150+ Ideas for informative speech topics 

An informative speech topic should engage and educate your listeners. Likewise, you should have fun delivering and discussing the subject.

However, choosing a subject that resonates with your audience and aligns with your interests at the same time is tough. To give you some inspiration, we’ve compiled 150+ ideas for informative speech topics.

To make things even easier, we’ve given you hints on how to structure your speech and presentation for each of the topics below, along with a topic selection guide and advice for making an effective presentation.  

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25 Ideas for easy informative speech topics

These ideas are for simple yet educational and thought-provoking topics you can use for speeches in middle school, or high school, or to practice public speaking at your Toastmasters club. These topics don’t demand exhaustive research, but you’ll want to spruce your slides up with exciting visuals and keep the speaking points short to engage your audience. 

1. How electric cars work 

Electric cars are in higher demand and more accessible than ever before, but how they work remains a mystery to many — especially to your middle or high school peers. Load your slide deck with images of these cars’ key components. Explain how they work using short bullets, then compare and contrast their operation with that of their gas-fueled counterparts.  

2. Most popular sports around the world 

Most of us view baseball as a distinctly American pastime, but did you know that it’s the most popular sport in Japan, Taiwan, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic? There are plenty of such surprises in the world of sports, so this topic is bound to excite and inform in a school setting. Organize the deck by sport for a short, impactful presentation, and pack each slide with relevant statistics. 

3. Tips for healthy eating 

Inspire your audience to pursue a better diet with basic, practical advice on healthy foods and meal plans. You’ll have to do a bit of research, and the nutrition guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are a credible — source of information. Beyond focusing on the nutritious value of different foods, be sure to include sample recipes and meal plans anyone can follow. And don’t forget to enliven the presentation with colorful images! 

4. Healthiest desserts you can make 

Show your viewers some healthy alternatives to the sugar-laden and ultra-processed treats that occupy most supermarket shelves. Dig up some recipes (lots are available online) and ensure that each slide has an appetizing image of the treat along with ingredients and truncated preparation steps. Be ready to explain why each of your chosen desserts is healthy — for example, is it made without sugar, with wholewheat flour, or using a notably nutritious ingredient? 

5. How to improve your sleep 

Advice on improving the length and quality of sleep is a helpful topic for almost any audience — sleep is a vital part of healthy living, and most of us don’t get enough of it. Dedicate each of your slides to a specific habit that enhances sleep hygiene and use images that show the behavior in action. Share some statistics on how each habit impacts sleep quality. 

6. Mac vs PC comparison: what’s the best computer? 

Mac and PC users often clash over which computer and operating system is best, so use your speech to present factual arguments for and against each contender. Slides with screenshots showing the best and worst features of each machine will serve as an effective visual aid. To engage your audience further, build a discussion section into your presentation and let your viewers present and debate their opinions. 

7. iOS vs Android: which smartphone operating system is best?

Comparing two of the world’s most prominent mobile operating systems is bound to stir some debate among your viewers — each likely has one of these devices in their pocket and is probably ready to opine on its superiority. Your job is to educate your audience on the capabilities and known shortfalls of each system so that they can make an informed opinion. Leave some room for discussion as you conclude the presentation to keep your audience absorbed until the end.  

8. Basics of personal finance 

Learning (or brushing up on) healthy financial habits is a useful exercise for anyone, including you — the presenter. The subject matter may be a bit dry for younger viewers, so equip your slide deck with visual content that’s relevant and captivating. Instead of using piggy bank stock images, find YouTube videos of people sharing their experience with a specific money habit. A quick Q&A session at the end of your speech will also give younger viewers ask you questions about concepts they didn’t grasp. 

9. Worldwide weather patterns and their causes 

An informative speech about the earth’s weather patterns and their causes will fascinate viewers of all ages. After all, weather is a topic that permeates our daily lives, but few of us understand the forces that shape it. Focus your speech on meteorological trends that change with seasons and explain what drives them. Maps that show changing weather conditions are effective visuals to use in your speech. 

10. Types of weather phenomena 

Hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and atmospheric rivers are weather phenomena worth learning about as their pace and intensity quickens due to climate change. An informative speech on these meteorological events should discuss their characteristics, causes, any relevant statistics, and resilience tips for the populations they affect. 

11. The greatest natural disasters of all time 

Humans have an innate interest in catastrophes, so an educational speech on the world’s greatest natural disasters is bound to captivate your audience. However, to make your presentation informative, don’t rely on the shock value of disaster photographs alone. Focus on facts — causes, characteristics, casualties, and resilience measures being taken to mitigate the impact of natural calamities in the future. 

12. How to prepare a 72-hour survival kit 

Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes can displace entire cities at a moment’s notice, so knowing how to pack a survival kit is an essential life skill — and an excellent speech topic. Base your presentation on FEMA’s guidelines for gathering an emergency preparedness kit. Go beyond listing items and teach your audience how to use them through images and instructional videos embedded in your slides. 

13. First aid skills everyone should know

First aid saves lives, so basic first responder techniques are an excellent educational speech topic for any audience. At the very minimum, let your speech cover the fundamentals of CPR, choking aid, and wound care, but feel free to expand the topicality if you’re experienced in the subject matter. Instructional videos are the most handy visual aid since they show the steps for performing various life-saving procedures.  

14. How to live off the grid

Living off the grid is a fun and informative speech topic that centers on a popular ongoing trend. Teach your audience how to live off the land with slides that explain how to meet basic necessities like food, shelter, water, and heat without relying on modern facilities. Images and videos (or even interviews) of successful off-grid dwellers will serve as effective visual aids.  

15. Basics of home gardening

Teach the aspiring gardeners in your audience the basic skills of growing plants at home. An informative speech on the fundamentals of home gardening should discuss vital elements such as lighting, irrigation, humidity, ambient air temperatures, and ways of preventing and controlling plant diseases. If you spell out specific gardening techniques, demonstrate them to your viewers by embedding relevant instructional videos in your slides.  

16. Best plants to decorate your home 

Show your viewers the ideal plants for incorporating into a home’s decor. This should be a largely visual presentation, with slides depicting different plant species and their integration into a home’s interior design. Getting these visuals right may take some time, effort, and even Photoshop skills if available stock images don’t show the right plant in the right setting. Prepare good notes to explain why you’ve chosen these plants.  

17. Wonders of architecture: world’s most unusual buildings

The world’s most unusual buildings make for an educational and visually intriguing speech topic. While your audience will marvel at the images depicting these peaks of human achievement, be sure your slide content conveys the most essential relevant facts. These include the building architect, date of completion, and materials used in construction. 

18. What is a smart city?

Educate your audience on the “smart city” concept by explaining the various systems that work in unison to gather, analyze, and utilize data in an urban environment. Since this functionality differs between municipalities, focus your speech on one smart city example (such as Singapore or Amsterdam), and explain each of its intelligent features slide-by-slide.    

19. World’s longest bridges 

Your speech on the world’s longest bridges should educate viewers about vital facts, such as the bridges’ geographic location, span, support system, purpose, and construction timeframes. You can also add interesting bits of history about each bridge to make the subject matter more exciting. For a more impactful presentation, find high-quality images of each bridge and leave the longest span for the last slide. 

20. 10 best gap year trips

Help viewers make an informed decision about their gap year destinations with slides that highlight vital information about each location. Here are some facts to include in each destination slide: best attractions, places to stay, estimated daily spending, local currency and languages, ideal time to visit, and any hazards to be aware of. 

21. How to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling 

Inform your audience of the best tips for staying green while on the go. These may include choosing rail over flights for short trips, switching off electronics in the hotel room, or avoiding frequent room cleanings on long hotel stays. Dedicate a slide to each of these strategies and explain how and why they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions with relevant statistics.

22. World’s best universities for engineering

Guide prospective engineering students through their best university options around the world with a presentation that features each school’s most vital information. Dedicate each slide to a specific school and list available programs, average tuition fees, most common employers of the graduates, and basic info about the location. To avoid boring viewers with the same dry facts, include each school’s most unique and intriguing feature in the slide deck. 

23. Best countries to study abroad  

Create an informative presentation that ranks the world’s best countries for international students. Each slide should feature one of the nations and list information such as the top local universities and programs, cost of living, student visa requirements, and crucially — the reason this nation made your list. 

24. How to make your resume stand out 

Show an audience of job seekers tips and tricks for standing out amidst a sea of other applicants’ resumes. Each of your slides should feature a specific tip with a screenshot of an example in the resume (don’t bother with generic stock images). Ideally, find a video featuring an interview with an HR professional who discusses these resume-crafting strategies and why they work. 

25. How to use body language in an interview 

A speech exploring the use of body language during job interviews should inform viewers via images and (if possible) videos of the do’s and don'ts. Video clips with a body language expert discussing and demonstrating different postures will add credibility to your presentation and keep the audience immersed in the material. 

25 Ideas for intermediate informative speech topics

The 25 speech topics below are a bit more involved but not quite scholarly, so they’re suitable for high school students in their senior year and their peers in college. You’ll need to research each of the topics thoroughly to convey as much information as possible to educate the viewers and promote critical thought. That said, note that the more data you stuffed into your slide decks, the higher your chances of boring your viewers and losing their attention. So, keep the content info-rich but succinct, and rely heavily on captivating images and videos to tell your story. 

26. How screen time affects children and teens 

Present the relationship between screen time and childrens’ well-being through slides featuring recent study findings. Base your presentation on more than a single study, and reinforce the evidence with videos showing interviews of child psychologists, parents, and children discussing their experience. Since the subject matter is a bit controversial, keep your presentation objective and informative — your viewers can draw their own conclusions.  

27. Why are adults in love with superheroes?

Explore our fascination with superheroes and discuss theories that explain its causes. Start by highlighting the theme’s prevalence in Western culture, then move on to the innate human attitudes that shape it — escapism, optimism, hope, and others. Use credible scientific sources to back up your presentation and give the audience a chance to share their thoughts as you conclude. 

28. A look at the four key parenting styles 

Walk your viewers through the four distinct parenting techniques — authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful. You’ll need several slides for each parenting type; use them to address the style’s methods and characteristics, prevalence in modern society, advantages, and disadvantages. Find a video of a child psychologist weighing each style’s effectiveness. 

29. What is pop psychology and why are we obsessed with it? 

Discuss the popularization of psychology in modern culture and overview the primary ideologies. Start with a timeline showing the rise of pop psychology, and dedicate slides to specific theories and notable individuals. Crucially, present theories that attempt to explain this cultural phenomenon. 

30. What are “blue zones”? 

Take your audience on a tour of the world’s blue zones — regions known for the longevity of their populations. Overview each region, give its life expectancy statistics, prevalence of chronic illnesses, and lifestyle factors thought to promote longer lifespans. Pay particular attention to factors like diet, exercise, socialization patterns, and work-life balance. If possible, include videos with interviews of blue zone residents and their perspective on longevity. 

31. A look at the centenarian diet 

Overview the known, identified dietary patterns among blue zone inhabitants. These may vary by region, but all have certain commonalities in terms of the most prevalent food and nutrient groups. Include a dish or recipe that embodies each dietary pattern you discuss in your presentation. Crucially, explain why scholars believe these eating habits contribute to longevity and good health. 

32. Diet trends across generations

Discuss how diet trends have changed between generations. The simplest way to organize your speech is by generation — start with the Lost Generation and work your way to Alpha. Overview each cohort’s typical regimen and favorite dishes, and try to rationalize the contributing factors behind each culinary shift. To get your viewers thinking critically, leave time for an interactive session at the end of your speech and discuss whether the dietary changes are beneficial for health and the environment. 

33. Why cuisine is a cultural shaping force

Explain how cultural values and ideals are embodied in recipes and culinary traditions. Organize your speech by cuisines, with each slide showing either prominent dishes that reflect aspects of the nation’s culture, or customs surrounding food preparation and service. 

34. How alcohol consumption has changed over time

This speech should highlight the shifts in alcohol consumption across all of the world’s regions. You may not be able to find enough data (or have sufficient time) to discuss drinking statistics from every nation on earth, but show the most prominent examples of changing attitudes — i.e. which nations and regions drink more, and which have curbed their consumption over time. Accompany each finding with factors that may have driven changes in alcohol use. 

35. Factors contributing to the mental health crisis

Present the findings of academic studies on possible triggers behind the ongoing mental health crisis. Use statistics to compare the effects of different factors, and back up your statements with authoritative quotes from clinical psychiatrists. Given the significance and thorniness of the subject matter, keep your speech professional and respectful, and stay objective while presenting. 

36. How social media affects our mental health

Use your speech to educate the audience on the observed mental health effects of social media and their mechanisms. Include positive and negative impacts in your presentation. For each one (for example, loss of sleep quality), include research-based evidence and hypotheses as to why the effect takes place. To keep your viewers’ attention, intersperse video clips of interviews with psychiatrists involved in this research or their test subjects. 

37. What is an LLM? 

Inform the audience about Large Language Models (LLM) by explaining the processes that enable their functionality. Dedicate several slides to addressing common questions about LLMs. For example:

• Can LLMs reason? 
• Are LLMs conscious beings? 
• Can LLMs evolve into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? 

38. What are the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence?

Discuss the various ethical dilemmas that emerge as artificial intelligence gains a foothold in our daily lives. These may include inherent bias, workforce disruption, and AI-powered lethal decision-making in warfare. This speech should stimulate critical thought as much as it informs, so discuss each dilemma you present with your audience.   

39. What is blockchain technology?

Educate your viewers on the basics of blockchain technology. Use relevant visuals and give concrete examples of how each aspect of this technology works. For example, you can show how a Bitcoin transaction happens, with each slide illustrating one of its phases. Be sure to discuss all blockchain applications (not just cryptocurrency), and review its pros and cons. 

40. Can cryptocurrencies replace traditional finance?

Cryptocurrencies’ ability to replace traditional finance are up for debate, so use your speech to inform the audience of the arguments for and against such an event. To start, explain how crypto differs from conventional currencies, list its benefits and shortfalls, and describe government efforts to control its proliferation. Then, dive into credible evidence that backs crypto as the currency of the future, and proof of the contrary. At the end of the presentation, let your viewers opine on the subject matter. 

41. What is the future of transportation?

Explore transportation technologies that are currently being designed, developed, or have recently entered service. Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, new supersonic jets, the hyperloop, or even innovative micromobility vehicles are all intriguing examples. Apart from listing these transportation modes’ capabilities, explain the driving forces behind their invention. What problem are these new technologies striving to solve?  

42. What is causing climate change and how to combat it

Educate viewers on the scientifically accepted climate change triggers and walk through viable strategies for slowing the pace of global warming. As you analyze the causes, use statistics to show which human activities are most harmful. Likewise, include models to illustrate all the potential progression paths of global warming relative to the mitigation strategies we deploy. Touch on new climate strategies, such as geoengineering, and discuss their pros and cons.   

43. These cities will sink by 2050 if we don’t reduce carbon emissions

List cities that are expected to sink below the sea level by 2050 if the world does not reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Tie these predictions to specific emission targets, temperature benchmarks, and sea level changes. Explain whether each of the doomed cities has a chance of either staying above water by natural or artificial means. Likewise, note any preparations to move government infrastructure and populations out of affected cities (as is the case with Jakarta). Finally, touch on the obstacles in the way of these cities’ survival. These may include positive feedback loops accelerating sea level rise, ineffective climate policies, and denialist propaganda.    

44. How to identify propaganda 

Propaganda techniques vary widely, so start by discussing the characteristics common to all propaganda forms: the agenda, the target audience, and the manipulated message. Show concrete samples of these “red flags” in the media (just be careful to stay clear of political battle lines!) Then, use the rest of your slides to analyze different propaganda techniques and their real-life manifestations.  

45. How populism has shaped politics over time 

Educate your viewers on the effect populism has had on politics and governments throughout history. Start by defining the concept, explain its methods and characteristics, and pinpoint its historical origins. Then, walk your audience through historical populist movements and their consequences. Unless you plan to stoke a heated debate with your speech, stay objective and use examples from both sides of the political divide.  

46. How the electoral college works in the United States

Discuss the processes behind the US electoral college within the broader framework of a presidential election. To properly illustrate the institution’s function, explain what happens from the moment the nation casts its ballots to the confirmation of the US president in the Senate. Finally, give examples of US presidents who won elections despite losing the plurality of the popular vote — and the role the electoral college played in these events. 

47. A look at modern monarchies

Inform the audience about the role monarchies continue to play in today’s world. List the reigning monarchs, discuss their powers within government, then touch on their networth and popularity among subjects. To promote critical thinking among your viewers, leave some time to debate monarchies’ relevance and utility in the modern world. 

48. Exploring systems of government 

Teach your viewers about various systems of government that operate in modern nations. Use countries as specific examples of the different government systems. Explain how these governments are formed or elected, how they pass and execute laws, and historical factors that led to their creation. Crucially, list each system’s pros and cons. 

49. The state of democracy around the world 

Use your speech to summarize the state of democratic power across different regions. Use maps and statistics to list nations where democratic norms are seeing improvement, and those slipping into totalitarianism. Address the contributing factors behind shifts in the quality of democracy. 

50. Bloodiest conflicts throughout history 

Present a compilation of the world’s bloodiest conflicts. Include both domestic and international confrontations, and rank them by the number of casualties. Discuss the root causes of each conflict you present, and aggravating factors (such as weapons of mass destruction use, famines, or oppressive political regimes). As you conclude, ask your audience to brainstorm ways to avoid such conflicts in the future. 

25 Ideas for complex informative speech topics 

The following 25 suggestions are for informative speech topics geared at a university-level audience. These topics delve into sophisticated theories and technologies at the forefront of scientific research. Your viewers may know the subject well, especially if they are your peers. However, do your best to break up the monotony of fact-rich, scholarly content with suitable graphics, videos, and discussion sessions. 

51. Gene therapy: definition, applications, and future development  

Explain how gene therapy works and give a brief overview of its history. Discuss the various delivery methods for gene therapy along with their suitability and pros and cons. Use available statistics to shine a light on the effectiveness of this treatment for different diseases, and touch on the therapy’s ongoing research and development.  

52. What is CRISPR gene editing? 

Define the CRISPR initialism (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), and describe the mechanism behind this gene editing technique. Use effective visuals to illustrate the processes and help your viewers grasp the subject matter. Crucially, list practical examples of CRISPR applications and address the controversy surrounding this method.  

53. How RNA vaccines work 

Show your viewers the workings of RNA vaccines with slides that graphically depict each step, from vaccine formulation to the host’s immune response. Examine RNA vaccines’ suitability for protecting against various diseases, touch on their development history, and compare their effectiveness against other common vaccine types.   

54. Current and future role of AI in healthcare 

Create an informative presentation showing AI’s current applications in healthcare, new AI-based technologies under development, and AI’s long-term future potential in the field. Your slides should describe how AI algorithms enhance various tasks (for example, diagnostic imaging), with statistics that show their efficacy. As you contemplate AI’s future potential in healthcare, ask your viewers to weigh in with their opinions. 

55. How nanotechnology continues to advance and change our world 

Describe the origins and history of nanotechnology, along with current uses, ongoing research, and possible implications. Your slide deck should have graphic representations of how nanotechnology powers various processes and consumer items, and the tools used in its production. Leave some time in your speech to debate the potential of nanotechnology and address concerns. 

56. How does the James Webb Telescope work? 

Your speech should illustrate how each of the James Webb Space Telescope components work in unison to capture images of faraway celestial bodies and transmit them to earth. Dedicate a slide to each of the elements, then show some of the telescope’s latest available images. Compare Webb’s mechanism and output to Hubble's. 

57. What is the future of space exploration?

The future of space exploration is a conjectural topic, so your speech should give your audience all the necessary information to make an educated guess. Start off by analyzing past space missions, the reasons behind them, the technology used, and the limitations they faced. Then, consider the same factors in the context of the future. What will motivate humans to continue space exploration? What technology will be available, and what constraints will we continue to face? Allow some time for debate before you conclude the speech. 

58. Can we make Mars inhabitable? 

Our ability to inhabit Mars is a speculative topic, so approach it with these facts: 

• How suitable is Mars’s surface for habitation
• Technology needed to make Mars inhabitable 
• Current technical constraints and potential for their resolution
• Implications for humans on Mars-bound missions 

After presenting the facts above, describe current plans for human Mars missions. Explain their current status, what they plan to accomplish, and what obstacles they currently face. Finally, get viewers to opine on the viability of Mars inhabitation. 

59. Future of supersonic commercial air travel 

Overview the current commercial supersonic projects (Boom and Quesst), and contrast them against the Concorde and Tu-144. List the challenges these original supersonic airliners faced, and explain why they ceased operating. Discuss whether Boom and Quesst will be able to overcome these same obstacles and make supersonic air travel possible again. 

60. How much of a threat is technological singularity? 

Discuss the concept of technological singularity and overview contending theories on its potential, mechanisms, and timelines. Crucially, explain why some scholars believe that singularity is inevitable. Finally, address the possible implications of singularity and the threats humanity might face as a result. 

61. Exploring the causes of political polarization

Guide your audience through the innate causes and triggers behind polarization in politics. Explain why some degree of polarization may be inherent in al democratic systems, especially where parties have widely differing ideologies. Then, talk about specific events that exacerbate polarization, such as gerrymandering or social media algorithms. Conclude with a debate on the subject matter, but steer the conversation clear of political flashpoints.  

62. How gerrymandering amplifies political polarization 

Gerrymandering is a redistricting technique that redraws borders in favor of a political party and ratchets up polarization among the voters. To illustrate the process, present instances where redistricting is believed to have fomented political divide. Stay objective and find examples from both sides of the political divide to avoid causing tension among your audience.  

63. What is dark matter? 

You may not be able to define dark matter, but you can overview the current, widely accepted hypotheses about its composition and place in the observable universe. Explain what we do know about dark matter (such as its interaction or lack thereof with light, the electromagnetic field, and gravity), present evidence of its existence, and list constraints that keep us from learning more about this mysterious phenomenon. 

64. How does the Placebo effect work?

Explain the neurophysiological process in the brain that helps the patient to feel better without actually treating the underlying cause of the symptoms. Discuss the various applications of placebos in medical practice and research. Supplement your speech with graphics that show the neural processes behind the effect and make it easier for your audience to grasp.

65. How intelligent are animals? 

Educate your viewers on the cognitive abilities of different animals. Consider ranking the animals in your presentation by intellect, with the most intelligent species appearing last (this will help your speech build momentum). For each animal, explain how its intelligence was assessed, whether it manifests in observable behavior, and how it helps the species excel in its environment. Videos of these behaviors could make your speech more intriguing. 

66. Plant and animal species on the brink of extinction 

Walk your viewers through a list of fauna and flora species that are either critically endangered or already extinct in the wild. For each species, detail the present populations, habitat, and crucially, the factors pushing it to extinction. Also, list conservation efforts underway to protect any of the threatened species and discuss their efficacy. 

67. Are there habitable earth-like exoplanets? 

Use your speech to present the exoplanets currently thought to have habitable, earth-like conditions. Explain how and when each planet was discovered, where it’s located in the Universe, how far it is from earth, and why scientists believe it may be inhabitable. List factors that determine whether a planet may be a host for lifeforms. 

68. The search for extraterrestrial life 

Outline the past and present efforts to find life beyond our planet. Talk about the different methods that have been used to look for extraterrestrial life and explain their outcomes. Likewise, list UFO sightings and purported alien encounters and discuss whether they are credible evidence of life on other planets. Finally, inform your audience about developing technologies that will enable us to find signs of life deep in the universe in the future.

69. How our microbiome connects the gut to the brain 

Explain the gut-to-brain connection that exists thanks to our microbiome. Use explanatory visuals to show the different types of beneficial and harmful bacteria that exist in the gut, and how these microbes influence our physical and mental well-being. Be sure to clearly illustrate the neurological processes through which the microbiome connects to and affects the human brain. 

70. Exploring the current climate change models and predictions 

Educate your viewers about the scientifically accepted climate change predictions and the models on which they’re based. Outline predictions for the next 50-100 years, with models showing how outcomes differ relative to the average temperature increase. Include consequences such as changing coastlines, population displacement, extinction and endangerment of plant and animal species, and effects on the economy.  

71. Superbugs: the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria 

Discuss the emergence of bacteria that can resist antibiotics and the root causes of their evolution. Cite specific medical cases where antibiotics were unable to treat previously treatable conditions. Explain what hazards such pathogens pose to humanity, and what (if any) measures are being taken to contain their spread and development. 

72. How to mitigate the effects of the next pandemic

Each pandemic humanity has lived through taught us invaluable lessons about disease prevention and control. Share these lessons in a speech that features key strategies for reducing the human and economic toll of inevitable future pandemics. Discuss how differences in virility and transmissibility affect the tactics used to contain their spread. Finally, tell your audience which pandemics are most and least likely to occur, and how prepared we are to handle them.  

73. What is quantum cryptography?

Explain the concept of quantum cryptography, its origins, and the reasons for its inception. Cover the processes through which cryptographic activities occur in the quantum state, how they differ from non-quantum ciphering, and what advantages they offer. Spell out distinct examples of quantum cryptographic applications, and potential for further development of these technologies. Since the topic requires at least intermediate knowledge of quantum mechanics, clearly cover the relevant fundamental concepts of this field and leave some time for a Q&A session in case your viewers have questions. 

74. What is the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)?

Inform your viewers about the fundamentals of Modern Monetary Theory and how they play out in practice. Explain MMT’s five key tenets, and illustrate each of these with a real-life example. Compare MMT against Keynesian economic principles and list its benefits and shortfalls.   

75. Inflation, recession, and stagflation

Describe each of the three economic states, their causes, and their inter-relationship. Outline the factors that trigger each state and the policies designed to rectify them. Give real-life examples of inflation, recession, and stagflation, and the effects they’ve had on people’s everyday lives. 

25 Debate-worthy informative speech topic ideas 

The 25 topic ideas below have no place at the dinner table. However, their controversial subject matter demands debate and thoughtful action and they’re quite suitable for a mature, adult audience. 

Since these topics are meant to inspire discussion, your job is to supply relevant facts and stay objective while you present. Credible statistics presented with clear, impactful visuals are most effective. With hard facts laid out clearly in front of them, your audience has the best chance of thinking critically, being willing to see multiple perspectives, and engaging in constructive dialogue.

76. Is gentle parenting effective? 

Present evidence confirming and disputing the efficacy of gentle parenting (also known as “passive parenting.”) Find relevant statistics or expert opinions from child psychologists, educators, and parenting coaches to reinforce your speech. Finally, let your audience — the parents in particular — opine on the matter.  

77. Are video games an acceptable pastime for children? 

Showcase statistics on the effects of video games on children’s cognitive abilities, school performance, behavior, and personality. Rely solely on expert evidence — study results, clinical research, and opinions of child psychologists. Then, conclude your speech by inviting audience members to speak their minds. 

78. Individualism vs collectivism: which social system works best?

Describe the characteristics of individualism and collectivism, and offer examples of societies where one of the systems is considerably more prevalent. Compare these societies across metrics such as education levels, GDP, life satisfaction, human rights, and the state of democracy. Likewise, explore societies that balance individual and collective needs. After this analysis, allow your viewers to express their views on the topic.  

79. What are acceptable limits on free speech? 

Guide your audience through the various laws that protect and restrict free speech in the US and abroad. Find examples of positive and negative outcomes of such laws. Finally, ask your viewers what “freedom of speech” means to them, and how much of it they’re willing to sacrifice for the common good. 

80. What is net neutrality and how does it affect us? 

Explain what net neutrality means and cite specific laws that strive to make the internet “neutral.” Present examples of such laws in action, and ask the audience to consider their benefits and shortfalls.  

81. Is the world warming naturally or due to human activity? 

Start by describing the causes of ice ages and interglacial periods in the past and the feedback loops that exacerbated these climatic shifts. Next, present scientific evidence that pinpoints current shifts in the earth’s climate that wouldn’t have taken place without human activities. Examine how and why current climate change differs from glacial and interglacial cycles of the past. 

82. Pros and cons of AI use in an educational setting

List the various capabilities that AI products like ChatGPT afford students, and analyze their pros and cons from an educator’s perspective. For example, you may conclude that AI-generated essays impede academic progress, while AI-enhanced slide presentations let students focus their brainpower on the slide content by automating tedious tasks like slide design and formatting. 

83. Is AI disruptive or a force for the good?  

Outline the human activities AI has automated already, and those it will potentially take on in the future. Consider whether this automation will disrupt or enhance the quality of our lives. Examine factors that may contribute to either of the outcomes — for example, effective regulatory policies or powerful AI technology falling into the wrong hands. Give your viewers time to share their thoughts on the matter before you conclude. 

84. Does AI dehumanize us?

Share examples of AI art and compare it to pieces produced by humans. Let your audience compare samples of human-written text with AI-generated content that now permeates the web. Inform your viewers of any art activities AI can now perform. Then, ask them whether these creative tasks — formerly firmly in the human domain — can still elicit the same emotional response from us even if they’re automated. There are no right or wrong answers, and the debate you inspire with your speech will be as informative as the facts you’ve presented in your slides.  

85. What are deepfakes and how do we handle them?

Define deepfakes, explain how they’re made, and list their uses. Include videos with first-hand examples of people affected by deepfakes, and discuss what strategies should be in place to protect us from their harm. 

86. How to solve the addiction and mental health crises 

There are many proposals to address ongoing addiction and mental health crises, and you can summarize them in your speech. Describe each action plan in detail and include potential benefits and drawbacks. Show real-life examples of these strategies in action if you find them, along with reported outcomes. With the facts before them, your audience should be able to debate the efficacy of each proposed solution.   

87. Advantages and disadvantages of harm reduction 

Review the positive and negative effects of harm reduction policies on the addiction crisis, and try to establish whether the pros outweigh the cons. Ask your audience whether saving the life of a drug user is worth the possible proliferation of drugs within the community and the subsequent new addictions. These are tough moral questions, so moderate the debate to keep the discussion from getting heated. 

88. Arguments for and against the death penalty 

Educate your audience on the key arguments for and against the death penalty. For example, consider its efficacy as a deterrent and use crime statistics to back up your assertions. Likewise, discuss the punishment’s irreversibility and thus the chances of innocent people being executed. Get your viewers to opine on whether or not governments have the moral authority to kill their citizens. 

89. Thought experiments in ethics and morality

Engage your viewers with a series of ethical thought experiments. Consider using experiments such as the Heinz dilemma, survival lottery, the trolley problem, or any others that challenge participants to make tough moral decisions. 

90. Gun violence in the US: causes and potential solutions 

Present the latest gun violence statistics across the US and consider their causes and possible solutions. Discuss any preventative strategies that are currently in place and analyze their efficacy. Compare statistics across other developed nations, then ask your viewers to opine on what makes the US such a hotbed of gun crime. 

91. Is there a way to be an ethical billionaire? 

Using simple math, show your viewers how much one has to earn — and for how long — to make a billion dollars. Include real-life examples of billionaires and describe their journeys. Consider the special privileges they may have had that helped them attain their wealth and compare their efforts to those of the many employees that help them amass fortunes. At the same time, outline each of these folks’ charitable contributions, annual tax payments, and the number of jobs they create. At the end of your presentation, hold a debate to establish whether it’s possible to be an ethical billionaire.  

92. Pros and cons of genetic engineering 

Inform your viewers of the current genetic engineering practices, their applications, benefits, and shortfalls. Discuss any ethical implications of genetic engineering, and how these can be resolved. 

93. Risks and benefits of nuclear power 

Educate your viewers on the known risks and benefits of nuclear power. Explain nuclear plants’ capacity to produce clean energy with no greenhouse gas emissions, and compare their outputs against those of renewable generation methods, such as solar farms. At the same time, discuss the risk of accidents and their consequences for health and environment. Do some high-level calculations to establish how the world’s electricity needs can be met without nuclear power as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. 

94. Drawing the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation 

Define “cultural appropriation” and explain how it differs from appreciating other cultures. Give specific examples of both practices to illustrate the distinction for your viewers. Ask your audience if they’ve ever unwittingly participated in cultural appropriation, and if they see the practice as offensive or innocent.  

95. Does “cancel culture” work? 

Cancel culture is a form of boycott meant to promote social justice and give a voice to the vulnerable. Whether it always works as intended is up for debate. So, focus your presentation on real-life examples of cancel culture at work, and try to establish (together with your audience) whether justice was served in each case. 

96. Is armed intervention ever justified? 

Analyze the reasons behind the world's many conflicts and reconcile them with the outcomes. For example, how does US involvement in WWII compare to the war in Vietnam? In which of these cases was the use of force on foreign soil justified, and can the same ethical formula apply to future conflicts? 

97. How social media algorithms distort our perception of reality 

Use examples to demonstrate how social media algorithms create “filter bubbles” — feedback loops that expose us to more of the same content in which we’ve shown interest. Explain how these filter bubbles have the potential to misinform viewers, sway them emotionally, and even radicalize them. Together with your viewers, discuss possible strategies for containing this phenomenon and mitigating its effects.

98. Assisted suicide laws across the world 

Prepare an analysis of euthanasia laws worldwide. Explain how these laws differ in each nation, and what the outcomes have been so far. Be sure to delineate between active and passive euthanasia and current laws. Likewise, discuss the controversies surrounding assisted death. For example, Canada plans to expand eligibility to the mentally ill, while other nations let minors access the option even without a terminal disease. 

99. How do we measure happiness? 

The World Happiness Report measures happiness by polling populations using metrics such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, and personal freedoms, among others. Meanwhile, the nation of Bhutan has a Gross National Happiness Index, which quantifies happiness on a broader spectrum that includes 33 indicators. Present these tools to your audience and discuss their efficacy. Finally, let your viewers pitch their own criteria for measuring happiness levels. 

100. Different visions for the future of humanity 

The future of humanity is a highly conjectural topic. The best you can do during your speech is inform the audience of the critical factors currently shaping our civilization’s path (think climate change, weapons of mass destruction, and the rise of AI), then ask for opinions. Let your viewers speak and share their vision for our future. 

25 Creative informative speech topic ideas

Each of the ideas below is a topic related to music, culture, and the arts.

101. Art through the ages

Briefly describe how people and civilizations have approached and created art over the last 5000 years

102. The art of AI-generated art

Show examples of how people can generate art using AI and discuss how this changes the landscape for traditional artists and galleries. 

103. Revisiting the best songs of the [90s]

Discuss examples of the “best” songs of a certain time period and how society’s views of them have changed over the years.

104. Emojis as art

Explain the history of the emoji and how people have used them to express emotions

105. Global sounds, modern influences

Compare and contrast music from around the world. One interesting refinement of this idea is to pick a specific event or theme and show how it has received differently in different parts of the world

106. Culinary art in East Asia

Explore how food has become more than sustenance and is rising to an art form in a specific region or with a specific cheft

107. Architecture vs. Engineering

Discuss the interplay of architecture and engineering over the last 100 years

108. The emotions of color palettes

Visualize how people feel when they are presented with different colors and color palettes

109. Scientific influences on art and architecture

Analyze how key scientific breakthroughs changed the way that people create and appreciate art

110. Virtual reality vs. reality

Show how people have changed their perceptions of art thanks to the introduction of virtual reality technology

111. The neuroscience of creativity

Explore what scientists currently understand about how the brain functions differently when it needs to be creative vs. when it is being analytical

112. The art of [region]

Do a deep dive into the best examples of artistic works from a specific region

113. The mathematics of pop

Analyze how the formulaic nature of pop music and the standard features of a popular song

114. How does art conservation work? 

Show the audience what it means to “conserve” art and the different types of art conservation that museums and non-profit organizations work on

115. Language and creativity

Create a presentation on the interplay between linguistics and creativity. How have different languages influenced the artists of a particular region or connected them to their audiences?

116. The history of the symphony orchestra

Explore the history of a specific type of musical group, like the symphony orchestra, the rock band, or the a capella group

117. Modern dance in 20 slides

Make a presentation on the different types of modern dance (or a different type of dance). Try to create a framework for understanding the different categories and styles

118. The fashion time machine

Analyze how fashion moves in cycles and often repeats itself. Try to include as many visuals and specific examples as possible.

119. Average is beautiful

Discuss the scientific research on “beauty” and the idea that people often rate people with the “most average” features as the most beautiful.

120. Key breakthroughs in visual effects

Highlight the most important technological breakthroughs in the visual effects industry and how each of them created new capabilities for movie and TV production.

121. Are there any original ideas? 

People often say the best artists steal. Explore the concept of originality in art and whether any idea can be truly original

122. The rise of anime 

Create a summary of the history of anime and explore why it has become a global phenomenon after starting as a niche art form in Japan

123. Video games as masterpieces

Discuss the new trend of creating video games that cost as much as blockbuster movies and whether they create the same type of experience as watching a movie or seeing a painting

124. I can’t get that song out of my head

Explain how the brain is wired to process musical and auditory information differently and why this leads to songs “getting stuck” in people’s heads

125. Modern mythology

Find examples of modern-day “mythology” and analyze the reasons for why people believe modern day myths.

25 Fun informative speech topic ideas

The next 25 topics are light and fun but educational nonetheless. If you do your research and deliver the findings in an engaging presentation, your viewers will walk away entertained and know more about the world. (Whether this new knowledge is useful is up for debate).

126. How cults indoctrinate and control their members 

Outline the methods cults typically use to recruit, indoctrinate, and control their members. Explain which people are most likely to respond to a cult’s messaging, and why. Give examples of notable cults and the techniques they used to recruit and brainwash adherents. 

127. Most bizarre and disturbing conspiracy theories 

Compile the world’s most prominent conspiracy theories for an intriguing and informative speech. From Paul Is Dead to Lizard People, conspiracy theories show how fringe ideas gain mainstream acceptance. They may be entertaining, but remind your audience not to dismiss these theories as trivial — these phenomena often have very real consequences, like legitimization of violence and endangerment of public safety. 

128. Why some people believe in conspiracy theories 

Explore why some people are more susceptible to beliefs in conspiracy theories. Walk your audience through contributing factors, such as mistrust of authority, social isolation, major life changes, and others. If possible, include video clips of interviews with former and current conspiracists in which they explain their path down the rabbit hole. 

129. Are UFOs real?  

Overview the world’s most notable UFO and alien encounter reports, with witness accounts and images (if possible). For each encounter, supply the official explanation and debate it with your viewers. Be sure to cover the most recent US government revelations on secret military tests that may have been mistaken for UFOs. 

130. Most mind-boggling mysteries that are still unsolved

Fascinate the audience with a list of the strangest and most unsettling mysteries that remain unsolved to this day. If you can, equip each of your slides with relevant images and clips of interviews of parties involved. Provide currently accepted interpretations of the events, and invite your viewers to opine.   

131. Secret government experiments revealed 

Compile a list of the most intriguing government experiments that have been revealed to the public. Describe the purpose of each experiment, the process, and the outcome. Any official interviews or declassified documents will help you bolster the credibility of your speech.

132. Strangest laws in each US state 

There’s no shortage of bizarre state laws, so pick the most outlandish one from each state. Explain what each piece of legislation tried to accomplish at the time of its passage, and tell your viewers whether it still gets enforced. 

133. Most ridiculous sports in the world 

Walk your audience through the world’s most absurd organized sports. From ferret legging to extreme ironing, there is no lack of ridiculous activities for humans with too much time on their hands. Overview each of your chosen sports’ origins, basic rules, and popularity across the world. 

134. How different cultures celebrate life’s milestones 

Explain how major life events like births, deaths and weddings are celebrated around the world. Discuss each tradition’s particulars, symbology, cultural roots, and significance to the people who observe it. Get your viewers to share their respective cultures’ customs as you conclude the speech.  

135. Breakfasts around the world: How different cultures start their day

Take your viewers on a culinary journey through different nations’ favorite breakfast meals. Present the origins, unique flavors, and key ingredients of each dish. Then, ask your audience to share their cultures’ quintessential breakfast items. 

136. Man vs. Animal: Who wins

Compare the performance of animals vs. humans on different types of tasks related to intelligence and physical performance.

137. The etymology of the world’s biggest memes

Track down the history of the world’s most popular memes and where they originated.

138. The psychology of risky behaviors

Share research on why people often make bad decisions when presented with different options and how they can improve their ability to make better decisions.

139. The history of the selfie

Explore the history of the self-portrait and how it has transformed the way people think about their appearance and their relationship with art and technology.

140. A day in the life of a [professional hand model]

Pick a surprising and interesting career and document what the average person who works in that job does on a day-to-day basis.

141. Untranslatable words

Explain how it can be incredibly difficult to define certain words, and there is even a class of words that lack translations altogether.

142. Are personality tests “real”?

Share the research behind the validity of personality tests and do a case study of how the results from a personality test can predict or not predict someone’s real world behaviors.

143. Happiness is predictable

Create a presentation about the research on happiness and how people can improve their happiness and the causes of unhappiness.

144. How to talk to animals: A field guide

Explore what scientists know about how different species of animals communicate with one another and the latest research on how humans can communicate with certain animals.

145. The worst, popular foods

Research the most popular foods that are actually the most detrimental to people’s health.

146. Taking a longer look at first impressions 

Explore the science behind first impressions: how quickly do they form, how hard are they to change, and what are the main influences behind them

147. Handshakes and greetings around the world

Create a presentation on the history of the handshake and how it became the dominant form of greeting strangers all around the world.

148. The hidden life of city animals

Examine how urban environments have created unique ecologies for animals that co-exist with humans in cities and suburbs

149. The best diets and workout plans

Are all diets fads? Or do some of them actually work? Share the latest research on weight loss, fitness, and how people can optimize their food and workouts.

150. The stats on online dating

Analyze the numbers and statistics on online dating and why it is declining in popularity for younger generations

How to choose a speech topic

Your speech topic should be relevant, educational, and thought-provoking, yet easily comprehensible by the viewers. You can use the five steps below to find the most suitable subject matter for your speech. 

1. Consider the purpose.  
2. Understand the audience.
3. Factor in your knowledge and interest.  
4. Adapt to the setting. 
5. Account for the availability of visuals.  

1. Consider the purpose  

Establish the objective of your presentation and choose the speech type accordingly. There are five common speech types, all of which convey different kinds of information: 

• Definitional: Explains the meaning of the topic’s subject. Topic example: “What is net neutrality and how does it affect us?”
• Descriptive: Depicts in detail the subject of the topic. Topic example: “Breakfasts around the world: How different cultures start their day.”
• Explanatory: Overviews the functions behind a specific process. Topic example: “How our microbiome connects the gut to the brain.” 
• Demonstrative: Lists steps to perform a task. Topic example: “How to mitigate the effects of the next pandemic.”
• Comparative: Compares and contrasts two items, with a thorough analysis of the similarities and differences. Topic example: “Individualism vs collectivism: which social system works best?”

2. Understand the audience 

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred speech type, consider how different topics within this category will resonate with your audience. Think about the viewers’ knowledge level, and choose subject matter that is challenging but graspable at the same time. Likewise, gauge their interest in your potential topics and choose accordingly.

3. Factor in your knowledge and interest

Choose a topic that interests you — at least to some degree. Otherwise, your speech may turn out lifeless and you’ll struggle to deliver the information in a captivating way. If you have a personal connection or interest in the topic, your speech will come across as much more engaging.

4. Adapt to the setting 

Make sure you can present your chosen speech topic in your setting. For example, subject matter that’s best conveyed with lots of images or audio requires the facilities to run a slideshow. If the speech venue doesn’t have a screen, projector, and speakers, stick with topics where your words and your interactions with the audience can do all the work.  

5. Account for the availability of visuals.

Some subjects are best taught through visuals. If your preferred topic falls under this category, make sure that you can source relevant images and videos — don’t fill your slides with generic stock images. 

How to prepare your informative speech presentation

Now that you’ve chosen your speech topic, it’s time to prepare the presentation that will accompany you on the stage as you speak. By following the following five steps, you’ll make a presentation that effectively guides both you and your viewers through the key points of your speech. 

1. Research thoroughly 
2. Adhere to the 6 C’s of informative speaking 
3. Find a suitable platform for creating your presentation 
4. Ask for a peer review 

1. Research thoroughly 

Your task is to compose a speech that informs, so to start, research your topic until you know it like the back of your hand. Use credible sources, not just random blogs you find on Google (Google Scholar is an excellent choice). As you study the subject matter, note all the pertinent data, and create an outline that presents information in smooth, contextual flow. 

2. Adhere to the 6 C’s of informative speaking 

The 6 C’s of informative speaking help you deliver (and your audience absorb) the message effectively. A speech that adheres to the 6 C’s is:

• Clear: Use clear phrasing that everyone understands. 
• Colorful: Enliven your speech with color to keep the viewers’ attention. 
• Concrete: Eliminate ambiguities and deliver concrete information that leaves no room for misinterpretation. 
• Correct: If you present something as a fact, make sure you’ve triple-checked its accuracy. Leave no room for factually incorrect information in your presentation. 
• Concise: Keep the written content in your slides and your speaking notes as short as possible. 
• Courteous: Remain respectful and courteous throughout your speech, especially if the topic is controversial.  

3. Find a suitable platform for creating your presentation

Find the best presentation website or best AI presentation maker to help you tackle your slides quickly and without excessive manual effort. For example, Plus AI does all the heavy lifting and lets you generate professional presentations from a prompt, then helps you edit and format the slides quickly. With these tedious tasks out of the way, you can focus your time on the content of the speech. 

4. Ask for a peer review

Get your fellow student or coworker to review your presentation and give you their notes. You can even rehearse the speech with them to get some feedback on the delivery. Such a rehearsal should help you refine your speech (and slides) before the big day. 

Conclusion

Preparing for a speech can be daunting but finding the right topic makes the experience much more enjoyable. Hopefully this list serves as a good source of inspiration. If you'd like more unique presentation ideas, check our our list of persuasive speech ideas or try out our Pecha Kucha and PowerPoint Karaoke slide decks to get you into the right mindset to make a great presentation.