In Toastmasters, a public speaking club, I used to always have trouble with speech ideas.

Then I started looking at the world around me and noticing what I think about. If there’s something I think interesting enough to ponder on it for a while, could there be a speech there?

News events are always ok topics, but be sure you always know a lot about it and keep up with the latest developments, right up until your speech is to be given.

Definitely talk about what you know.

After looking for my own topics, I have given speeches about:

* Freakonomics and other books I’ve read

* The merits and pitfalls of Reality TV

* The Serenity Prayer as it applies in the workplace

* How to find the perfect apartment

* Developing goals

As well as topics that were relevant to my audience, like Toastmasters topics.

Ask yourself some questions:

1. Who is my audience and what would they like to hear?

2. What is the purpose of my speech? Is it to inform, to entertain, to persuade?

Best of luck. If you’re not in Toastmasters already, look it up and visit a club. It’s a lot of fun and you really learn to think on your feet when it comes to speaking. Worked for me. 🙂

Once you have a topic (or list of topics) ask yourself the following questions.

* 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?

If you can answer yes to all of the above questions

then you have selected a great topic for you and your audience.

Good luck!