Controversial speech topics
How to choose a good one

Before you start going through the lists of controversial speech topics, let's do a little background research so you understand what this type of speech is about. It will make choosing your topic much easier.

The key word is controversial.
It comes from the word controversy meaning:

1. a prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; disputation concerning a matter of opinion.
2. contention, strife, or argument.

1. disagreement, altercation.
2. quarrel, wrangle.

So controversial speech topics or argumentative speech topics are those that evoke strong opinions often splitting families, communities and countries.

Photo:Cecile Graat

Both sides of the debate are generally convinced they are right and their opposition is wrong.

Historical Controversial Speech Topics

History gives us examples of topics that once caused major strife. Now with the benefit of hindsight, we may wonder what the fuss was about. Opinions have changed. What was once dangerously unthinkable has become commonplace, unremarkable and acceptable. That the earth is round and not flat doesn't raise more than eyebrow now but it previously exercised the greatest of minds. The same goes for giving woman the vote (in Western countries), and the abolition of slavery.

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Who is your audience?

A good speaker always considers his audience and shapes the speech to meet their needs, even if it is controversial! Think about:

• Who are the people making up your audience? Are they young? Are they older? Are they predominately male, female or mixed?



• What common themes, attitudes, values and beliefs unite them?



• What cultural or social background do they have?



• What topic would be appropriate or fitting for both the audience and the occasion?



• What do they expect from you as a speaker?

What is your purpose?

• Do you want to shock?



• Do you want to inform?



• Do you want to persuade?



• Is it a mixture of all or some of the above?



• What do you want them to do as a result of having listened to your speech?

Research & Presentation

An effective controversial or argumentative speech is well researched. This provides a rational rather than purely emotive base. ( 'I don't like XXX.' is not an argument but 'I don't like XXX for three reasons... is the beginning of one.) If you want to challenge or change opinion you will research:

• the background history of your topic



• both sides of the argument - the for and against

• factual and if possible demonstrable evidence



• examples



• unbiased statistics

And lastly choose a topic that genuinely interests you. That way your enthusiasm will carry you through the preparation and delivery.

Lists of controversial speech topics

These sites all offer lists of argumentative speech topics. Several also have links to related resources for each subject entry.

• An Alphabetical List by Subject - Palo Alto College



• Questia -links to controversial social issues



• About.com - 50 argument topics



• Yahoo Answers- a superb collection of topics provided in answer to a request

Go well.

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