Public Speaking Topics is the first thing that pops into the mind of everyone who has to do a speech. And unless your presentation is work related and someone has already told you the topic, there are many, MANY public speaking topics to choose from. But how do I choose the best one? How will I know if my audience will like it? What if they fall asleep? Well, while there is no you can guarantee that every member of the audience will like your topic; there are ways to insure that most if not all of the spectators will be impressed with your knowledge and enthusiasm. And that way is to write with PASSION. Write with passion. Write what you are passionate about. If you like your topic you will tend to be very knowledgeable about it. Your excitement will come through in the message. If you are excited about your public speaking topic then writing the speech will be easy.
While in university I had to create a presentation from my analysis of a company’s financial numbers. (Sounds exciting.) My presentation, well… it was a little dry. Why? I was not excited about it. And it came out in my voice. A speech I just performed for a speech contest was one of my favourite speeches ever. It was about my travels to Thailand. Just writing the speech brought back many memories. It was fun to write and I loved talking about it. The end result, I won the contest. (That’s not the lesson here though.) The message is that I was passionate about the topic and it showed with my enthusiasm. It is hard to fake enthusiasm.
All this doesn’t mean you can’t be passionate about a topic that is not your passion. I love to speak to people. I love teaching and training. So, just to have the chance to stand up and talk to an audience excites me. (Yes, I will be nervous, but that is a form of excitement too!)
Here is a list of things to consider when choosing your Public Speaking Topic:
How To Choose a Topic
Write what you know. It can be about your experiences, your work, family, life. Anything that you will have a lot of content for.
Be yourself. Write the way you would present if you were speaking to an old friend. If the presentation calls for more formality, then incorporate that element while still letting your personality shine through.
If you don’t know the topic well don’t attempt to be technical. Issues might arise where there is someone who knows more about the topic than you and she/he may challenge you. Your experiences are a great pool of content to pull from. Often times you can relate the incident to the audience. This will draw the listeners into your speech more.
Work is a great idea generator.
Family is one of the best, if not the best, idea generator for my presentations. I can take something my daughter has said or my boys have done. Add a few observations to the situation. And bingo. I have a humourous illustration.
The more personal the speech, the warmer the relationship that will develop between you and your audience.
Here is a quick list of ideas. If you are still stuck, ask a friend, neighbour or family member. Most people are more than willing to provide you with a few answers.
Animals
Friends
Travel
Family
Parents
Children
Work
Personal experiences (This is good for humourous speeches.)
In-laws
Dreams
Your first car
Your first girlfriend/ boyfriend
Your first kiss
Your first job
Your first ___________
Your house
School
Teachers
Sports
Camping (Something always happens on camping trips.)
Money/ Finances
Health and fitness
Beauty
Motivational speeches.
Happiness
Anything that excites you elicits your passions.
The list is endless. The above can also be used as introductions or learning points in your speech. There are many guides and great books online that can also help you with your public speaking pursuits. Whatever you choose to write about you shouldn’t have a problem finding a great public speaking topic.