Ecological topics tend to be popular persuasive speech topics. Ecological topics touch on human sensibilities regarding the environment and the need to protect it. Possible topics can include oil spills as a serious problem, asbestos removal as more harmful than leaving it alone, the need to recycle, the need to save endangered species, and toxic substances in the water supply or elsewhere in the environment. Ecological topics serve as hot topics for persuasive speeches because of controversy regarding the validity of environmentalism, and the impact of humans on the environment.
Medical topics provide an almost limitless number of potential speech topics for persuasive speeches. The types of medical topics available are not limited to specific diseases, although these topics are suitable. The need to find a cure for AIDS, or the need to support cancer research, present ample material for fruitful discussion. Other medical topics raise issues of social awareness and the need to practice humanitarianism. For instance, organ donation saves lives and helps other people live; this topic not only attempts to persuade but also serves as a call to action. Other possible topics include the dangerous nature of tanning beds, the overuse of Ritalin in hyperactive children, and the use of animals in medical research.
Moral and religious topics always provide fertile ground for persuasive speeches. Perhaps more than any other category, moral and religious topics tend to polarize people. A good persuasive speaker can play on the emotions of the audience and arouse anger and indignation when they utilize a controversial topic. Topics of a moral and religious nature include subjects such as a woman's right to choose abortion, gay marriage and if it should be recognized by the states, the moral or immoral nature of genetic cloning, whether prostitution should be illegal, and whether flag burning should be considered a legitimate form of free speech.