English speech topics | 100+ best topics to engage your audience!

English speech topics | Learn to give an effective speech!

A speech is a formal address to an audience to convince, persuade, inspire, or inform. From historic moments to the present, there are extraordinary examples of spoken language and the best English speech topics. It can and has changed the world. 

When we talk about ideal English speeches, we can never miss out on Martin Luther Jr.’s speech. The famous “I have a dream” was delivered by him in 1963. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. addressed more than 200,000 people. His speech became globally prominent for the repetitive phrase “I have a dream.” King’s moving speech became a central part of the heritage.

This is a perfect example to tell you that you need to understand a topic while choosing a topic to give a speech. In addition, emotional topics evoke sentiments and increase the chances of achieving the desired results. 

So, let’s move ahead and learn all about delivering the best speech and some good topics for speech in English. 

Structure of a speech

While you can create your own structure for the speech, this is a basic outline that you can follow to hook your audience with a well-structured piece. 

1. Start with a quote- You can start with a quote on the topic.
2.  A brief introduction- Then, briefly introduce the subject.
3. The current situation- Next, explain the current situation, the problem (if any), and the corrective actions that are taken to improve the situation. Some topics have their strengths and weaknesses. Cover them one by one.
4. Pick up the best points- There may be too many points about a subject. It is a good idea to pick some of the best and stick to them, or your audience will be overwhelmed. Most importantly, always start with your strongest side. 
5. Know the subject- It is important not to deviate from the subject. You might have an urge to link one point to another, which may deviate you from the main points. But you have to refrain from doing it.
6. Conclusion- End your speech with a solution or an opinion. When giving a solution to a problem, remember to include some steps.

Tips for giving an English speech

There may be times when you are not aware of some English speech topics, but you are asked to speak on those. Do not get overwhelmed; just follow these tips to nail your speech! 

Have a strong opening 

To keep your audience hooked right from the get-go, you need to have a strong opening. After your opening statement, you can state a fact or some quote relevant to your topic, which will keep the audience wanting more. A strong opening statement can do wonders in how closely your audience listens to you.

Structure

Remember to follow a particular structure. It’s a framework that shapes your speech and helps you get going. Therefore, write down the ideas you come up with and then stitch them together. As a result, each part will have something interesting for the audience to talk about.

Vocabulary

You deliver a speech in front of different types of people. To ensure that your message is delivered successfully to everyone, you need to make sure you use the correct words. Only the right words can express your message. Therefore, the level of complexity should match the audience you are speaking to.

Relevance

Your speech may have an incredible point, but if you don’t convey it well, it won’t work. Make sure you present it in a way that everyone is comfortable, with and that the audience finds relevant. You can draw from real-life instances, as it will bring a more human element to your speech. Make sure to also briefly explain why you have mentioned the story and hence its relevance to your topic.

Example

As mentioned in the previous paragraph using an example will support your speech and help you prove your claim. It also helps to persuade viewers for better engagement. Make sure people buy what you offer and use only enough examples to add that emotional touch to your speech.

Short and crisp

The worst thing one can do is give a long speech. Summarize your views in a short and informative piece. In fact, the longer it is, the more mistakes you make. If someone is spending time listening to you, make sure it’s worth it.

Conclude with a question

A good speech gives you something to think about and ending your speech with a question can give that effect. Based on your topic, you can question your audience and give them some food for thought. This will also encourage them to learn and educate themselves more on the topic if the cards are played right.

• Instead of learning all your points on the topic, try to understand it. A speech has an impact when it seems effortless and personal. 
• No matter if you have a high or low GPA, universities will want you to be a part of their program if you can conduct yourself well and clear your entrance examinations. 

Types of English speech topics 

It’s time to learn some types of English speech topics to make you ready to give any kind of speech! 

1. Fact-based and compelling speech- Use facts and numbers to prove whether a topic is right or wrong. 
2. Persuasive speech- Discuss whether something is morally correct.  
3. Policy persuasive speech- Promote policies, laws, etc.

List of English speech topics for students

When it comes to choosing a topic in English for speech, your choices are endless. This list of some interesting topics for speech in English will help you make the right choice! 

• Does punishing a bully a good idea? 
• How confidently do you speak in public? 
• Does a test result determine the value of a student?
• Do video games encourage violence?
• How do you overcome the fear of math?
• Are e-books better than paperback books?
• Should children under 10 be allowed a smartphone?

Speech topics on environment 

• Benefits of recycling things!
• Should we ban smoking in public places? 
• Should zoos be banned? 
• It’s time to ban animal testing.
• Is the ban on plastic bags useful? 
• Should exotic animals be kept as pets?  
• What is the government doing to combat global warming?
• How can you manage water pollution? 
• What will happen if everyone uses bamboo toothbrushes?
• How can we protect the oceans?
• Causes of massive coral bleaching 
• What does sustainable development mean?
• The great Pacific garbage patch.
• The effects of industrial and household waste.
• A talk on green energy conversion

English speech topics for students about education

• Education System in XYZ.
• Girls’ Education.
• Value of Education.
• Should uniforms be banned? 
• Do we need to allow mobile phones in school?
• Pros and cons of co-educational institutions.
• How does offline learning help students develop social skills?
• Are boarding schools better than full-time schools?
• Does skipping a year help students? 
• Is learning to make a PowerPoint presentation a waste of time?
• There should be the same rating system for all students. 
• Pros and cons of remote learning
• Should cafeterias be mandatory in all schools? 
• Are smart classes beneficial to students?
• Does dropping a year help students?
• Should we allow mobile phones in school?
• Learning about all world religions in school is important.

2 minute speech topics

• Impact of social media on people.
• Can money buy happiness?
• Public transport should be free for all.
• Importance of art in one’s life.
• Should body-shaming be a punishable offense? 
• Having pets benefits people.
• Should education be free for all?
• Adopt, don’t shop is the new wave! 
• Does having a low GPA impact your career?
• How to overcome your fears.
• How has technology benefited society?
• Do exam results alone determine a child’s worth?
• Which is better: Rote learning or hands-on learning?

Speech topics for students on proverbs

• A bad workman always blames his tools.
• Action speaks louder than words.
• A jack of all trades is master of none.
• A good listener is a silent flatterer.
• All that glitters is not gold.
• Among the blind, one-eyed man is the king.
• An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.
• As you sow, so you shall reap.
• What goes around comes back around.
• Curiosity killed the cat.
• Time is money.

English speech topics on social issues

• Road safety
• Unemployment
• Corruption
• How does the gender pay gap affect the economy?
• Importance of women empowerment.
• Mitigate poverty for a happy world.
• How to stop racial discrimination?
• Importance of equality in today’s world.

>1 minute speech topics

• Saving the world
• Leadership skills
• The future
• Positive thinking
• Meditation and yoga
• How does reading help transform one’s life?
• Confidence
• Goal setting
• Breaking bad habits
• A favorite fictional character
• Happiness
• Kindness
• Importance of including sports in life.
• Value of time

Speech topics for students on important events

• Independence day
• Republic day
• Mother’s day
• Father’s day
• Children’s day
• International men’s day
• World population day
• Labor day
• World health day
• Human rights day
• Teacher’s day
• Zero discrimination day
• Pride month
• Black lives matter

Topics for speech on world leaders

• Mahatama Gandhi
• George Washington
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Alexander the Great
• Napoleon Bonaparte
• Abraham Lincoln
• Winston Churchill
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Nelson Mandela
• Martin Luther King Jr.

In a nutshell

All in all, a good speech takes time and effort. It might not be perfect at first, but practicing will help you get better. Choose the right topic, and feel free to express your thoughts and opinions. Also, practice the above-mentioned English speech topics and ace all your speech competitions. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and got some good topics for speech in English. If you have any questions/ suggestions, reach out to us! Also, drop a comment to let us know your thoughts about the blog! 

Liked this blog? Read: Top 8 motivational speeches students should listen to

FAQs

1. What is the best topic for a 2-minute speech?

Answer- Some ideas for a 2-minute speech topic could be- 

• Social impact of COVID-19
• Is online learning better than offline learning
• Proper use of the 3Rs- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
• Extinction of rare species
• E-waste management

2. What is a mini-speech?

Answer- A mini-speech is generally ‌given by a host to introduce another speaker.

3. What should be kept in mind while preparing a speech?
Answer- It is important to note that they need to inform, educate, persuade, or motivate the audience. In other words, you must make them accept your point of view.