Topics about health affect just about everyone regardless of age or socio-economic background. Most everyone knows someone who struggles with weight loss or trying to eat a healthy diet. Those same struggles apply to quitting smoking or remaining faithful to an exercise program. The best persuasive speeches on health come from people who experience those struggles firsthand. A compelling story from someone who lost a significant amount of weight (and kept it off) often moves people to taking action on their own behalf. A person who survived breast cancer thanks to a routine screening also makes a compelling case.
Social issues quickly become controversial and political mainly because of the various beliefs in how to solve the problems. However, topics in social issues contain volumes of research and government data, making a speech more fact-based. Many of the statistics become part of the argument either for or against fixing a certain social ill. Both sides of the political aisle argue differently as to how to address poverty, the war on drugs, capital punishment or the disintegration of the family unit. Combining a good anecdote along with a speech makes this topic even more compelling.
Environmental issues often become polarizing subject matter for speeches. Endless topics connected to global warming often pit conspiracy theorists against scientists and politicians. Some argue drilling offshore for oil lessens America's dependence on foreign oil, while others argue drilling harms the environment. Topics on the environment also make good persuasive speeches because of the visuals that accompany the speech. The picture of a baby bird in oil, dead fish thanks to a sewage spill or pictures of a devastated rain forest make a compelling argument. Both sides use research to their advantage, often manipulating facts to make their case.
Getting the latest gadget, video game, cell phone or handheld computer all include benefits. Persuading an audience to buy the latest and greatest in the confines of a speech is like giving a sales pitch. For a more serious approach, convincing an audience how technology forces people to avoid face-to-face communication makes a good persuasive speech. Persuading business owners to get a webpage or to use social media in their marketing also taps into a separate audience. Technology speeches usually involve computers and gadgets. The speaker should make sure they work and know how to use them properly.