the topic interesting, it will be hard for you to make it interesting to your audience. Avoid topics that are "groundbreaking", such as a new medical breakthrough; it may be difficult for you to find a sufficient number of sources for your research. Avoid topics that have been "overdone", such as abortion or capital punishment, unless you have something new or different to add. Remember that informative topics need to be handled in a factual manner; many topics are hard to present without emotional arguments. Those types of controversial topics work best for persuasive speeches.
Many students already have topics in mind, perhaps something they have been interested in for a long time. Other students find good topics by listening to the news. If you need some suggestions for topics, here are a few of the most frequently used sources.
For more information about preparing your speech, please refer to your textbook, consult with your professor, or make an appointment with the Speech Assistance Area.
Feel free to contact the Reference Desk or the Communications Librarian for help researching your topic.
This guide was last updated July 23, 2007. A collaborative project of the C.O.D. Speech Department and the Library.
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