101 Informative Speech Topics for College Students
Inspiration for Your Next Presentation.
This list covers technology, health, history, and more to help you find the perfect topic.
Get Help with Your SpeechSolving the Blank Page Problem
Choosing a topic is often the hardest part of a speech assignment. The pressure to find an original, interesting idea is high.
This list is a launchpad for your creativity. Finding a great topic is the first step in preparing an effective informative speech. Before browsing, it’s important to know how to choose wisely.
How to Choose the Right Topic
A great topic fits you, your audience, and the assignment. Use these four criteria to evaluate your options.
1. Genuine Interest
Your passion is contagious. If you are curious and engaged, your research will be better and your delivery more energetic. Choose something you want to learn about.
2. Audience Relevance
Consider your audience’s knowledge and interests. A topic that is too technical may bore them. The best topics connect to their lives or satisfy a curiosity. This concept is a cornerstone of audience-centered communication, as detailed in psychology studies on engagement.
3. Researchability
A good idea is useless without credible sources. Before committing, do a preliminary search in library databases or Google Scholar to ensure enough high-quality information is available. Our guide on how to research a speech can help.
4. Appropriate Scope
Your topic must be narrow enough for the time limit. “The history of computers” is too broad for a five-minute speech. “The development of the first graphical user interface” is focused and manageable.
Adapting Your Topic for Different Speech Types
A single broad idea can be adapted for any of the four main types of informative speeches. This flexibility allows you to tailor your presentation to specific assignment requirements. Let’s use the broad idea of “Artificial Intelligence.”
Definitional Speech
Focus on clarifying the meaning of a core concept.
Example: “What is a Neural Network?” This speech would define the concept, explain its components, and differentiate it from other forms of machine learning.
Descriptive Speech
Focus on creating a vivid picture of a specific application or event.
Example: “Describing the Experience of Using AI Art Generators.” This speech would use sensory details to explain what it’s like to interact with tools like Midjourney or DALL-E.
Explanatory Speech
Focus on explaining a process or a cause-and-effect relationship.
Example: “How AI Recommendation Algorithms Work.” This speech would break down the step-by-step process that platforms like Netflix or Spotify use to suggest content.
Demonstrative Speech
Focus on showing the audience how to do something.
Example: “How to Use AI Tools to Outline a Research Paper.” This would be a live “how-to” presentation, walking the audience through the practical steps of using an AI tool for academic brainstorming.
101 Informative Speech Topics
Science & Technology
- The science of black holes.
- How CRISPR gene-editing technology works.
- The future of artificial intelligence.
- The psychology of lucid dreaming.
- The process of 3D printing.
- How GPS technology functions.
- The history and future of space exploration.
- The role of mycelium networks in forest ecosystems.
- The science behind climate change.
- How vaccines work with the immune system.
- The potential of quantum computing.
- The development of renewable energy sources.
- The life cycle of a star.
- The impact of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrency.
Health & Psychology
- The effects of sleep deprivation on the brain.
- The benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
- The psychology of procrastination.
- How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works.
- The gut-brain connection.
- The history of antibiotics.
- The psychological effects of social media.
- The science of happiness and well-being.
- The stages of human memory.
- The impact of chronic stress on the body.
- The principles of mindfulness and meditation.
- The different types of learning styles.
- The history and purpose of the placebo effect.
- The development of emotional intelligence.
History & Culture
- The construction of the pyramids of Giza.
- The history of the Silk Road.
- The rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
- The cultural significance of Japanese tea ceremonies.
- The history of jazz music in America.
- The story of the Rosetta Stone.
- The origins of the Olympic Games.
- The impact of the printing press on society.
- The cultural importance of Día de los Muertos.
- The history of the suffrage movement.
- The life and impact of a specific historical figure.
- The origins and evolution of a specific language.
- The cultural impact of hip-hop.
- The history of forensic science.
Business & Economics
- The principles of supply and demand.
- The rise of the gig economy.
- The history of the stock market.
- The concept of behavioral economics.
- How inflation works.
- The business model of a specific successful company.
- The impact of globalization on local economies.
- The basics of personal finance and investing.
- The role of branding in marketing.
- The history and function of cryptocurrency.
- The concept of a circular economy.
- The psychology of consumer behavior.
Arts & Humanities
- The periods of art history (e.g., Renaissance, Impressionism).
- The elements of Shakespearean tragedy.
- The history of photography.
- The philosophy of Stoicism.
- The evolution of animation.
- The principles of architectural design.
- The Hero’s Journey in literature and film.
- The influence of a specific artist or musician.
- The origins of a particular myth or fairytale.
- The difference between major and minor keys in music.
- The principles of dramatic structure.
Social Issues & Current Events
- The concept of net neutrality.
- The challenges of food deserts.
- The environmental impact of fast fashion.
- The debate over universal basic income.
- The importance of media literacy.
- The history and purpose of the United Nations.
- The psychology of conspiracy theories.
- The effects of gentrification.
- The global refugee crisis explained.
- The pros and cons of remote work.
- The issue of digital privacy.
“How-To” & Demonstrative Topics
- How to tie five essential knots.
- How to perform basic CPR.
- How to create a simple budget.
- How to change a car tire.
- How to read sheet music.
- How to start a container garden.
- How to use basic sign language greetings.
- How to solve a Rubik’s Cube.
- How to write a professional email.
- How to fold a fitted sheet.
- How to practice basic yoga poses.
- How to use a specific software application.
- How to bake a simple loaf of bread.
- How to create a strong password.
- How to identify three types of edible plants.
- How to play a simple song on an instrument.
- How to properly taste coffee or tea.
- How to perform a simple magic trick.
- How to use basic photo editing tools.
- How to compost at home.
- How to create a compelling LinkedIn profile.
Our Research Experts
Once you have a topic, our experts can help you find credible sources to build a powerful speech.
Zacchaeus Kiragu
Research & Academic Writing
Zacchaeus is an expert at navigating academic databases and can help you find peer-reviewed sources for any topic.
Julia Muthoni
Public Health & Data Synthesis
Julia specializes in finding and interpreting scientific data, perfect for students tackling health or science-based topics.
Student Feedback
“This list was a lifesaver. I was totally blocked, but the ‘Health & Psychology’ section gave me the perfect idea for my speech. So grateful!”
– Maria G., Business Student
“I used the ‘How to Choose’ criteria to narrow down my options. It helped me pick a topic I was actually excited to research.”
– Alex P., Communications Major
“I picked a ‘How-To’ topic and it was so much fun to present. The list had ideas I never would have thought of on my own.”
– Kevin T., Engineering Student
Topic Selection FAQs
Can I choose a controversial topic?
Yes, but you must handle it with care for an informative speech. Your goal is to inform, not persuade. Present all sides objectively and neutrally, using credible sources. Your personal opinion should not be apparent.
What if someone else chooses my topic?
Find a unique angle. Instead of a general speech on “The Benefits of Exercise,” focus on “How Exercise Impacts Brain Health.” A specific focus makes your speech unique.
Should I check my topic with my professor?
Yes. Getting your professor’s approval is a good idea. They can confirm if your topic is appropriate and manageable, and might suggest research sources.
Find Your Voice, Find Your Topic
The perfect topic blends your passion and your audience’s curiosity. Use this list as a starting point to find a memorable idea.
Get Help Developing Your Topic