Choosing a Topic - Public Speaking - Johnstown Campus - Guides at University of Pittsburgh

Deciding on a topic can be one of the toughest parts of preparing a speech. The resources on this page can help you start brainstorming. You can also search for and browse background information on potential topics in PittCat and the library databases mentioned in this guide on the "Finding Articles" and "Finding Books" tabs.

Ask Yourself ...

Ask yourself the following questions about your topic to make sure you've picked a topic that will keep both yourself and your audience engaged. If you can answer yes to all the questions, you're ready to start gathering sources.

Am I interested in the topic?
Will I enjoy researching this topic?
Will I enjoy talking about this topic and sharing my information with my audience?
Will my audience be interested in my topic?
Am I passionate about this topic?

Source: University of Hawai'i Maui Community College Speech Department. (2002, January 16). Selecting a speech topic. https://www.hawaii.edu/mauispeech/html/selecting_your_topic.html

Suggestions for Topics

Topic Selection Helper
A list of general topics and popular themes.
How Stuff Works
In depth articles on topics from black holes to how to get rid of hiccups.
Pros and Cons of Controversial Issues
Sourced pros and cons of debatable issues from Encyclopaedia Britannica,
Public Agenda
Research reports and resources from the national nonprofit, nonpartisan research and public engagement foundation working on major issues in the United States, including education, health care and community engagement.

Examining the Facts, Opposing Viewpoints, & Taking Sides

The University Library System has a number of books from the Examing the Facts, Opposing Viewpoints, and Taking Sides series that can assist you in determining topics for a persuasive or informative speech. Perform PittCat searches for "examining the facts," "opposing viewpoints," and "taking sides." We have quite a few at Owen Library, but it's easy to get books from other campus libraries too using the Get It! request service.