You have been assigned a speech, presentation, or essay, but you have no clue what to talk about. A powerful presentation begins with a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. But you also need to discuss something you feel excited to research and discuss.
This guide contains 333 informative speech topics for your next presentation, plus pro tips for delivering the best presentation possible.
What Is An Informative Speech?
Informative speeches aim to teach or instruct the audience about a topic. They include objective information and fact-based research but can incorporate a unique perspective, compelling storytelling, or a powerful take-home message. Unlike a celebratory wedding toast or an inaugural speech, informative speeches are written specifically to educate.
The six key types of informative speeches are:
- Definition speeches: This speech aims to explain a concept or theory. For example, a speech topic starting with “What is…?” is usually a definition-type informative speech.
- Explanatory speeches: These speeches explain how something works. For example, an explanatory speech could explain how your brain processes information or how an electric car works.
- Demonstrative speeches: These classic “how-to’s” show the audience how to perform a task and often include a visual presentation. For example, students could teach their classmates how to be more productive or cook a healthy meal.
- Comparative speeches: When a speaker compares or contrasts two alternative things, they help the audience understand the similarities or differences between two topics. For example, a comparative speech may weigh the pros and cons of private versus public schools.
- Descriptive speeches: This informative speech describes a person, place, or thing and explains why the subject is essential. For example, a student may teach their classmates about a historical figure, or an entrepreneur may give a descriptive speech about the specifics of their product idea.
- Persuasive informative speeches: Although persuasive speeches are often categorized separately, some informative speeches can cross over into persuasion by using evidence to convince the audience why a particular method or perspective is better than its alternatives. For example, a salesperson may give a presentation to convince clients to buy their services, or a mental health advocate may give a speech to persuade people to do yoga more regularly.
How To Pick An Informative Speech Topic: The Five W’s
Whether you want to give a top-notch school speech assignment or a groundbreaking TED Talk, the best informative speeches have one thing in common: they deliver a purposeful message with a captivating delivery. You must understand the basic who, what, when, where, and why to pick the perfect topic.
- Who: Before you start looking for topics, you should know who your audience is. A college speech class is a far different audience than a room of conference attendees. Consider what your audience is interested in, why they should care about your speech and their level of knowledge about the topic. If you talk about something too basic, they may be bored, but if you discuss something too technical, they may have difficulty understanding your speech.
- What: Consider your passions and existing knowledge about a subject. The “what” of your speech is the meat of the presentation. Imagine a three-circle Venn diagram. The three circles are labeled: “things I am interested in,” “things my audience cares about,” and “things I can research.” The center point where these three circles overlap is the sweet spot for your speech topic.
- When (Length): The length of your speech can drastically impact how in-depth you dive into the topic. A five-minute speech should cover a niche topic or a high-level concept. A thirty-minute to an hour-long presentation can teach about a more detailed topic.
- Where: If you’re giving a speech in a meeting room at an office, your performance will likely be very different from speaking on stage in a large auditorium. Consider where you will be speaking and what kind of technology (projector, large screen, whiteboard, etc.) you will have available. The geographic location of your speech can also determine your selection of a local or regional topic relevant to the community.
- Why: Most importantly, you should know the purpose of your speech. If your goal is to get a good grade, it may help you pay more attention to following the teacher’s rubric. If your goal is to convince the audience to make a lifestyle change or donate to an important cause, you should structure your speech with the core “why” in mind.
The best speeches combine a simple message with charismatic delivery, an easily digestible structure, and something the audience can relate to. The essence of a great speech is that it arouses something in the audience, such as the motivation to take action or to see things in a new way.
List of Informative Speech Topics: 333 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity
In an informative speech, it is essential to have plenty of evidence or data to support your claims. But even the most well-researched presentation can feel hollow without the passion for delivering it authentically.
As you explore ideas for your speech, you should naturally gravitate toward intriguing and exciting topics. Giving a speech about something you think your teacher or colleagues will like (rather than what you’re truly interested in) could ultimately be inauthentic or boring. Take note of what makes your heart beat a little faster and follow that curiosity.
Easy Informative Speech Topics
If you’re in a pinch, choose a speech topic that doesn’t require extensive explanations to get the point across. It may be a good idea to avoid anything controversial or technical. Instead, choose a straightforward demonstrative or descriptive topic with a wide range of online information.
- How to improve your communication skills
- The most memorable speeches in history
- Why you should buy an electric car
- The most popular cars of the year
- How to read body language
- Top habits of successful people
- The most famous actors in history
- The benefits of time in nature
- Lesser known presidents
- Most popular breeds of dogs
- The worst natural disasters in the world
- How to eat healthier
- Harmful impacts of technology
- How to survive without electricity
- The richest people in the world
- The top companies in the world
- Child geniuses and prodigies
- How does sugar influence the body?
- The history of Disneyland
- How to break bad habits
- Top beauty products for younger skin
- How to do your homework faster
- How to be more productive
- High school students should do these 5 things before graduating
- Why high school students should take a gap year before college
- The best healthy snacks
- Why you should go vegan
- How to be more confident
- How to start a business
- Fashion through the decades
Pro Tip: Start your speech with an attention-grabbing hook that draws the audience in to listen. Try not to start by mentioning a technical difficulty (“Is this microphone working?”) or saying a lackluster nicety (“Thanks for having me.”).
Instead, try starting with:
- A story: “I’m here for a reason. And It’s an interesting story….”
- A big idea: “The single most important thing I want to share with you today is….”
- A quirky one-liner or interesting fact: “You might have always thought….”
Here is a guide on How to Start a Speech: Best and Worst Speech Openers.
You can also watch our video to learn the best (and worst) speech openers:
Informative Speech Topics for College
If public speaking isn’t scary enough, college speech classes can be brutal. You want to impress your professor without thoroughly embarrassing yourself in front of your peers. These topics are scholarly without being boring.
- How you can reduce your carbon footprint
- Different forms of learning
- The truth about microplastics and possible alternatives
- How to ace a college test
- Why schools shouldn’t give homework
- America’s fastest-growing cities
- The differences between female and male communication
- The best marketing tactics
- The importance of education for a country’s economy
- Ethical questions of artificial intelligence
- Unique ways to stop global climate change
- How to live to be 100
- Benefits of E-learning
- History of education in America
- How to eradicate poverty
- The real picture of foster care in America
- How to decide on a college major
- Pros and cons of the current education system
- Economics of urban versus rural development
- The history of agriculture
- How ancient Egyptians built the pyramids
- How to prevent the top 5 leading causes of death in America
- Understanding industrial hemp
- Pros and cons of remote work
- How college students can become millionaires by age 50 with monthly investing
- How to start an organic garden
- Private vs. public school
- The importance of discipline
- The most useful websites for college students
- Where does public university funding come from
Fun Informative Speech Topics
Most people don’t realize that playful topics like video games and reality TV can still be informative. These less serious subjects have the potential to become great speeches that invoke laughter, excitement, or new perspectives.
- Can procrastination be good for you?
- Myth or reality? We only use 10% of our brains
- The funniest commercials of all time
- Bizzare sports you didn’t know existed
- How snake venom attacks the body
- What will humans look like in the future?
- Weirdest medical facts
- The strangest phobias
- Secrets to a great relationship
- The fastest cars in the world
- What causes hiccups
- Evidence of life on Mars
- The world history of tattoos
- Why college students love fast food
- The evolution of video games
- How cryptocurrency can change finance
- Where do stereotypes come from?
- The most bizarre conspiracy theories
- The most influential musicians of our time
- Top craziest amusement park rides in the world
- The most fun things to do when you’re bored
- History of tattoo art
- The seven wonders of the world
- How to survive an annoying roommate
- The truth about reality shows
- How to create a bucket list
- The secrets behind the best TV shows
- Weirdest foods taste surprisingly delicious
- How to talk to people you don’t like
Interesting Informative Speech Topics
The most viral TED Talks combine a compelling or unique idea with exceptional nonverbal delivery. These interesting topics are sure to get your audience thinking.
- The neuroscience of attraction
- Mind-blowing facts about volcanoes
- The psychology of selling things
- Why you should turn your lawn into a garden
- Proof that aliens are real/fake
- How to start a business for under $100
- The history of America from a minority perspective
- How technology affects our brains
- What would happen to the economy if everyone grew their own food?
- The science and ethics of genetic modification
- How the electric car originated
- Elon Musk’s rise to success
- What is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)?
- How deaf people talk with emotion
- Why smiles are contagious
Informative Speech Topics About Science
From biology to chemistry to genetics, science encompasses many subjects. Where modern technology meets cutting-edge discoveries, these topics are for inquisitive researchers who want to dig into the data.
- How your brain works
- History of space exploration
- How solar panels work
- The evolution of plants
- Fascinating origins of plant medicines
- How DNA evidence is used
- How galaxies are formed
- How science is influenced by corporations
- Why dinosaurs really went extinct
- The oldest fossils ever found
- How does the human brain work?
- The effects of music on the brain
- The life of Albert Einstein
- How earthquakes can be predicted
- The craziest scientists in history
- What is CRISPR?
- Potential cures for cancer
- What is epigenetics?
Pro Tip: Google Scholar and PubMed are two excellent resources for peer-reviewed scientific literature. Accredited institutions conduct these studies and have undergone the rigor of the scientific method. They even include easy copy-and-paste citations if you need to turn in a bibliography with your speech.
Informative Speech Topics about Animals
From cuddly pets to the alien-like mystery creatures of the deep ocean, animals are universally fascinating.
- How to train a dog
- The most dangerous animals in the ocean
- How elephants use plants to medicate themselves
- The science behind the fastest animals in the world
- Can depression be treated with emotional support animals?
- Comparing reptiles versus mammals
- The strongest animal in the world
- Top 10 strangest animals on Earth
- Comparing human and primate brains
- Animals that have their own languages
- Ethical questions with animal testing
- What causes animals to become extinct?
- How to adopt a cat
- Pros and cons of the pet adoption system
- Is it kind to keep a monkey as a pet?
Informative Speech Topics Sports
Fitness, sports medicine, and professional sports teams are just scraping the surface regarding this subject. You can talk about the inspiring life of your favorite player or game history. The speech topics are perfect for anyone who loves to sweat and cheer.
- How sports teach kids discipline
- The importance of physical activity for stress relief
- Why companies should promote workplace fitness programs
- Top-paying careers in sports
- How people with disabilities can still play sports
- Football culture in the American south
- The importance of sports for children’s socialization
- The role of sports and masculinity in young boys
- Gambling problems in sports
- What makes a great sports coach?
- The best football players of all time
- How yoga can complement workouts
- How to prevent sports injuries
- The best physical therapy for college athletes
- The life of Michael Jordan
- Game-changing athletes in history
- Lebron James’ secret to success
- How Jackie Robinson transformed baseball
- The best nutrition for athletes, based on science
- Top vegan athletes in the world
- Why cheerleading is/isn’t a real sport
- Controversial moments in the Olympics
- Modern controversies about transgender athletes
- The most extreme sports in the world
- How hockey changed my life
- Pros and cons of CrossFit
- Why swimming is one of the healthiest workouts
- How adult hobby sports can improve socialization
- Daily exercise improves mental health
- The best at-home workouts
- Top marketing strategies used by the Super Bowl
- How the Olympics promotes international peace
- Should pro athletes have salary caps?
- How college athletes go pro
- Top female athletes in the world
- Interesting sports from around the world
- Why height is not the most important factor in basketball
- Why soccer is the most popular international sport
- Why women’s soccer gets less media coverage than men’s
- The best solo sports for introverts
- How handicapped people can still play sports
- The most inspirational handicapped athletes
Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Speech With Stage Presence
Did you know that public speaking is actually a skill? Many people struggle with stage anxiety because they feel they ‘missed the memo’ on public speaking or they are lacking because they do not have a natural stage presence. Not true!
Stage presence and public speaking are skills you need to be taught—very few people have them naturally.
Watch our video to learn 7 steps to overcome stage fright and beat performance anxiety:
Here are all the aspects of public speaking you can master.
- How to make a first impression with an audience
- How to have stage presence
- Powerful body language
- How to speak with a commanding voice
- What to do with your hands while speaking
For every speaking skill you add to your toolbox, the less speaking anxiety you will feel.
If you want help really diving into your presentation skills, be sure to sign-up for our course…
Master Your People Skills
- Create a Memorable Presence
- Communicate with Confidence
- Achieve Your Goals
Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support.
Cultural Informative Speech Topics
Learning about different cultures can drastically expand your viewpoint of the world. These speech ideas cover everything from language to ancient history to pop culture.
- How to learn about local culture while traveling
- The importance of workplace culture
- How to build a positive corporate culture
- How social media connects and promotes culture
- The oldest cultures in the world
- Modern versus traditional gender roles
- How women have transformed corporate leadership
- The dangers of hustle culture
- How social media culture impacts self-esteem
- How to learn from watching movies
- The rise of podcasts and their role in modern culture
- The role of social media in business
- How immigrants maintain cultural traditions in their new countries
- Ancient archeological artifacts you’ve never heard of
- Native American spiritual traditions
- Holy herbs and plants across global cultures
- How to make an African tribal basket
- The portrayal of black culture in the media
- Culture of Scandinavia
- Burial rituals in ancient Mesopotamia
- History and meaning of the Om symbol
- The history of Buddhism
- How to show respect in Japanese culture
- The cultural history of African Americans
- Chinese traditional foods
- Top 10 foreign dishes you have to try before you die
- The most important spiritual symbols in the world
- Generational differences in Mexican culture
- The symbolism of marigolds in Mexican traditions
- What is Dia De Los Muertos?
Want to radically improve your presentation skills? Watch our video for 10 presentation ideas:
Informative Speech Topics About History
They say, “history repeats itself.” Consider giving a unique or lesser-known perspective about historical events for a thought-provoking speech. Use museum artifacts and first-hand accounts to guide your points.
- The Civil Rights Movement
- The oldest civilizations in the world
- Nelson Mandela’s historical impact
- The truth about colonization and Thanksgiving
- How the Industrial Revolution impacted the environment
- The real story of the Titanic
- The craziest criminals in history
- What caused the Great Depression?
- What schools get wrong about black history
- Religion during the age of the Aztecs
- Archeological evidence of aliens
- Ancient history of dogs and wolves
- What caused the Salem witch trials?
- The American Revolution
- The role of Christianity in slavery
- Human rights violations throughout history
- How life changed for Native Americans after colonization
- The role of urbanization on the changing American landscape
- The cowboy era: myths and truths
- The American Constitution
- The most influential people in world history
- Forming of the United Nations
- What caused World War I?
- Financial panics and recessions throughout history
- The Prohibition era
- What led to consumerism in society?
- The Vietnam War
- The California Gold Rush
- The true story of Pocahontas
- Little-known facts about Mexican history
Informative Speech Topics About Music
Music is the soundtrack to our lives. Beyond mere entertainment, its impact dives into the roots of culture, identity, and brain function. Here are some exciting ways to incorporate your love of music into an informative speech.
- How music can help mental health
- Why you should learn an instrument
- How listening to music improves your productivity
- Genres of music
- Links between classical music and IQ
- Why do people bond over music
- Rarest instruments in the world
- The easiest instruments to play
- Best country musicians of all time
- How hip hop music has shaped culture in America
- Evolution of rap and hip hop
- The origins of rock n’ roll in southern blues music
- The history of opera
- The best electronic dance music
- The impact of reggae music
- How punk rock got its start
- How folk music shaped Appalachia
- Country music hall of fame
- Must-see musical landmarks around the world
- Importance of gospel music
- The ethics of sampling other artist’s music
- How music shapes subculture
- Has social media made record companies obsolete?
- The importance of musical education in public schools
- Music as a form of protest
- How sad music helps you overcome heartbreaks
- Why music shapes generations
- How dancing can change your mindset
- From the phonograph to iPhone: History of music machines
Health Informative Speech Topics
The ever-changing landscape of health offers a wealth of resources. Leave an impact on your audience by inspiring them to improve their eating habits or approach healthy living in a new way. Be sure to find the right sources for these speeches to make sure you are citing correct health science.
- How to extend your lifespan
- Links between diet and mental illnesses
- How to cook healthy food on a budget
- Why a daily walk outside can transform your health
- History of herbal medicine
- Let food be thy medicine: From Hippocrates to modern day food pyramid
- Why you should do yoga for 15 minutes a day
- Benefits and drawbacks of a vegetarian diet
- The healthiest fruits in the world
- What is really in processed food?
- Is weight lifting or cardio better for burning fat?
- How agriculture affects our health
- The gut microbiome
- The dangers of pesticides in our food system
- How soil health impacts human health
- Who controls the food system?
- The science behind keto diets
- The dangers of low-fat diets
- Top 5 best foods for brain function
- The daily habits of the healthiest people in the world
- Differences in definitions of health
- European versus American food ingredients
- The role of fats in brain function
- How to fix a headache
- The benefits of magnesium
- The best supplements, according to science
- The main signs of a stroke
- The chronic disease epidemic in America
- How to lose weight the healthy way
- Why you should avoid eating seed oils
- Why you should stop eating gluten
- How to prevent arthritis
- The real causes of diabetes
- Is meat actually bad for you? Pros and cons
- How to stop the mental health epidemic
- How dental health impacts your digestion
- Amazing benefits of black seed oil
- The Harvard Longevity Project: Why happy people live longer
- Ancient health remedies from around the world
- Why you should eat fermented foods
- Causes of cancer and how to prevent it
- Why people should donate their organs
- Effects of radiation
- The healthiest cultures in the world
- Why obesity is a modern problem
- How to have stronger bones
- Healthcare access for minorities
- Why fast food restaurants are addictive
- Pros and cons of salt
- How to overcome stress
- The dangers of e-cigarettes
- People need to drink more water
- The insurance and healthcare system in America
- How friendships improve your health
- Why couples should exercise together
- Benefits of dark chocolate
- Dangerous food additives you’ve never heard of
- Easy ways to improve your nutrition
- How to reverse hair loss
- Secrets to have healthy hair
- Benefits and drawbacks of stem cell research
- Why you should stop drinking soda
- How to reduce asthma attacks
- Health benefits of ginger
- Why you should drink tea
Key Takeaways: Find Inspiration for a Speech
Any informative topic can be used to craft a speech, but a showstopping presentation requires thinking outside the box and approaching your speech from a unique point of view. Before you settle on a topic for your next speech, be sure that your speech idea is:
- Authentically interesting: Discussing something that doesn’t spark your interest is no use. Choose a topic or idea that you actually care about for an authentic and passionate delivery.
- Relevant to your audience: If you don’t know your audience, you might as well be speaking to a wall. Professional presenters understand the general knowledge level of their audience and what information will be valuable or interesting to them.
- Easy to research: Obscure topics can be alluring and challenging to research. Choose a topic that has plenty of information available in books or online. Be sure to use reputable sources and cite them when necessary.
- The proper length: The depth and detail of your speech ultimately depend on the length of time you have to talk. Pick a subject that you can thoroughly describe in the allotted time frame.
Once you narrow down a few of your favorite topic ideas, start brainstorming how you want your speech to impact the audience. Use these 10 Presentation Ideas That Will Radically Improve Your Presentation Skills, such as:
- Why you should save the best for first and last
- How to design epic presentation slides
- Why you shouldn’t over-rehearse
- How to own the stage