Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Unique Speech Topics

Why Choosing the Right Speech Topic Matters

The success of a speech often begins with the topic. If your topic is dull or overused, your audience will likely switch off. On the other hand, a unique and engaging speech topic captures attention and builds interest. For students, public speakers, and professionals, this decision can shape the entire presentation.

Choosing the right topic does more than fill a slot — it shows preparation, understanding, and intent. It tells your audience, “I’m here with something valuable.” Whether it’s for a school event, a university assignment, or a workplace presentation, the journey starts with one simple yet powerful step — picking the right topic.

Understanding the Goal of Your Speech

Before selecting from a list of public speaking topics, ask yourself: What is the purpose of this speech? Every speech falls into one of these categories:

Informative Speech

You’re sharing facts, teaching something new, or explaining a concept. For example, a topic like “How electric vehicles impact urban traffic” falls into this category.

Persuasive Speech

You aim to change opinions, influence beliefs, or inspire action. Think of something like “Why schools should include mental health education.”

Entertaining Speech

This type aims to amuse, engage, and lighten the mood. These can be creative speech ideas like “Confessions of a night owl in a 9-to-5 world.”

Special Occasion Speech

Delivered on events like graduations, farewells, or celebrations. These are more emotional and reflective.

Tip: The tone and structure of your speech depend on your intent. So, define your purpose first. It’ll make choosing a topic far easier.

Read resource: 20 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

Step 1 – Know Your Audience

The best speeches are audience-focused speech topics. If you don’t connect with your listeners, even the cleverest content won’t land well. Ask yourself:

• What does my audience already know?
• What do they care about?
• What are their age, backgrounds, and interests?

Example: For a university class, a topic like “The rise of AI in student assignments” may work well. For a community event, “Simple ways to live more sustainably” might be more relevant.

Step 2 – Explore Broad Categories First

Start with general areas that interest you. Think big. Here are some broad categories that often work well:

• Science and Technology
• Social Issues
• Education and Learning
• Environment and Sustainability
• Health and Wellness
• History and Culture
• Art and Media
• Personal Development

Once you’ve picked a category, dive deeper.

Narrow It Down

Instead of choosing “Education,” go with something like “How gamification improves learning in classrooms.”

This approach leads to interesting presentation topics that feel fresh and thoughtful.

Step 3 – Use the Brain Dump Technique

Take 10 minutes. Write down every idea that pops into your head related to the broad category you selected. Don’t judge. Just write.

This technique:

• Unlocks creative speech ideas
• Helps avoid generic topics
• Gives space for personal experience

Example: If your category is “Technology,” your list might include:

• Is social media rewiring our memory?
• Future of AI tutors
• The dark side of app addiction

Step 4 – Filter Your List with the Triple Check

Now go back to your list and ask:

1. Is this topic relevant to my audience?
2. Do I have interest or experience in this topic?
3. Is there enough content to support a full speech?

Cut anything that fails these checks.

Step 5 – Choose a Unique Angle

You don’t always need a brand-new topic. Sometimes, all you need is a new angle.

Instead of: “Benefits of reading”

Try: “Why reading fiction builds empathy more than self-help books”

Instead of: “Online classes vs traditional learning”

Try: “Are we learning more or just passing time in online courses?”

Unique speech topics often come from original views, not from inventing brand-new ideas.

Step 6 – Choose Between Informative or Persuasive Direction

Some topics work both ways. Choose your direction:

• Persuasive vs informative speech topics require different tones.
• Informative focuses on teaching. Persuasive focuses on convincing.

Topic: “Fast Fashion”

• Informative: “How fast fashion developed in the last 30 years”
• Persuasive: “Why fast fashion must be regulated for climate impact”

Tip: Pick a direction that aligns with your voice. If you’re passionate, go persuasive. If you’re analytical, go informative.

Step 7 – Check Credibility & Depth

Before finalising your topic, ask:

• Can I back this with facts?
• Are there examples or studies?
• Do I have personal experience?

This makes your speech believable. Effective speech writing is about more than words — it’s about trust.

Step 8 – Keep It Simple Yet Smart

Avoid trying to sound fancy. Use clear, easy-to-understand words. The goal is to make your audience feel smart, not confused.

Do:

• “How smartphones are affecting sleep”
• “Why introverts are great leaders”

Avoid:

• “The neuromechanisms of digital over-stimulation on circadian rhythms”

Your topic should pass the “Explain it to a 12-year-old” test.

Step 9 – Test It Out Loud

Say your topic aloud. If it sounds awkward or confusing, fix it. Ask a friend: “Would this topic interest you?”

This step is often skipped, but can instantly show if your topic is:

• Too long
• Too vague
• Too technical

Step 10 – Commit and Start Writing

Once your topic is locked, start the outline. Don’t overthink. Your topic is the foundation, but your words will build the message.

Refer to a speech writing guide or use a template to organise ideas.

Real-Life Examples from Academic Settings

At AllAssignmentHelp.org, we help students with everything from selecting unique topics to polishing the final draft. Here are a few topics that stood out:

• “Should smartphones be allowed in exams?” (persuasive)
• “History of Aboriginal inventions in Australia” (informative)
• “Why failure is essential for teen growth” (engaging and reflective)

These topics were chosen because they:

• Matched the audience level
• Offered a personal or cultural angle
• Had strong points to discuss

Summary – Turning Ideas into Engaging Speech Topics

Finding unique speech topics doesn’t require magic — just a method. Follow these steps:

1. Understand the purpose of your speech.
2. Know your audience well.
3. Pick a broad category, then narrow it.
4. Use a brain dump to explore ideas.
5. Filter using the triple-check method.
6. Decide on a persuasive vs informative direction.
7. Ensure there’s depth and credibility.
8. Keep it simple.
9. Say it out loud.
10. Commit and write.

Doing this ensures your topic is strong, your voice is clear, and your audience is hooked.

Final Word from Henry Luke

Choosing a topic can feel like the hardest step — but it’s also the most rewarding. As someone who works with hundreds of students across Australia, I’ve seen speeches that wow because the topic was just right. If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert academic writers.

Read more: What Is Bubble Writing

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I pick a unique topic for my speech?

Start by thinking about who will listen to your speech. Choose something they care about. Make a list of ideas that interest you. Try to find a topic that is fresh, fun, or different. Ask yourself, “Is this topic easy to talk about? Will people enjoy it?” That’s a good start.

How do I know if my speech is persuasive or just informative?

If you want to change someone’s mind, your speech is persuasive. If you want to share facts or explain something, it’s informative. For example, saying “Junk food should be banned” is persuasive. Saying “Junk food can harm health” is informative.

Can AllAssignmentHelp.org help me with speech writing?

Yes, we can. At AllAssignmentHelp.org, we help students write strong and smart speeches. We can help you pick a topic, write your speech, and check your work. Our team is here to make sure your speech is clear, interesting, and ready to impress.