Speeches > James D. Gordon III > The Joy of Education and Lifelong Learning
The Joy of Education and Lifelong Learning
James d. gordon iii.
March 15, 2013
There are so many opportunities for lifelong learning. If we do our best and seek Heavenly Father’s help, He will strengthen us beyond our natural abilities and help us to learn.
I am happy to be here with you today. I remember when I was a university student. Like some of you, I had trouble deciding what my major should be. First I thought about majoring in economics. That way, if I couldn’t get a job after I graduated, at least I would understand why.
Then I thought I might major in physical education. I went down to the gym to lift weights, but the laughter made it difficult to concentrate.
I sampled some classes, but I didn’t always do very well. For example, I took a photography class. I just about went crazy trying to take a close-up of the horizon. The teacher in that class gave me an F minus. He said that giving me an F would be unfair to the people who failed normally.
I studied chemistry, but I thought that there were only four elements on the periodic table: earth, air, fire, and water. I thought that fire had three electrons in the outer shell.
I thought about studying math. It has been reported that 60 percent of Americans cannot do basic math. Sixty percent! That’s nearly half! But we shouldn’t laugh—and most of you didn’t, and I appreciate that.
Seek Learning
Seriously, I would like to speak about the joy of education and lifelong learning. Life is a test, and life is also a school. The Lord has invited us to seek learning. He said, “Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” 2 He commanded early Church leaders to “study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.” 3
Three reasons why we should learn are to develop personally, to increase our ability to serve others, and to be prepared in all things. Brigham Young said, “Our education should be such as to improve our minds and fit us for increased usefulness; to make us of greater service to the human family.” 4
President Thomas S. Monson taught:
Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life. 5
Learning helps us to be prepared in all things. The Lord said:
Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you. 6
Being prepared in all things includes being prepared for the world of work so that you can provide for yourself and your family.
It is a great privilege to study at Brigham Young University. You have the opportunity to learn in an environment that is consistent with the principles of the gospel. Being a student here is a position of trust. As you know, the Church pays for much of your education. You have the responsibility to study hard, to obey the Honor Code, and to prepare for future service. Hopefully throughout your life you will look back on your time here with fondness and cherish the memories.
On Pursuing a BYU Education
I would like to offer some advice as you pursue your education here. I hope that I don’t sound like Polonius giving advice to Laertes in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet— especially when I remember what happened to Polonius. I am not referring to the fact that he was killed behind the arras, but rather to the fact that over the centuries he has been portrayed by literally thousands of bad actors.
First, do your best in school. You might recall a story about a person who was asked to build a house. He decided to cut corners, use cheap materials, and do a poor job. When he was done, the owner handed him the key and said, “I’d like to give you this house as a gift.”
Attending the university is like that. You can work hard and do a good job, or you can cut cor-ners and do a poor job. Be fair with yourself by giving your best effort. I encourage you to work diligently, to learn a lot, and to prepare well for the future.
Second, do things to enrich your education, such as having a mentored-learning experience with a faculty member, publishing an article, doing an internship, working in BYUSA, or participating in a student club. Perhaps you can be a teaching assistant or a research assistant or participate in a performing group. BYU offers so many opportunities to develop and grow. When you look back on your education here, these extra activities will have special meaning.
You might participate in intramural sports. Personally, I’m not very athletic. I tell my students that I played football in high school. They had a play designed especially for me. It was called “Pencilneck Right.” You know how BYU uses the run to set up the pass? Well, Pencilneck Right was used to set up the injury timeout.
When I was in high school I was in the chess club. I tell my students that I had a rook on my letterman jacket. Do you know what it says when you walk around campus with a rook on your letterman jacket? “Don’t mess with me, pal. Checkmate!”
Third, give service. It is important to fulfill Church callings and to perform other service. Y-Serve, the Center for Service and Learning, located in the Wilkinson Student Center, offers many opportunities to serve in the community. Service is important for its own sake, and it helps you to keep a broader perspective and to stay balanced.
Fourth, make friends. Even though your classmates are not as good-looking—and not as humble—as you are, they are bright, good, and interesting people. The friendships you make here can last throughout your whole life and can be a particularly sweet aspect of your university experience. Take time to make friends.
When I was in high school I didn’t have many friends. Once I told my dad that the other kids were giving me a hard time about my religion. My father sat down next to me, and, in his fatherly way, he said, “Son, it doesn’t matter what race you are or what religion you are. There will always be people who don’t like you—because you’re irritating.”
Fifth, attend devotional and forum addresses and other events, such as academic presentations, concerts, plays, and art exhibits. These are wonderful opportunities.
Sixth, enjoy your university education. It’s exciting, fascinating, challenging, and fun. The secret to happiness is not to look forward to some future time when all your problems will be solved. The secret is to be happy today.
The Joy and Sweetness of Lifelong Learning
There is joy in learning. In some Hebrew schools a special ceremony occurs on the first day of class. The teacher places a drop of honey on the cover of a book and gives the book to the student, who licks the honey off. The symbolic message is that learning is sweet.
Learning can also be challenging. Sometimes the learning curve is steep. When we are acquiring new knowledge or skills, we may feel uncertain, and we may make mistakes. However, being stretched means that we are growing. If we ask Heavenly Father in prayer, He will increase our ability to learn and help us to overcome our challenges.
Hopefully your university education will provide a foundation for lifelong learning. As The Aims of a BYU Education describes:
BYU should inspire students to keep alive their curiosity and prepare them to continue learning throughout their lives. BYU should produce careful readers, prayerful thinkers, and active participants in solving family, professional, religious, and social problems. . . . Thus a BYU diploma is a beginning, not an end, pointing the way to a habit of constant learning. In an era of rapid changes in technology and information, the knowledge and skills learned this year may require renewal the next. Therefore, a BYU degree should educate students in how to learn, teach them that there is much still to learn, and implant in them a love of learning “by study and also by faith.” 7
The most important area of lifelong learning is spiritual learning. We seek answers through prayer. We read the scriptures regularly so that they become part of our lives. Reading the scriptures reminds us of the Lord’s commandments, the covenants that we have made to keep them, and the blessings of the gospel. Studying the scriptures also invites the Holy Ghost, who guides our decisions and helps us to learn. Elder Russell M. Nelson said: “Faith is nurtured through knowledge of God. It comes from prayer and feasting upon the words of Christ through diligent study of the scriptures.” 8
Regardless of one’s opportunities for formal education, a person can engage in lifelong learning. My grandfather was Jim Gordon. His parents were Scottish immigrants. He was only able to finish the eighth grade before he went to work. He drove a delivery wagon in San Francisco when he was a young man.
Automobiles replaced horse-drawn wagons. Later my grandfather became a mechanic. He brought books about diesel engines home from work, and he read them. Eventually he became the supervisor over all the diesel equipment for a substantial company. Although his opportunity for formal education was limited, he kept learning on his own. His most important learning experiences occurred when, later in life, he decided to enter the waters of baptism and to receive the blessings of the temple.
When my grandfather was young, he drove a horse-drawn wagon. However, his world changed. During his lifetime he flew in passenger planes, and astronauts landed on the moon. Your world will change too. Many of the changes will be positive and exciting; others may present challenges. Will you be prepared to meet the challenges that will arise during your lifetime?
We need to continue to learn throughout our lives. President Gordon B. Hinckley told graduating BYU students:
We live in a world where knowledge is developing at an ever-accelerating rate. Drink deeply from this ever-springing well of wisdom and human experience. If you should stop now, you will only stunt your intellectual and spiritual growth. Keep everlastingly at it. Read. Read. Read. Read the word of God in sacred books of scripture. Read from the great literature of the ages. Read what is being said in our day and time and what will be said in the future. 9
Personally, I love to read. I tell my students that my first job was as a proofreader in an M&M factory. You have your own patterns for reading. One thing that helps me is that my wife, Nadine, and I belong to a book group with some friends. During the school year we meet almost monthly. We take turns: a couple chooses a book, hosts the book group in their home, leads the discussion, and serves refreshments afterward. We have read books about a wide variety of subjects. I had never even heard of many of these books before, but I have enjoyed reading them very much.
In addition, I have always enjoyed words. When I was a boy and I would encounter a word I didn’t know, sometimes I would ask my father what it meant. He would reply, “Look it up.” My father usually knew the answer, but he wanted me to learn how to look words up. So I would open the dictionary that sat on the bookshelf in our living room and look the word up.
Later I wanted to learn more words. One summer my friend John Tanner (who later became a BYU English professor) and I worked as groundskeepers at the Oakland California Temple. On some days we would each write five words and their definitions on an index card and put the card in our shirt pocket. Then we would share the words and use them in sentences during the day. My favorite word from that summer was halcyon. It means calm, peaceful, tranquil, or golden. As we pulled weeds and performed other physical labor on the beautiful temple grounds, we would exclaim, “Oh, those halcyon days of youth!” Now, as I look back, I see that they really were halcyon days.
In our busy lives, how can we make time to continue learning? I believe in consistent, incremental progress—small steps over time. For example, one doesn’t learn to play the piano in a single day. One must practice daily for several years. After many small increments, one can eventually play hymns, popular songs, or classical music. Lifelong learning is like that. We need to schedule some time each day to study the scriptures. We can also regularly read a little in other books. We learn “line upon line” and “precept upon precept.” 10
Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Sister Kristen M. Oaks wrote:
There are few things more fulfilling and fun than learning something new. Great happiness, satisfaction, and financial rewards come from this. An education is not limited to formal study. Lifelong learning can increase our ability to appreciate and relish the workings and beauty of the world around us. This kind of learning goes well beyond books and a selective use of new technology, such as the Internet. It includes artistic endeavors. It also includes experiences with people and places: conversations with friends, visits to museums and concerts, and opportunities for service. We should expand ourselves and enjoy the journey. 11
Two Stumbling Blocks of Learning
There are two issues connected with learning about which we must be careful. First, learning can lead to pride. In 2 Nephi Jacob wrote:
O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. 12
President Ezra Taft Benson taught:
Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. . . .
The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness. (See Alma 7:23.) It is the broken heart and contrite spirit. 13
Humility opens our hearts and minds to learning. By contrast, thinking that we already know everything impedes our learning. King Benjamin taught that a person needs to become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” 14
Second, we should expect that at times apparent conflicts may arise between secular learning and gospel principles. “[T]he gospel encompasses all truth.” 15 At the groundbreaking of the BYU Eyring Science Center in 1948, President George Albert Smith said:
I want to say that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts all that is true in the world from whatever source it may come, with the knowledge that it originated with the greatest of all scientists, our Father in Heaven. . . .
And so I congratulate the students of this great institution [BYU] to think that you have all the advantages that the people of the world have, plus the advantages of faith in God, a belief in the power of our Heavenly Father, and His inspiration. 16
The Aims of a BYU Education states:
Students need not ignore difficult and important questions. Rather, they should frame their questions in prayerful, faithful ways, leading them to answers that equip them to give “a reason of the hope that is in” them (1 Peter 3:15) and to articulate honestly and thoughtfully their commitments to Christ and to His Church. 17
When human knowledge and the gospel appear to conflict, we should remember that human knowledge is limited. Eternal truth is not limited, but our understanding of it is incomplete. After this life, if we are worthy, we will understand all truth. Meanwhile, we seek answers to faithful questions. We study, ponder, pray, and have patience. We exercise faith in God. He blesses us with greater knowledge, understanding, and peace in our lives.
We should be humble about what we know and what we do not know. An angel appeared to Nephi. Nephi wrote:
And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. 18
We do not know the meaning of all things, but we do know that God loves His children.
God’s wisdom supersedes human knowledge. Elder Oaks wrote:
We are commanded to seek learning by study, the way of reason, and by faith, the way that relies on revelation. Both are pleasing to God. He uses both ways to reveal light and knowledge to his children. But when it comes to a knowledge of God and the principles of his gospel, we must give primacy to revelation because that is the Lord’s way. 19
We should also remember to put the gospel, not our academic discipline, first in our lives. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” 20
The Strength in Learning
This is a wonderful time to be on the earth. There are so many opportunities for lifelong learning. If we do our best and seek Heavenly Father’s help, He will strengthen us beyond our natural abilities and help us to learn. That learning will enable us to develop personally, will increase our ability to serve others, and will help us to be prepared in all things.
I testify that the gospel is true. Heavenly Father lives and loves us, and Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
1. Marion B. and Rulon A. Earl Professor of Law, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University. Apologies and thanks to Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Steven Wright, and others.
2. D&C 88:118.
3. D&C 90:15.
4. JD 14:83.
5. Thomas S. Monson, “Three Goals to Guide You,” Ensign, November 2007, 119.
6. D&C 88:78–80.
7. The Mission of Brigham Young University and The Aims of a BYU Education (Provo: BYU, 1996), 12.
8. Russell M. Nelson, “With God Nothing Shall Be Impossible,” Ensign, May 1988, 34.
9. Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Three-Point Challenge,” BYU commencement address, 27 April 1995; excerpt in TGBH, 171.
10. D&C 98:12; 2 Nephi 28:30.
11. Dallin H. Oaks and Kristen M. Oaks, “Learning and Latter-day Saints,” Ensign, April 2009, 27.
12. 2 Nephi 9:28–29.
13. Ezra Taft Benson, “Beware of Pride,” Ensign, May 1989, 6.
14. Mosiah 3:19.
15. Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. on Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s views, quoted in Bruce C. Hafen, A Disciple’s Life: The Biography of Neal A. Maxwell (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002), 167; see also Henry Eyring, quoted in Henry J. Eyring, Mormon Scientist: The Life and Faith of Henry Eyring (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007), 60.
16. George Albert Smith, “Address at Ground Breaking Ceremonies for the Physical Science Building at Brigham Young University,” 11 May 1948, 2, 4; this quotation is posted on the fifth floor of the BYU Harold B. Lee Library.
17. The Aims, 4.
18. 1 Nephi 11:16–17.
19. Dallin H. Oaks, The Lord’s Way (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1991), 72.
20. 3 Nephi 13:33.
© Brigham Young University. All rights reserved.
James D. Gordon III1 was assistant to the president for planning and assessment and a professor of law at BYU when this devotional address was given on 26 March 2013.
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English Speech Topics for Students
- Updated on
- Sep 20, 2024
Writing an exciting and thoughtful speech requires selecting a good topic, researching it thoroughly, and forming individual opinions to express the same. School students are usually asked to speak on a contemporary topic to help them become good public speakers and learn the art of expressing themselves in front of an audience. While many speech competitions often allot topics beforehand, you might also have heard of extempore where topics are given on the spot for speech. This blog brings you a list of common English speech topics as well as some helpful tips and tricks that can assist you in effectively expressing your thoughts and opinions in front of an audience. Before starting, we would like to give you one piece of advice: you can also Humanize AI to humanize these topics for better readability and human touch if required. Let’s begin!
This Blog Includes:
List of best english speech topics for students, 1-minute speech topics, 2-minute speech topics, 3-minute speech topics, easy topics for speech in english, english speech topics on environment, english speech topics on technology, english speech topics on independence day, english speech topics on diwali, english speech topics on corruption, english speech topics on feminism, english speech topics on mother’s day, english speaking topics on capitalism, engish speech topics on gandhi jayanti, english speech topics on reading, english speech topics on communism, english speech topics on deforestation, english speech topics on social issues, english speech topics on important days & events, english speech topics on greatest leaders in india & around the world, english speech topics on indian culture, english speech topics on proverbs, english speech topics on human rights, english speech topics on education, english speech topics on the importance of water, miscellaneous speech topics, best speech topics for students of all ages, impactful topics for debate and public speaking, creative speech topics for engaging an audience, types of persuasive speech topics, tips for writing and speaking a speech.
Speeches are all about one’s thoughts. It should not be copied from somewhere. It is all about what the speaker thinks of any given topic. However, take a look at the following list of English Speech topics on different contemporary issues as well as concepts.
- The Best Day of My Life
- Social Media: Bane or Boon?
- Social Media Influence
- Favourite Subject
- Favourite Book
- Pros and Cons of Online Learning
- Benefits of Yoga
- If I had a Superpower
- I wish I were _____
- Human Rights
- Environment Conservation
- Women Should Rule The World!
- The Best Lesson I Have Learned
- Paperbacks vs E-books
- How to Tackle a Bad Habit
- My Favorite Pastime/Hobby
- Why Should Every Citizen Vote?
- Learning a New Language
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Is it real or not?
- Importance of Reading
- Importance of Books In Our Life
- My Favorite Fictional Character
- Introverts vs Extroverts
- Lessons to Learn From Sports
- Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder
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- Importance of Kindness
- Is there Value in Homework?
- Things I learned in Lockdown
- How Can Food Be Recycled?
- Should Art Be A Part of the school curriculum?
- Effects of Video Games
- Effects of Cartoons
- Your Best Friend
- Should Schools Teach Sign Language?
- Women Make Better Presidents/Prime Ministers
- Why Books Are Better Than Movies?
- Life Was Better When Technology Was Simple
- Impact of Technology On Our Health
- Should Children’s Reality Shows Be Banned?
- Learning In the Wake of COVID-19
- Hard Work vs Smart Work
- What Makes Learning Fun?
- The Coolest Inventions You’ve Seen
- Nuclear Energy
- Importance of AI in Education
- Importance of Extracurricular Activities
- Should Exams be banned?
- How to Tackle Bullying in Schools?
- Public Transportation Benefits
- How to Spread Kindness
- Speech About Dreams
- Speech About Life
- Speech on Time
- Speech on Discipline
- Speech on Happiness
- Speech on Kindness
- Speech on the Value of Time
- Speech on Health and Fitness
- Speech on Doctor
- Speech on Nurse
- Graduation Day Speech
- World Health Day Speech
- Sex Education Speech
- Speech on Qualities of a Good Human Being
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- Importance of Education
- Is It Beneficial to Learn a Second Language?
- Music has Healing Power
- Success in Life
- Self Confidence
- 18th Birthday
- Love Is More Powerful Than Hate
- Social Impact of Covid-19
- How can Online Learning be Fun?
- Make Public Transport Free
- Should Violent Video Games Be Banned?
- Speech on Learning
- Climate Change
- Ozone Layer Depletion
- Reducing Water Levels
- Deforestation
- Global Warming
- Waste Management
- Water-Saving Techniques
- Reducing the Green Cover of Earth
- Afforestation
- Endangered Species Need Protection
- Importance of Fishing Regulations
- Importance of Investing in Alternative Fuels
- Impact of Ocean Acidification on Marine Organisms
- The Misuse of the Term “Sustainable Development” by Environmentalists
- Microbial Benefits
- E-Waste Management
- Natural Disasters and Their Impact on Economic Growth
- Energy Alternatives – Only Solution to The Environmental Damage
- Extinction of Rare Species
- World Environment Day
- Disaster Management
- Over and Improper Use of Natural Resources
- Air, Water and Soil Pollution
- Efficiency of Recycling
- Environmental Awareness
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- Technology and Mental Health
- Privacy in the Digital Age: Navigating the Challenges of Data Collection and Surveillance
- The Impact of Technology on Society
- Artificial Intelligence : The New Normal
- The Role of Social Media in Communication and Social Interactions
- Sustainable Technology : Innovations for a Greener Future
- The Rise of E-commerce
- Gaming Technology: Entertainment, ESports and Interactive Experiences
- The Digital Divide : Bridging the Gap for Equal Access to Technology
- The Ethical Dilemmas of Emerging Technologies
- The Journey of Independence Day
- The Significance of Independence Day
- Indian Independence Day
- Remembering the Founding Fathers
- The Spirit of Independence
- Independence Day and Volunteering
- Independence Day Speeches
- India’s Road to Freedom
- Independence Day and National Identity
- Independence Day in the Digital Age
- Independence Day and Women’s Empowerment
- Diwali: The Festival of Lights and Its Significance in Hindu Culture
- Diwali and the Victory of Good Over Evil
- Diwali and the Art of Giving
- Diwali and the Spirit of Forgiveness
- Diwali and Cultural Exchanges
- Diwali and the Essence of Joy
- Diwali and Social Responsibility
- Diwali and Artistic Expressions
- The Rituals and Traditions of Diwali
- Diwali and the Symbolism of Light
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- The Economic Consequence of Corruption
- Corruption and International Aid
- Media and Corruption
- Fighting Corruption
- Corruption in Politics
- Corruption in India Speech
- The Role of Transparency and Accountability in Curbing Corruption
- The Role of Technology in Combating Corruption
- Whistleblowing and Protecting Mechanism
- Corruption in Business and Corporate Practices
- Understanding Feminism
- The Future of Feminism
- Feminism and Parenting
- Feminism and Online Activism
- Feminism and Environmental Activism
- Feminism and Reproductive Rights
- The Gender Pay Gap: Examining Inequalities in the Workplace
- Feminism and its Evolution
- Feminism and Body Positivity
- Feminism and Media Representation: Encouraging Authentic and Diverse Portrayals of Women
- Expressing Gratitude and Love to Mothers
- The Influence of Mothers in Shaping Our Values and Beliefs
- Motherhood and Education
- Mother’s Day and Volunteerism
- Mother-Daughter Relationship
- The Role of Mothers in Shaping Society
- Mother’s Day Crafts and DIY Gifts
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Exploring English Speech Topics? You must also take a look at Extempore Topics !
- Capitalism: An Introduction to the Economic System and Its Principles
- The Future of Capitalism
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- Capitalism and Globalisation
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- Capitalism and Financial Crisis: Undertaking the Risk and Mitigation Measures
- Capitalism and Environmental Sustainability
- Capitalism and the Role of Government
- Corporate Social Responsibility in Capitalism
- Capitalism and the Digital Economy
- Mahatma Gandhi : The Father of the Nation and His Ideals
- Remembering Gandhi: Reflecting On His Life and Legacy
- Gandhi’s Influence on the Indian Independence Movement
- Satyagraha: The Power of Truth and Nonviolent Resistance
- Gandhi’s Philosophy of Swaraj
- The Role of Women in Gandhi’s Freedom Struggle
- Gandhi’s Teaching on Education and Moral Values
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- The Joy of Reading: Escaping Into the Different Worlds and Characters
- Translating a Book Into Another Language
- Reading and Personal Identity
- The Current State of Communism
- Communism: An Introduction to the Ideology and Its Historical Context
- The Evolution of Communist Movements
- The Role of the State in a Communist Society
- The Fall of Communist Regimes
- Communism and Religious Freedom
- Communism and Gender Equality
- Communism and Workers’ Rights
- The Criticisms of Communism
- Deforestation: Causes, Consequences and Global Impact
- Deforestation and Climate Change
- Deforestation and Carbon Sequestration
- Deforestation and Individual Actions
- Deforestation and Wildlife Trafficking
- Deforestation and Sustainable Development
- Deforestation and Indigenous Communities
- Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss
- Deforestation and Forest Fires
- The Importance of Forests
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- Women Empowerment
- Education of Girl Child
- Unemployment
- Casteism
- Reservation
- Importance of Maintaining Hygiene
- Child Labour
- Social Distancing
- Organ Donation
- Importance of the Right to Education
- Child Trafficking
- Cultural Diversity
- Struggles of Immigrants
- Impact of Globalisation
- Adult Education
- Road Safety
- Independence Day
- Mother’s Day
- World Cancer Day
- World Population Day
- World Health Day
- Ambedkar Jayanti
- Gandhi Jayanti
- Human Rights Day
- Zero Discrimination Day
- Women’s Day
- Thanksgiving
- Anti-Terrorism Day
- Hindi Diwas
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Raja Rammohan Roy
- George Washington
- Albert Einstein
- APJ Abdul Kalam
- Nelson Mandela
- Kailash Satyarthi
- Diversity in India
- Speech on Holi
- The Role of Yoga and Meditation in Indian Culture and Its Global Impact
- The Importance of Traditional Indian Clothing
- Indian Folklore
- Indian Festivals
- The Art of Indian Dance
- Traditional Indian Medicine (Ayurveda)
- Indian Epics and Mythology
- Social Customs and Etiquettes in Indian Society
- Indian Sports and Games
Also Read: Speech on Indian Culture
- Honesty Is The Best Policy
- When There’s A Will, There Is A Way
- Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
- Actions Speak Louder Than Words
- Knowledge is Power
- Ignorance is Bliss
- Hard Work is The Key to Success
- The Role of International Organisations in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Milestone in Human History
- Gender Equality: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women
- Ensuring a Safe and Sustainable Environment for the Next Generation
- The Right to Education: Empowering Minds
- Bridging the Gap Between the Rich and Poor
- Human Rights and Armed Conflicts
- Global Fight to Combat Human Trafficking
- Human Rights and Climate Change
- Religious Freedom: Tolerance and Coexistence in a Diverse Society
- Importance of Teacher in Your Life
- SAT Scores for College Application
- Student Bullies Should be Expelled
- Consequences of Cheating in Exams
- Homeschooling is Better Than Normal Schooling
- Importance of Value Education
- Importance of Sports and Physical Exercises
- Schools vs Colleges
- What is the Difference Between a School, College and University in the USA?
- The Water-Energy Nexus
- The Essence of Water: Exploring the Live-giving Properties of H2O
- Water as a Driver of Economic Growth and Prosperity
- Water Security: Ensuring Equal Access and Quality for All
- Water and Agriculture
- The Role of Water in Ecosystems
- Water and Blue Economy
- Water Diplomacy: Promoting Collaboration for Transboundary Water Management
- Water and Cultural Significance: Exploring Symbolisms and Rituals
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): Foundational for Human Health and Dignity
- Article 370
- Women rights
- The Constitution of India
- Youth of India
- Culture of India
- Importance of Unity
- Generation Gap
- Old Age Homes
- Family Values
- Leadership skills
- Rise of Smart Classes
- Grading System
- Importance of Practical Education
- Benefits of Co-Education
- Importance of Co-Curricular Activities
- The Uselessness of Power-Point Digital Presentations
- Rise of Technology
- Excessive Usage of the Internet
- Speech on Fear
- Speech on Dependence on Technology
- Importance of Social Media
- Speech on India of My Dreams
- Indian Education System
- Speech on My India
Speech topics that resonate with students often focus on relatable issues such as environmental conservation, the influence of technology, and personal growth stories. These subjects are relevant, engaging, and thought-provoking, making them ideal for different age groups and interests.
Debate and public speaking topics should challenge perspectives and spark discussion. Subjects like climate change, equality in education, or the ethical use of artificial intelligence allow speakers to present diverse viewpoints while encouraging audience participation.
When crafting a speech, selecting a creative and unique topic can make all the difference in holding the audience’s attention. Engaging topics often address current trends, personal experiences, or thought-provoking questions, encouraging listeners to think critically and relate to the subject. Whether discussing innovative ideas or sharing a personal story, it’s essential to blend passion with relatability to create a lasting impact.
While exploring persuasive English speech topics, you must make sure that they are stimulating, engaging, concise and clear. There are three main types of Persuasive Speech topics which are:
1. Factual Persuasive Speech : These topics include facts, figures and statistics to thoroughly analyse the given topic and assess whether it’s true or false.
2. Policy Persuasive Speech : Discussing policies, laws and reforms, these speech topics critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the given policy or law and suggest the improvements that can be made.
3. Value Persuasive Speech : Mainly focusing on social or political issues, these speech topics present the critique and argument of whether certain actions are morally right or not.
While speaking on a particular topic, there are certain things that you must keep in mind to make your speech expressive and effective. Let’s take a look at some useful topics that help you in acing any topic you are speaking on.
- Always research the topic. If you are participating in an extempore, then make sure to go through the common and popular topics as well as the unconventional ones that you might get. Preparation is the key to delivering an impressive speech. For inspiration, look up various speech examples to see how effective speakers engage their audience
- Whether you are given a topic on the spot or you are prepared for the speech, it is always pivotal that you seem interested in speaking about it. Relate the given issues to your own life and this will help you in giving it your twist.
- Pay extra attention to your body language and enunciation. While a gesticulative approach will make you seem outward, having timid body language can cause a wrong impression.
- Ponder upon the different viewpoints on a topic . Try to present a holistic view of the given topic but don’t forget to present your opinion on it as well. Along with this, don’t try to take sides unless the topic demands you to.
- Involve your audience, if possible. This way, you will be able to interact with the people and it will also be useful in fighting the fear of public speaking.
- Don’t mug up a speech. It becomes evident when someone just speaks on a topic continuously and the audience might realise that you have memorized it or you might forget a certain part which will let the whole speech fade away from your brain.
- Instead, make notes about the topic in your mind, remember certain keywords and try to maintain a particular flow in your speech.
- Incorporate humour in your speech in a way that you do not offend anyone or overdo it but get a positive reaction from the audience. Humour is a great way of lightening the mood and ensuring the whole speech is interactive and engaging.
Related Reads
Ans: Juvenile delinquency is acceptable. Prostitution should be legal. Underage driving should be punishable by law. Beauty pageants for children should be banned. Prisoner’s right to vote. Voting rights should not be universal. Guns should be banned from college campuses.
Ans: A three-minute speech is undoubtedly a wonderful starting point for public speaking. This is because you need to communicate with your audience more effectively when you just have a short amount of time. In addition, the speech ought to be concise, pertinent, and clear.
Ans: Life is the gift of God in the form of trust that we will make it meaningful in whatever we can. We are all unique individuals. No one is born like you and no one will ever be, so cherish your individuality. Many times, I come across people accusing God of things that they don’t have. They always cursing their lives.
Ans: 2-minute speeches are short and crisp speeches of about 260-350 words .
Ans: The most famous English speech topics for students cover a wide range of topics that not only attract attention but also encourage students’ critical thinking and effective communication skills. The most famous English speech topics for students are: Importance of AI in education Social media influence Corruption Importance of reading Speech on sports Women’s empowerment World Environment Day Benefits of Exercise Child labour Effects of video games Efficiency of recycling Importance of extracurricular activities Independence Day Learning a new language Public transportation benefits Rise of technology Speech on cleanliness Technology and mental health Unemployment Why books are better than movies? Yoga Ambedkar Jayanti Article 370 Children’s Day
Ans: Unique topics include the effects of social media on mental health, the future of artificial intelligence, and the importance of renewable energy.
Ans: Select a topic that interests you, aligns with the audience’s values, and offers plenty of research material.
Ans: An engaging topic is relevant to current issues, has a clear message, and resonates with both the speaker’s passion and the audience’s interests.
Ans: A typical speech should last 3-5 minutes for school-level competitions, but the length can vary based on the event requirements.
Ans: Common mistakes include lack of practice, poor time management, monotone delivery, and failure to engage the audience.
Thus, we hope that this list helps you in preparing for different English speech topics. Gearing up for IELTS ? Sign up for an online demo session with our experts at Leverage Edu and we will assist you in preparing for its different sections as well as improving your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills to ensure that you ace the exam with flying colours!
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14 comments
I take english speaking classes, please provide me sone more material to help student’s.
Here are some articles on books and study material that will help your students- https://leverageedu.com/blog/english-speaking-books/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/books-by-charles-dickens/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/best-books-by-george-orwell/
I want topic on students and online classes
It is helpful for my school homework thanks 😸
Glad we could help!
Nice advise 👍
Thank you, Pragya!
Not good topics 🤔🤔
Thanks for the suggestion. We will update the blog!
Helpful for students . So I like it
Thanks for reading! Also, read: Daily Used English Words Speech on Importance of English Reach us at 1800 57 2000 for study-abroad related matters!
You people are giving great contribution in internet learning and it is for all….
Hi, thank you for your valuable feedback.
Awesome! Its really awesome article, I have got much clear idea concerning from this post.
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